US2942664A

US2942664A - Liner and gravel packing apparatus for wells

Info

Publication number: US2942664A
Application number: US560558A
Authority: US
Inventors: Burns Erwin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1956-01-23
Filing date: 1956-01-23
Publication date: 1960-06-28
Anticipated expiration: 1977-06-28

Description

June 28, 1960 E. BURNS 2,942,664

LINER AND GRAVEL PACKING APPARATUS FOR WELLS Filed Jan. 23, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 22 INVENTOR. lien 0v Rue/vs June 28, 1960 E. BURNS 2,942,664

LINER AND GRAVEL PACKING APPARATUS FOR WELLS Filed Jan. 25, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 l E00 6 7 E6019:

IN V EN TOR.

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nited States Patent LINER AND GRAVEL PACKING APPARATUS FOR WELLS Erwin Burns, Los Angeles, Calif. Burns Tool Company, 8346 Salt Lake Ave., Bell, Calif.)

Filed Jan. 23, 1956, Ser. No. 560,558

10 Claims. (Cl. 166-51) This invention relates to a liner and gravel packing apparatus for wells and is particularly concerned with a well liner that enters the producing zone of a well and with an adapter and a well tool for handling said liner so that the well may be easily packed with gravel and so that the gravel may then be easily washed. It is a general object of this invention to provide a new and improved liner and apparatus for handling said liner, which apparatus is adapted to be actuated for gravel packing and for washing and which liner and a portion of the apparatus remains in the well bore at all times and handles the production of the well.

The technique of gravel packing well liners is widespread, especially in the oil field, the object being to fill the annulus between the liner and the well bore with a porous filtering layer of material that will support the wall of the well bore and also prevent sand from entering and packing in the liner. In practice, sized rock gravel is employed to pack the annulus forming interstices across which the sand of the earth formation is bridged. The sand thus remains in the layer of rock or gravel creating small passages to the end that the oil entering the liner is filtered. Tools have been provided for setting liners in well bores, for gravel packing said liners, and for the packing or sealing said liners with the casings of the wells for producing of oil from the Wells. It is to be observed that the above operations are each separate operations that 'require a round trip of an operating string into and out of the well. That is, at least one trip is required to set the liner, another trip is required to deposit the gravel pack, and another trip is required to pack or seal the liner with the casing. The production tubing is then applied to the liner for receiving flow of oil.

An object of this invention is to provide gravel packing equipment or apparatus for wells wherein a liner and a part of the gravel packing tool are permanently set in the well. The apparatus of the present invention is provided with a tool for applying the necessary fluids and gravel to the Well.

Another object of this invention is to provide a gravel packing apparatus that is associated with a liner and with a part permanently set in a well and which is adapted to receive a tool for directing fluids to the liner in the well for washing and cleaning of the liner.

.Still a further object of the invention is to provide a tool for a gravel packing apparatus of the character above referred to that is adapted to lower and set the liner, that is'adapted to administer gravel and fluids to the annulus surrounding the liner, that is adapted to set a portion of the apparatus in the well to pack or seal with the easing and which is adapted to be used for washing or cleaning operations all without removal of the liner and of the said portion of the apparatus from the well.

It is an object of this invention to provide a practical, rugged, and reliable apparatus or well tool and liner construction of the type under consideration that saves a enlarged detailed sectional View showing the tool coupled.

tion of a well and in the maintenance thereof.

The various objects and features of my invention will be fully understood from the following detailed description of a typical preferred form and application of my invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is an elevational sectional view taken through a well bore and showing the liner and gravel packing apparatus of the present invention. Fig. 2 is an enlarged detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 22 on Fig. 1. a portion of the structure shown in Fig. 2 and taken as indicated by line 33 on Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a transverse sectional view taken as indicated by line 44 on Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a sectional view of a portion of the structure taken as indicated by line 55 on Fig. 2. Fig. 6 is an to a production string and operated to seal with the well casing. Figs. 7 and 8 are transverse sectional views taken as indicated by lines 77 and 88 on Figs. 2 and 6, respectively. Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken substantially as indicated by line 9-9 on Fig. 2, and Figs. 10

10- 10 and 11--11 on Fig. 2.

