For nearly 30 years, Avalon Research has been the world’s leading provider of the original retrievable bridge plug. This tool offers a simplified solution for temporary wellbore isolation at oil and gas well sites, resulting in a reliable seal and a safe removal process for downhole projects.
If your worksite is planning a temporary well abandonment, read on to learn why Avalon’s retrievable bridge plug is the solution for completing this job safely and efficiently!
What Is a Retrievable Bridge Plug, and How Does it Work?
Retrievable bridge plugs are downhole seals designed to temporarily isolate an industrial wellbore. They provide a secure seal that prevents lower zone fluids, such as sour gas and CO2, from surfacing and contaminating the environment.
Retrievable bridge plugs feature standard or bi-directional slips, a mandrel, and rubber seals/ o-rings to create a hold between the well and the plug that is just as secure as a standard bridge plug.
Avalon’s retrievable bridge plugs are designed to be set or removed using all standard setting tools/systems via e-line, slickline, coil tubing, or Avalon’s NESS (non-explosive setting system). Their compatibility with our in-house NESS system eliminates the need for a certified blasting technician during set-up and removal periods.
These plugs are mainly used for temporary abandonment of wellbore operations, but can also be used for:
- Zone isolation, treatment, or water shut-off
- Snubbing operations
- Wellhead repair, removal, and replacement
- Plug, straddle, hanger, AR-lift, and choke
- Siphon strings and recorders
- Suspensions
Is a Retrievable Bridge Plug Better Than a Permanent Bridge Plug?
Permanent bridge plugs are designed to seal or isolate a part of an oil or gas well indefinitely, while retrievable plugs are used for temporary abandonment. Traditional bridge plugs are expensive to remove and require a high-risk milling operation to complete. If done incorrectly, removing a permanent bridge plug can cause wellbore blockage, uncontrolled release of natural gas or oil, groundwater contamination, wellbore/casing damage, and other potential hazards.
Retrievable bridge plugs offer a simpler solution for wellbore reinstatement, saving time, money, labour, and reducing safety risks. If your goal is to seal a downhole for a short period, a retrievable bridge plug is your component of choice.
Why Choose Avalon’s Retrievable Bridge Plug for Downhole Applications
If you’re looking for a high-quality retrievable bridge plug, don’t just look for reliable manufacturers; go directly to the source. Avalon Research is proud to be one of the original designers and distributors of the retrievable bridge plug. Since 1996, oil and gas companies have relied on our design worldwide for wellbore operations, and continue to use our products to maintain a reliable supply of oilfield tools.
One of our biggest priorities at Avalon is providing products that are simple to install and deploy. The design of our retrievable bridge plug is intended to minimize the number of failure points, ensuring a reliable and durable seal—no fancy gadgets, just the essentials.
Key features of our retrievable bridge plug include:
- Sour gas environment compatibility
- Simple deployment via slickline, e-line, or coiled tubing
- Patented release mechanism and slip-lock design
- High temperature ratings of 300°F/150°C in HSN & 400°F/200°C in Viton
- Sized for travel through restrictions and landing nipples
- Straddle system available for zone isolation
- Made from NACE-compliant 4140 alloy steel
- ISO-9001 certified quality
Contact Avalon for Reliable and High-Quality Bridge Plugs
If you need retrievable bridge plugs for your downhole operation, contact our team at Avalon Research. While we’re based in Grande Prairie, Alberta, our products are available beyond borders. Whether your worksite is located in the Middle East, Europe, Africa, or on our doorstep, you can rely on us for high-quality, durable bridge plugs compatible across various downhole tools.
Contact us to learn more about our bridge plugs and other tools for oil & gas operations.