the lock series

Absolute protection with LOCK™

Gas-tight well suspension plugs

The LOCK series

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The LOCK series

A new challenge for our industryWhen sealing wells for suspension or abandonment, barrier failure can prove disastrous—for rig teams, the local environment and an operator’s reputation.

There is mounting pressure on our industry to rebuild public and government confidence, in both the technology we use and the level of protection it provides.

The advanced technology behind Archer’snew LOCK series of well suspension plugsprovides the assurance and protection the industry needs.

The LOCK series Gas-tight well suspension plugs

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Absolute seal. Absolute protection. Archer’s new LOCK series of well suspension plugs provides the assurance of an absolute seal, independently certified as gas-tight. The technology and engineering have evolved from our groundbreaking and outstandingly successful Peak VMB—the world’s first gas-tight, zero leakage barrier plug, qualified as V0 under ISO 14310.

During more than 1,000 deployments in many of the world’s toughest environments, the technology behind LOCK has established an enviable reputation for security, e�iciency and reliability. Rapid set and seal, easy move and reset and 100% retrievability combine to provide absolute protection, with high operational e�iciency and low operating costs.

The LOCK series comprises four application-specific variations

SAFELOCK™For short or medium term well suspension.Gas-tight; V0 rated; retrievable; resettable; 3 inch through bore.

TIMELOCK™For long term suspension or harsh well conditions. Enhanced seal technology; gas-tight; V0 rated; retrievable; resettable; 3 inch through bore.

STORMLOCK™For rapid storm suspension, long term suspension or harsh well conditions. Enhanced seal technology; 300 ton hanging capacity; gas-tight; V0 rated; retrievable; resettable; 2 inch through bore.

LASTLOCK™For total security in permanent well abandonment.Enhanced seal technology; gas-tight; V0 rated; resettable.

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The LOCK series

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The LOCK series of well barrier plugs has been designed for easy, e�icient deployment, ultimate seal security and safe removal once the task is complete.

Ultimate sealLOCK’s set and seal mechanism provides a perfect, gas-tight seal in a wide range of well conditions and is V0 qualified under the ISO 14310 standard.

Advanced seal engineeringAdvanced seal engineering includes custom designed element geometry, a precision setting mechanism and a specially formulated elastomer. The seal can be tested from above and below, providing complete assurance of success.

E�ective wellbore cleaningA large diameter, straight-through bore allows high flow rate washing whilst running in the hole, for e�ective preparation of the well’s internal surface. And if needed, our below-plug Magnetic Drift Tool provides an e�ective addition to the cleaning armory.

Trouble-free unset, move and resetBy combining multi-use components and anti-deformation elastomers, our engineers have ensured trouble-free unset, move and reset of LOCK suspension plugs, without pulling from the well, when well conditions prevent first-time seal.

Retrievability assuredLOCK plugs are designed to ensure easy and rapid retrieval and this has been validated during more than 1,000 deployments. The simplified slip design is state-of-the-art. A filter prevents well debris from fouling the lock-release mechanism. Our ISO-certified ball valve allows ultra-safe pressure equalisation. And prior to unset, the unlocking procedure is rapid and reliable—simply pull and rotate. Once released, the elements retract fully, avoiding a swab e�ect during retrieval.

E�ective debris removalIf debris accumulation prevents the top access needed for easy release, our self-centering retrieval tool incorporates high-rate wash-over to facilitate removal. If debris is hard-packed our range of LOCK accessories includes three e�ective tools that can be run with, or before, the retrieval tool.

Easily millableAs a contingency, LOCK technology is millable. The procedure is quick and easy, as only the very top section of the plug requires milling to achieve release.

The LOCK series Outstanding technology.Exceptional performance.

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Unbeatable flexibilityThe LOCK series covers a number of applications, from temporary or storm suspension to permanent abandonment. The technology also tolerates a wide range of well conditions and scenarios, providing operators with outstanding flexibility.

Set shallow, deep, or horizontalUltra-shallow set is achievable as LOCK plugs require minimal weight above and the locking motion is a simple rotation. Vertical or horizontal deep set is enabled because no weight is required below the plugs. And for storm conditions, the robust and rapidly deployable STORMLOCK is able to hang up to 300 metric tons of pipe.

