Patent ID: 11879303
Assignee: SOLGIX, INC
Field: Civil engineering (Other fields)
Classification: CPC E | IPC E

Claim 14:
15. A plugging apparatus, for use inside a tubing string containing well fluid, comprising:
a plug assembly including:
a continuous sealing portion and a gripping portion,
a locking ring,
wherein the continuous sealing portion and the gripping portion include a flared inner surface,
wherein the locking ring includes a flared outer surface,
wherein the flared outer surface of the locking ring is suited to contact the flared inner surfaces of both the continuous sealing portion and of the gripping portion,
wherein the continuous sealing portion and the gripping portion are adapted to be expanded over the flared outer surface of the locking ring,
wherein the continuous sealing portion is adapted to be expanded radially a first time, to reach a first average outside diameter, concurrently when the gripping portion contacts at least one point of an internal surface of the tubing string, and
wherein the plug assembly includes an inner surface of revolution;

an untethered object,
wherein the untethered object includes an outer surface adapted to couple with the inner surface of revolution of the plug assembly,
wherein the untethered object is adapted to be in continuous contact with the inner surface of revolution of the plug assembly and, using the well fluid, to apply a pressure, whereby the pressure induces a force on the plug assembly to cause:
a further radial expansion of the continuous sealing portion, whereby the further radial expansion of the continuous sealing portion allows the continuous sealing portion to reach a second average outside diameter, which is larger than the first average outside diameter reached at the first radial expansion,
the contact of the continuous sealing portion with the internal surface of the tubing string.