US3189095A

US3189095A - Hydraulically set well packers

Info

Publication number: US3189095A
Application number: US235227A
Authority: US
Inventors: Rochemont John F De
Original assignee: Baker Oil Tools Inc
Current assignee: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
Priority date: 1962-11-05
Filing date: 1962-11-05
Publication date: 1965-06-15
Anticipated expiration: 1982-06-15

Description

June 15, 1965 J. F. DE RocHr-:MONT 3,189,095

HYDRAULIGALLY sET WELL PAcxERs 6 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Nov. 5, 1962 Ffa. la. Ffa. I',

June 15, 1965 J. F. DE RocHEMoNT 3,189,095

HYDRAULICALLY SET WELL PAcKERs Filed Nv. 5, 1962 s sheets-sheet 2 June 15, 1965 J. F. DE RocHEMoNT 3,189,095

` HYDRAULICALLY SET WELL PACKERS Filed Nov. 5, 1962 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Pa. 36o

rroQA/Eys.

June 15, 1965 J. F. DE RocHl-:MoN-r 3,189,095

HYDRAULICALLY SET WELL PACKERS June l5, 1965 J. F. DE RocHMoNT 3,189,095

j v HYDRAULIGALLY SET WELL PAcxERs Filed Nov. 5, 1962 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 V44 rraEA/Eys.

June 15, 1965 J. F. DE RocHEMoNT 3,189,095

HYDRAULICALLY SET WELL PAGKERS Filed Nov. 5, 1962 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR (fof/N Ff DERoc/EMo/vr BY A mak/Q44( 244446-141/ rruogvsys.

United States Patent ,1, 3,189,095 Y Q HYDRAULICALLY SET WELL PACKERS l John F. de Rochemdnt, Downey, Calif., assigner to Baker O il Tools, Inc., Los Angeles, Calif., a corporation of California, n l p p v Y Filed Nov. 5, 1962 Ser. No. 235,227

16 Claims. (cl. 16a-12o) The present invention relates tosubsurface well bore equipment, and more particularly to subsurface well tools', such as well packers, adapted to be set hydraulically in well bores'.

An object of the present invention is to provide a well tool adapted to be lowered in and set hydraulically in a well bore, in which the well tool can be made in cornparatively small diameter sizes so as to be capable of 'operation in small diameter conduit strings, such as well Casing, disposed in the well bore.

Another object of the invention is to provide a well tool adapted to be lowered in and set hydraulically in a well bore, the well tool parts being prevented by a lock device from outward expansion during running of the .tool in .the well bore, the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore being incapableof substantially loading the lock device, and thereby interfering with its release when setting of the tool is desired.

A further object of the invention is to provide a well tool adapted to be lowered in and seit hydraulically, as by the hydrostatic head of lluid in a well bore, which is relatively simple in design and construction, comparatively economical to manufacture, and easier to assemble.

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:

FIGURES la1b and lc` together constitute a cornbined side elevational View and longitudinal section through a well packer ldisposed in a well casing, with its parts in their initial retracted position, FIGS'. lband ljc constituting lower continuations of FIGS. la and lb, respectively; t A

. FIGS, 2a, 2b and 2c together constitute a quarter longitudinal section through a portion of the,apparatus illustrated in FIGS. lb and 1c, on an enlarged scale, illustrating the shifting-of a valve to a position initiating hydrostatic setting of the well packer, FIGS. 2b and 2c constituting lower continations o FIGS. 2a and 2b, respectively;

FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c are views corresponding to FIGS.

2a, 2b and 2c showing the parts instill another relative position,.FIGS. 3b and` 3c being lower continuations of FIGS. 3a and 3b, respectively; 1 v y FIGSf-f-ia, 4b, 4c and 4d are views corresponding to FIGS. la, lb `and 1c, but on an enlarged scale, illustra-ting the well packer anchored in packed-off condition in the well casing, FIGS. 4b, 4c and 4d being lowered continuations of FIGS. 4a, 4b and 4c, respectively;

FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c are views corresponding to FIGS. la, lb and lc showing the `parts intheir position after releasing the well packer from its set condition in the well casing, FIGS. 5b and 5c being a lower continuation of FIGS. 5a and 5b, respectively;

FIG. 6 is a cross-section, on an enlarged scale, taken along the line 6--6 on FIG. lb;

y www5 Patented time is, issfs ICC.:

FIG. 7 is a cross-section, on an enlarged scale, taken along the line 7-7 on FIG. lb.

