US2301624A

US2301624A - Tool for use in wells

Info

Publication number: US2301624A
Application number: US353170A
Authority: US
Inventors: Charles K Holt
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1940-08-19
Filing date: 1940-08-19
Publication date: 1942-11-10
Anticipated expiration: 1959-11-10

Description

Nov- 10, 1942. c. K. Hom 2,301,624

TOOL FOR USE 1N WELLS Filed Aug. 19, 1940 5a 34 35 sa /36 7i /g il l ./lili 1--43 49 W62 7 P--44 o L l o j M45 O 0 LI 0 O 42 (ff Patented Nov. 10, 1942 UNITED STATES PATENT FFICE TOOL FOR USE IN WELLS Charles K. Holt, Bakersfield, Calif. Application August 19,11940, vSerial No. 353,170

11 Claims.

This invention relates to a well tool yand relates more particularly to a tool for discharging cement slurry, acid and other uids in wells and adapted to be employed in locating leaks in well casings, etc. A general object of this invention is to provide an improved tool to be run into a well on a tubular well string and formed to discharge cement slurry, acid, water, or other fluid through a port or perforations in a well lining or casing.

Another object of this invention is to provide a tool of the character referredV to embodying a novel fluid discharge member capable of concentrating the discharge of the cement slurry, acid, or other fluid at a selected point in the well and serving to prevent or to reduce to a minimum the escape or leakage of the fluid along the interior of the Well casing or lining.

Another object of this invention is to provide a tool of the character mentioned that provides for the very accurate placement of the discharged fluid.

Another object of this invention is to provide a well tool of the character mentioned that may be run into and out of the weil and moved about in the well as desired with a minimum of resistance'by the fluid in the well and without producing an unwanted swabbing action.

Another object of this invention is to provide a tool of the character referred to embodying a simple, effective means whichprovides for `the ilushing or washing of the tool and the interior of the casing following the placement of the cement slurry or other iluid.d

Another object of this inve'ntion'is to provide a well tool of the character mentioned that is simple and easy to operate and that is not liable to become caught or cemented in the well.

A further object of this invention is to provide a well tool of the character referred to embodying a novel control for the valve which facilitates the ready washing or flushing of the tool and well casing and that allows free movement of the tool' in the well.

The various objects and features of my invention will be fully understood from the following detailed description of typical preferred forms and applications of the invention,` throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the tool provided by this invention in a well lining or casing, showing the control in a released or inactive condition. Fig.y 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary, longitudinol detailed sectional view of the tool with the control inactive, showing certain parts of the vprovided in the upper outer section control in elevation. Fig. 3 is a fragmentary longitudinal detailed sectional view of a portion of the tool with the control in side elevation, showling the control active and holding the valve open.

Figs. 4 and 5 are enlarged transverse detailed sectional views taken as indicated by lines 4-4 and 5 5, respectively, on Fig. 2. Figs. 6 and 7 are reduced side elevations of the packer or discharge member that is embodied in the tool illustrating different forms of discharge openings.

The well tool of the present invention may be said to comprise, generally, a body structure I0, a packer or fluid discharge member II on the body structure I0 adapted to receive fluid from they interior thereof, a valve I2 for controlling the circulation of fluid through the body struc ture I0, and a control I3 for the valve I2.

The body structure I0 mounts or carries the discharge member II, the valve I2 and other elements, and is adapted to be secured to the lower end of a tubular' Well string I4 for conducting fluid into the well. The body structure I0 is a tubular assembly made up of spaced inner and outer tubular parts. In the form of the invention illustrated the body IIJ includes; an outer tubular section I 5 provided at its upper end with a threaded on coupling I6. An upper outer section II is threaded in the coupling I6 to extend upwardly therefrom and a collar or sub I8 is threaded in the upper end of this section I1. The sub I8 may be threaded on the lower end'of the string I4 to attach the tool to the string. A collar or sub I8 is threaded on the lower end of the main outer section I5.

The body structure I0 further includes an inner section or tube 20 within the outer sections I5 and II. The opposite ends of the tube 20 are secured in the subs I8 and I 9, As illustrated, the opposite end portions of the tube 20 may be forcefitted or Welded in internal sockets 2| in the subs I8 and I9. The upper end of the tube 20 is in direct communication with the lower end of the well string I 4. In accordance with the invention the tube 20 is spaced from the inner walls of the outer sections I5 and II to leave an annular fluid passage 22 which extends longitudinally through the body structure I0. Ports 23 are II to place the upper part o1' the passage 20 in communication with the well or the interior of the well casing C.

