Snap-Latch Retriever

Driscoil Equipment supplies Snap-Latch Retrieval Tools designed for specialized downhole fishing and retrieval operations. These tools are used to securely capture and retrieve downhole components, plugs, sleeves and other recoverable equipment where a positive internal latch is required.

Halliburton has documented the use of an internal snap latch incorporated into an extended annular cutter to capture a milled plug during a stuck-plug recovery operation.

Technical Specification

Parameter Typical / Available Configuration

Equipment Type Snap-Latch Retrieval Tool

Application Downhole fishing & retrieval

Operating Mode Mechanical

Latch Type Internal snap latch

Engagement Positive internal capture

Tool Body High-strength alloy steel

Latch Components Hardened alloy/tool steel

Connection API / customer-specific connection

Fishing Diameter Application-specific

Retrieval Profile Internal / customized profile

Circulation Available on applicable designs

Rotation Available on suitable configurations

Release Mechanism Mechanical / application-specific

Operating Environment Cased-hole / well-intervention applications

Pressure Rating Application dependent

Temperature Rating Application dependent

Wear Protection Hardfacing available

Customization Fishing size, profile and connection

Inspection Dimensional, visual and NDT options

How It Works

The tool is run into the wellbore and positioned over or inside the target component. The snap-latch mechanism engages a suitable internal profile, creating a positive mechanical connection.

Once engagement is confirmed, upward tension can be applied to retrieve the target. In specialized configurations, the snap latch can also be incorporated into a cutting or milling assembly so that the recovered material is captured inside the tool rather than allowed to fall deeper into the wellbore. Halliburton documented this type of arrangement in a plug-retrieval operation.

Typical Applications

Stuck plug retrieval

Broken plug recovery

Downhole component retrieval

Tubing and completion intervention

Fishing operations

Retrieval of milled components

Wellhead and tubing-hanger intervention

Coiled-tubing intervention

Wireline/slickline intervention

Specialized fishing operations

Key Features

Positive internal latching

Compact downhole design

High-strength construction

Suitable for customized fishing profiles

Can be integrated with milling/cutting assemblies

Controlled retrieval capability

Replaceable latch components available

Suitable for specialized well-intervention operations

Custom dimensions and connections available