US2343076A

US2343076A - Well apparatus

Info

Publication number: US2343076A
Application number: US378714A
Authority: US
Inventors: Herbert C Otis; John C Luccous; Ira A Miller
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1941-02-13
Filing date: 1941-02-13
Publication date: 1944-02-29
Anticipated expiration: 1961-02-28

Description

Feb. 29, 1944.

Filed Feb. 13, 1941 3 Sheets-Sheet l Feb. 29, 1944. H. c. o'rls. ETAL WELL APPARATUS Filed Feb. 15, 1941 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Sme/www Herbert C Ozl's lli do/m C. Luccous `\4 t| l ,c

Feb. 29, 1944. H, Q 011s ErAL 2,343,076

WELL APPARATUS Filed Feb. 13, 1941 3 sheets-sheet 3 0d, 5 5 w@ 24 Z@ @Zn @y 1x6 M2M 1V. ,.f Si.

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8 v 4 fm, mf/2@ @www 2% n.xys Cr Patented Feblv29, 1944 WELL APPARATUS Herbert C. Otis and John C. Luccous, Dallas, and Ira A. Miller, Houston, Text; said Luccous and said Miller assignors to said Otis` Application February 1s, 1941, serial No. 378,114

(ci. 16s-12) Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in well apparatus.

One object of the invention is to provide a well packer assembly which is an improvement on the apparatus disclosed in co-pending application, filed November 11, 1940, Serial No. 365,394 and which is constructed so that it may be readily removed from the well when desired.

An important object of the invention is to provide an improved well packer assembly which is particularly adapted for use in instances where the Well bore above the packer has been loaded with a mud, or other fluid column; the assembly having means for utilizing a pressure lifting medium for displacing or unloading the iluid column above the packerproper to permit removal of the assembly, without subjecting the formation below said packer to the liftingpressure, whereby the pressure of the lifting medium is not dissipated in the formation and displacement of the loading fluid is assured.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved well packer assembly having bypass means arranged so that a free circulation of well iluid past the packer may occur, either prior or subsequent to the setting or locking of the assembly within the well bore, together with means for closing said by-pass; the assembly also including means for-conducting a pressure lifting medium to the space above the packer proper while the by-pass is closed, whereby any fluid column above the packer may be displaced or unloaded without the formation below the packer being exposed to the pressure of said lifting medium.

A particular object of the invention is to provide an apparatus, of the character described, wherein a tubular section is adapted to co-act with the packer assembly whereby relative 1ongitudinal movement of the section with respect to the assembly opens and closes the by-pass means; the apparatus including a removable closure for the bore of the tubular section,v which section has an outlet portin its wall for ejecting fluid outwardly into the space above the packer assembly when its bore is closed, whereby the fluid column above the packer assembly may be displaced or unloaded to permit the assembly to be readily removed from the wellbore.

Still another object df the invention is to provide an improved apparatus, of the character described, wherein the tubular section is connected in the productionstring or well tubing and has a portor opening in its side wall for establishing communication between the production string and the space above the packer assembly, the flow through said port being controlled by the longitudinal movement of the string relative to the assembly; said flow being normally shut off and being opened upon movement of the string when it is desired to displace or unload any fluid above the packer, such displacement or unloading being effected by closing the bore of the production string below the port and introducing a pressure fluid into said string to cause said iluid to be ejected through the port and thereby exert a lifting effect on any loading fluid above the assembly.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved well packer having a by-pass which may be opened and closed at will and also having means for displacing or unloading the iluid above the packer proper without exposing the formation below the packer to excessive pressure, in combination with an improved means which prevents displacement of the assembly by pressure exerted against said assembly from either direction, said locking means being so constructed that it may be readily released to permit removal of the apparatus at any time.

A particular object of the invention is to provide an improved well packer, of the character described, wherein the tubular section which is connected in the production string has a seat within its bore below the radial outlet port which is provided for circulating purposes, whereby a plug or closure may be dropped or pumped downwardly through the production string and section and into engagement with the seat to close the bore and permit circulation, said plug being retrievable either by removing the production string or independently thereof by means of a suitable tool.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved wellv apparatus which is constructed so that it may be employed for controlling the productioniof well fluids either from the formation above the apparatus or from the formation below the packer, whereby the well fluids may be produced from the desired strata in the well bore.

A` still further object of the invention is to provide an improved packer, of the character described, wherein the closure for the tubular section may be a solid plug or may be a plug having an upwardly opening valve therein, whereby pressures across the plug may be equalized to facilitate its removal from the section.

4A'construction designed to carry out the invention will be hereinafter described together' with other features of the invention.

The invention will be more readily understood from a reading of the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings, as an example of the invention is shown. and wherein:

Figure 1 is a view, partly in elevation and partly in section, of the upper portion of a well packer constructed in accordance with the invention,

Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 and is a continuation of the parts shown in Figure l, illustrating the lower portion oi the packer,

Figures 3 and 4 are horizontal, cross-sectional views, taken on the lines 2-2 and 4-4, respectively, of Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a partial isometric view of the upper portion of the slip carrier,

Figure 6 is a schematic view of the complete assembly and showing the parts in position'during lowering of the packer within the well, a circulation past the packer being possible,

Figure 'I is a similar view, illustrating the position of the parts during setting of the locking elements,

Figure 8 is a view, similar to Figures 6 and 7, with the by-pass closed during production of the well iiuids through the production string,

Figure 9 is a similar view, with parts in position during unloading oi any iiuid in the annular space above the packer assembly,

Figure 10 is an enlarged view, partly in elevation and partly in section, of a plug for closing the bore of the production string, said plug having a valve therein,

Figure 1l is a view, similar to Figure 10, of a solid type of plug. and

Figure 12 is a view, similar to Figures l and 2 illustrating a modification of the invention.