The packer or dischargev member II is carried by the body structure I0 to engage in the well lining or casing C 'and is formed to discharge fluid under pressure outwardly through ports, perforations, leaks or other openings in the casing. In accordance with the invention the discharge member il is a hollow or chambered element formed in whole or in part of a flexible resilient and expansible material such as rubber, rubber composition, synthetic rubber, or the like. The discharge member Il is an elongate element that is generally cylindrical in a zone between its ends to fit and seal in the cylindrical well lining or casing C. The opposite end portions of the member il are tapered or'rounded in to t about the outer section i5 of the body structure lil. The member il is arranged on the section l5 to have its upper end adjacent the coupling i6 and to have its lower end adjacent the sub i9. Retaining cups 24 are provided on 4the section I5 to engage about and hold the end portions of the member il. The cups 2t .engage against and if desired may be secured to the coupling i3 and the sub i9. If desired the packer or discharge member i l may be reinforced by wires, fabric, or the like, extending vertically and anchored in its end portions, or the member l .l may be plain or with-,- out reinforcement as illustrated.

One or more discharge orices or openings 25 are provided in the member il. The openings 25 are provided in the cylindrical intermediate portion of the member H and may be of any required or selected' shape and size. In Figs. l

and 2 of the drawing I have shown a round or Y .fslot's and openings of various forms in the well casing or lining.

Means is provided to deliver fluid under pressure from the interior of the -tube 2li to the interior of the member l l to expand the member l i and to discharge from the opening or openings 25. Pairs of aligned lateral openings 26 are provided in the tube 2l! and outer body section l5 andV short nipples or tubes 21 are secured in the openings 25. The tubes 21 place the interior of the tube 20 in communication with the interior of the discharge member Il. The tubes 21 may be spaced vertically and circumferentially as .illustrated. The fluid discharge tubes 2l may be riveted, welded, or otherwise secured and sealed in the openings 26.

The valve l2 controls the lower end of the tube 2G, serving to close the lower end of the tube when fluid is to be discharged from the member I l. In accordance with the broader aspects of the invention any selected form of valve may -be provided to control the lower end of the tube 23. In the case illustrated the valve l2 is a ballvalve engaging downwardly against a seat 23 at the lower end of the inner tube 2G. .The seat 28 may be formed on or secured tothe sub I9. A pin 29 may be arranged transversely through the tube 2D abovethe valve l2 to prevent the valve l2 is engaged on its seat 28 fluid under pressure delivered to the tube 2i! by the string i4 is obliged to discharge through the tubes 21 'to the member H for nal discharge from the opening or openings 25. The control I3 is provided to govern the valve l2 to facilitate the easy movement and operation upward loss or displacement oi the valve.4 When of the tool in the well and to provide for the 15 thereon. from the body structure I0.

washing or ushing of the tool and the interior of the well lining or casing C." The control i3 is arranged at the lower end of the body structure I0 and includes a hollow cage or cap 30 threaded on the lower end of the sub I9 and a mandrel 3| shiftably entering the cap. The mandrel 3l extends downwardly from the cap 30 and carries a cone 32. A stem or pipe 33 is secured to the cone 32 and extends downwardly therefrom. The mandrel 3i and. the cone 32 are preferably tubular to place the pipe 33 in communication with the interior of the cap 30. 'I'he upper end of the mandrel 3l is provided with a frusto-conical or Y tapered lifting part 34 for lifting the valve I2 from its seat 28. The valve lifting part 34 preferably has transverse slots or A.otches 35 to `permit the passage of fluid into the mandrel 3ly when the valve l2 is open. An enlargement or crown 3B is provided on the mandrel 3| within the cap 30. The crown 36 and the cap 30 are provided with disengageable lugs 31 and 31a respectively. The lugs 31 on Ithe crown 36 are engageable with an upwardly facing shoulder 38 in the cap 30 to support or suspendfthe .mandrel 3l and the parts With the lugs 31 of the crown 3B engaged on the shoulder 38 the lugs of the crown and cap 30 are in mesh as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 5 of the drawing, so that the body structure l0 and mandrel 3l are vconnected. against relative turning. When the lugs 31 and 31a are out of mesh or disengaged, as illustrated in Fig. 3 of the drawing, the lifting part 34 supports the valve I2 above its seat 28 so that the interior of the cap 33 is in communication with the interior of the tube 2D. The sub I9 is ported to put the interior of the cap 39 in communication with the passage 22. Spaced vertical ports 4!) are provided in the sub I9 and extend downwardly from the end of the passage 22 to the interior of the cap 30. If desired, lateral ports il may be provided in the Wall of the cap 30 to put the interior of the cap in communication with ythe wall orV casing C below the discharge memberl Il.