Designed for versatilityLOCK plugs are designed to handle wide-ranging pressure and temperature di�erentials. Their large diameter straight-through bore permits high circulation rates and easy pass-through of intervention tools or other devices. For shipping, LOCK plugs can be broken down into three sections.

Outstanding e�iciency Superlative engineering and advanced design features enable all LOCK plugs to provide the benefits of class-leading e�iciency and low operating costs.

Rapid deploymentLOCK plugs are delivered ready to run in the hole, i.e. for quick and easy connection and deployment. Fully retractable elements, combined with the large diameter of the straight-through bore, prevent surge and swab when running into or retrieving from the well.

Significant time and cost savingsIntelligent engineering has eliminated the need to hang drill pipe below the plug to achieve set—saving many hours of rig time during deployment or retrieval and avoiding the additional cost of drill pipe rental. With minimal weight needed on top, rapid, shallow set is also practical. And, when adverse downhole conditions prevent first-time set or seal, LOCK plugs permit multiple resets without tripping.

In combination, these e�iciencies enable significant reductions in non-productive rig time—a fact validated by many international operators.

Confidence in absolute protectionDesigned and perfected by the well barrier specialists responsible for the Peak VMB plug, LOCK suspension plugs are an important development of this tried, tested and proven technology. Every plug in the series is designed specifically for purpose. And their e�ectiveness can be trusted—in situations and conditions where only an absolute seal can provide confidence in absolute protection.

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SAFE LOCKShort or medium term well suspension

It is critical that temporary well barriers are engineered to ensure easy and e�icient deployment, a totally secure seal, and safe removal on task completion. SAFELOCK, designed for suspension periods of days to months, delivers all these benefits and more.

By focussing on performance in the crucial areas—sealability, retrievability, e�iciency and flexibility—our design engineers have created an adaptable, class-leading technology and the industry’s most reliable well suspension plug.

The combination of advanced seal engineering, pressure testing from below and pre-set seal surface cleaning takes SAFELOCK’s seal assurance to the highest level—ISO 14310 V0. If a perfect seal is not achieved first time, SAFELOCK can be repositioned and reset without tripping.

Safety, when removing the plug on task completion, is as important as when sealing the well. Our ISO certified, high-di�erential ball valve, enabling safe equalisation before unsetting, contributes to SAFELOCK’s remarkable 100% retrieval record in over 1,000 deployments. And should conditions prevent normal retrieval, the top section of this mill-certified plug can be milled easily to release the slips.

With e�iciency a top priority in operations, several unique design features ensure operational time is consistently reduced to an absolute minimum. Notably, SAFELOCK needs no drill pipe weight below it to achieve set, saving many hours in deployment and avoiding costly drill pipe rental. And SAFELOCK’s unique 3 inch straight-through bore and fully

retractable seal elements unite to reduce surge or swab—enabling fast tripping in and out.

In summary, SAFELOCK o�ers unmatched performance and protection for all short and medium term well suspension applications.

Benefits• V0 protection• Confidence in retrieval• Easy and rapid deployment• Safer and lower cost operations• Flexible set depths and angles

Features• ISO 14310 V0 certified gas-tight seal• 100% retrieval record; millable• No set weight needed below• High di�erential pressure elements

up to 7,500 psi and 100°C• Seal testable from above and below• Multiple sets without tripping• Unrestricted 3” straight-through bore• Ultra-shallow, deep or horizontal set

20m—6,550m• High-di�erential 3,625 psi ball valve;

ISO 28781• Sizes 9-5/8”—14”

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TIME LOCKLong term suspensionor harsh conditions

TIMELOCK builds on the exacting standards set by SAFELOCK—extending the boundaries of suspension plug performance to cope e�ortlessly with longer-term suspension periods or harsh well conditions. This is achieved by combining enhanced seal technology with the trademark LOCK series e�iciency, flexibility and retrievability.

At the heart of the enhanced seal technology is a high-performance elastomer—delivering uncompromising technical strengths and stability in a wide range of conditions, over extended periods of months or years. Added to inbuilt LOCK series capabilities such as pre-set seal surface cleaning, post-set seal testing from below and plug reset without tripping, this assures TIMELOCK’s V0 ‘ultimate seal’ rating.