The apparatus of the present invention involves, gen-' erally, a liner X adapted to be set or positioned in awell W, an adapter Y at the upper end of the liner, and a liner setting and fluid handling tool Z adapted to be manipulated to cooperate with and actuate the adapter whereby the adapter and liner may be set in the wall,-

whereby the liner may be gravel packed and whereby the gravel pack may be washed or cleaned as circumstances require. The well W, as shown, may be a typical oil well having a casing 10 terminating at a shoe 11. The casing 10 is open at the bottom portion of the well at the production zone P, the bore 12 of the well being extended into the oil sand 13 of the production zone P. The diameter of the bore 12 is increased in the conventional man-' ner as by underreaming or the like, to provide an enlarged annular cavity 14 for receiving the gravel pack as hereinafter described.

The liner X may be any suitable or conventional liner perforated, slotted, or provided with screens for. allowing passage of fluids from the exterior to the interior of the liner X. As illustrated in the drawings, the liner X involves a tubular wall 16 having a plurality of perforations 17 in the form of slots. The liner X is closed at the lower end 18 thereof and may be set upon or spaced from the bottom of the well bore 12. The upper end of the liner X is threaded at 19 to receive a coupling collar 20 whereby the liner X is joined to the adapter Y of the apparatus that I have provided.

In accordance with the invention, the liner X is joined with the adapter Y that I have provided and these two elements of the structure are adapted to be inserted and set in the well bore as a unit. The liner X penetrates or extends to the bottom of the well bore to receive oil from the production zone P while the adapter Y is set and positioned in the lower end portion of the casing 10. In accordance with the invention, centering lugs or ribs 21 may be provided at the upper end of the liner X in order to center the liner and adapter Y in the casing. If desired, the liner X may be held in working position by any suitable anchor (not shown) it being understood that various features and methods of setting the liner may be employed without affecting the structure of the present invention.

The adapter Y comprises the lower portion of the apparatus or well tool and is adapted to be joined with the liner X to be coupled with the upper portion of the Patented June 28, 1960 Fig. 3 is an enlarged detailed sectional view of 'position, shown in Fig. 6

aIe closed. a V The cageZTZ of the valve means Bis not only provided Weil tool-for positioning of the liner in the well and for receiving and delivering gravel tothe annulus surrounding the liner. The adapter Y is also adapted to pack or seal with the inner wall of the casing 10 and involves generally, an elongate tubular body A, valve 5 meansB, packing or sealing means 0, and a coupler D adapted toconnect with the upper portion of the tool tooperate the meansB and C.

elongate tubular body A of the adapter Y is, inefiect, 'a continuation of the liner X and maybe of thesame cross sectional configuration. That, the inner'aud Qutcr diameters of the body A and liner X' may befalike to the e'nd'that access to the interior of the liner X is clearand unobstructed. The inner bore 23 of the body is. straight and continuous and joins a beveled shoulder In practice, the lowerend portion of: the body A isthreaded at 22 to receive 2.4. at theupper end of the body.

the; coupling collar 20 to the end that the adapter Y becomes; a continuation. of the liner X (see Figs. 1