'Ihe well tool A illustrate-d in the drawings 4is a well packer adapted to be lowered in a well casing B, or simi,- lar conduit string, on a tubular runningin string C, 'such as tubing or drill pipe, to a desired point at which the tool is to be anchored packed-oit condition in the well casing. After being set in the well casing, the tool can be released and removed entirely therefrom.

The tool A inclu-des a central tubular body or mandrel 10 having an upper head 1l provided with a threaded box l2 for attachment tothe lower end v13 of the tubular running-in string C. The lower end of the mandrel is threadedly attached to a hydraulic pressureV device 14, including anl upper sub l5 threadedly secured to allower sub 16 having a suitable threaded connection 17 for attachment to a string of tubing, or otherdevice, (not shown) that might be disposed in the well casing. lA seat 1S for a valve element 19, such as a ball, is disposed in the subs l5, le. It includes a sleevel provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots 20 to`form spring-lil e arms 2l terminating in upper lingers 22. ShearY screws 23 initially locate the fingers 22 in the upper su'b 15 so that they project inwardly partly across the central passage 24 through'the tubular mandrel 1t), having an eii'ective internal diameter that is less than the external diameter of the ball element 19 which is to engage it. When the ball element, engages these ingerasuitable duid pressure can be built up in the tubularrstring C and mandrel 10 for the purpose of shearing therscrewsA 23 ,and shifting the sleeve lS downwardly to a position in which the fingers 22 come opposite an enlarged recess 2,5v in the upper `sub l5, whereupon the fingers spring outwardly into such recess and allow the ball 19 to be pumped downwardly through and out of the sub I6, leaving an unrestricted passage therethrough.

The upper portion of the well tool A includes a hydraudrel l0, ll and the anchor body 27 into which the well bore fluid or external uid pressure cannot enter.`

, Below the seal 2S engaging the inner mandrel 1Y0, theanchor body 27 is enlarged .in internal diameterto prof vide Van annular passage 32 through which uid'under pressure can enter the anchor body, the pressure 'passingA into a plurality of generally radial cylinders or .boresl 33 in theV body, each of which accommodates a piston-like gripping element 34 having external wickers or teeth ,3S adaptedto engage and being embedded 4in the wall of theV well casing B when the gripping members 34 are expanded outwardly by fluidpressure. Each.` gripping member has a Asuitable seal ring 36 (FIG. 4a) ,for sealing against the walliof the cylinder and is maintained in proper oriented position, so that its external wickers or teeth 35 are disposed in transverse position, by a retainer bar 37 extending longitudinally of the annular body 27 and within' external longitudinal slots 38 in the gripping members to preventthe latter from turning. These retainer bars 37 are attached to the body by screws 39, or the like, and also serve as seats for compression retractor springs 40 bearing against the inner surfaces of the bars 37 and also against the gripping members `34 for the purpose of urging the latter inwardly to a retracted position. When u: an adequate luid pressure differential is present in the annular space 32 between the body 27 and mandrel 10, the pistons 34 are urged outwardly against the force of the springs 40 to embed their teeth 3S in the wall of the well casing B. The greater the hydraulic force acting outwardly on the pistons 34, the greater will be the gripping action of their teeth against the casing wall.

The lower portion of the anchor body 27 serves as an upper abutment 41 threadedly attached to the upper end of an upper setting sleeve 42 spaced from the inner mandrel or body to provide an annular space 43 therebetween through which lluid pressure can pass upwardly into the passage 32 for action on the piston gripping members 34, A suitable packing structure 44, such as a pliant, elastic, inherently retractable packing sleeve, made of rubber or rubber-like material, encompasses the setting sleeve 42, with its upper end bearing against the upper abutment 41 and also against an upper gauge ring 45 threaded on the upper abutment an actually constituting a part thereof. The lower end of the packing sleeve 44 bears against a lower abutment 46 slidable on the setting sleeve 42. This lower abutment 46 may constitute part of a slip expander device, being threadedly attached to the main portion 47 of such expander. Downward movement of the lower abutment and

expander

46, 47 relative to the setting sleeve 42 is limited by engagement of the abutment with a key 43 suitably secured to the setting sleeve 42 and received within an internal keyway 49 in the expander to prevent relative turning between the sleeve and expander.