In the drawings, the numeral I0 designates an elongate tubular mandrel which has an axial bore II extending entirely therethrough. The lower portion of the outer surface of the mandrel is substantially cylindrical, while the upper portion of said mandrel is flared or inclined outwardly to form a slip expanding portion I2. The upper end oi the bore II 'of the mandrel is enlarged to provide an internal, annular, inclined shoulder or seat I3 and, above this seat, the bore is provided with internal screw threads I4.

A tubular slip supporting carrier or sleeve I5 is slidable longitudinally on the cylindrical portion of the mandrel I0 and the upper portion of this carrier or sleeve is formed with a plurality of radially extending inverted T-shaped slots I8. The slots are spaced equidistant around the upper end o1 the carrier and the lower ends of gripping elements I1, which lower ends are also T-shaped, are inserted within said slots. A retaining ring I8 nts within an annular groove I9, formed in the periphery of the carrier I5, surrounds said carrier and prevents outward displacement of the gripping elements from the slots. Manifestly, the gripping elements are supported by the carrier and are movable longitudinally and radially with relation to the mandrel I0. Each gripping element includes an arcuate slip at its upper end and the inner surface of each slip engages and rides `upon the inclined slip expanding surface I2 oi the mandrel. The outer surface of each slip is formed with suitable gripping teeth which are adapted to engage the inner wall of a well casing or pipe C to prevent displace.- ment or movement of the assembly. When the slips are at the lower end of the inclined portion I2 (Figure2),theyareretractedandoutof engagement with the casing wall; however, move- Chiena o: the mandrel ls downwardly wan relation to theslips causes the outward radial movement thereof to the position shown in Figures 7 and 8, whereby said slips engage the casing wall to lock or anchor the device within said casing. The bore 2i o! the slip carrier or sleeve Il has a diameter which is substantially equal to the external diameter o! the'cylindrical portion o! the mandrel Il. The central portion of the bore 2I is slightly enlarged as shown at 22 (Figure 2). whereby a connecting collar 22 may be inserted within the bore of the carrier, the upper end of said collar abutting the internal shoulder formed between the bore 2| and the enlarged portion 22. The collar 22 is held against rotation within the carrier by means of a set screw 24 which is threaded through a radial opening 25 provided in the carrier, the inner end ot the screw engaging the collar 22. Downward displacement of the collar is prevented by a nipple 22 which is threaded into the lower end of the slip carrier or sleeve I5.

For connecting the slip carrier or sleeve Il with the mandrel I0, the collar 22 is formed with an inverted J-slot 21, and a radially extending pin 28, which is secured to the mandrel, projects into said slot. As is clearly shown in Figure 2, when the pin 2l is within the lateral or horizontal leg of the slot 21 the slip carrier Il is in its lowermost position on the mandrel, in which position the slips 20 are retracted. When the mandrel I0 is rotated with relation to the carrier I2, the pin 28 may be alined with the vertical portion of the slot 21 and when so alined, the mandrel may be moved downwardly with relation to the carrier.

Such downward movement of the mandrel with relation to the carrier and to the slips 22 will cause the slips to be moved outwardly by the slip expanding portion I2 of said mandrel, whereby the teeth of said slips engage the casing wall to lock the assembly within said casing.

The nipple 26 which is threaded into the lower end of the slip carrier I2 has its lower end formed with outwardly directed annular rings 20 and the upper sleeve 3| is molded, or otherwise secured to said rings. A retaining cap 20a is threaded onto the nipple and is secured to the outer periphery of the upper end of the packing element, said ring coniining said upper end of the element and functioning to more ilrmly fasten said element i to the nipple.

las the internal diameter of the well casing C,

whereby said lip engages the casing wall as the device is lowered therethrough. Since the packing element is attached to the lower end of the slip carrier, the frictional engagement of said element with the casing wall is sufficient to prevent unintentional rotation of said carrier within said casing. Thus, when it is desired to set the slips, it is only necessary to rotate the mandrel to move the pin 22 into alinement with the vertical portion of the slot 21 in the connecting collar, after which the mandrel may be moved downwardly with relation to the carrier and slips to expand said slips. During rotation and downend of an elongate packing element or ward movement of the mandrel. the slip carrier and slips are held stationary by the frictional engagement of the packing element with the casing. The element 3| is so constructed that a pressure from below the packing element may enter between inner and outer sealing lips to increase the sealing engagement of the exlarged as shown at 4I and the external diameter ternal surface of said lips with the casing and.

mandrel. 'I'he packing element may be constructed of rubber, of neoprene, able packing material.