' ably carried. on the. exterior ofthe body A to move longitudinally thereof and operates so thatjthe ports 26 are covered or uncovered; as desired. 'A slot1'25 extends longitudinally of the sleeve ,25' to' be engaged Ainw rh. case the sleeve. 25 is a. simple tubular elemerit; that surrounds the body. 7i 7 T he'sleeve 25 is carried on the body- A' between the upper andjlo'wer positions, the upper positionbeing established by. ahead 28 at the upper end of the body A, the head forming a downwardlyfacing shoulder 29 that engages, the upper end 39. of" the sleeve 25. 'The lower ppsitionpof: the; sleeve 25 is established or determined by thecage' 27 hereinafter'described'. There may be one or; more ports 26 formed in the body A preferably in a Circumferentially spaced series and positioned so that the ports are openedwhen the sleeve 25 ismoved up wardly and closed when the sleeve 25 is moved downwardly. When the sleeve '25 is engaged with the shoul- V der 29 as shown in Fig. 2 of the. drawings, the ports 26- are opened whereas when. the sleeve 25 is shifted to the of the drawings,- the ports 26 to guide and protect'the' sleeve 25 butalso forms' as a stop forr tlie sleeve and as an abutment for the sealing 'means C. The cage "27 involves a circular part that surrounds thelbody A and spaced from the body A leaving.

an annular 'recess for receiving thesleeve- 25. The cage 7 27 secured to the body A through inwardly projecting parts 31 at the lower end thereof forming a stop for the sleeve and so that'the cageextends upwardly, and also SQ-thatgsaidfr cess opens upwardly (see Figs 2 and 6); In accordance with the invention, the lower end portion of the cage 27 is opened or ported at 3210' pass fluids so that fluid'issuing from the ports 26 is free to enter' the annulus surrounding the body A and within the casing; 10-; The upper end of the cage 27 terminates in an upwardly disposed face 33 adapted to cooperate with the sealing means C asihereinafter described.'

The packing or sealing means C is provided to pack or scal with the inner wall of the casing 10 and maybe employ an expanding lead or rubber-type packer carried on the exterior of the sleeve 25 and adapted to be; compressed. longitudinally thereof and expanded or forcedv outwardly into pressure engagement with: the inner wall l of the'casing 10. As shown, the sealing means C involves atubular body 34 of lead or rubber or the'like engaged over the exterior of the sleeve 25 and set against the face 33 at the upper end of the cage 27. The face 33 is pitched inwardly and downwardly as shown-1 The coupler D that'connects the upper portion of the well tool with the lower portion thereof is joined to the sleeve 25 to extend upwardly therefrom and is inpractice,

a tubular element slidabl'y engaged over the head 2810f the body A and is thread'edly connected with the sleeve 25 at 35. The lower end of the coupler D terminates in a downwardly disposedface 36' adapted to cooperate with the sealing, means C above referred to. The face 36 'is pitched inwardly'and upwardly as shown. The upper end of the coupler D is provided with coupling threads 37, preferably left-handed threads, adapted to receive the liner setting andfluid handling tool Z and also to receive the lower end of a string of production tubing S.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that I have provided an adapter Y that is adapted to control flow of fluids and to seal with the inner wall of the casing 10.

It is to be observed that the lead or rubber packer or 26 are normally open for going into the Well. The faces 33 and 36 are pitched inwardly ina manner to retain the:

. packer 34 on thesleeve 25 'while the said packer'is ex- 7 by a; pin25" projecting from. the body A for preventing. relative rotation between the. sleeve and the body. l'n :the ease; illustrated, the ports 26 are formed in-the body.

- each other and devoid of any restrictions.

panded into engagement with the casing as shown in Figs. 6 and 8 of the drawings. As shown in Figs; Zand 6' of the drawings, the inner diameter of the threads 37 adapted toconnect with the production tubing or tool hereinafter described, is preferably substantially thesame as the diameter of the bore 23;.so that the interior of the adapter Y and liner X are in effect continuations' of The upper end of the coupler D is provided with a seat 38, pref er'ably an inwardly and downwardly tapered seat adapted to engage with and position the tool Z or productionstring S 'as. desired. 7 v

