US2799345A

US2799345A - Tubing tester and well packer apparatus

Info

Publication number: US2799345A
Application number: US394109A
Authority: US
Inventors: Reuben C Baker
Original assignee: Baker Oil Tools Inc
Current assignee: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
Priority date: 1953-11-24
Filing date: 1953-11-24
Publication date: 1957-07-16
Anticipated expiration: 1974-07-16

Description

July 16, 1957 R. c. BAKER 2,799,345

TUBING TESTER AND WELL PAcKER APPARATUS 2 Sheeis-Sheet 1 IN VEN TOR. .Pezaem dBa/efl ATTORNEYS f J w x w 432% by MW w w [MMMU W 6 g A July 16, 1957 R. C. BAKER TUBING TESTER AND WELL PACKER APPARATUS Filed NOV. 24, 1953 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 United States Patent TUBING TESTER AND WELL PACKER APPARATUS Reuben C. Baker, Coalinga, Calif., assignor to Baker Gil fTools, Inc., Los Angeles, Calif., a corporation of Caliorma Application November 24, 1953, Serial No. 394,109

16 Claims. (Cl. 166-133) The present invention relates to subsurface well bore apparatus, and more particularly to apparatus useful in the performance of cementing, testing, acidizing, formation fracturing, pressurizing, producing, and similar operations in well bores.

In the use of apparatus in a well bore in conjunction with a tubular string, such as tubing or drill pipe extending to the top of the well bore, it may be desired to pressure test the tubular string above the apparatus to ascertain the presence of any leaks in the tubular string. Prior modes of enabling the tubular string to be tested by closing off its lower portion and then opening such lower portion after the test has been completed have entailed much time, involving correspondingly great expense.

An object of the present invention is to provide apparatus for pressure testing tubular strings disposed in well bores and for circulating fluid through said tubular strings, in which operation of the apparatus in performing its function can be accomplished in a comparatively short time.

Another object of the invention is to provide apparatus for pressure testing a tubular string by selectively opening and closing the tubular string, in which the apparatus is completely or substantially entirely hydraulically balanced, to facilitate manipulation of the apparatus between a position closing the tubular string and a position opening the tubular string, to permit fluid to be pumped through it.

A further object of the invention is to provide apparatus for pressure testing a tubular string, in which the apparatus can be locked in an open or circulating position, with assurance that it cannot be shifted inadvertently hydraulically, or otherwise, to a closed or pressure testing position.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide an improved apparatus to be lowered in a well bore on a tubular string, and embodying a Well packer to be set in the well bore and a tester in the tubular string for pressure testing the latter, in which the packer facilitates operation of the tester and the tester aids in the operation of the packer.

This invention possesses many other advantages, and has other objects which may be made more clearly apparent from a consideration of a form in which it may be embodied. This form is shown in the drawings accompanying and forming part of the present specification. It will now be described in detail, for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention; but it is to be understood that such detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims;

Referring to the drawings:

Figure l is a side elevational view of an apparatus embodying the invention being lowered through a well casing disposed in a well bore;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged longitudinal section of the tubular string testing portion of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1;

2,799,345 7 Patented July 16, 1957 ice Fig. 3 is a side elevational view, with parts being shown in section, of a portion of the well packer disclosed in Fig. 1, the packer being drawn on a greatly enlarged scale which is still greater than the scale of the tester shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a cross-section taken along the line 4-4 on Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 2 disclosing the tubing tester in an open or circulating position;

Fig. 6 is a cross-section, on an enlarged scale, taken along the line 66 on Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 6 with the parts in another relative position;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged longitudinal section of the ratchet lock portion of the device shown in Fig. 5, in a released position;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged cross-section taken along the line 9-9 on Fig. 5.

As disclosed in the drawings, an apparatus is lowered in a well casing A on the lower portion of a tubular string B, which may be a string of tubing or drill pipe. The apparatus includes a tubing tester and circulating valve mechanism C at its upper portion connected to the lower end of the tubular string B and a well packer D at its lower portion which may be of the retrievable type. This well packer can be of any known construction. Specifically, it is the type of packer shown in the United States Patent No. 2,633,917.

As described in the above patent, the packer D consists essentially of a central tubular body 10 having an abutment 11 secured to its lower portion, which engages the lower end of a packing sleeve 12, of rubber or rubber-like material. The upper end of the packing sleeve 12 engages the lower end of an expander 13 slidable relative to the body 10 this expander having circumferentially spaced tapered surfaces 14 inclined in an upward and inward direction for cooperation with companion inner tapered surfaces 15 on a plurality of slips 16. The slips are pin connected to the lower ends of links 17 that are, in turn, pin connected to a slip ring 18 slidable with respect to the body 10'. The slip ring 18 is supported from a swivel connection 19 by a ratchet sleeve 20 encompassing the body 10, this ratchet sleeve having a drag device 21 secured to it. As specifically disclosed, the drag device 21 includes circumferentially spaced and outwardly bowed springs 22 adapted to frictionally engage the wall of the well casing A, the lower ends of the springs being secured to the ratchet sleeve 20 and the upper ends to an upper collar 23 slidable on the body 10 of the well packer D.

The packer body 10 can be moved longitudinally within the ratchet sleeve 20, and with respect to the expander 13 and packing sleeve 12, for the purpose of expanding the slips 16 and packing sleeve 12 outwardly into engagement with the well casing A, or to effect retraction of these parts from the well casing. Upward movement of the body 10 within and with respect to the drag device 21, ratchet sleeve 20, slips 16, expander 13 and packing sleeve 12 is dependent upon a releasable clutch that can effect a detachable connection between the body 10 and the ratchet sleeve 20. This clutch, as disclosed, is of the one-way ratchet type, to enable the body 10 to move downwardly within the ratchet sleeve 20, but in which upward movement is ordinarily precluded.