Fluid pressure from the exterior of the apparatus A and below the packing sleeve 44, when the latter is expanded against the well casing B, can pass through

ports

50, 51 in the lower expander 47 and setting sleeve to the annular space 43 between the setting sleeve and tubular mandrel 10, such fluid passing upwardly through longitudinal holes 52 in a stop ring 53 mounted in a peripheral groove 54 in the mandrel it) and adapted to engage a downwardly facing shoulder 5S in the anchor body when the tool A is to be released from the well casing B, as described hereinbelow.

The expander 47 has circumferentially spaced slots S6 therein, the inner wall 57 of each of which tapers in a downward and inward direction, coacting with a cornpanion inner tapered surface 58 of a slip 59 slidably splined to the expander by inclined tongues 66 on the sides of each slip slidably received in companion inclined grooves 61 in the sides of the slot 56 adjacent to its tapered expander surface 57. The slips have wickers or teeth 62 adapted to embed in the wall of the well casing upon outward expansion of the slips, resulting from relative longitudinal m-ovement between the expander 47 and slips 59 in a direction toward each other. Relative separating movement between the expander and slips causes the tongue and groove interconnections 60, 6l to shift the slips 59 from the expanded position to retracted position.

The slips 59 are all movable longitudinally together by having their lower portions slidably coupled to a slip ring 63 encompassing the upper setting sleeve 42. The lower-end of each slip is formed as a Tshaped head 64 receivable in a companion-shaped radial slot 65 in the upper portion of the slip ring 63, thereby coupling the slips 59 for joint longitudinal movement with the slip ring, but permitting lateral movement of the slips into and out of engagement with the wall of the well casing.

The slip ring 63 is connected to the hydraulic setting portion 66 of the apparatus. As shown, a lower setting sleeve or cylinder 67 is threadedly attached to a depending skirt portion 68 of the slip ring 63 and is slidable along an annular piston 69 threadedly secured to the lower end of the upper setting sleeve 42. The elongate cylindrical portion of the lower setting sleeve or cylinder 67 is spaced from the inner mandrel 10, forming a cylindrical space or atmospheric chamber 70 therein, the lower end of which is closed by a lower cylinder head or piston 71 slidable along the inner mandrel or body 10, and the upper end of which is closed by the annular piston 69. Leakage of uid between the cylinder head 71 and the inner body or mandrel 10 is prevented by a side seal 72 on the head slidably and sealingly engaging a periphery of the inner body 10; whereas, leakage of fluid between the annular piston 69 and the inner body 10 is prevented by one or more side seals 73 on the piston engaging the periphery of the body 10, and between the annular piston 69 and the lower setting sleeve 67 by one or more seal rings 74 mounted on the peripheral portion of the piston and slidably and sealingly engaging the inner wall of the setting sleeve 67.

The slips 59 and packing 44 are expanded outwardly as a result of the hydrostatic head of fluid acting downwardly on the annular piston 69 and upwardly on the annular head or piston 71. Initially, however, the hydrostatic head of uid cannot effect expansion of the slips and packing. Downward movement of the annular piston 69 and of the upper setting sleeve 42 secured thereto along the inner body 10 is prevented by a lock device, including coupling dogs or keys 75 mounted in radial slots 76 (FG. 6) in the setting sleeve 42 and received within a peripheral groove 77 in the body 10 having diverging upper and

lower sides

78, 79. The keys 75 are held in such groove 77 by the inner wall of the slip ring skirt 68, as disclosed in FIGS. lb and 2a. However, when the lower setting sleeve or cylinder 67 is shifted upwardly along the keys 75, the skirt 63 is shifted above the keys and the setting sleeve 67 of larger internal diameter than the internal diameter of the slip ring skirt 68 is positioned opposite the keys or dogs, permitting the latter to shift out of the groove 77, thereby freeing the mandrel 10 from the upper setting sleeve 42.