A tubular sleeve-like coupling element 33 is threaded onto the extreme lower end of the mandrel Il and extends downwardly therefrom. If desired, this coupling element may be formed with a retaining thimble 34 at its upper portion, which thimble may engage the lower end of the flexible sealing lip 32 of the packing element while the device is being lowered in the well casing, whereby pressure cannot enter within said sealing lip so long as the thimble is engaged therewith, as shown in Figure 2. The lower portion of the coupling element 33 is formed with a pair of inverted L-shaped slots 35 which extend upwardly from the lower edge of Asaid element and which are located diamet-V rically opposite each other.

The slots 35 in the tubular coupling element are adapted to lco-act with radially extending lugs 36 which are formed on a coupling collar 31, whereby the collar and element may be readily connected and disconnected. The collar '3l is threaded onto the lower end of an elongate tubular section S and has an inclined annular seat or shoulder 38 formed within its bore immediately below the section S. The upper end of the section S is connected to the well tubing T. 'I'he well tubing T also extends below the section, said tubing being coupled to the collar 31 and manifestly, with this arrangement, the elongate section S is connected in the tubing string and forms a part thereof.

'I'he section extends axially through the mandrel I and when the lugs 36 of the collar 31 are within the upper lateral portions of the slots 35, the well tubing string having the vsection S connected thereto is coupled to the mandrel Il, whereby the mandrel and its associate .parts are carried by the tubing and may be lowered and raised by means of said tubing. To accomplish a disconnection of the parts, the tubing is rotated to aline the lugs 36 with the vertical portions of the slots 35, after which the tubing may be moved downwardly with relation to the coupling element 33 and to the mandrel I0, attached thereto.

The lower portion of the tubular section S has a diameter substantially equal to the diameter oi the tubing T and the external diameter of this Portion oi' said section is less than the diameter of the bore II of the mandrel l0, whereby an elongate, annular flow passage or space 39 is provided between said tubing and mandrel. 'This Yilow passage or space has its lower end communicating with the bore ofthe welll casing C below the assembly through a plurality of radial ports or openings 33a which extend through the wall of the sleeve-like coupling element 33, and, obviously, when the parts are in the position shown in Figures 2 and 6, iiuid from below the assembly may pass through the ports 33a and .then upwardly through the flow passage 39 to the casing above the assembly, the passage 39 providing a by-pass past the assembly.

TheY tubular section S has its upper portion enof this enlarged portion is greater than the diameter of the lower portion o! the section, as well as of the well tubing T. The enlarged portion III ot the section S is spaced some distance above the upper end of the mandrel I0 when the tubing string is coupled to the mandrel by means of the coupling collar 31 and the coupling element 33. ,'lhe external diameter of the enlarged or any suitl0 portion 40 is not only larger than the other Sections of the tubing string T but is also of a. diameter at least equal to, or greater than, the external diameter of .the cylindrical portion of the mandrel lll. This relationship between the diameters of the enlarged portion 40 and the cylindrical portion of the mandrel controls the eiect or action of the iluld pressure below the device on the mandrel l0, as will be hereinafter explained. The lower portion of the enlargement 40 ls inclined to provide an annular shoulder 4I which is adapted to be moved downwardly and engaged with the seat I3 within the mandrel i0, when the device is being set within the well casing C. A plurality of outlet ports 42 extend radially through the wall of the enlarged portion 4U, being shown as located at substantially midheight thereof and these ports establish communication between the, bore of the well tubing string and the bore of the well casing C.

The enlarged portion 40 of the tubular section S not only limits the downward movement of the tubing string with relation to the mandrel 10, but also co-acts with a pair of internal packing or sealing rings A and B to effect a closure of the by-pass 39. As is clearly shown in Figures 1 and 6 to 8, the packing rings A and B are Y by a spacer 46 which is illustrated as a sectionA of pipe, the lower end of said spacer being engaged with the screw threads I4 at the upper end of the mandrel above the slip expanding portion I2. The upper end of the spacer 46 engages and supports the retaining ring 45, whereby displacement of the sealing ring A is prevented.

The second internal packing or sealing ring B is mounted within a, housing 41 which is constructed in a manner similar to the housing 43, being provided with an inwardly directed flange 48 nearer its upper end. The packing ring B abuts the ilange 48 and is held in position by a retaining ring 49, said retaining ring being held against downward displacement by the upper end of a tubular spacer or sleeve 50 which connects the housing 41 of the packing ring B with the housing 43 of the packing ring A. Obviously, the sleeve 50 and spacer 46 may be of any desired length so as to properly space the rings A and B from eachother and from the mandrel.

The internal diameter of each sealing ring A and B is substantialby equal to the external diameter of the enlarged portion 40 of the tubular section S, whereby when this enlarged portion is moved downwardly through the rings (Figures 7 and 8), said rings provide a seal between the enlarged portion 40 and the mandrel assembly. Since the

spacers

48 and 50, together with the housings 43 and l1 of the packing rings, which are connected to said spacers, extend upwardly from the mandrel Il, these parts form a continuation ot said mandrel and the interior of these parts forms a continuation of the annular bypass space or passage 33. Thus, when the enlarged portion 40 is moved downwardly and into engagement with the sealing rings A and B, the by-pass 33 is closed. OI course, when the tubing is lifted with the enlarged portion out of engagement with the rings A and B, as shown in Figure 6, the by-pass 33 is open. Above the uppermost internal sealing ring B, the housing l1 is provided with a plurality of radial ports which act to equalize the pressures around the entire assembly and packing elements, as will be explalned.