The liner setting and fiuid handling tool Z that I have provided cooperates with the adapter Y above described and is'ad'apted to be joined to the adapter at the threads 37L The tool Z is carried at the lower end of an operating string-.R and is manipulated through the stringR to control the adapter Y and is primarily employed to pass gravel-laden fluid to the ports 26, or washing fluid thereto as the case may be. As best illustrated in Fig; 2

of the drawings, the. tool Z involves generally an elongateframe E havingan'upper'section engageable with the sear 38and-a lower section adapted to enter the bore 23 above described, a fluid delivering means F for receiving fluid frointhe string R and adapted to deliver'said'fluid to the, ports 26, a fluid return means G for receiving fluid at thebottom of the liner- X and' adapted to deliver said' fluid to;

the annulus surrounding the operating string R, and pack ers H for separating the bodies'of fluid occurring above suitable type of'packer or the like. 1111. practice, I

. by separated fluid passages 42 and '43 for handling the: counter-flowing fluids, the passage 42 being adapted to conductdownward: flow of gravel-laden'fiuid, the-passage- 43 being adapted: to conduct upward flow ofi gravel-freer In practice, the-upper coupling section 40. oflthe. frame;

E is fabricated and: is formed ofan outer nouplerrpnrtium 44 and a central fluid separator 45. The coupler portion 44 is an elongate, round, head-like part having a downwardly disposed seat 46 for engagement with the seat 38 at the upper end of the adapter Y. The separator 45 is coextensive with the coupler portion 44, the

passages

42 and 43 also being coextensive therewith, generally speaking. As shown, the lower end portion of the coupler section 44 is provided with coupling threads 47 adapted to cooperate with the threads 37 above de scribed. It will be readily seen how the tool Z is joined or connected with the adapter Y through the threaded connection. It is a feature of this invention to provide a downwardly disposed beveled face 48 at the lower end of the coupler section 44, the face being adapted to engage the shoulder 24 at the upper end of the body A in order to retain the coupler D and the sleeve 25 in an up position relative to the body A when the tool Z is joined to the adapter Y through the

coupling threads

37 and 47.

The lower fluid handling section 41 of the frame E is a continuation of the upper section 40 and may also vary widely as to form and construction. The lower section 41 is preferably a simple tubular part or extension 50 that depends from the coupler portion 44 and separator 45 and carries a fluid handling head 51 at or adjacent the openings 26 in the body A. With the extension 50 that I have provided, there are separated fluid handling passage 42' and 43"for handling the counterflowing fluids, the passage 42 being a continuation of the passage 42, the passage 43' being a continuation of the passage 43.

The head 51 is preferably a spool-like element having upper and

lower flanges

52 and 53 provided with rings 52' and 53' for sealing with the bore 23 in the body A. The

flanges

52 and 53 are spaced apart longitudinally to occur above and below the ports 26 while the extension 50 continues through the head 51 to terminate at or below the head 51. Lateral openings 54 are provided in the extension 50 between the

flanges

52 and 53 so that the passage 42' is in communication with the ports 26 (see Figs. 2 and 11).

. The fluid delivering means F of the present invention involves the passages42 and 42' and the openings 54, all of which are incorporated in the parts of the tool Z as above described. The upper end portion of the tool Z is threaded at 55 to be coupled with the operating string R, the threads being formed in an upwardly projecting extension of the fluid separator 45. The inner bore of the separator 45 forms the passage 42 and is in effect, a continuation of the bore that extends through the operating string R to conduct fluids to the lower end of the well W. The inner bore of the extension 50 forms the passage 42' and is a continuation of the bore 42. As shown, the passage 42' terminates at the openings 54 (see Fig. 9) with the result that fluid conducted by the operating string R is delivered to the ports 26 andthrough the said ports to the exterior of the body A to enter the annulus between the body and the casing 10. Fluid thus entering the casing 10, as above described, then flows downwardly in the casing and into the enlarged'bore 12 below the casing shoe 11 surrounding the liner X. It will be apparent that when gravel-laden fluid is delivered to the'cavity surrounding the liner X, the said gravel is deposited in the annulus surrounding the liner, the fluid only entering the liner through the slots 17. A

