US2720926A

US2720926A - Flow selector devices

Info

Publication number: US2720926A
Application number: US248072A
Authority: US
Inventors: Cicero C Brown
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1951-09-24
Filing date: 1951-09-24
Publication date: 1955-10-18
Anticipated expiration: 1972-10-18

Description

2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. 24, 1951 C/cero C. Brown INVENTOR.

ATTORNEYS Oct. 18, 1955 c. c. BROWN FLOW SELECTOR DEVICES 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 24, 1951 C/cero C. Brown INVENTOR.

Wan M g,

TTORNEKS AM B United States Patent FLOW SELECTGR DEVICES Cicero C. Brown, Houston, Tex.

Application September 24, 1951, Serial No. 248,072

8 Claims. (Cl. 166-226) This invention relates to new and useful improvements in flow selector devices.

In the dual production of wells, it is the general practice to set a well packer between two producing formations and to also set a well packer above the upper producing formation, whereby the flow from the two producing formations is separated. In some instances, production from one formation is through the well casing while production from the other formation is through the well tubing, and various types of apparatus are employed for directing the flow in a desired manner. In still other instances, it is desirable to produce only from one formation at a time, in which case flow may be directed upwardly through the tubing from either formation. In this latter case, however, it is necessary that means be provided for completely shutting off flow from one formation while allowing production from the other.

The present invention relates particularly to an improved flow selector device which will efliciently control the flow from either one or the other of two producing formations into the flow tubing.

An important object is to provide a flow selector device which is operable merely by a rotation of the tubing string so that flow may be selectively directed from either producing zone into the tubing; actuation of the device by a tubing rotation making it possible to operate the device without interfering with the setting of the packer or packers which are mounted on the tubing string.

Another object is to provide an improved device of the character described which is so constructed that when desired a rotation of the tubing will result in transmitting such rotation through the device to the lower end of the tubing string, whereby well units, such as packers which require rotation for setting, may be manipulated without actuating the flow selector device.

Still another object is to provide a flow selector device wherein a tubular sleeve type valve element is moved longitudinally of the device by means of a rotatable actuator which has connection with the tubing string; the connection between the rotatable actuator and the tubular valve element comprising relatively coarse screw threads, whereby positive operation is assured.

The construction designed to carry out the invention will be hereinafter described together with other features thereof.

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

Figure l is a schematic view of a flow selector device constructed in accordance with the invention and illustrating the same connected in the tubing string,

Figure 2 is an enlarged view partly in section and partly in elevation, with the tubular valve of the device in a position allowing flow from the upper producing zone into the tubing,

Figure 3 is a similar view with the valve of the device positioned to direct flow from the lower producing zone into the tubing,

Figure 4 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken on the line 4-4 of Figure 2,

Figure 5 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken on the line 55 of Figure 2, and

Figure 6 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken on the line 6-6 of Figure 2.

In the drawings, the numeral 10 designates a well bore which extends downwardly through an upper producing formation A and a lower producing formation B. The bore has a well casing disposed therein, and said casing is perforated at 11 opposite the zone A and at 12 opposite the zone B, whereby flow from the formation or zones into the casing may occur.

A well tubing 13 extends axially through the casing and has the improved flow selector device S connected therein as will be hereinafter described. A well packer 14 which is schematically illustrated and which may be of any desired construction packs off between the upper zone A and the lower zone B; said packer being mounted on the well tubing in the usual manner to pack off the annulus between the tubing and casing. An upper packer 15, also schematically shown, is set above the upper zone A to pack oil the annulus betWeen the tubing and the casing. Flow or production from the upper Zone A may enter the area between the tubing and the casing between the

packers

14 and 15 and as will be hereinafter described may be selectively directed through the selector device S into the tubing string. The lower end of the tubing is open so that the flow or production from the lower zone B may enter the lower end of the tubing and then may be directed upwardly through the device S into the tubing string thereabove, through which it is conducted to the surface.

The flow selector device S is clearly shown in Figures 2 and 3 and includes an outer tubular body 16 having an axial bore 17 extending therethrough. The lower end of the body is provided with a threaded pin 18 whereby said body may be connected through a suitable coupling (not shown) with the well tubing 13. The upper end of the body 16 has a rotatable connection through ball bearings 19 with a cylindrical shank 20 which is formed integral with the lower end of a box member 21. The box member 21 is provided with internal screw threads for attachment to the tubing string 13. Nearer its lower end, the tubular body 16 is provided with inlet ports 22 which extend radially through the wall thereof.

A tubular valve element 23 is disposed axially Within the lower portion of the body 16, and this valve element has a closed bottom 24. Spaced upwardly from the bottom a plurality of slots or openings 25 are formed in the tubular valve element, and obviously when these openings are in communication with the inlet ports 22 in the body 16 a flow from the area exteriorly of the body 16 may occur into the bore 23a of the tubular valve element. The lower portion of the valve element is slidable within a packing means 26 which is retained within the lower end of the body 16 by a suitable retaining collar 27.