Upward movement of the lower setting sleeve or cylinder 67 along the inner body or mandrel 1G is prevented initially by a hydraulically released holding device, which also initially prevents the hydrostatic head of fluid from shifting the lower setting sleeve or cylinder 67 upwardly. As shown, a cylinder 80 encompasses the piston '/1, being releasably secured thereto by one or more shear screws 81 extending through the upper portion of the cylinder 8) and into a groove 82 in the cylinder head. Leakage of uid between the cylinder head 71 and the lower retaining cylinder 80 is prevented by a suitable seal ring 83 on the head engaging the inner wall of the retaining cylinder.

The lower end of the cylinder 8) is threadedly secured to a guide 84, the cylinder 80 and this guide being releasably attached to the inner mandrel or body 10 of the tool. As shown, an expansible, split thrust ring 85 is releasably secured within a peripheral groove 86 in the lower portion of the mandrel 10, the lower end of this thrust ring engaging an encompassing second thrust ring 87 bearing against the guide 84 and having an outer portion S8 received within a groove 89 formed between the lower flange 96 of the guide and the lower end of the cylinder S0 thereabove. Mounted in a counterbore 91 in the guide 84 below the thrust ring 87 is a shear ring or sleeve 92 having an inwardly directed leg or flange 93 received within a peripheral groove 94 in the inner mandrel or body 10 of the tool. It is evident that downward movement of the mandrel 10 is transmitted through the inner and outer thrust rings 8S, 87 to the guide 34, without such movement or thrust being imposed upon the shear ring 92, such downward movement being transmitted from the guide 84 through the cylinder 80 and its shear screws 81 to the atmospheric cylinder 67, which 1s threadedly secured to the slip ring 63. Thus, downward movement of the tubular string C and mandrel l0 is transmitted through the keys 77 to the upper setting sleeve 42, and through the thrust rings 85, 87, guide 84, retaining cylinder 80, atmospheric cylinder 67 and slip ring 63 to the slips S9, thereby preventing any relative taining cylinder to the cylinder head 71, which is essential i to setting of the tool A in the well casing. The hydrostatic head of iluid can, however, act upon the cylinder head for the purpose of shifting it upwardly upon opening of Ia passage thereto within the cylinder 80. As shown, `a by-pass sleeve 95 `is disposed in the cylinder space between the cylinder 80 and the inner body 10 of the tool, its lower portion 9lbeing threadedly secured to the cylinder 80. This by-pass sleeve has upper coupling dogsv97 adapted to be engaged by companion lower 4dogs 98 (FIG. 7)V on the cylinder head `71 to facilitate the threading of the by-pass sleeve 95 with the cylinder 80. It has longitudinal by-pass grooves 99 on its exterior extending through its threads 96, the upper end of which communicates with the `cylinder space below the cylinder header piston 71, and the lower end of which communicates with an annular passage 100 between a hydraulicallyshiftable valve sleeve k101 and the inner wall of the holding or retaining cylinder 80. This by-pass passage ,100, when open, communicates with the Huid in the sur- `rounding well bore through one or a plurality of side ports 102 in the cylinder 80. However, the passage 100 is closen initially by a lower valve head'103 of the hydraulically shiftable sleeve 101 being disposed above the ports 102 and sealingly engaging the inner wall 104 of the cylinder and being held in `such position by one or more shear screws 105 threaded throughl the cylinder and disposed in a peripheral groovel in the valve head 103. A suitable side'seal 107 on the valve head 103 sealingly engages the cylindrical seat 104 of the cylinder 80. The upper end of the valve sleeve 101 is constituted as an annular piston 108 slidablein the annular space `109 between the by-pass sleeve 95 and the main body l10 of the tool. This piston 108 is initially disposed below the by-pass sleeve head 110 which is sealed against the periphery of the body 10 by a side seal ring 111 mounted in the head. Fluid under pressure from within the main body passage 24 can pass through a side port 112 therein into a cylinder space between the by-pass sleeve head 110 and the piston 10S therebelow, leakage of this tluid downwardly along the piston being prevented by one or more seal rings 113 on the piston engaging the inner wall of `the by-pass sleeve 95 and by one or more seal rings 114 on the piston engaging the periphery of the body 10.