The ratchet type of clutch device includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced circumferential ratchet teeth 25 on the exterior of the body 10 adapted to engage internal teeth 26 in a splitratchet lock ring 27. This lock ring has an external tapered surface 28 inclined in an upward and inward direction engageable with a companion internal surface 29in the ratchet sleeve 20. When the ratchet ring 27 moves upwardly with respect to the ratchet sleeve 2d, it is moved in an inward direction to hold its internal teeth 25 in engagement with the body external teeth 25. When the ring 27 is shifted in a downward direction with respect to the ratchet sleeve 2%, and into a 'wider portion in the latter, then it can be expanded to disengage its internal teeth 26 from the external teeth 25 of the body 11?.

By referring specifically to Fig. 4 of the drawings, it will be noted that the body has an external longitudinally extended groove or keyway 30 in which a key 31 projects inwardly from ,one end of the split ratchet ring 27. The other end of the ratchet ring engages a stop element 32 secured to the ratchet sleeve 20. Since the ratchet sleeve 20 is normally prevented from rotating by the frictional engagement of the drag device 21 with the wall of the well casing A, the rotation of the body 10 of the packer in a clockwise direction, as seen in Fig. 4, or to the right, will cause one side of the body keyway 39 to engage the ratchet ring key 31, forcing the other end of the ring against the stop element 32, thereby open ing up or expanding the ratchet ring 27in an outward direction, to disengage its internal teeth 26 from the body teeth 25. When such disengagement occurs, the body 10 can be shifted in an upward direction within-the ratchet sleeve 29. During such upward shifting of the body, the drag device 21 is resisting longitudinal movement of the slips 16. As a result, the upward movement of the body carries the abutment 11, packing sleeve 12 and expander 13 upwardly with it, the tapered surfaces 14 of the expander then shifting the slips 16 in a radial outward direction into anchoring engagement with the wall of the well casing A. Since the expander 13 is now wedged within the slips, it cannot move to any further extent in an upward direction. Accordingly, a continuation of the upward movement of the body 10 of the tool will move its abutment 11 upwardly with it toward the expander 13 foreshortening the packing sleeve 12 and expanding it into firm sealing engagement with the well casing A. In the event itis desired to release the well packer D, it is merely necessary to lower the body, which will move the abutment 11 away from the expander 13, to allow the packing sleeve 12 to retract, whereupon the expander 13 can move in a downward direction with respect to the slips 16, enabling the latter to retract to their initial position away from anchoring engagement with the well casing. If the right-hand rotation or turning eflort is not being imposed on the body, the ratchet ring 27 will retract inherently, to reengage its teeth 26 with the body teeth 25, in order that upward movement of the body 10 will then carry the ring 27 upwardly with it, wedging the latter against the tapered surface 29 of the ratchet sleeve 20 and carrying the ratchet sleeve and drag device 21 upwardly with it. Since the slips 16 are connected to the ratchet sleeve, and in view of the interconnection between the slips and expander 13 (specifically not shown in the drawings), and also the interconnection between the expander and the packing sleeve 12, all of the parts will be moved upwardly within the casing as a unit, without expanding the slips 16 and packing sleeve 12 outwardly against the casing, thereby enabling the well packer to be removed from the hole.

The present invention does not require a detailed description of the retrievable packer structure D disclosed in the drawings. Attention is invited to the above referred to Patent No. 2,633,917 for further details. The well packer shown in the present drawings is essentially the same as disclosed in the above patent, with the exception that in the present case the drag device 21 is connected directly to the ratchet sleeve 20, instead of indirectly thereto, as shown in the patent.

When the well packer D is anchored in packed-off condition in the well casing, it is desired to pump fluids down through the tubing string B and out through the well packer body 10. After leaving the lower end of the well packer, the particular fluids or fluent substances pumped therethrough are normally discharged under pressure into the formation surrounding or below the well casing A. Before pumping the particular fluent substances down the tubing string B, it is sometimes desired to be assured that the tubing string does not leak. Accordingly, a tubular string tester C is attached to the upper end of the packer D. This tester is of the type that will allow fluids to be pumped from the tubing string B, through the tester C and down through the body 10. it also enables the lower end of the tubing string B to be effectively closed, so that pressure can be built up in the tubular string, in order to test it for leaks.

The tubing tester C shown in the drawings includes an outer cylindrical member 33 which may be attached directly or indirectly to the upper end of the packer body it). As disclosed, the packer body is threadedly secured within a lower cylindrical section or sub 34 which, in turn, is threaded into an elongate intermediate cylindrical section 35, the upper end of which is threaded onto an upper cylindrical section or head 36. Telescopically arranged within the cylinder is a mandrel or tester body 37, which includes an upper mandrel section 38 that can be threaded into a collar 39, which is, in turn, threaded onto the lower end of the tubular string B. The upper mandrel section 38 has its lower portion threaded into an intermediate tubular mandrel section 40, which is, in turn, threaded onto a lower mandrel section 41, which can be in the form of a plug closing the lower end of the mandrel structure 37. The intermediate mandrel section 40 has a plurality of elongate side ports 42 extending through it, opening outwardly into an annular space or chamber 43 formed between the exterior of the mandrel 37 and the intermediate cylinder section 35.