Retrievability on task completion is a formality—TIMELOCK is built on technology with an impressive 100% retrieval record. Anti-fouling filters above the release mechanism; powerful high-rate washing through the retrieval tool to remove top-of-plug debris prior to latching; and a robust yet simple pull and rotate release mechanism unite to ensure easy retrieval. Importantly, the ISO-certified ball valve, enabling precise control of pressure before the plug is unset, ensures operator safety. And finally, in case a backup retrieval plan is needed, TIMELOCK is millable.

Although TIMELOCK could be in a well for months or years, rapid deployment and retrieval remain important. All LOCK temporary suspension plugs can be set with minimal weight above and no weight below. This not only saves valuable time in deploying drill pipe below the plug, but also means that LOCK plugs can be set ultra-shallow or deep and

even in horizontal sections, taking flexibility and e�iciency benchmarks to previously unattainable levels.

For long term suspension periods or the toughest well environments, TIMELOCK inspires confidence—and o�ers maximum V0 protection.

Benefits• V0 protection for extended periods

or harsh well conditions• Confidence in retrieval• Easy and rapid deployment• Safer and lower cost operations• Flexible set depths and angles

Features• ISO 14310 V0 certified gas-tight seal

with enhanced seal technology• 100% retrieval record; millable• No set weight needed below• High di�erential pressure elements


20m—6,550m• High-di�erential 9,000 psi ball

valve; ISO 28781• Sizes 7”—14”

Archer

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Archer

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STORM LOCKStorms, long term suspensionor harsh conditions

Engineered to support up to 300 tons of pipe and with enhanced seal technology, STORMLOCK takes suspension plug performance to its highest peak. Rapidly deployable with or without suspended load, reliable and absolutely secure once set, STORMLOCK delivers V0 protection for short or long suspension periods, harsh well conditions—and storms.

STORMLOCK o�ers the same, compelling benefits as SAFELOCK and TIMELOCK—ISO 14310 V0 sealing, retrievability assurance, peerless e�iciency, speed and ease of deployment. But it has the added ability to maintain its perfect, gas-tight seal whilst suspending up to 300 tons of drill pipe. In combination, these benefits make STORMLOCK the ultimate storm plug, and the most versatile in its category.

Rapid deployment, e�icient use of rig time and flexibility are priorities in storm plug operations. STORMLOCK incorporates features that consistently reduce rig time to an absolute minimum. During plug deployment, the large flow area of the unrestricted 2 inch through bore enables faster tripping speeds without surge or swab. Setting the plug is easy, rapid and conclusive. And if well conditions present challenges, the plug can be repositioned and reset any number of times. Retrieving the plug is systematically fast and reliable. Its 100% retrieval pedigree and built-in millability means no delays before starting the next operation.

The versatility of STORMLOCK means it can be used for other suspension operations. Although able to support up to 300 tons of pipe, it does not require weight below to set. For non-storm applications this eliminates the time and cost associated with drill

pipe deployment and also means that STORMLOCK can be set shallow, deep and even in horizontal sections.

For storms, short, medium or long term suspension, tough well conditions or any other situation where reliable V0 protection is needed—STORMLOCK is the answer.

Benefits• V0 protection for storms, extended

periods or harsh well conditions• Confidence in retrieval• Easy and rapid deployment• Safer and lower cost operations• Flexible set depths and angles


with enhanced seal technology• Up to 300 tons hanging capacity• 100% retrieval record; millable• No set weight needed below• High di�erential pressure elements


20m—6,550m• High-di�erential 10,000 psi ball

valve; ISO 28781• Sizes 9-7/8”—13-5/8”

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LAST LOCKTotal security in permanent well abandonment

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Maintaining long-term integrity is just as crucial when a well is decommissioned as when it is active. For abandonment applications, LASTLOCK draws upon the pedigree and sealing performance of the LOCK series to provide the ultimate security of a V0 rated gas-tight barrier—permanently.

The enhanced seal technology in LASTLOCK harnesses a number of exclusive features. Among them, a high-performance elastomer, specially formulated to remain stable and e�ective in a wide range of pressures and temperatures; clever seal element geometry and anti-extrusion devices combine in force to o�er truly uncompromised seal performance in a wide range of conditions—even up to 10,000 psi di�erential pressure and 150°C. And if unpredictable well surfaces prevent the perfect seal first time, LASTLOCK can be repositioned and reset without tripping, to its final resting place.