vThe well packer A is run in the well casing B on a tubular runningin string C, with its parts occupying the relative positions illustrated in FIGS. ld, 1b and 1c. With the parts in such positions, the by-pass grooves 99 in the by-pass sleeve 95 are closed by virtue of the valve head-103 being disposed above the lower cylinder ports 102, the valve sleeve 101 being held in this position by the shear screw or screws 105. At this time, also, the

the `slip ring skirt 68. To prevent the hydrostatic head of `fluid from exerting a large downward force on the keys 75 as a result of downward action on the annular piston 69, the upper atmospheric chamber 31 is provided initially, so that there is an offsetting, opposite area on the upper sleeve 42 and anchor body 27 over which the hydrostatic head of iiuid is acting upwardly. The crosssectional area of the annular atmospheric chamber 31 is made slightly smaller than the effective area of the annular piston 69 over which the hydrostatic head of uid can act in a downward direction, so that there is a net downward thrust on the upper setting sleeve 42 and anchorbody 27 which is transmitted through the dogs 75 to the body 10 of the tool. Such downward thrust on the dogs is relatively small, but is still sufficient to slide the seal 30 off the sub 11 to secure setting of the apparatus.

When the location in the well casing is reached at which the tool is to be set, appropriate surface connections to the tubular running-in string C can be made at the top of the well bore. This tubular running-in string need not be moved longitudinally thereafter, remaining .anged-up at the top o f the well bore. Circulating fluid can now be pumped down through the tubular running-in string C, passing through the inner body or mandrel 10 and through thetripping ball sleeve or seat 18, discharging from the lower sub 16'. The circulating fluid will then pass upwardly around the tool A and the tubular running-in string C to the top of the well bore, carrying the drilling mud, or other undesirable well bore fluid, ahead of it to the top ofthe well bore.

l After the hole has been properly conditioned, a tripping ball 19 can be lowered or pumped down through the tubular running-in string C, passing through the mandrel passage 24 and coming to rest upon the inwardly projecting iingers 22. The pressure of the uid in the tubular running-in string and mandrel can now be increased, this uid pressure passing through the mandrel port 112 into the by-pass sleeve and acting downwardly on the piston 108. The shear screws have a substantially lesser shear strength than the screws 23 holding the ball seat V18 to its sub 15. Accordingly,lwhen the pressure has been increased sutiiciently, the shear screws 105 are disrupted and the piston 108 and its sleeve 101 shifted downwardly to a position in which the valve head 103 is disposed below its ,companion cylindrical seat 104, establishing communication between the ports 102 and the by-plass passagelttl around the sleeve 101, the hydrostatic head of iluid then being capable of passing upwardly through the by-pass grooves 99 and acting upwardly on the lower cylinder head or piston 71 (FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2,0). The hydrostatic head of iiuid in the well bore is suicient to overcome the shear strength of the screws 81, shifting the head 71 and its lower cylinder or sleeve 67 upwardly along the mandrel 10p and along the upper piston 69 andupper setting `sleeve 42. Such upward shifting will shift the slipring skirt 68 upwardly above the lock dogs 75, allowing the hydrostatic head of uid to actdownwardly on the piston 69 for the purpose of shifting the upper sleeve 42 and the anchor body 27 downwardly with it (FIGS,V 3a, 3b). l

When the annularV piston 69 moves downwardly, it shifts the annular anchor body v27 downwardly with it and lowers the upper seal ring 30 of the annular body below, the inner body head l11, opening the atmospheric chamber 31 so that the hydrostatic head of uid can act over the area of the anchor body 27 Vbetween the seal ring 28 and internal diameter of the packing unit 44, and also over the piston 69 for the purpose` of shifting'the anchorV body and lits lower abutment portion 41 toward the slip ring V63. Initially, the packing assembly 44 and'expander 47 move downwardly as a unit until the expander has moved within and shifted the slips 59 radially outwardly into engagement with the wall of the well casing. Thereafter, the upper abutment 41 moves toward the expander 47 to shorten the packing structure 44 and expand it outwardly against the` wall of the well casing B. ,A

. In the manner just described,lthe well packer A will have been anchored in packed-olf condition in the well casing. The hydrostatic head of iiuid, is constantly acting on the lower cylinder head 71 and the upper piston 69, tending to maintain the slips 59 and packing 44 expanded iirrnly against the wall of the well casing` The pressure of the liuid in the tubular string and inner bodylofV the tool can now be increased sufficiently to overcome the shear strength of the screws 23 holding the ball seat 18 to the sub 15, disrupting such screws and shifting the sleeve 18 downwardly until its lower end engages a shoulder in the lower sub, at which time the fingers are-goss 27 22 are opposite the enlarged sub recess 25, the fingers inherently expanding outwardly into such recess and freeing the ball 19 for downward movement through the sleeve 18 and out of the sub ld, the ball dropping harmlessly into the well casing B and to the bottom of the hole.