The lower mandrel section 41 carries a plurality of side seals which may be of any suitable form. As dis closed, they consist of longitudinally spaced chevron packing elements 44 separated by metallic spacers 45, the chevron packing facing in an upward direction, so as to seal against the periphery of the lower mandrel section and against a lower cylindrical seat 46 formed in the lower cylinder section 34. The chevron packing 44 and spacers 45 may be confined between a lower shoulder 47 on the lower mandrel section 41 and the lower end of the intermediate mandrel section 40.

The packing elements 44 are adapted to be disposed completely within the cylindrical seat 46, as determined by engagement of the lower end of the mandrel 37 with a stop shoulder 48 provided on the lower cylinder section 34. When the mandrel 37 has been shifted downwardly within the cylinder 33 to its fullest extent, as determined by engagement of its lower end with the stop shoulder 48, the lower seals 44 engage the cylindrical seat 46 and prevent any fluid in the tubing string B and mandrel 37 from passing out through the side ports 42 into the cylinder space 43, and then on down into the packer body 10. This same fluid is prevented from moving in .an upward direction between the mandrel 37 and the cylinder 33 by suitable side seals 49 on the mandrel 37 above the side ports 42. These side seals 49 are adapted to provide a seal between the upper mandrel section 38 and an upper cylindrical seat 50 formed in the intermediate cylinder section 33 above the cylinder chamber 43. These side seals 49 may also be of the chevron packing type, including longitudinally spaced chevron seal rings adapted to engage the periphery of the upper mandrel section 38 and the cylindrical seat 50. The seals 49 themselvesare separated by suitable metallic spacer elements 51. The

side seal arrangement

49, 51 is confined between a shoulder 52 on the mandrel section 38 and the upper end of the intermediate mandrel section 46.

When the mandrel 37 is telescoped downwardly within the cylinder 33 to its fullest extent, as disclosed in Fig. 2, fluid cannot pass out of the ports 42 and into the cylinder ,chamber 43 and on down into the packer body 10, or

upwardly between the mandrel 3'7 and the cylinder 33, inasmuch as both the upper and lower packing seals 49, 44 are sealingly engaging the upper and lower

cylindrical seats

50, 46, respectively. However, when the mandrel 37 is elevated within the cylinder 33, to shift the lower sealing elements 44 completely out of the lower seat 46, then the fluid can be pumped down through the tubular string B and into the tubular mandrel 37, exiting through the side ports 42 into the cylinder chamber 43, and then flowing from this chamber down through the lower cylinder section 34 and on into the packer body 10 for discharge from the lower end of the latter. This open position is determined by engagement of an upper stop flange 53 on the upper mandrel section 38 with an inwardly directed stop shoulder 54 provided on the upper cylinder section 36.

The upper cylindrical seat 50 is elongate and is of a length suflicient to cause the upper side seals 49 to remain in continuous sealing engagement therewith. That is to say, the seal rings 49 still sealingly engage the cylindrical wall 50 when the stop flange 53 engages the stop shoulder 54, thereby placing the tubing testing device C in a fluid circulating position. They still engage the upper cylindrical wall 50 when the mandrel 37 is in its lowermost position, with the lower seals 44 engaging their cylindrical seat 46 to their fullest extent, thereby preventing fluid from passing downwardly through the tester C, as disclosed in Fig. 2.

Normally, it is desired to hold the tubing tester C in its open or circulating position, such as disclosed in Fig. 5. It is apparent that during downward movement of the tubing string B with the tubing tester C connected thereto through the well casing A that the mandrel 37 would tend to move downwardly into position shown in Fig. 2, in which the tester is closed. To prevent such action from occurring, a suitable lock or clutch device is provided between the upper mandrel section 38 and the cylinder 33. This particular lock device may be similar to the lock device 2530 provided between the packer body 10 and its ratchet sleeve 20, although operating in a reverse direction. Thus, the upper mandrel section 38 is provided with longitudinally spaced and downwardly facing circumferential ratchet teeth 60 on its exterior adapted to engage upwardly facing internal teeth 61 in a split ratchet or lock ring 62 encompassing the mandrel. This split latch ring has an external tapered surface 63 inclined in a downward and inward direction adapted to cooperate with a companion internal surface 64 formed at the upper portion of the intermediate cylinder section 35. The generally frusto-conical recess 65 provided in the cylinder extends downwardly from the lower end of the upper cylinder section 36, which limits the upward travel of the split ratchet ring 62 within the cylinder. When the ratchet ring 62 is in this upward position, there is a substantial clearance space between it and the tapered cam surface 64 on the cylinder, which allows the ratchet ring to be expanded out of engagement with the mandrel 37. When such outward expansion occurs, the mandrel can be lowered relative to the cylinder 33. However, the ratchet ring 62 inherently tends to contract to place its ratchet teeth 61 in locking engagement with the mandrel teeth 60. When in this position, downward movement of the mandrel 37 will move the ratchet ring 62 down with it to cause its external tapered surface 63 to engage the internal tapered surface 64 on the cylinder, which then forces the ratchet ring inwardly and locks the mandrel 37 against downward movement relative to the cylinder 33 (Fig. When this occurs, which ordinarily takes place when it is desired to hold the tester in a circulating position, the lower seals 44 on the mandrel cannot be moved downwardly into the lower cylindrical seat 46, which would close the lower end of the tester.