Above the internal packing ring B, a second external packing element 52, which is constructed in substantially the same manner as the packing element 3|, is provided. This packing element is inverted as compared to the element 3| and has its lower end molded or otherwise secured to a nipple 53 which is threaded onto the upper end of the housing 41. The lower portion of the packing element is formed with a reduced sealing lip which is adapted to engage the external surface of the enlarged portion 4|) of the tubular section S, while the upper end of the element is ared outwardly to provide an outer elongate sealing lip 54. The external diameter of the outer lip is such that its outer surface normally engages the inner wall of the well casing C.

In the operation of the apparatus, the slip carrier I5 is latched in its lowered position on the mandrel |0 by engaging the radial pin 28 on' the mandrel within the lateral portion of the slot 21 within the connecting collar 23, as is clearly shown in Figures 2 and 6. The well tubing, having the tubular section S and also having the coupling collar 31 connected therein, extends downwardly through the mandrel i0 and is attached to said mandrel by engaging the lugs 36 of said coupling collar 31 within the horizontal portions of the slots 35 in the coupling element 33. In such position, the thimble 3l at the upper end of the coupling 33 is engaged over the lower end of the sealing lip 32 of the lower packing element 3| so as to prevent pressure fiuld from entering within said sealing lip during the lowering operation. Also in such position, the enlarged portion l0 of the tubular section S is located some distance above the upper end of the mandrel I0 and is disposed above the upper packing element 52 (Figures l and 6). Thus, the slip carrier is held in a position which maintains the slips 2|! in a retracted position and the well tubing may be utilized to lower the assembly downwardly through the .well casing C. During such lowering, the uid within the casing may by-pass the entire assembly, such fluid flowing upwardly through the ports 33a in the coupling element 33 and upwardly through the annular by-pass space 33 to the well bore or space above the assembly. As has been pointed out, the external surface of the sealing elements 3| and 52 engage the wall of the casing C and slide downwardly along said wall as the assembly is lowered.

If the device has been lowered into a well having a loading fluid therein, it may be desirable that the displacement or unloading of such iluid, or at least a portion of said fluid, be

carried out after the assembly has been4 locked in the desired position in the well by setting of the slips. as will be explained. 'I'he displacement or unloading of the uid column may be accomplished by pumping a pressure fluid downwardly through the tubing, outwardly through the lower end (not shown) of said tubing and .then upwardly through the well casing. The

pressure fluid will then pass upwardly through the by-pass 33 and will thereby displace said loading uid. -It is noted that in many instances, it is only necessary to displace the loading iluid from below the packer assembly and in such case, circulation will be stopped after the desired volume oi loading fluid has been displaced. Although it is preferable to displace the loading iluid after setting of the packer, the unloading might be carried out after the assembly has been lowered to a desired position and prior to the setting of the slips.

The setting of the assembly is accomplished by rotating the tubing T to move the lugs 3l on the coupling collar 31 into alinement with the vertical portions of the slots 35 in the coupling element 33. When this is done, a rotation is imparted to the mandrel through the coupling collar and coupling element, whereby the radial pin 28 on the mandrel is moved into alinement with the vertical portion of the slot 21 in the connecting collar 23 of the slip carrier. At this time, the slip carrier is held against rotation by the Irictional engagement of the lower packing element 3|, which is mounted on said carrier, with the casing wall. A subsequent downward movement of the tubing T will permit the mandrel I0 to move downwardly with relation to the slip carrier |5, said slip carrier being held in its stationary position by the packing element 3| engaging the wall of the well casing.

As the mandrel moves downwardly, the slip expanding portion |2 of the mandrel moves between the gripping slips 2|) and forces the same outwardly into engagement with the wall of the well casing, as is shown in Figure 7. As soon as the slips 2|! engage the wall of the casing, further downward movement of the mandrel Ill is prevented and said mandrel, together with the various parts connected thereto, as well as the slips and their associate parts, are locked against displacement in the well. It ispointed out that when the mandrel I0 is lowered with relation to the slips to expand the same into gripping position the retaining thimble 34 on the coupling element 33 is disengaged from the lower end oi the sealing lip 32 of the lower packing element 3|, whereby the pressure beneath the assembly may enter behind said sealing lip so as to expand the same and increase the sealing contact of said lip with the casing wall.

The tubing is moved downwardly so as to move the section S downwardly with relation to the mandrel I0 to the position shown in Figure 7. in which position the enlarged portion 4U of the section extends through the upper packing element 52 and also through the internal packing or sealing rings A and B. The engagement of the packing rings A and B'with this enlarged portion 40 results in a closure of the by-pass 33. Downward movement of the tubing to this position causes the inclined shoulder 4| at the lower end of the enlarged portion 40 to strike the internal annular seat I3 within the upper end of the mandrel whereby the weight of the tubing may be imposed upon the mandrel I0 to force the tubular section S remainsy in a position exi' tending through the upper sealing ring B so as to close the by-pass 39 and prevent any flow of l0 iluid therethrough. Also in this position, the

- radial outlet ports 42 in the enlarged portion Ill of the section S, are disposed intermediate the sealing rings A and B, whereby any flow through said ports is shut on and flow of fluid from the bore of the tubing into the casing cannot occur.

