US Patent 11608704 Method and apparatus for a joint-locking plug

A joint-locking plug is deployed next to tubing joint connection gap. The actuation of the joint-locking plug allows expanding a gripping portion which includes a protrusion section. The contact between the protrusion section of the gripping portion with the inner surface of the tubing string allows to end the actuation. Due to the bi-stable slips, the pumping of an actuated plug will engage the protrusion section of the gripping portion inside the joint connection gap, and provide the locking of the gripping portion of the plug. By further applying a fluid pressure, the anchoring section of the gripping portion gets engaged and further set the plug in place, allowing to perform further operation with the plug.