The movement of the split ratchet ring 62 into and out of engagement with the mandrel teeth 60 is effected by causing oneend of the ratchet ring to engage a suitable stop element 66 in the form of a pin secured to the cylinder 33 and extending radially inward. The other end of the split ratchet ring has an inwardly directed key 67 adapted to be received within tending keyway 68 in the mandrel. The arrangement is essentially the same as the ratchet clutch device in the packer D, except that the ring 62 is expanded outwardly upon turning of the mandrel 37 to the left. Thus, as shown in Fig. 6, the ratchet ring 62 is in its locked or coupling position. I When the mandrel is turned to the left, or in a clockwise direction, one side 68a of the longitudinal keyway 68 will engage the key or lug 67 of the, ring, to shift it partially circumferentially of the cylinder, causing the other end of the ring to engage the stop pin 66. When such engagement occurs, a continued partial turning of the mandrel 37 will open or expand the ring 62 to a position in which its teeth 61 are moved out of engagement with the mandrel teeth 60 (Figs. 7 and 8). When this occurs, the mandrel 37 can then be lowered with respect to the cylinder 33, to place the lower seals 44 in full engagement with the lower cylindrical seat 46, thereby closing the tester C.

When it is desired to open the tester, it is unnecessary to'disengage the upper ratchet ring 62 from the mandrel 37. Instead, in view of the direction in which the

ratchet teeth

60, 61 face, it is only necessary to take an upward pull on the tubing string B, which will elevate the mandrel with respect to the cylinder, the ratchet ring 62 being carried up against the lower end of the upper cylinder section 36 in which the mandrel teeth 60 ratchet upwardly freely through the ring 62, the ring expanding laterally outward within the cylinder, as permitted by the clearance that exists between the outer portion 63 of the ring and the upper enlarged tapered surface 64 of the cylinder (Fig. 2).

In securing the relative rotation between the mandrel 37 and the cylinder 33, for the purpose of releasing the ratchet ring 62 whenever the tester C is to be closed, some means must be provided for resisting or preventing'rotation of the cylinder 33. In the present instance, the necessary resistance is furnished by the drag device 21 forming part of the well packer D. This drag device resists rotation of the ratchet sleeve 20, to which it is connected and, through the lower ratchet ring 27 and packer body 10, resists rotation of the cylinder 33 connected to the packer body. As a result, the rotation of the tubing string B and the mandrel 37 to the left can disengage the upper ratchet ring 62 from the mandrel 37. While this ring is in its outward expanded position, the mandrel 37 can then be lowered relative to the cylinder 33, to close the tester, placing it in the position shown in Fig. 2. During this downward longitudinal movement, the drag device 21 of the packer also resists longitudinal movement of the cylinder 33 in the well casing A, and enables the downward telescoping movement of the mandrel within the cylinder to take place.

It is to be noted that the upper ratchet ring 62 is released from the mandrel 37 when the latter and the tubing string B are turned to the left, whereas the packer ratchet ring 27 is released from the packer body 10 when the latter and the tubing string are turned to the right. Accordingly, the manipulation of the tester C in placing it in a closed or testing position cannot inadvertently effect any release of the packer ratchet ring 27, allowing the packer to'be set inadvertently. By the same token, the manipulation of the tubing string B, to release the packer ratchet ring 27, cannot result in inadvertent release of the tester ratchet ring. In other words, the partial turning of the tubing string B to release one of the ratchet rings means that the other ratchet ring is placed in its locked position. Both of the ratchet rings cannot be released at the same time.

In order to release the packer ratchet ring 27 and effect setting of the packer D in the well casing A, the

a longitudinally ex- 7 tubing string B is turned to the right. This rotation is transmitted to thetester mandrel 37 and must be transmitted from the mandrel to the cylinder 33, which is connected to the body it of the well packer. It is preferred to relieve the upper ratchet lock ring 62. of the turning effort that must be transmitted between the mandrel and the cylinder in accomplishing this purpose, although, if desired, the motion of the mandrel could be transmitted through the upper lock ring 62 and through the latter to the stop pin 66 connected to the cylinder 33. To relieve this lock ring of this turning effort, a comparatively thin key 79 extends through the cylinder 33 and into the man drel keyway 63 below the location of the ratchet ring 62. This key It? is relatively thin and is much narrower than the circumferential extent of the mandrel keyway 63 itself. When the mandrel 37 is in a position with respect to the cylinder 33 allowing the upper latch ring 62 to be coupled to the mandrel, one side 71 of the key 76) is relatively close to one side 6811 of the longitudinal keyway. However, the other side 72 of the key is a substantial distance from the other side 68a of the mandrel keyway. When the tubing string B and mandrel 37 are turned to the right, for the purpose of releasing the packer ratchet rin 27, the side 68b of the mandrel keyway 68 engages the key 79 very shortly, transmitting the turning effort of the mandrel to the cylinder 33, from which it is transmitted to the packer body lltl. However, in view of the greater clearance allowed between the other side 68a of the mandrel keyway and the key 70 (Fig. 9), the turning of the mandrel to the left can occur without interference from the key 70, since the extent of relative left-hand turning of the mandrel 37 with respect to the cylinder 33, to completely release the upper ratchet ring 62 from the mandrel ratchet teeth 60 is less than the initial distance between the side 6811 of the mandrel keyway and the side 72 of the key '79, itself. Thus, the key 70 is effective to transmit a right-hand rotation between the mandrel 37 and the cylinder 33, but it is not elfective to interfere with the left-hand rotation of the mandrel 37 within the cylinder 33 for the purpose of releasing or unclutching the upper lock ring 62 from the mandrel ratchet teeth 60.