With the parts in the position shown in Figure 8, the annular space betweenv the mandrel l and the well casing C is sealed off bly the lower other words, by exposing equal areas to the same pressure acting upwardly and downwardly on the mandrel a balance is obtained with the result that the mandrel is unaffected by any fluid pressure from below the assembly. 'I'he areas which are exposed, as above referred to, are directly controlled by the relationship of the external diameter of the enlarged portion 40 and the lower cylindrical portion of the mandrel. Obviously, when these diameters are substantially equal, the eilective cross-sectional area of the packing ring A is equal to the effective cross-sectional area of the seat I3, less the thickness of the wall of the cylindrical portion of the mandrel. The crosssectional area of the wall thickness is, of course.

balanced out since the fluid pressure acts both above and below said wall. Thus, when the diameter of the enlarged portion is substantially equal to the diameter of the lower cylindrical end of packing element 3|, which element is urged to- 20 ward an increased sealing contact with the casing wall by the fluid pressure therebelow. Since the packing element is carried by t-he slip carrier I5, it is also obvious that the uid pressure is thus utilized to urge the gripping slips up- 25 If there is any pressure huid "0 portion 4|! of the section S. Manifestly, with 35 the pack-off arrangement shown, the well fluid from below the assembly must flow upwardly through the well tubing T since it cannot by-pass said assembly and, therefore, this fluid will b conducted to the surface through the well tubing 4) in the usual manner.

As has been previously described, the enlarged portion of th section S hasv an outer diameter which is at ast equal to, or larger than, the outer diameter of the lower cylindrical portion of the mandrel Ill below the slip expanding portion I2. Referring to Figure 8, it will be seen that the fluid pressure lielow thc assembly is act- .ing against the lower packing element 3l and is urging the slip carrier I5 and the slips 20 upwardly with respect to the mandrel. At the same time this pressure is acting against the crosssectional area of the lower cylindrical end of the mandrel I0 which is exposed to this pressure within the passage 39. The fluid pressure below the assembly is within the passage 39 and is also within the annular space between the enlarged portion 40 and the spacer pipe 46, whereby this fluid pressure is also acting upwardly against the internal packing ring A. Since this internal packing ring A is attached to the mandrel I0, it will be seen that the combined area of the ring A and the cross-sectional area of the wall of the lower cylindrical end ofthe mandrel IIl is acted upon by the iuid pressure tending to lift the mandrel. l

However, since the fluid pressure is within the annular space immediately above the upper end of the mandrel, said pressure is also acting downwardly on the internal seat I3 within the mandrei and by making this area substantially equal to the combined cross-sectional area of the packing ring A and the lower cylindrical end of the mandrel, the effect. of the pressure from below the assembly'on the mandrel is equali'zed. vIn "5` the mandreL'the eilect of the uid pressure from below the assembly which would ordinarily tend to urge the mandrel upwardly is nullifled. By making the diameter of the enlarged portion greater than the diameter of the cylindrical portion of the mandrel, the cross-sectional area of the packing ring is reduced with respect to the effective cross-sectional area of the seat I3. Therefore, under such conditions, the'fiuid pressure from below the assembly may be utilized to urge the mandrel i@ downwardly at the same time that it urges the slips 20 upwardly, whereby displacement of the assembly by a pressure from below is prevented.

Due to the particular construction, it is not necessary that -a fluid pressure be present in the casing above the assembly in order to urge the mandrel downwardly and thereby maintain the slips in a gripping position. Of course, if any fluid pressure is present above the assembly, such pressure will act downwardly on the upper packing element 52 and will. urge the mandrel downwardly with relation to the slips, such pressure being added to any other pressure which is urging the mandrel downwardly.

In some instances, a loading uid is introduced into the well casing above the assembly in order to reduce the pressure differential across the packer and eliminate undue load or strain against the assembly. This loading fluid column may remain in the casing during the time that the well fluids are produced through the well tubing string, during which time the ports are in the position shown in Figure 8.V When it is desired to remove the device from the well casing, it may be necessary that the loading uid column in the casing a'bove the assembly be first displaced or unloaded. Such displacement or unloading is sometimes diilicult particularly when the loading fluid has been in place for a prolonged period of time. The use of a pressure lifting mediuml has been found suitable for displacing the fluid but,manifestly, if the heavying agents in the loading fluid have settled or precipitated, considerable pressure may be required tq circulateithe settled or precipitated heavying agents from above vthe assembly.v If the well has been produced suficiently to considerably lower the pressure of the producing formation or for some other reason the pressure lifting medium will enter the formation so rapidly as' to prevent the creation of an ample pressure to establish circulation of the heavying agents, means must be provided to prevent the entry'of the lifting medium into the producing formation. Ari-.important feature of the present apparatus isthat it may be employed for carrying out the circulation for displacement purposes without subjecting the producing formation below the assembly to the pressure of the circulated nuid.

