Apparatus and Methods for Plugging a Tubular

Abstract

Segmented plug devices for insertion within a tubular to provide for flow restriction and isolation of selected sections within the tubular. Systems for plugging a tubular using an expandable segmented plug to form a ring that engages with an element to obstruct flow along the tubing. Tools for deploying and setting segmented plug devices within a tubular.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A plug apparatus, comprising:
 a plurality of segments configured to interact with one another to form a ring having a central opening;   wherein the plurality of segments are configured for disposal within a tubular; and   wherein the plurality of segments are each configured to move in a radial direction from the center of the ring when a force is applied to at least one of the plurality of segments.   
     
     
         2 . The plug apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of segments are configured to move in a radial direction to expand from the center of the ring when an axial force is applied to at least one of the plurality of segments. 
     
     
         3 . The plug apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of segments are configured to move in an axial direction relative to one another when an axial force is applied to at least one of the plurality of segments. 
     
     
         4 . The plug apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of segments are formed from a material comprising: (a) metal; (b) composite; or (c) ceramic. 
     
     
         5 . The plug apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of segments are formed from a material comprising a dissolvable material. 
     
     
         6 . The plug apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of segments comprises at least one protrusion configured to contact an inner surface of the tubular when the at least one segment moves in a radial direction from the center of the ring. 
     
     
         7 . The plug apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the central opening is configured to receive an element to obstruct the opening. 
     
     
         8 . The plug apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the ring is formed from four segments. 
     
     
         9 . The plug apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the ring is formed from more than four segments. 
     
     
         10 . A plug system, comprising:
 a plurality of segments configured to interact with one another to form a ring having a central opening;   wherein the plurality of segments are configured for disposal within a tubular;   wherein the plurality of segments are each configured to move in a radial direction from the center of the ring when a force is applied to at least one of the plurality of segments; and   an element configured for disposal within the tubular to engage with and obstruct the central opening of the ring.   
     
     
         11 . The plug system of  claim 10 , wherein the plurality of segments are disposed on a tool configured for disposal within the tubular. 
     
     
         12 . The plug system of  claim 10 , wherein the plurality of segments are formed from a material comprising: (a) metal; (b) composite; or (c) ceramic. 
     
     
         13 . The plug system of  claim 10 , wherein the plurality of segments are formed from a material comprising a dissolvable material. 
     
     
         14 . The plug system of  claim 10 , wherein at least one of the plurality of segments comprises at least one protrusion configured to contact an inner surface of the tubular when the at least one segment moves in a radial direction from the center of the ring. 
     
     
         15 . The plug system of  claim 10 , wherein the ring is formed from four segments. 
     
     
         16 . The plug system of  claim 10 , wherein the ring is formed from more than four segments. 
     
     
         17 . A method for plugging a tubular, comprising:
 disposing a plurality of segments within a tubular, wherein the segments are configured to interact with one another to form a ring having a central opening;   moving each segment of the plurality of segments in a radial direction from the center of the ring to contact an inner surface of the tubular; and   disposing an element within the tubular to engage with and obstruct the central opening of the ring.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein disposing the plurality of segments within the tubular comprises mounting the segments on a tool configured for disposal within the tubular. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the plurality of segments are formed from a material comprising a dissolvable material. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the ring is formed from four segments.