The key 79 extends through a slot 73 in the cylinder 33 for relative sliding within the mandrel keyw ay 68, as explained above. This key may have a suitable knob or handle 74 at its outer end enabling it to be grasped for the purpose of assembling it in position and dismantling it from the apparatus. Once it is assembled in position, it is held in such position by upper and lower retainer screws 75 threaded into the cylinder 33, with their heads overlapping the upper and lower portions of the key above and below its knob or handle 74.

The tubing tester C is connected to the upper end of .the packer body 10 and its upper end to the tubing string wedge the ratchet ring 62 within the tapered surface. 64

of the cylinder, thereby locking or clutching the mandrel and cylinder together. During the downward movement of the packer D, the fluid in the well casing can flow upwardly through it, passing into the cylinder 33'and the chamber 43 of the latter, from where it can flow through i the side ports 42 into the tubular mandrel 37,'and then continue up through the mandrel and into the tubing string B, thus insuring the automatic filling of the tubing string with the fluid in the well casing 7 Whenever it is desired to test the tubing. B- that has to their retracted position.

been run into the well casing, it is merely necessary to turn the tubing string counter-clockwise, or to the left, the drag device 21 of the packer D engaging the casing A and resisting rotation of the body 10 and the cylinder 33 attached thereto. Such left-hand turning causes the mandrel 37 to release the upper ratchet ring 62 from the mandrel ratchet teeth 66, and, while the left-hand torque or strain is imposed on the tubing string and the mandrel, the latter can be lowered within the cylinder 33 until its lower end engages the stop shoulder 48, which insures that the lower packing seals 44 are in sealing engagement with the lower cylinder seat 46. Pressure can now be applied to the fluid in the tubing string B, the fluid being prevented from passing down into the packer body 10 by the mandrel closure plug 41. Pressure to the desired extent can be built up in the tubing string to determine whether any of the tubing sections run in the casing leak. In the event that leakage is not detected, then all that need be done is to release the left-hand torque on the tubing string and elevate it, the mandrel 37 ratcheting freely through the ratchet lock ring 62 until its flange 53 engages the stop shoulder 54, which insures that the tester is again in the circulating or open position shown in Fig. 5.

Continued downward movement of the tubing string B and the apparatus C, D connected thereto in the casing A can occur with the tester remaining in open position, since the upper clutch device 6065 automatically connects the mandrel 37 to the cylinder 33 and prevents the mandrel from moving downwardly within the cylinder. At any subsequent time that it is desired to test the tubing string B during its lowering in the well casing, it is merely necessary to turn the tubing string to the left, to release the upper clutch ring 62 again from the mandrel, allowing the mandrel 37 to be lowered within the cylinder 33 to close the lower end of the cylinder once again (Fig. 2).

Following the testing of the tubing string, it is merely necessary to elevate the tubing string B again, which will place the tester in the circulating position shown in Fig. 5, the tester then being locked by the upper ratchet ring 62 in this open position, enabling the tubing string to again be lowered in the well casing with the tester C and packer D suspended from its lower end.

When the point in the well casing has been reached at which it is desired to set the well packer D, the tubing string B is turned to the right. Such right-hand rotation will have no effect in unlocking the upper clutch device, since the right-hand rotation insures the retention of the upper ratchet ring 62 in its locked position. However, the right-hand rotation is transmitted from the mandrel .37 through the key 70 to the cylinder 33, and from the cylinder to the body ltl, the right-hand turning of the packer body releasing the packer ratchet lock ring 27, enabling the tubing string B to be elevated, this elevating motion being transmitted through the mandrel flange 53 to the cylinder 33, and from the cylinder to the body 10. As described above and in Patent 2,633,917, such release of the lower ratchet ring 27 and the elevating movement of the bodylti causes the slips 16 to be engaged with the casing A and the packing sleeve 12 to be expanded into firm sealing engagement with the wall of the well casing.

Fluids may now be pumped down the tubing string B and through the tester C and the body It) of the well packer D, for discharge from the lower end of the packer. When the apparatus is to be removed from the well casing, the tubing string B need merely be lowered, the downward movement of the tubing string being transmitted through the mandrel 37 and the ratchet ring 62 engaged therewith to the cylinder 33, which lowers the body it with respect to the slips 16, expander 13 and packing sleeve 12, allowing the slips and packing sleeve to shift The relieving of any torque or turning tendency in the tubing string will now insure that the packer ratchet ring 27 will contract back into locking engagement with the body 10, allowing the tubing string B to be elevated, which will elevate the tester C and the well packer D in the well casing A. Of course, during the elevating movement, the tester C is automatically placed in the circulating or open position shown in 'Fig. 5, since the mandrel 37 can ratchet freely through the upper ratchet ring 62.

It is preferred to have the diameter S of the lower cylinder seat 46 equal or substantially equal to the diameter Rof the upper cylinder seat 50, to provide a balanced valve. When the tester has been shifted to the testing position shown in Fig. 2, and despite the presence of substantial pressure in the mandrel 37 and in the cylinder 33 between the

seats

46, 50, the mandrel can still be shifted in an upward direction to the open or circulating position shown in Fig. 5, since there are no hydraulic forces tending to hold or shift the mandrel 37 in one longitudinal direction or the other. It is merely necessary to overcome the friction of the upper and lower sealing elements49, 44 against the upper and lower cylindrical seats.

