Subsurface release plug systems

Since filing the first cementing plug patent on June 26, 1920, Halliburton continues to provide industry leading wiper plug technology. Our cementing plugs are manufactured with robust materials designed to withstand wear and support high bump pressure, which improve overall drillability, reduce drillout time, and minimize rig costs. A color-coding system is used to correctly identify each plug; the top plug is black, while the bottom plug is orange or red. As operations transition to deeper water, higher downhole pressure and temperature, and longer laterals, cementing plugs historically have and will continue to provide the following basic functions:

• Wipe mud sheath from casing ID
• Prevent fluid intermixing during cementing operations
• Help prevent over displacement of cement slurry
• Provide a surface indication when the cementing operation is complete by creating a hydraulic seal with a float or landing collar
• Use of multiple bottom plugs when separating well fluid from spacer

For almost half a century, the SSR® subsurface release cementing plug system has enabled cementing operations with a subsea casing or liner hanger system. A separate retrievable swivel/equalizer assembly is run with SSR plug systems to equalize pressure above the top plug and drillpipe and allow the casing or liner hanger running tool to be turned during makeup. 

SSR plug sets are available in the following styles:

• Single plug (top plug only) or dual plug (top and bottom plug)
• Plug cores available in plastic or cast aluminum 
• Available with locking teeth NR inserts designed to land on Halliburton NR float collars and help prevent spinning at drillout
• High-strength versions available up to 10,000 psi landing pressure Combination plug sets available for tapered strings

The SSR® 3 plug set is the latest innovation to the SSR® subsurface release cementing plug system. This third generation plug set merges the benefits of high-pressure ratings with the reduced drillout time of the SSR-II composite plug system. By integrating the swivel/equalizing feature into the plug set, overall tool length is significantly reduced when made up to a casing or liner hanger.  

The plugs utilize the HWE cementing plug design to effectively wipe the casing ID and prevent contamination of cement slurry pumped into the casing annulus. The bottom and top plugs are designed to land on a float collar, eliminating the need for a dedicated landing collar. The plugs also incorporate NR locking teeth designed to land and engage on the NR profile of the mating float collar. 

VersaFlex expandable liner hanger plug assemblies are specially designed for use when cementing liner casing strings are suspended below Halliburton VersaFlex® expandable liner hangers. SSR subsurface release cementing plug systems and VersaFlex plugs overlap in size offerings, with specific features that compliment smaller liner operations available to the VersaFlex plug system. High-strength plug bodies provide higher landing pressure typically necessary to set VersaFlex expandable liner hangers.

VersaFlex cementing plug systems are available in the following styles:

• Single-plug system (top plug only) with 1.75-in. ball catcher option
• Double length single-plug system (top plug only), 4 to 5 1/2-in. casing
• Dual-plug system (top and bottom plug), 5 to 5 1/2-in. casing
• Single-plug system (top plug only) for wet-shoe applications