Hi-Ex Retrievable Bridge Plug | SLB

Hi-Ex retrievable bridge plug

Simple set-and-retrieve, high-expansion temporary well barrier rated up to 4,000 psi and 250 degF

3D close-up illustration of the Hi-Ex retrievable bridge plug in its expanded state.
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Reliable gas-tight well barrier

The retrievable bridge plug of Hi-Ex™ high-expansion through-tubing tools is a simple-to-set, simple-to-retrieve, high-expansion temporary well barrier ideal for through-tubing applications. Its unique, internally energized seal—with patented segmented-ring technology—provides a gas-tight seal and ensures reliable recovery every time.

High anchoring force on slickline or wireline

The Hi-Ex retrievable bridge plug can be set on slickline or wireline using any conventional or nonexplosive setting tool. Based on the proven performance of Hi-Ex gauge hangers, the robust metal slips generate high anchoring force to keep the plug in place during service.

Extrusion barriers with 80% expansion ratio

The seal features expanding extrusion barriers, with an expansion ratio of 80%, that enable a reliable, high-performance seal anywhere in the completion where a pressure barrier is needed, without requiring a nipple profile.

Hi-Ex Retrievable Bridge Plug
High-expansion through-tubing tool
  • Through-tubing gas-tight barrier isolation plug
  • Through-tubing water or gas shutoff
  • Temporary zonal isolation
  • Assured retrieval using patented segmented-ring technology from Peak Family™ flow control and well intervention tools
  • Concealed positive-retraction mechanism for reliable slips and seal retraction every time
  • Flexible deployment using either conventional or nonexplosive hydraulic setting tools on digital slickline or wireline
  • Pressure rating: 4,000 psi [34.5 MPa]
  • Temperature rating: 250 degF [121 degC]
  • Qualification and certification to ISO 14310:2008 and API 11D1:2021 validation grades V0 and V0-R
  • High-expansion well barrier with no cementing requirement
  • High anchoring force using field-proven slip design
  • Single-run deployment, equalization, and retrieval
  • Fail-safe retrieval via conventional slickline pulling tools: jar down to equalize and jar up to retrieve sequence

High-performance bidirectional seal

Upon activation, an internal segmented-ring structure expands and supports an elastomer sleeve to create an initial seal against the casing. Any further differential pressure then reinforces the seal against the extrusion barriers to create a high-performance, bidirectional seal and barrier up to 4,000 psi and 250 degF without the need for cementing.

Easy retrieval with positive retraction mechanism

During retrieval of the seal, the supporting ring segments positively retract, ensuring that the seal sleeve is fully unsupported and can easily return to its original dimensions, thereby eliminating retrieval problems caused by compression set and permanent deformation that are common with high-expansion bulk-elastomer elements.

Single-run equalization and retrieval

The Hi-Ex retrievable bridge plug is a single-run equalization and retrieval plug. It incorporates the following two mechanical fail‑safe features during equalization:

  • The seal cannot be retracted until equalization initiates via jar-up sequence.
  • The slips cannot be retracted until the seal fully retracts via jar-down sequence. The Hi-Ex retrievable bridge plug has an external fishing neck that provides high debris tolerance to facilitate latching for retrieval.
 
3D close-up illustration of the Hi-Ex retrievable bridge plug in its collapsed state.
Close-up view of the Hi-Ex retrievable bridge plug in its collapsed state.
3D full-size illustration of the Hi-Ex retrievable bridge plug in its collapsed state.
Full-size view of the Hi-Ex retrievable bridge plug in its collapsed state.
3D full-size illustration of the Hi-Ex retrievable bridge plug in its expanded state.
Full-size view of the Hi-Ex retrievable bridge plug in its expanded state.