To prevent fluids and other substances that might be present between the mandrel and the cylinder above the upper sealing elements 49 fromv retarding or restricting telescoping movement of the mandrel 37 within the cylinder 33, a bleeder hole 76 may be provided in the upper cylinder section 36 adjacent its stop shoulder 54. If desired, above this bleeder hole a wiper ring 77 may be mounted on the upper cylinder section which slidably seals against the periphery of the upper mandrel section 38, thereby minimizing the tendency for foreign substances to pass between the mandrel 37 and the cylinder 33, which might prevent the telescoping movement of the mandrel with respect to the cylinder.

It is, accordingly, apparent-that a tubular string tester has been provided which is positively locked in its circulating or open poistion when the apparatus is being run in the well casing. At any time it is desired to test the tubing string B, it is a simple matter merely to turn the tubing string to the left, to release the lock device 62 and shift the mandrel 37 to its downward position within the .cylinder 33, closing the lower passage through the latter. When the tester is to be reopened,-all that need be done is to elevate the tubing string B, which automatically ratchets the mandrel 37 upwardly through the upper ratchet ring 62. In addition, such movement to open position is not prevented by hydraulic forces, in view of the fact that the device is balanced hydraulically. It is further to be noted that the upper ratchet or clutch device 62 operates in the reverse direction to the lower ratchet or clutch device 27, so that the release of one clutch device cannot inadvertently eflect release of the other. The two clutch devices do not operate simultaneously, nor is such operation desired. Of course, if the well packer has been set, there is no reason why the tubing string cannot be tested by releasing the upper clutch device and lowering the mandrel within the cylinder to the closed or testing position. Moreover, if it is found that the mandrel 37 is not movable readily upwardly to a circulating position within the cylinder 33, then the tubing string B can be turned to the right and the packer D set, which provides a positive holding action on the outer cylinder 33 and enables a substantial strain to be taken on the tubing string to forcibly elevate the mandrel 37 within the cylinder 33 and place the tester C in its circulating or open position.

The inventor claims:

1. In a well tool for use in a well bore: an outer tubular member; an inner tubular member telescopically arranged in said outer tubular member and-having means thereon for attaching said inner member to a tubular string to lower the well tool in the well bore; said outer member having longitudinally spaced upper and lower cylindrical seats thereon; said inner member having a side port for discharging fluid into said outer member between said seats and said inner member being closed below said 10 port; 'said inner member having longitudinally spaced upper and lower sealing means thereon simultaneously engageable with said upper and lower seats, respectively, to prevent fluid passing out through said port from flowing upwardly from said outer member and downwardly through said outer member; said inner member being shiftable upwardly relative to said outer member to move said lower sealing means above said lower seat to permit fluid pumped down said inner member into said outer member to pass into and down through said lower seat.

2. In a well tool for use in a well bore: an outer tubular member; an inner tubular member telescopically arranged in said outer tubular member and having means thereon for attaching said inner member to a tubular string to lower the well tool in the well bore; said inner member having a side port for discharging fluid into said outer member and said inner member being closed below said port; said inner and outer members having upper and lower longitudinally spaced coengageable seals on opposite sides of said port; said upper and lower seals both being engageable in sealing position when said inner member is disposed in a lower position within said outer member to prevent fluid passing out through said port from flowing upwardly from said outer member and downwardly through said outer member; said inner member being shiftable upwardly relative to said outer member to disengage said lower seal and permit fluid pumped down said inner member to pass into and down through said outer member.

3. In a well tool for use in a well bore: an outer tubular member; an inner tubular member telescopically arranged in said outer tubular member and having means thereon for attaching said inner member to a tubular string to lower the well tool in the well bore; said outer member having longitudinally spaced upper and lower cylindrical seats thereon; said inner member having a side port for discharging fluid into said outer member between said seats and said inner member being closed below said port; said inner member having longitudinally spaced upper and lower sealing means thereon simultaneously engageable with said upper and lower seats, respectively, to prevent fluid passing out through said port from flowing upwardly from said outer member and downwardly through said outer member; said inner member being shiftable upwardly relative to said outer member to move said lower sealing means above said lower seat to permit fluid pumped down said inner member into said outer member to pass into and down through said lower seat; said cylindrical seats being substantially equal in diameter.

4. In a well tool for use in a well bore: an outer tubular member; an inner tubular member telescopically arranged in said outer tubular member and having means thereon for attaching said inner member to a tubular string to lower the well tool in the well bore; said inner member having a side port for discharging fluid into said outer member and said inner member being closed below said port; said inner and outer members having upper and lower longitudinally spaced coengageable seals on opposite sides of said port; said upper and lower seals both being engageable in sealing position when said inner member is disposed in a lower position within said outer member to prevent fluid passing out through said port from flowing upwardly from said outer member and downwardly through said outer member; said inner member being shiftable upwardly relative to said outer member to disengage said lower seal and permit fluid pumped down said inner member to pass into and down through said outer member; said upper and lower seals being substantially equal in diameter.

5. In a well tool for use in a well bore: an outer tubular member; an inner tubular member telescopically arranged in said outer tubular member and having means thereon for attaching said inner member to a tubular string to lower the well tool in the well bore; said outer member having longitudinally spaced upper and lower member to move said lower sealing means above said lower seat to permit fluid pumped down said inner member into said outer member to pass into and down through said lower seat; lock means between said inner and outer members for holding said inner member 111 an upper position within said outer member with said lower seal means out of engagement from said lower seat; and means -for releasing said lock means to permit said inner member to move downwardly within said outer member to dispose said lower sealing means in engagement with said lower seat.