The control i3 further includes a gripping mechanism or slip mechanism for engaging in the well lining or casing C. This slip mechanism includes a pair of vertically spaced rings or sleeves 42 shiftably engaged on the pipe 33 below the cone 32. Spaced outwardly bowed springs 43 eX- tend between and connect the sleeves 42. The springs 43 are formed to frictionally engage in the lining or casing C Ito resist movement of the sleeves 42 in the well. A set of gripping slips 44 is connected with the upper sleeve 42 and cooperates with the cone 32. Links or reins 45 are pivotally connected with the lower ends of the slips 44 and with the upper sleeve 42 to couple the slips 44 with the spring sleeve 42. The surface of Ithe cone 32 slopes downwardly and inwardly so that downward movement of the mandrel 3l and cone 32 with respect to the slips 44 -actuates the slips outwardly into gripping cooperation with the interior of the casing C.

Releasable latch means is `provided to control the slots 48.l

the lugs .31 and 31u of the crown 35 and cap 30 are adapted to mesh for the transmission of rotation or turning from the body structure I to the mandrel 3| and when the

lugs

31 and 31 are in mesh the string I4 may be turned and then lowered to release the pin 46 from the latch 41. During this operation the springs 43 engaged in the casing C resist movement of the sleeves 42 so that the latch 41 remains stationary when the pin 46 is disengaged from it. The frictional engagement of the springs 43 in the casing C further serves to hold the slips I4 against movement when the cone 32 is moved downwardly Vto expand the slips against the interior of the casing. The engagement of the slips 44 in the lining or casing C operates to hold the mandrel 3| against further downward movement so that the body structure I0 maybe moved downwardly to cause opening of the valve I2.

The control I3 further includes a releasable latch means for latching or holding the mandrel 3| in the position where the valve I2 is open so that the tool may be freely moved through the well with the slips 44 retracted and with the valve I2 open. This releasable latch means serves to couple the mandrel 3| to the cap 39 when the mandrel is in its raised position relative to the body structure I0. Inverted L-shaped slots 48 are provided i." the cap 38 and pins 49 on the mandrel 3| cooperate with the slots. As shown in Fig. 2 ofthe drawing, the pins 49 are normally or initially in the vertical arms of When the body structure IIJ is moved downwardly to release the pin 46 from the latch 41 and to actuate the slips 44 the pins 49 are received in the upper parts of `the slots 48. Accordingly, when the slips 44 are actuated and the valve =I2 is open, as shown in Fig. 3, the pins 49 may be in the upper parts of the slots 48. If it is desired to latch the valve I2 opened the body structure III is turned, while the slips 44 remain set, to move the pins 49 into the lateral arms of the s1ots-48. The lateral arms of the slots 48 have depressed seats 50 for receiving the pins 49. The seats 5l) serve to releasably retain the pins 49 in the lateral arms of the slots 48 so that the mandrel 3| is latched in its raised position to hold the valve I2 open. With the pins 49 engaged in the seats 50 the body structure I0 may be raised to release the slips 44 and turned to re-engage the pin 46 with the latch 41. The pins 49 remain engaged in the seats 50 when the slips are retracted and the pin 46 is re-engaged with the latch 41. With the valve I2 held open by the co-operation of the pins 49 in the slots 48 the tool may be moved up and down in the well while discharging fluid to flush the interior of the casing C Vand may be freely withdrawn from the well with little or no resistance offered by the fluid in the well.

Ifdesired, the tool may be provided with a swab element or sealing element 52 for preventing the excessive leakage of the delivered cement slurry or other fluid upwardly in the casing C above the discharge member II. The swab elementor sealing element 50 may be supported by a tubular carrier 53 clamped between the coupling I6 and a. shoulder 54 on the upper body section I1. The swab elementl or sealing element 52 is preferably a flexible resilient member of inverted cup shape. The element 52 is adapted to seal outwardly against the interior of the casing C.

