Nippleless Plug

Evaluation
PE Group (Aug 2012)

Inflatable v.s Mechanical Plugs

Description

Inflatable

Mechanical

Expansion Ration
(Min OD set in 4
Tbg)

Very high
(2.5)

Low
(3.60)

Pressure Rating (psi)

Variable, not high

5000/1000

Pressure holding
direction

One-way
(other way is low)

Two-way

Pressure change
tolerance

Low

High

Temperature change
tolerance

Low

High

Deviation limitation

No

Less than 60deg

Total toolstring length, ft

53

41
(SlickPlug)

Mechanical Plugs
Comparison
Description
Max OD, in
Setting
mechanism
reliability

Retrieving
concerns

SlickPlug

SIMPlug

PIIP Plug

3.6

3.65

3.5

Low

High
(explosive)
N/A
(hydrostatic)

High
- Biggest OD
is GS Pulling
Tool
- Sand, debris
covers
equalizing
port .

No

- Sand,
debris
covers
equalizing
port.

Mechanical Plugs Comparison

Description

SlickPlug

SIMPlug

TTS Plug

Jar down to
set on plug.
Plug is held
by its own
slip.
Jar up to
release
running tool .

Jar down to
set on running
tool.
Plug is held
by shear pin
easy to shear?
Jar up to
release
running tool .

Retrieve
mechanism

Two runs, jar

up to release.

Two runs, jar

up to release

One run, jar

up to
release

JVPC
Experience

N/A

02 failures

N/A

Setting
mechanism

Hydraulic
set, using
timer/firing
head OR
hydrostatic.

Sand concern on C-03P

Gauge Cutter retrieved with sands in
2010

Sand found in Shifting Tool when

working across SSD in 2010

Sand found inside TAM Plug after

retrieving in 2010