With the packing (t4 sealed ott against the wall of the well casing B, any pressure below the well tool will pass. through the ports 5t), 5l and through the stop ring holes 52 and annular space 43 into the annular space 32 between the anchor body 27 and the tubular body or mandrel 10, acting on the inner ends of the gripping members 34 and urging them outwardly against the torce of their retracting springs 4d into anchoring engagement with the wall of the well casing B. It is evident that any Huid pressure in the well casing tending to shift the tool A upwardly therewithin is prevented from doing so by the hydraulic anchoring of the gripping members 3d against the wall of the well casing B.

The fully set condition of the well packer is illustrated in FIGS. 4a to 4d. When in this condition, the lower cylinder head 71 has preferably shifted upwardly out of the confining retainer cylinder 80, allowing the hydro static head of fluid to act upon the lower end of the cylinder head 7l without the necessity for passing through the lower by-

pass passage

102, 100, 99. The hydrostatic head of fluid is constantly acting upwardly on the lower cylinder head il and downwardly on the piston 69, maintaing the packing 44 and slips 59 set firmly against the wall of the well casing. If the packing material tends to extrude around the upper or lower gauge rings 45, ed, the hydrostatic head of liuid automatically compensates for such movement by moving the cylinder head 71 and piston 69 closer to each other, thereby maintaining the packing sleeve sealed against the wall of the well casing and the slips anchored against the wall of the weil casing.

In the event it is desired to release the well packer A from the well casing and remove it therefrom, an upward pull is taken on the tubular running-in string C and on the inner mandrel or body 10 connected thereto. This upward pull is transmitted from the mandrel l@ to the shear sleeve G2., which engages the outer thrust ring mem ber 87, which, in turn, engages the cylinder t). The parts surrounding the mandrel i@ below the cylinder head 71 will all move upwardly with the mandrel until the upper end of the by-pass sleeve 95 engages the lowerend or" the cylinder head 7l, further movement being prevented. Accordingly, the taking of a suiicient upward pull on the tubular running-in string C and on the mandrel l@ connected thereto will now shear the inner portion 93 of the shear ring 92 from its outer portion, freeing the mandrel so that it can move upwardly within the parts that surround it, the inner thrust ring 85 moving upwardly with the mandrel out of the outer thrust ring 87 until it is positioned thereabove. The thrust ring SS is split and inherently expansible. Accordingly, upon being located above the outer thrust ring 87, it expands outwardly inherently out of the mandrel groove 86. Ir it does not expand sufliciently from the mandrel groove, the lower tapered side 86a of the groove will engage the ring and insure its outward expansion into the annular space between the lower end of the valve head w3 and the upper end of the outer thrust ring S7.

The mandrel 10 is now free to move upwardly within the parts that surround it until its port or ports 112 are disposed above the cylinder head '7l and in communication with the atmospheric chamber '76 (FG. 5b), allowing the hydrostatic head of uid to pass into the atmospheric chamber and equalize the pressure internally and externally thereof. The mandrel 10 moves upwardly until its stop ring 43 engages the shoulder 55 of the anchor body. At this time, an upper enlarged diameter portion 1th: of the mandrel will have been disposed above the lower end of the anchor body chamber 3l, such as shown in FIG. 5a, opening the annular passage L2 3;?. communicating with the gripping member cylinders 33, and allowing the huid pressure acting internally and externally on the gripping members 34 to equalize, whereupon the retracting springs 4t? will shift the gripping members inwardly from the wall of the well casing and to their initial retracted position.

Because of the engagement of the stop ring 53 with the ancher body shoulder 55, upward movement of the tubular string C and mandrel it) carries the anchor body 27 upwardly with it, shifting its abutment portion 41 away from the expander 47 and allowing the packing sleeve 44 to retract from the wall of the well casing. Upward movement of the upper setting sleeve 42 with the anchor body 27 will cause its key i8 to engage the lower gauge ring 46, shifting the expander 47 upwardly with respect to the slips 59 and effecting retraction of the slips because of their tongue and

groove interconnection

60, 61 with the expander. All of the parts have now been retracted from the well casing B, allowing the packer to be elevated in the well casing on the tubular string C and removed entirely therefrom.