To accomplish displacement of the loading fluid above the assembly. a closure or plug 88 (Figure is adapted to be dropped or pumped downwardly through the tubing string T. This plug includes a tubular body having an annular sealing element 88, which is preferably constructed of a lsoft metal. mounted intermediate its ends on the exterior thereof. The sealing element is formed with an external shoulder or seating surface 81 which is arranged to engage the seat 38 formed within the coupling collar 81. The upper end of the tubular body is bevelled or inclined to provide a valve seat 88 and a valve head 88 is adapted to engage this seat to close the bore of the body 88. An upstanding stem 88 extends upwardly from the valve head 88 and is slidable through a guide collar 8| which is preferably made integral with the upper end of a valve cage 82, the latter surrounding the valve and being threaded onto the upper end of the tubular body of the plug. A retrieving neck 88 is fastened to the upper projecting end of the valve stem 88.

Manifestly, the valve head 58 opens upwardly and when the plug is dropped or lowered through the tubing `said valve head will be raised to permit a free-by pass of any fluid in the tubing through the plug. Also, in removing the plug the engagement of a. suitable tool with the retrieving neck 83, together with a subsequent lifting of said tool, will result in the valve -head 59 being unseated, whereby removal of the plug is facilitated.

As explained, the plug 88 is dropped or pumped downwardly in the tubing T until the shoulder 51 on the external sealing element 88 engages the seat 38 within the coupling collar 81, at which time further downward movement of the plug is halted. I'he plug closes the bore of the tubing string and since the seat 38 is located below the radial ports 42 in the enlarged portion of the section S, the bore of the tubing is closed at a point below the ports. After the plug is seated, the tubing string is moved upwardly with relation to the packer assembly from the position shown in Figure 8 to the position shown in Figure 9, whereby the radial ports 42 in the section 88 are moved from between the internal sealing rings A and B and to a position above the upper packing element 82 to establish communication between the interior of the tubing and the interior of the casing above the packing assembly. It is noted, however, that the upward movement of the tubing is halted before the lower end of the enlarged portion 4|)` of the section S moves above the uppermost inner sealing ring B (Figure 9) whereby the by-pass 38 remains closed.

When the plug is seated and the parts positioned as described (Figure 9), a pressure fluid is pumped downwardly through the tubing T and such fluid is directed outwardly through the radial ports 42 and into the annular space above the packer assembly. This fluid acts to lift the loading fluid within the casing upwardly to the surface of the well. Obviously, the plug closes the tubing bore and the inner lip of the packing element 82 and the sealing ring B close the bypass, whereby the pressure of the fluid pumped downwardly through the tubing is not applied to the producing formation below the assembly. Therefore, the nuid may be placed under any desired or required pressure necessary to elect or displace the loading fluid without subjecting the producing formation to excessive pressure. In this manner, efllcient displacement of the fluid column above the assembly may be accomplished with no danger of damage to the producing formation.

After the circulation operation is complete, the

V8| and 82 and above and below the same are also equalized. Upon further upward movement, the lugs 38 on the coupling collar re-engage the coupling element 88 and after such re-engagement, a continued upward movement of the tubing will transmit an upward movement to the mandrel. The gripping slips 28 will be held substantially stationary by the frictional engagement of the packing element 8l with the casing wall, with the result that the mandrel may move upwardly relative to the-slips. Upward movement of the mandrel continues until the pin 28 on said man.- drel strikes the upper end of the slot 21 in the connecting collar 23 of the slip carrier, at which time the retaining thimble 34 has re-engaged the lip 82 of the packing element 8|. Continued raising of the tubing removes the entire apparatus from the the casing C. 'I'he plug 88 is, of course, retrieved upon removal of the tubing from the well.

In removing the assembly, it is not necessary that the lugs 88 on the coupling collar 81 be reengaged with the slots 85 of the coupling element but by re-engaging these parts, it would be possible to move the assembly either downwardly or upwardly and reset the same at a different elevation in the well casing. If the assembly is to be reset in the well casing, the plug 88 is retrieved or removed from the tubing by means of a suitable retrieving tool (not shown) which is run into the tubing on a wire line or cable.

Although it is preferable to employ a plug having a valve therein, such as has been described, other types of plugs or closures may be used. In Figure 11, another form of plug is shown and this plug includes a solid, cylindrical body 84 having a pair of spaced, inverted sealing cups 88 mounted thereon. A retrieving neck 88 is threaded onto the upper end of the body and functions to retain the sealing cups in position on the body. The extreme lower end of the body is bevelled or inclined to forman annular seating surface 81 which is adapted to engage the seat 38 within the coupling collar 81 when the plug is dropped downwardly through the tubing. Obviously, other forms of plugs or closures may be used.

The packing assembly has been described as having a pair of internal sealing rings A and B therein and during production of the well fluids through the well tubing T, the radial ports 42 in the enlarged section 40 of the tubing are disposed between these rings, as is clearly shown in Figure 8. 'I'he function of the lower internal ring A is to prevent a flow of iluid upwardly through the by-pass 39, through the ports 42 and into the interior of the tubing, whereby all of the well fluids must flow into the lower end of the tubing and then upwardly therethrough. It is particularly desirable to prevent flow into the tubing T from the by-pa'ss 39 when the vassembly is set inthe well casing ais-a considerable distance from the bottom because in such case, if flow through the by-pass to the tubing were permitted, the casing below the assembly, as well as the tubing, wouldv act as the ilow conductor. However, when the assembly is set or positioned relatively close to the producing formation, then it would make no material diil'erence whether a ow from the by-pass 39 into the tubing occurred. In such instances, the lowermost internal sealing ring A may be completely omitted and such omission would eliminate the necessity of the spacer 45, as well as the housing d3. 'I'he spacer or sleeve 50 which carries the housing 41 of the upper sealing ring B would then thread directly into the mandrel, as illustrated in the packer assembly shown in Figure 12. The operation of the apparatus would be exactly as has been described, with the radial ports 42 being `disposed below the sealingl ring B during production through the tubing. However, elimination of the sealing ring A will permit well iluids to flow upwardly through the by-pass 39, ports 42 and into the tubing, which now is not undesirable or disadvantageous under certain conditions.