In the use or operation of the tool provided by this invention the body structure I0 may `the pump handling the fluid.

yvalve is freed from its seat.

be secured to the lower end of a well string I4 intended to deliver fluid into the well. The tool is preferably run into the well on the string I4 in the condition illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawing with the slips 44 retracted and the pin 48 engaged in the latch 41. The valve I2 is free to open if the tool encounters a cclumn of standing iluid in the casing C and such :luid does not interfere with the free lowering of the tool through the casing. The tool is lowered and positioned to bring the opening or openings 25 to points where they may deliver the fluid to openings or ports in the casing C, When the tool has been positioned in this manner the fluid to be intreluced into the well is passed or pumped down through the string I4. This fluid ilows down through the tube 2B and passes through the tubes 21 into the interior of the discharge member II. The fluid under -pres sure in the member expands the member so that its intermediate cylindrical part effectively seals with the inner surface of the casing C. If the opening 25 or any one of the openings 25 is in `communication with the port in the casing C the fluid under pressure is free to discharge into the well around the casing. If, on the other hand, the opening or openings 25 are out of register with the port or ports in the casing C the fluid cannot discharge from the member II and the operator at the ground surface is made aware of the incorrect positioning of the tool by the back pressure developed in If such a back pressure develops the string I4 may be moved up or down to bring the opening or openings 25 into communication with the port or ports in the casing C. The necessary or desired quantity of fluid may be pumped down through the string I4 to discharge through the opening or openings 25 and the port or ports in the'casing C into the well around the casing. The iiuid thus discharged into the well around the casing C may be cement slurry, acid, water, or any other fluid. The valve I2 is in the closed position during the placement of the fluid and prevents the discharge of fluid into the cap 30. The expanded discharge member II eifectively seals with the casing C around the opening or openings 25 to prevent any substantial leakage of fluid into the casing. In the event that fluid leaks into the casing C above -the member it is prevented from flowing upwardly through the casing by the sealing element 52.

Following the placement of the cement slurry, acid, or other fluid, it may be desired to flush out the tool and the casing C. To prepare the tool for this flushing operation the string I4 is turned a short distance and is lowered. This disengages the pin 46 from the latch 41 and actuates the slips 44 as described above. With further lowering of the string I4 the cone 32 actuates the slips 44 and the slips hold the mandrel 3| and associated parts against further downward movement. Downward movement of the body structure Il) and string I4 following the setting of the slips 44 brings the valve I2 against the upper end of the part 34, and the Water or other flushing fluid is then pumped down through the string I4 to pass the valvel I2 and enter the cap 30. This flushing fluid is free to ow upwardly through the passage 22 to discharge from the ports 23 to flush the casing C. The fluid delivered to the cap 39 may also pass down through the mandrel 3| and pipe 33 and may pass through the ports 4|. Thus the Washing or flushing fluid is adapted to flush clean both i the upper and lower portions of the tool and the parts of the casing C above and below the 'Ab packing element or discharge member Il. The washing operation may clear the tool and the casing of excess cement, acid, or the like.

When the above operations have been completed the tool may be withdrawn from the well or may be moved to another location in the well for further operation. Assuming that the slips 44 are set or expanded, as above described, the tool is readily conditioned for free movement through the well for withdrawal or for movement 'to a new location by turning the string |41 to bring the seats 5U of the slots 48 into receiving relation to the pins 49. The string i4 is then raised to release the slips 44 and is turned a slight distance to re-engage the pin i6 with the latch di. This latches the slips d4 in their retracted positions while the pins i9 remain engaged in the seats iii). With the parts in this condition the tool may `be readily moved either up or down in the Well while discharging circulation fluid or flushing fluid down through the string i4. The discharge of the cleaning or flushing iluid from the tool. while moving the tool in the well assures a full cleaning of the interior of the casing C. With the valve i2 latched open as above described, the tool may be freely withdrawn from the well or moved to a new location for further operation.

In the above detailed description of the operation it was considered that the tool was operated in a well casing, liner, or other lining element. It is to be understood that the tool is not restricted to this particular use. The uid placement tool of the invention is suitable for use in an open well or a portion of a well without casing, for example, it may be used in squeeze jobs around shoes, for installing bottom hole plugs under pressure, for cementing around casing strings under pressure where leaks may be present, and for many other purposes.

Having described only typical preferred forms and applications of my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specie details herein set forth, but Wish to reserve to myself any variations or modincations that may appear to those skilled in the art or fall within the scope of the following claims. y Having described my invention, I claim:

1. A tool for placing duid in a well and adapted for use on a tubular well string comprising a iluid discharge member for engaging in the well and having at least one lateral discharge opening for discharging fluid, a body structure to be secured to said string and carrying said member, the body structure having a rst passage leading from the string to the member so that fluid from the string may be discharged from said discharge opening and having a second passage leading from the first passage to the interior of the well lining, and a valve normally closing said second passage from the rst passage and adapted to be opened by manipulation of the string.