Cost e�iciency is a top priority in all LOCK operations. In keeping with this design philosophy, LASTLOCK doesn’t need drill pipe weight below it to achieve set, saving many hours during deployment and avoiding the cost and waste of abandoning drill pipe below the plug.

With LASTLOCK, the benefits it delivers for permanent abandonment applications are clear and gratifying—total security, confidence, and maximum V0 protection.

Benefits• Permanent V0 protection• Easy and rapid deployment• Safer and lower cost operations• Flexible set depths and angles


with enhanced seal technology• No set weight needed below• High di�erential pressure elements

up to 10,000 psi and 150°C• Multiple sets without tripping• Ultra-shallow, deep or horizontal

set 20m—6,550m• Sizes 7”—14”

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Washover Retrieval Tool The LOCK range is equipped with a large diameter straight-through bore and ISO-certified ball valve to enable high-flow powered clean-up rates. As a result, the plugs are tolerant of debris around the fishing neck. When hard or packed-o� debris is not easily removed by high-rate washing, the Washover Retrieval Tool can be used. By rotating slowly to loosen the debris, then pumping fluid to wash, the above-plug obstruction can be easily removed.

Magnetic Recovery ToolStandard fishing magnets will be stopped by the top of a fishing neck or stinger and will not be able to reach any magnetic debris below. Our Magnetic Recovery Tool allows for the magnets to ‘swallow’ the fishing neck or stinger enabling full access to magnetic debris underneath.

Milling Tool The Milling Tool enables milling of the plug element and gauge rings, allowing contingency release and retrieval of the plug should the primary retrieval method prove unsuccessful.

Muleshoe Retrieval ToolThere are applications where standard, flat bottomed running tools could hang up on edges or other internal restrictions, such as mid-string packers, liner-top polished bore receptacles (PBR’s) or casing diameter variations. In those instances, rotating the Muleshoe Retrieval Tool allows it to ‘climb’ restrictions, enabling the assembly to pass and continue running in hole.

Magnetic Drift ToolThe Magnetic Drift Tool is designed to be installed below LOCK plugs as a risk mitigation tool without compromising the deployment or retrieval of the plug. Equipped with gauge rings, brushes and magnets, this tool will ensure the casing is clean and the internal diameter is confirmed prior to setting the plug. Using this tool can potentially save a clean-up run, improving e�iciency and reducing cost.

The LOCK accessories

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The LOCK series

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SAFELOCK TIMELOCK STORMLOCK LASTLOCK

Sizes, inches 9-5/8 — 14 7 — 14 9-7/8 — 13-5/8 7 — 14

Pressure rating, psi [bar] 5,000 — 7,500 [344 — 517] 5,000 — 10,000 [344 — 689] 8,000 — 10,000 [551 — 689] 5,000 — 10,000 [344 — 689]

Temperature rating, °F [°C] 59 — 212 [15 — 100] 39 — 302 [4 — 150] 39 — 302 [4 — 150] 39 — 302 [4 — 150]

ISO 14310 VO qualified Yes Yes Yes Yes

Max hang-o� weight, lbs [tons] 154,000 [70] 154,000 [70] 1 551,000 — 660,000 [250 — 300] —

Through-bore diameter, inches 3 3 2 2 —

Typical suspension period Days to Months Days to Years Days to Years Permanent

Threads down Pin NC — 50 Pin NC — 50 Pin 6 — 5/8in FH —

Elastomer NBR HNBR HNBR HNBR

Ball valve Yes Yes Yes —

Ball valve di�erential, psi [bar] 3,625 [250] 9,000 [620] 10,000 [689] —

Ball valve ISO 28781 qualified Yes Yes Yes —

1 30 tons for 7 inch plug, 2 1.5 inches for 7 inch plug. Specifications may be subject to change.

The LOCK specifications

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© ArcherLOCK, SAFELOCK, TIMELOCK, STORMLOCK, LASTLOCK are trademarks of Archer Lock Brochure R04/2014

Archer is a global oilfield service company with more than 40 years’ experience, over 8,000 employees, and operations in more than 100 locations worldwide. From drillingservices, production optimization, well integrity and intervention, to decommissioning, Archer is focused on safely delivering the highest quality services and products to the drilling and well service markets. We are Archer.

the lock series

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