As will be hereinafter explained, the tubular valve element 23 is movable axially or longitudinally Within the body 16 and when in the position shown in Figure 2 the slots or openings 25 of said element communicate with the inlet ports 22 in the valve body, whereby flow from the upper zone A may enter the bore of the valve element; at this time that portion of the valve element below the slots or openings 25 is within the packing and the closed bottom 24 prevents any flow from the lower zone upwardly through the tubing string. When the valve element 23 is moved downwardly to the position shown in Figure 3, the slots or openings 25 are disposed below the packing 26 and in such case communication between the above the device.

inlets 22 in the body and such slots is shut ofi. At the same time, flow from the lower zone B may pass upwardly through the openings or slots 25 in the valve element, and such flow may enter the bore 23a of such element.

For actuating the tubular valve element 23, said element has a-tubular extension 28 extending upwardly within the bore of the body, and this extension is provided with an external groove 29 which is engaged by a pin 30 mounted in the body 16. The coaction between the pin and groove prevent a rotation of the tubular valve element within the body. The lower portion of the bore of the extension 28 is formed with coarse screw threads 31 and these screw threads are adapted to be engaged by threads 32 which are formed on the external lower portion of an elongate actuating sleeve 33. The sleeve 33 is preferably made integral with the shank 20 of the box member 21.

As has been previously pointed out, the box member which is connected to the tubing string above the device is rotatable with respect to the body 16 and with respect 'to the lower portion of the tubing connected to said body.

The lower packer 14 is mounted on the tubing below the device and when in its set position will function to retain the body 16 stationary. Thus, when the upper portion of the tubing is rotated a rotation is imparted to the sleeve 33 and through the interengagement of the relatively coarse threads 32 of this sleeve with the coarse threads 31 of the extension 28 a longitudinal movement is imparted to the extension 28 and to the valve element 23. The

threads

31 and 32 are preferably left hand threads so that a left hand rotation of the upper portion of the tubing string will result in moving the valve element 23 from the position shown in Figure 2 to the position shown inFigure 3.

For packing off between the'extension 28 and the actuating sleeve 33 suitable packing 34'is confined between the upper portion of the extension 23 and the exterior of the sleeve,.said packing being supported upon an internal shoulder 35 provided for this purpose within the bore of the extension. A packing gland 36 which may be split is threaded into the extreme upper end of the extension 28 to retain the packing 34. It is desirable under certain conditions that the upper portion of the tubing 13 may transmit direct right hand rotation to the lower portion of the tubing below the device S and in order to permit such transmission of rotation, the upper surface of the packing gland 36 is formed with upwardly directed clutch teeth 37. Complementary clutch teeth 33 are formed on the under surface of a shoulder 39 which is formed at the lower end of the shank 29 at the box member 21, as is clearly shown in Figure 2. The pitch or incline of the

clutch teeth

37 and 38 is the same as the pitch of the

coarse threads

31 and 32 so that when the upper portion of the tubing is rotated in a left hand direction a separation of the clutch teeth will occur. However, upon a right hand rotation, which is when the parts are in the position shown in Figure 2, it is evident that the clutch teeth are interengaged and a rotation of the upper portion of the tubing will transmit the same rotation to the ex tension 28 and tubular valve element 23. Through the pin or key 30 and slot 29 this rotation is transmitted to the body 16 and then to the lower portion of the tubing. It is therefore obvious that under certain conditions a right hand rotation of the upper portion of the tubing will be transmitted through the device S to the lower portion of the tubing whereby well devices connected to the lower portion of the tubing may be manipulated.

In the operation of the selector device, the same is connected in the tubing string as shown in Figure 1, and

with the parts of the device in the position as shown in Figure 2, the tubular valve element 23 is in its raised position, whereby the inlet ports 22 of the body 16 communicate with the slots or openings 25 of the valve element and flow into the bore of said valve element may occur. From this bore flow is upwardly through the bore 33a of the actuating sleeve 33, and then into the tubing string It is thus evident that the production 4 from the upper zone is directed upwardly through the tubing. At this time flow from the lower zone B is shut off because the lower closed end of the tubular valve element is adjacent the packing 26 which surrounds and packs off around the lower portion of said element.

When it is desired to shut off the. flow from the upper zone and to direct flow from the lower zone, it is only necessary to rotate the tubing 13 above the device in a left hand direction. The outer body 16 is held stationary and through the key 30 and slot 29 the valve element is also held against rotation. The coaction between the coarse threads 32 on the actuating sleeve 33 and the threads 31 on extension 28 of the valve element moves said valve element downwardly with respect to the body to the position shown in Figure 3. In such position the slots or openings 25 in the valve element are disposed below the packing 26 whereby the flow from the.upper zone is shut off. Such movement of the valve element to the position of Figure 3 establishes communication between the bore of the tubing below the device S and the bore of the tubing above said device, whereby'the flow from the lower zone is directed upwardly through the tubing string.