6. In a well tool for use in a well bore; an outer tubular member; an inner tubular member telescopically arranged in said outer tubular member and having means thereon for attaching said inner member to a tubular string to lower the well tool in the well bore; said inner member having a side port for discharging fluid into said outer member and said inner member being closed below said port; said inner and outer members having upper and lower longitudinally spaced coengageable seals on opposite sides of said port; said upper and lower seals both being engageable in sealing position when said inner member is disposed in a lower position within said outer member to prevent fluid passing out through said port from flowing upwardly from said outer member and downwardly through said outer member; said inner member being shiftable upwardly relative to said outer member to disengage said lower seal and permit fluid pumped down said inner member to pass into and down through said outer member; lock means between said inner and outer members for holding said inner member in an upper position within said outer member with said lower seal disengaged; and means for releasing said lock means to permit said inner member to move downwardly within .said outer member to engage said lower seal.

7. In a well tool for use in a well bore: an outer tubular member; an inner tubular member telescopically arranged in said outer tubular member and having means thereon for attaching said inner member to a tubular string to lower the well tool in the well bore; said outer member having longitudinally spaced upper and lower cylindrical seats thereon; said inner member having a side port for discharging fluid into said outer member between said seats and said inner member being closed below said port; said inner member having longitudinally spaced upper and lower sealing means thereon simultaneously engageable with said upper and lower seats, respectively, to prevent fluid passing out through said port from flowing upwardly from said outer member and downwardly through said outer member; said inner member being shiftable upwardly relative to said outer member to move said lower sealing means above said lower seat to permit fluid pumped down said inner member into said outer member to pass into and down through said lower seat; lock means between said inner and outer members for holding said upper member in an upper position within said outer member with said lower seal means out of engagement from said lower seat; means for releasing said lock meansto permit said inner member to move downwardly within said outer member to dispose said lower sealing means in engagement with said lower seat; and a slidable spline connection between said inner and outer members for transmitting rotary motion of said. inner member to said outer member.

8. In a well tool for use in a well bore: an outer tubular member; an inner tubular member telescopically arranged in said outer tubular member and having means thereon for attaching said inner member to a tubular string to lower the well tool in the'well bore; said inner member having a side port for discharging fluid into said outer member and said inner member being closed below said port; said inner and outer members having upper and lower longitudinally spaced coengageable seals on opposite sides of said port; said upper and lower seals both being engageable in sealing position when said inner member is disposed in a lower position within said outer member to prevent fluid passing out through said port from flowing upwardly from said outer member and downwardly through said outer member; said inner member being shiftable upwardly relative to said outer member to disengage said lower seal and permit fluid pumped down said inner member to pass into and down through said outer member; lock means between said inner and outer members for holding said inner member in an upper position within said outer member with said lower seal disengaged; means for releasing said lock means to permit said inner member to move downwardly within said outer member to engage said lower seal; and a slidable spline connection between said inner and outer members for transmitting rotary motion of said inner member to said outer member.

9. In a well tool for use in a well bore: an outer tubular member; an inner tubular member telescopically arranged in said outer tubular member and having means thereon for attaching said inner member to a tubular string to lower the well tool in the well bore; said outer member having longitudinally spaced upper and lower cylindrical seats thereon; said inner member having a side port for discharging fluid into said outer member between said seats and said inner member being closed below said port; said inner member having longitudinally spaced upper and lower sealing means thereon simultaneously engageable with said upper and lower seats, respectively, to prevent fluid passing out through said port from flowing upwardly from said outer member and downwardly through said outer member; said inner member being shiftable upwardly relative to said outer member to move said lower sealing means above said lower seat to permit fluid pumped down said inner member into said outer member to pass into and down through said lower seat; and means frictionally engageable with a wall of the well bore and connected to said outer member to resist movement of said outer member in the Well bore.

10. In a well tool for use in a well bore: an outer tubular member; an inner tubular member telescopically arranged in said outer tubular member and having means thereon for attaching said inner member to a tubular string to lower the well tool in the well bore; said inner member having a side port for discharging fluid into said outer member and said inner member being closed below said port; said inner and outer members having upper and lower longitudinally spaced coengageable seals on opposite sides of said port; said upper and lower seals both being engageable in sealing position when said inner member is disposed in a lower position within said outer member to prevent flud passing out through said port from flowing upwardly from said outer member and downwardly through said outer member; said inner member being shiftable upwardly relative to said outer member to disengage said lower seal and permit fluid pumped down said inner member to pass into and down through said outer member; a one-way clutch between said inner and outer members automatically releasable upon the taking of an upward pull on said inner member and automatically engageable to couple said members together upon lowering of said inner member in the well bore to prevent relative downward movement of said inner member with respect to said outer member; and means for releasing said one-way clutch to permit downward movement of said inner member in said outer member.

ll. In a well tool for use in a well borez, an outer tubular member; an inner tubular member telescopically arranged in said outer tubular member and having means thereon for attaching said inner member to a tubular string to lower the well tool in the well bore; said inner member having a side port for discharging fluid into said outer member and said inner member being closed below said port; said inner and outer members having upper and lower longitudinally spaced coengageable seals on opposite sides of said port; said upper and lower seals both being engageable in sealing position when said inner member is disposed in a lower position within said outer member to prevent fluid passing out through said port from flowing upwardly from said' outer member and downwardly through said outer member; said inner member being shiftable upwardly relative to said outer member to disengage said lower seal and permit fluid pumped down said inner member to pass into and down through said outer member; and a releasable one-way clutch between said inner and outer members automatically releasable upon the taking of an upward pull on said inner member and automatically engageable to couple said members together upon lowering of said inner member in the well bore to prevent relative downward movement of said inner member with respect to said outer member; said one-way clutch including means responsive to turning of said inner member in one direction to disengage said clutch to allow said inner member to be lowered relative to said outer member.