. 2. A tool for placing nuid in a well and adapted for use on a tubular well string comprising a nuid discharge member for engaging in the well and having at least one lateral discharge opening, a. body structure to be secured to said string and carrying said member, the body structure having a first passage leading from the string to the member so that uid from the string may be discharged from said discharge opening and having a second passage leading from the first passage to the interior of the well lining, a valve govlerning communication between said passages, and

ing in communication with the interior of the body structure whereby fluid may be pumped from the ground surface through the string to the discharge opening, and a valve below the packer member operable by manipulation of the string for putting the interior of the body in communication with the Well.

4. A tool for use on a tubular well string comprising a body structure xed to the string, a discharge member of packing material secured to the body structure and having at least one lateral discharge opening, the discharge member sealing with the well wall around the discharge opening, the body structure having a rst passage leading from the string to the discharge opening whereby fiuid may be passed down through the string to the discharge opening and having a second passage joining the first passage -below the discharge opening and communicating with the interior of the well, a valve normally closingoil communication between said passages, and means operable by manipulation of the string for opening the valve.

5. A tool for use on a tubular well string comprising a body structure fixed to the string, a discharge member of packing material secured to the body structure and having at least one lateral discharge opening, the discharge member sealing with the well wall around the discharge opening, the body structure having a rst passage leading from 'the string to the discharge opening whereby fluid may be passed down l through the string to the discharge opening and having a second passage joining the rst passage below the discharge opening and communicating with the interior of the well above the discharge member, a valve for preventing the delivery of :duid from the first passage to the second passage, and a control carried by the body structure operable by movement or the string for opening the Valve.

6. A tool for use on a tubular well string comprising a body structure xed to the string, a discharge member of packing material secured to the body structure and having at least one latteral discharge opening, the discharge member sealing with the well wall around the discharge opening, the body structure having a rst passage leading from the string to the discharge opening whereby uid may be passed down through the string to the discharge opening and having a second passage joining the first passage below the discharge opening and communicating with the well above and below the discharge member and forming a by-pass around the discharge member, a valve for closing oi communication between the passages, and means operable by movement of the string for opening the valve to permit the delivery of fluid from the string to the second passage.

7. A tool for use on a tubular well string comprising a body structure xed to the string. a discharge member of packing material secured to the body structure and having at least one lat.- teral discharge opening, the discharge member sealing with the well wall around the discharge opening, the body structure having a iirst passage leading from the string to the discharge opening whereby .uid may be passed down through the string to the discharge opening and having a second passage joining the rst passagebelow the discharge opening and communicating with the well, a valve for preventing the delivery o! iluid from the iirst passage to the second passage, and means operable to hold the valve open.

while the string is moved'in the well so that fluid may be pumpedl into the well to flush the same.

8. A tool for use on a tubular well string comprising a body structure ilxed to thestring, a discharge member of packing'material secured to the body structure and having at least one lateral discharge opening for registering with ports or other openings in the well lining, the discharge n Vs fluid from the first passage to the second passage,

and control means comprising a mandrel shift-A able relative to the body structure and'adapted ment so that the body structure may be moved to open the valve, latch means released by movement of the string for holding the last named member sealing with the' well lining around the open the valve, means eugageable with the well lining for holding the mandrel against movement so that the body structure may be moved to open the valve, and releasable latch means for holding the last named means against operation.

10. A tool iorV use on a tubular well string comprising a tubular section iixed to the string, a packer member on the section having a, surface for sealing with the interior of the well lining and having a discharge opening in said surface for discharging uid into ports in the well lining, a tube within the section having its upper end in communication withv the string and spaced from the interior of the section to leave a iluid passage, means for putting the interior oi.' the tube in communication with the discharge opening 'of the packer member so that tluid may be passed through the string to the discharge opening', means for maintaining said passage in communication with the interior of the well liningA above the packer member, a valve for controlling 4 for discharging uid into ports in the 'well lining,

9, A tool for use on a tubular well string comdischarge opening, the body structure having a` ilrst passage leading from the string to the -discharge opening whereby iluid may be passed down through the string to the discharge'opening and having a secondpassage joining the llrst passage below the discharge opening and communicating with the interior of the well lining, a valve for preventing the delivery of 4a tube within the section having its upper end in communication with the string and spaced from the interior of the section to leave a lluid passage, means for putting the interior of the tube in communication with the .discharge opening of the packer member so that iluid may be .V

passed through the string to the discharge opening, means for maintaining said passage in communication with the interior of'the well lining above the packer member, said section having a chamber communicating with the passage, the interior of the well below the packer member, and the tube, a valve for closing' of! the tube from the said chamber, and a control operable by movement of the string for opening the valve.

CHARLS K. HOLT.

the valve is