The fluid return means G of the present invention involves the

passages

43 and 43 and in addition thereto, involves one or more openings 60 that extend longitudinally through the head 51. The passages 43 and 43' and the opening or openings 60 are incorporated in the parts of the tool Z as above described. The fluid separator 45 is channeled or grooved throughout its length so that fluid enters the coupling section 40 at 61 surrounding the extension 50 and is exhausted from the section 40 at 62 surrounding the upper extension of the separator 45. The

3 channels or grooves may be suitably formed to suit the particular circumstances involved. As clearly illustrated in Fig. 9 of the drawings, the openings 60 that extend through the head 51 receive fluid centrally of the head 51 at the lower end thereof and conduct fluid to the bore 23 above the head 51 and surrounding the extension 50. In practice, the head 51 is a circular part that passes the lower end portion of the extension 50, there being channels or grooves in the exterior of the extension 50 forming the openings 60. In the case illustrated, the lateral openings 54 and the longitudinal openings 61 are staggered circumferentially of the head 51 (see Fig. ll).

The packers H that I have provided for separating the bodies of fluid occurring above and below the tool may be of any suitable type, it being preferred to employ cup-shaped rubber-type packers. In order to provide for a fluid seal in either direction, I have provided upwardly and downwardly faced

packers

70 and 71, which packers, in accordance with the invention, are carried on the.

upper coupler section of the frame E to occur above the ports and below the passages 43 at 62.

In order to employ the structure that I have provided, the liner X, adapter Y, and tool Z are coupled together and lowered into the well at the end of an operating string R and when in the position to be set, the gravel-laden fluid is delivered through the string R and through the

passages

42,42, through the opening 54 and through the ports 26 to issue into the annulus surrounding the liner X. The gravel is deposited in the cavity 14 surrounding the liner While the fluid enters the liner through the slots 17. In order to insure fluid circulation coextensive with the liner X, I have provided a wash pipe 75 that is threaded to the head 51 at 76. The wash pipe 75 is substantially coextensive with the liner X and is in communication with the openings 60 in the head 51 so that fluid enters the pipe 75 at the bottom portion of the liner and flows upwardly therein. Fluid entering the wash pipe '75 enters the openings 60 and flows upwardly within the passage 43 surrounding the extension 50 and then into the passage 43 at 61 to exhaust into the annulus surrounding the operating string R at 62.

After the gravel has been deposited, the

threads

37 and 47 are rotated a suitable number of turns in order to raise the operating string R relative to the tool Z whereupon the string is set down to shift the coupler D, above described, relative to the body A with the result that the sealingmeans C is operated into pressure engagement with the interior of the casing 10 and so that the ports 26 are closed., The operating string R is then removed from the well W and replaced with a production string of tubing S. The production-string S is provided with threads 47' corresponding to the threads 47 of the tool Z so that the string R can be coupled to the adapter Y in the same manner as the tool Z. As shown in Fig. 6 of the drawings, the lower threaded portion of the string 8 is such as to maintain the coupler D and sealing means C in the set position.

It will be apparent from the foregoing, that the liner X is now in condition to produce from the oil bearing sand 13 the entire interior of the production string S, adapter Y, and liner X, forming a continuous unobstructed passage for the reception of any pumping and servicing equipment that may be required. In order to wash or cleanse the gravel packing deposited at the exterior of the liner X, it is a simple matter to remove the production string and to lower the tool Z into place. The tool Z may be coupled to the adapter Y at any time and fluids circulated through the gravel pack in either direction for the purpose of washing or flushing.

Having described only a typical preferred form and application of my'invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any variations or modifications that may appear to those skilled in the art and fall within the scope of the following claims.

7 ;that is disengaged fromtthe well by manipulati 5. A wellfapparatu's for use with 'a -li-nei set i s ns-r j j6fA well apparatus-for usewith afliner set 111 1 Having described my invention, :I. claim: Q".