A reverse rotation, that is, a rotation of the upper portion of the tubing in a right hand direction when the parts are in the position of Figure 3, will cause the tubular valve element to be returned to the position shown in Figure 2. In such position flow is again directed into the tubing from the upper zone and is shut off from the lower zone. It is, of course, evident that if the slots or openings 25 in the valve element are moved opposite the packing 26 flow from both zones will be shut off. After the parts have been returned to the position shown in Figure 2 the

clutch teeth

37 and 38 have been reengaged so that further right hand rotation of the tubingabove the selector will transmit such rotation through the selector device to the lower portion of the tubing.

The device is extremely simple in construction and comprises a minimum number of parts. The unit permits the operation to be carried out to selectively. direct flow from either producing zone without imparting any longitudinal movement to the tubing string. The actuation of the selector device is effected solely by rotation of the tubing, and thus the setting of packers which are mounted on the tubing string are not interfered with. It is, of course, evident that the upper portion of the'tubing must be rotatable within the packer 15, but since the, lower portion of the tubing is never required to rotate, the lower packer 14 may be any of the well known hook wall types. The upper packer may be of any well known construction which is arranged to allow rotation therethrough while in its set position.

The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is illustrative and 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.

Having described the invention, I claim:

1. A flow selector device including, a well tubing, a tubular body rotatably mounted on the well tubing and having an inlet port in its wall, a tubular valve slidably keyed within the body and movable longitudinally therein,

to establish or shut off communication between said inlet port and the bore of the well tubing, an annular packing in the lower portion of the bore of said tubular body, said valve having its lower end closed and movable through said packing and also having an opening in its wall which is adapted to be disposed above or below said packing, an actuating sleeve secured to the well tubing and extending axially within said body, and interengaging means rotatably connecting the sleeve and tubular valve for imparting longitudinal movement to the valve with respect to the body and the sleeve when said sleeve is rotated relative to the valve, whereby the valve is operated to control flow from said inlet port to the well tubing.

2. A flow selector device including, a well tubing, a tubular body rotatably mounted on the well tubing and having an inlet port in its wall, a tubular valve slidably keyed within the body and movable longitudinally therein to establish or shut oflf communication between said inlet port and the bore of the well tubing, an annular packing in the lower portion of the bore of said tubular body, said valve having its lower end closed and movable through said packing and also having an opening in its wall which is adapted to be disposed above or below said packing, an actuating sleeve secured to the well tubing and extending axially Within said body, and interengaging means rotatably connecting the sleeve and tubular valve for imparting longitudinal movement to the valve with respect to the body and the sleeve when said sleeve is rotated relative to the valve, whereby the valve is operated to control flow from said inlet port to the well tubing, said tubular valve when in a position shutting off communication between the inlet port and tubing establishing communication between said tubing and the area below the body by means of the opening in its wall.

3. A flow selector device including, a well tubing, a tubular body rotatably mounted on said tubing, a tubular valve element slidably keyed within the body and movable longitudinally relative thereto, an annular packing in the lower portion of the bore of the body, said valve having its lower end movable through the packing and also having an opening in its wall which is adapted to be disposed above or below said packing, the body having a side inlet port which is in communication with the bore of the valve through the opening in the valve when said valve opening is above the packing, the area below the packing being in communication with the bore of the valve when the valve opening is below said packing, and actuating means secured to the well tubing and engaged with the valve and imparting longitudinal movement to the valve when the well tubing is rotated.

4. A flow selector device as set forth in claim 3, together with clutch means between said actuating means and valve for rotatably connecting the actuating means to the valve and body to rotate as a unitary structure.

5. A flow selector device as set forth in claim 3, including downwardly extending ratchet lugs on said actuating means, and upwardly extending ratchet lugs on said tubular valve element adapted to interengage with said downwardly extending ratchet lugs when said valve element has reached its limit of upward longitudinal movement, whereby rotation of said actuating means effects rotation of said valve and said body.

6. A flow selector device including, a well tubing, a tubular body rotatably mounted on said tubing, a tubular valve element slidably keyed within the body and movable longitudinally relative thereto, an annular packing in the lower portion of the bore of the body, said valve having its lower end movable through the packing and also having an opening in its wall which is adapted to be disposed above or below said packing, the body having a side inlet port which is in communication with the bore of the valve through the opening in the valve when said valve opening is above the packing, the area below the packing being in communication with the bore of the valve when the valve opening is below said packing, an actuating sleeve secured to the well tubing and extending axially within the body, and interengaging threads on said sleeve and tubular valve for imparting longitudinal movement to the valve when the well tubing and sleeve are rotated with respect to said valve and body in which the valve is keyed.

7. A flow selector device as set forth in claim 6, wherein the interengaging threads on the sleeve and valve are coarse left hand threads.

8. A flow selector device as set forth in claim 6, together with a clutch means between the Well tubing and body operable only upon right hand rotation of the Well tubing, whereby rotation of the tubing imparts simultaneous rotation to the body and valve which is keyed within said body.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,107,457 Van Stone Feb. 8, 1938 2,121,268 Shafler June 21, 1938 2,144,842 Hanes Jan. 24, 1939 2,327,610 Savitz Aug. 24, 1943