12. In a well tool for use in a well bore: an outer tubular member; an inner tubular member telescopically arranged in said outer tubular member and having means thereon for attaching said inner member to a tubular string to lower the well tool in the well bore; said inner member having a side port .for discharging fluid into said outer member and said inner member being closed below said port; said inner and outer members having upper and lower longitudinally spaced coengageable seals on opposite sides of said port; said upper and lower seals both being engageable in sealing position when said inner member is disposed in a lower position within said outer member to prevent fluid passing out through said port from flowing upwardly from said outer member and downwardly through said outer member; said inner member being shiftable upwardly relative to said outer member to disengage said lower seal and permit fluid pumped down said inner member to pass into and down through said outer member; a releasable one-way clutch between said inner and outer members automatically releasable upon the taking of an upward pull on said inner member and automatically engageable to couple said members together upon lowering of said inner member in the well bore to prevent relative downward movement of said inner member with respect to said outer member; said one-way clutch including means responsive to turning of said inner member in one direction to disengage said clutch to allow said inner member to be lowered relative to said outer member; and a slidable spline connection between said inner and outer members for transmitting rotary motion of said inner member to said outer member.

13. In apparatus for use in a well bore: a well device having a tubular body and normally retracted means on said body adapted to be expanded outwardly of said body, said device embodying a first releasable lock means for preventing such outward expansion of said normally retracted means, which lock means is releasable upon turning of said body in one direction to permit said normally retracted means to be expanded outwardly; a well tool including inner and outer tubular members telescopically arranged with respect to each other and in fluid communication with each other, one of said members being connected to said body and the other of said members having means thereon for connecting said other member to a tubular string extending to the top of the well bore, coengageable valve means on said tubular members selectively permitting or preventing (one member into said tubular body, said valve means being flow of fluid from said movable to open and closed positions upon relative telescopic movement between said tubular members, a second releasable lock means between said tubular members adapted to prevent relative telescopic movement between said tubular members to prevent movement of said valve means from a selected position, which second lock means is releasable by turning of said other tubular member in the opposite direction to the direction in which said body is turned to release said first lock means. 7

p 14. In apparatus for use in a well bore: a well device having a tubular body and normally retracted means on said body adapted to be expanded outwardly of said body, said device embodying a first releasablelock means for preventing such outward expansion of said normally retracted means, which lock means is releasable upon turning of said body in one direction to permit said normally retracted means to be expanded outwardly; a well tool including inner and outer tubular members telescopically arranged with respect to each other and in fluid communication with each other, said inner member having means thereon for connecting said inner member to a tubular string extending to the top of the well bore, said outer member being connected to said body, coengageable valve means on said tubular members for selectively permitting or preventing flow of fluid from said outer member into said tubular body, said valve means being movable to open and closed positions upon relative telescopic movement between said tubular members, a second releasable lock means between said tubular members adapted to prevent relative telescoping movement between said tubular members to prevent movement of said valve means from a selected position, which second lock means is releasable upon turning of said inner tubular member in the opposite direction to the direction in which said body is turned to release said first lock means.

15. In apparatus for use in a well bore: a well device having a tubular body and normally retracted means on said body adapted to be expanded outwardly of said body, said device embodying a first releasable lock means for preventing upward movement of said body relative to said normally retracted means to efiect such outward expansion of said normally retracted means, which lock means is releasable upon turning of said body in one direction to permit said body to be moved upwardly to expand said normally retracted means outwardly; a well tool including inner and outer tubular members telescopically arranged with respect to each other and in fluid communication with each other, said inner member having means thereon for connecting said inner member to a tubular string extending to the top of the well bore, said outer member being connected to said body, coengageable valve means on said tubular members for selectively permitting or preventing flow of fiuid from said outer member into said tubular body, said valve means being movable to open and closed positions upon relative telescoping movement between said tubular members, a second releasable lock means between said members adapted to prevent downward movement of said inner member within said outer member to hold said valve means in an open position which permits fluid to flow from said outer member into said tubular body, which second lock means is releasable upon turning of said inner tubular member in the opposite direction to the direction in which said body is turned to release said first lock means.

16. In apparatus for use in a well bore: a well device having a tubular body and normally retracted means on said body adapted to be expanded outwardly of said body, said device embodying a first releasable lock means for'preventing such outward expansion of said normally retracted means, which lock means is releasable upon turning of said body in one direction to permit said normally retracted means to be expanded outwardly; a well tool including an outer tubular member connected to said body, an inner tubular member telescopically arranged in said outer tubular member and having means thereon for attaching said inner member to a tubular string extending to the top of the well bore, said outer member having longitudinally spaced upper and lower cylindrical seats thereon, said inner member having a side port for discharging fluid into said outer member between said seats and said inner member being closed below said port, said inner member having longitudinally spaced upper and lower sealing means thereon simultaneously engageable with said upper :and lower seats, respectively, to prevent fluid passing out through said port from flowing upwardly from said outer member and downwardly through said outer member and into said body, said inner member being shiftable upwardly relative to said outer member to move said lower sealing means above said lower seat to permit fluid pumped down said inner member to pass into and down through said e 16 outer member into said body, and a second releasable lock means between said tubular members adapted to prevent downward movement of said inner tubular member within said outer tubular member to move said lower References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,419,471 Reynolds June 13, 1922 2,397,472 Crowell Apr. 2, 1946 2,633,917 Baker et al. Apr. 7, 1953 2,656,151 Miller Oct. 20, 1953