1'. A Well apparatus for use'with a liner set in a well easing and including, a fluid handlingadapter secured to the upper'end of the liner and=adapted to separably connect with a fluid handling -:tool depending from :the dowerend an operating string of tubing, said adapter having a port directing flow of gravel bearing fluid irom within the operating string to'the exterior of adapter 7 t anddownwardly in the annulus between the liner and the 'well bore, said tool having a passage directing flow of 7 fluidupwardlytrom the;liner ipast ithe adapterrand to the exterior of the operating string, there being 'a packer around the adapter to occur between the operating string and liner separating the bodies of fluid surround- 7 ing said string and liner.

2. A wellapparatus for use with a liner and including, "an adap'ter fixed to the upper end'of the liner set in a-well casing to depend from the lower end thereof and adapted to releasably conne'ctwitha fluid handling tool depending from an operating strin'g of tubing, said adapter having a port directing the flow "of fluid from within the operating string to =.the exterior; of theradapter fluid delivering meansin communication with -said;port,

V and fluid return means 'in communication" with said passage, there being a packer between :the operating string and liner separating the bodies of fluidsurrounding said'string and liner.

V '3. A Well apparatus for use' with alinenset in a well casing to depend from the lower end'thereofand including, an adapter fixed to the upper end of the liner and adapted-to releasably connect with a fluid handling tool fixed toan'd depending from an operating string of tuliing,

' said adapter comprising, a tubular body coupled :to :the

exterior of the operating string, said production string being adapted to 'operate the packer into engagement with the well when the sa'id'rstring is connected to the adapte'r.

T7. A well apparatus )for use with n liner setinia well casing to depend from .the lower end thereof :and including, an adapter fixed std upper end'of "liner and adapted to releasably and alternately connect with a fluid handling tool fixed to and depending froiman operating string of tubing and 'with a ;production:string of tubing, said adapter havinga lateral portdirec'ting the downward flow "of "fluid from within'zthe :operating landi downwardly about the exterior of ithe liner," said f tool having a 'passagezdirecting the flow er .fluidvfrom.

' it :within the liner Inpwardly throngh'fthe adapter and to the exterior of theloperating string, and said tool having string to the iexterior of the adapteig and a deformable packer on the adapter about the port,j-isaid'tool having at-:by-pass passage directingthewflow'firom withinthe liner upwardly :past the adaptertoathe-exterioraof the operating string,-said' production;string being adapted to operate the packer into engagement'with the well'r-when 'the said string is connected to the "adapter, there being a :packer above the first mentio'ned packer-rand .carriedrby the tool and separating the bodies offluid surroundingjsaid operating string and saidliner.

. 8. A well apparatus for'use with a 'liner-tsetliinxa well casing to dependfrom the a lower end thereof andincluding, an adapter tixedto the upper-end of liner and adaptedto releasably and alternatelycorinect 'witha fluid handling "tool fixed to and, depending "from the liner and having a boretherethrough :in alignmentwith the tubing and with the liner,;a lateralpor-t 'in 't he body joining the bore in the'body with the'exteriorlthereof, said tool compn'singa frame releasably 'coupled to the adapter, and a' fluid separator dire'ctingfldw of' fluid fro'rn'within the tubing and to the portftd eliter thwll surrounding the liner, and {directing flow ofi fluid ientering the liner upwardly to' ente'r thejwell surrounding the 7 operating string, thereb'eing 'a packer on the todl between the operating string and -liner set'iarating the 'fluidsurrounding' said's'tringand liner;