As illustrated in Figures '1 to 9, the section S of the tubing string is of such length as to dispose the enlarged portion 4d thereof above the upper packing element 52 when the coupling collar 31 is connected with the coupling element 33. Thus, whenever the tubing Ls coupled to the assembly, the by-pass 39 is open to permit a free flow of fluids past the assembly. In certain wells, the assembly may be lowered downwardly through well uids under considerable pressures and may even be lowered through upwardly flowing uids. Under such conditions, the velocity of ow through the annular by-pass space 39 may result in damage to 4 the interior sealing surfaces of the rings A and B and the packing element 52 and in order to prevent this possibility, it'might be desirable to close this by-pass during lowering of the assembly. To accomplish such closure of the annular by-pass, it is only necessary to shorten the lower portion of the tubular section S, whereby, when the tubing is coupled to the mandrel, the lower portion of the enlarged section 40 is disposed within Vthe uppermost sealing ring B while the ports or openings 42 will be still disposed above the packing .element 52. when in a coupled position, the enlarged portion 40 and ports 42 would be substantially as shown in Figure 9. This arrangement would result in a closure of the annular by-pass 39 to prevent damage to the interiors of the packing and sealing elements while the assembly is lowered; of course, by-passing of fluid past the assembly during the lowering would occur through the `tubing and ports 42. The operation as to production through the tubing in this modication would be, as described, that is, the assembly is set and the tubing uncoupled and moved downwardly to locate the ports 42 below the packing ring B.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that the apparatus is primarily adapted for use in circulating a uid column from the casing above the packer assembly to permit removal of said assembly. However, it has been found that with slight modiflcation, the apparatus may be employed in` controlling the production of well lluids from different stratas or horizons in the 31 and 33 and is lowered and set within the casing C, as described. 'I'he well casing has been previously perforated at 1| opposite the formation from which production is to be had and the packer assembly is set immediately below the perforations. As shown in Figure 12, after setting of the packer is completed, the tubing is uncoupled and moved downwardly to close the bypass 39 and to position the radial ports l2 in the enlarged portion 40 opposite the perforations. By closing the upper end of the casing by a suitable casing head (not shown) production from the formation A through the tubing may be had.

lWhen ports 42 are located below the packing Thus.

ring B. the bore of the tubing then communicates with the region below the packer and thus ilow from below the packer is permitted. In this manner the lower as well as the upper formation may be allowed to produce.

The foregoing description of the invention i.; explanatory thereof and various changes in the size, shape and materials, as well as in the details of the illustrated construction may be made, within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What we claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A well apparatus, of the character described, including, a tubular support adapted to be lowered into a well casing, packing means carried by the support for sealing the space between the support and well casing, expansible gripping means on the support and movable into gripping engagement with the casing upon a longitudinal movement of the support relative thereto, a well tubing extending through the support and detachably connected thereto whereby said tubing may be utilized to lower and set the same within the casing and may then be disconnected therefrom and moved longitudinally therethrough, said tubving having an opening in its wall establishing communication between the interior and exterior of the tubing which opening may be disposed above the support to permit pressure fluid to be directed downwardly through the tubing and ejected into thel space above the support to displace any uid therein, a. fixed internal seat within the tubing below the opening. a closure adapted to be lowered into the tubing to engage the seat for closing the tubing bore when the opening in said tubing is above the support.

2. A well apparatus, of the character described, including, a tubular support adapted to be lowered into a well casing, packing means carried by the support for sealing the space between the support and well casing, expansible gripping means on the support and movable into gripping engagementwith the casing upon a longitudinal movement of the support relative thereto, a well tubing extending through the support and detachably connected thereto, whereby said tubing may be utilized to lower and set the same within the casing and may then be disconnected therefrom and Amoved longitudinally therethrough, said tubing the space above the support to displace any iluid therein, while said tubing is in one longitudinal position relative to said support sealing means within the bore of the support adapted to engage the exterior of the tubing for sealing ofi.' the space therebetween, the tubing being movable downwardly to another longitudinal position disposing the opening below said sealing means,\

whereby the communication between the tubing and space above the support is closed and well fluids may be produced upwardly through the tubing and means on said tubing for respectively limiting the longitudinal movement of said tubing.