-4.' A well apparatus for mammalian set in'f casing to depend from the lower end-there'ofand including', anadapterflxed to the upper 'end of the adapted to releasably connect with-a lfliiid han dling tool bodies of lower end of an operating string of- -itubing and *With a production string of tubing, said adapterieomprising', %a

tubular, body coupled to the liner having a bore therethrough' in alignment with-the tubing-and with'the liner, a lateral port in the body joining'the-bore in the body with the-exteriorthereof, and'a' packer'thatz-issdis engaged from the well by manipulation of -thev'tool "to pass flow 'of fluid from theqport to the liner, said tool comprising a frame coupled to the adapter and a fluid separatorj directing th'e' flow downward of "fluid :from

ing, said adapter 'havingfa portdiredting flow -of fluid a from within the operating stri'ng'to the exter idr o'f the t adapter and downwardly around-the liner; and a aker .7 a a H. a i Fine tool to pass flow-of fluid from the port to -the lin'er, tool having a passage directing flow from fwithin itheliner 'to the exterior of'the operating string. 11

' wen casing to depend from thelower end-theieof and:mclud ing an adapter fixed to the up peri end of -the linerand adapted to releasabl-y eonnectwith a fluid handlingltool fixed 'to and depending-from-an operating' s'trin f tubing, said adapter having a port opened by operation 'ofa V valve through manipulation of saidtooljand direeting the downward flow of fluid froni Withinthe operatingstring ker'barfied by to the exterior of the adapter, and 3 7 v the toolto direct the 'flowof fluid'tfrom he portgdownwardly about ithe 'eXte rior pf'jthe lin'er, said; tool having 7 upwardly pasf'the adapter to 1he exterior'-o he perat tconnected t'o the adapte'r'Q within the tubingrand to the port to enter the well surrounding adapter and theiliner therebelow, anddirecting j adapter to enterthe well surrounding the operatingstring,

the flow or fliiid entering the liner upwardly zpast the said product-ion string being ada'ptedrto operatetthepaoker into engagementrwith the 'well, when the said string is '9; A well apparatusfor use With va.linexset-inafvirell casing to depend fromi-thelowerendi'thereof'and including, an adapterfixed to the upper end of thefliner and adapted to releasably and alternately connect 'with a in the body joining the bore in the body -with the-ex! "terior thereof, and a packer that is disengaged iromthe fluid handling tool fixed'to anidepending from an operating string of, tubing and with a production :stringof tubing, said adapter comprising, a :tubularhodyicoupled to :the li'n'erj andehavingia bore there throughinlalign- V ment with the tubing and with the linerfa lateral wall by manipulation of' the tool to :pass new "of fluid from the port to the'linensaid tool compnsmgfasframe having' a section'cou'pled to the adapter, a'fluidzseparator the tubing, and -havinga section directing thewflow'of t-fluid to the port to enterdhe wellsurroundingiadapter and the liner, and by pa'ss:meansdirecting'the flow of fluid entering the liner up 'wardly pastithe' adaptergto enterlthe'well surrounding fthe' operating str ng, 'said producti0n string being 'adapted 'to 'operateithepaeker into engagement with the well when the said string is connected to the adapter.

10. A Well apparatus for use with a liner set in a well casing to depend from the lower end thereof and including, an adapter fixed to the upper end of the liner and adapted to releasably and alternately connect with a fluid handling tool fixed to and depending from an operating string of tubing and with a production string of tubing, said adapter comprising a tubular body coupled to the liner and having a bore therethrough in alignment with the tubing and with the liner, a lateral port in the body joining the bore in the body with the exterior thereof, and a packer that is disengaged from the Wall by manipulation of the tool to pass flow of fluid from the port to the liner, said tool comprising, a frame having a section coupled to the adapter, a fluid separator directing the downward flow of fluid from within the 10 i tubing, and having a section directing flow of fluid to the port to enter the Well surrounding the adapter and the liner, the latter mentioned section of the tool having bypass means receiving the flow of fluid entering the liner and directing it upwardly to the separator to enter the Well surrounding the operating string above the adapter, said production string being adapted to operate the packer into engagement with the Well when the said string is connected to the adapter.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,198,573 Davis Apr. 23, 1940 2,207,334 Reynolds et a1. July 9, 1940 2,755,862 Abendroth et a1. July 24, 1956