3. A well apparatus, of the character described, including, a tubular support adapted to be lowered into a well casing, packing means carried by the support for sealing the space between the support and well casing, expansible gripping means on the support and movable into gripping engagement with the casing upon a longitudinal movement of the support relative thereto, a well tubing extending through the support and detachably connected thereto, whereby said tubing may be utilized to lower and set the same within the casing and may then be disconnected therefrom and moved longitudinally therethrough, said tubing having an opening in its wall establishing communication between the interior and exterior of the tubing which opening may be disposed above the support to permit circulation of pressure fluid downwardly through the tubing and into the space above the support to displace any fluid therein, an internal seat within the tubing below the opening, a removable closure adapted to engage the seat for closing the tubing bore when the opening in said tubing is above the support, and upwardly opening valve means in said closure for facilitating the movement of the closure through the well tubing.

4. A well apparatus, of the character described, including, a tubular support adapted to be lowered into a well casing, packing means carried by the support for sealing the space between the support and well casing, expansible gripping means on the support and movable into gripping engagement with the casing upon a longitudinal movement of the support relative thereto, a well tubing extending through the support and detachably connected thereto, whereby said tubing may be utilized to lower and set the same within the casing and may then be disconnected therefrom and moved longitudinally therethrough, said tubing having an opening in its wall establishing communication between the interior and exterior of the tubing which opening may be disposed above the support to permit pressure fluid to be directed downwardly through the tubing and ejected into the space above the support to displace any iluid therein, sealing means within the bore of the support adapted to engage the exterior of the tubing for sealing of! the space therebetween, the tubing being movable downwardly to a position disposing the opening below said sealing means, whereby the communication between the tubing and space above the support is closed and well fluids may be produced upwardly through the tubing, an internal seat within the tubing below the opening, a removable closure adapted to engage the seat for closing the tubing bore when the opening in said tubing is above the support, and upwardly opening valve means in said closure for facilitating the movement of the closure through a well tubing.

5. A well apparatus including, a packer assembly having means for anchoring it in a well, a well tubing in the assembly movable longitudinally thereof, the assembly having a fluid by-ps formed therein open to by-pass uid around the assembly when the tubing is located in one position relative to the assembly exteriorly of the tubing, and means in the assembly and on the tubing coengageable upon longitudinal movement of the tubingto close oi! said by-pass, the tubing having a port located .to be open when the by-Dss is open and to remain open when the tubing is moved to close the by-pass to discharge pressure iluid from the tubing into the well above the assembly when the by-pass is closed off.

6. A well apparatus including, a packer assem- 'bly well tubing in the assembly movable longitudinally thereof, the assembly having a nuid bypass formed therein exteriorly of the tubing open to by-pass fluid around the assembly when the tubing is located in one position relative to the assembly, means in the assembly and on the tublng coengageable upon longitudina1 movement of the tubing to close off said by-pass, and a closure in the tubing at the lower portion thereof to prevent fluid flowing down the tubing to the well below the assembly, the tubing having a port located to be open when the by-pass is open and to remain open when the tubing is moved to close the by-pass to discharge pressure uid from the tubing into the well above the assembly when the by-pass is closed off.

7. A well apparatus of the character described including, a tubular support adapted to be 1owered into a well casing, packing means carried by the support for sealing the space between the support and well casing, expansible gripping means on the support and movable into gripping engagement with the casing upon longitudinal movement of the support relative thereto, a well tubing extending through the support and detachably connected thereto, whereby said tubing may be utilized to lower and set the support and seal the same within the casing and may then be disconnected from the support and moved longitudinally therethrough, there being a by-pass ow passage through the support exteriorly of the tubing, said tubing having an opening in its wall establishing communication between the interior and exterior of the tubing when disposed above the support to permit circulation of uid downwardly through the tubing and into the space above the support to displace any fluid in said space, sealing means in the support, and means on the tubing engageable with the sealing means upon movement of the tubing relative to the support to shut oiI flow through the by-pass through the support and the packer while said circulation is continued above the support, the tubing being further movable to move said opening past the sealing means to close off the opening to shut oi said circulation.

8. A well apparatus including, a packer assembly having means for anchoring it in a well, fluid pressure sealing packers carried by the assembly exposed to fluid in the well to pack of! the well at the assembly, a well tubing movable longitudinally through the assembly while the Packers thereof are in position, the assembly having a by-pass formed exteriorly of the tubing, closure means fixed on the tubing, and means in the assembly engageable with the closure means upon longitudinal movement of the tubing independently of the assembly to close said by-pass, the tubing having a port which is arranged to be moved by longitudinal movement of the tubing to a position ihavingmeans for anchoring it in a well, a

beyond said closure engaging means to close said port, said tubing also being movable to locate said port above said closed position to open the same while said by-pass is closed and the packers of the assembly remain in sealing position to discharge pressure iluid outwardly from the tubing into the well to displace iiuid above the assembly from the well.

9. A well apparatus as set forth in claim 8, and a closure adapted to be inserted in the tubing below the port to shut oi! downward flow of fluid below said port when said port is open and said by-pass is closed.

10. A well apparatus including a packer assembly adapted to be anchored in a well to pack of! the casing thereof and having a by-pass passage therethrough, a tubing member adapted to be connected with a well tubing and detachably connected to the packer assembly. an enlargement on the tubing member having a port communicating with the interior of the tubing member and a pair of internal spaced annular packing members in the assembly tor receiving the tubing member enlargement, the tubing member being adjustable to position the port abo e both packing members or between them.

' HERBERT C. OTIS. JOHN C. LUCCOUS. IRA A. MIILER.