I claim:

l. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: body means; normally retracted means disposed about said body means and adapted to be expanded outwardly into engagement with the wall of the well bore; upper actuating means engaging said normally retracted means; lower actuating means engaging said normally retracted means; said upper and lower actuating means being movable toward each other to expand said normally retracted means; hydraulically operable means responsive to the hydrostatic head of uid in the well bore for relatively shifting said upper and lower actuating means toward each other; releasable lock means for preventing relative shitting between said body means and one of said actuating means and held in locked position preventing such shifting by the other of said actuating means; means interconnecting said body means and said other of said actuating means for preventing relative shifting therebetween; and means for shifting said other or said actuating means from holding relation to said lock means to release said lock means.

2. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: body means; normally retracted means disposed about said body means and adapted to be expanded outwardly into engagement with the wall of the well bore; upper actuating means engaging an upper portion of said normally retracted means and comprising an upper setting sleeve: lower actuating means engaging a lower portion of said normally retracted means and comprising a lower setting sleeve' hydraulically operable means on said sleeves for shiftini; said upper and lower actuating means relative to eacli other to expand said normally retracted means; releasable lock means interconnecting said body means and one of said actuating means and held in locked position by the other of said actuating means to prevent relative shifting between said body means and said one of said actuating means; releasable means interconnecting said body means and said other of said actuating means for preventing relative shiftingtherebetween; and means for shifting said other of said actuating means from holding relation to said lock means to release said lock means.

3. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: body meaHS; normally retracted means disposed about said body means and adapted to be expanded outwardly into 'engagement with. the wall of the well bore; upner actuating means engaging said normally retracted means; lower actuating means engaging said normally retracted means' said upper and lower actuating means being movable to: ward each other to expand said normally retracted means' hydraulically operable means responsive to the hydro static head of fluid in the well bore for relatively shifting Sad upper and lower actuating means toward each otherl releasable lock means for preventing relative shifting be tween said body means and one of said actuating means and held in locked position preventing such shifting by arrasa,

Q t Y the other of said actuating means; port means for conducting tlie pressure' of iluid externally of said body means to said other of said actuatingmeans to shift said other of said actuating means relative to said one actuating means and release said lock means; and means closing said port conducting means and shiftable to open position in response to iiuid pressure in said body means.

4. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: body meansg normally retracted means disposed about said body means and adapted to be expanded outwardly into engagement with the wall of the well bore; upper actuating means engaging said normally retracted means; lower actuating means engaging said normally retracted means; said upper and lower actuating means being movable toward each other to expand said normally retracted means; hydraulically operable means responsive to the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore for relatively shifting said upper and lower actuating means toward each other; releasable `lock means for preventing relative shifting between said body means and one of said actuating means and held in locked position preventing such shifting by the other of said actuating means; port means for conducting the pressure of iluid externally of said body means to said other of said actuating means to shift said other of said actuating means relative to said one actuating means and release said lock means; and valve means closing said port conducting means and shiftable along said body means to open position in response to fluid pressure in said body 5. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: a body; normally retracted means disposed about said body and adapted to be expanded outwardly into engagement with the wall of the well bore; upper actuating means engaging an upper portion of said normally retracted means and comprising an upper setting sleeve; lower actuating means engaging a lower portion of said normally retracted means and comprising a lower setting sleeve; a piston connected to Asaid upper sleeve and slidably and sealingly engaging said body and lower sleeve; a piston connected to said lower sleeve and sealingly engaging said body; said pistons, lower sleeve and body providing an atmospheric chamber into which well bore iluid cannot enter initially; at least one of said pistons being responsive to the hydrostatic head of iiuid in the well bore for `relatively shifting said .sleeves and upper and lower actuating means t-o er'- `pand said normally retracted means; releasable lock means for preventing relative shifting between said body and Y upper actuating means and held in locked position preventing such shifting by said lower actuating means; releasable means interconnecting said body and lower actuating means; and means for shifting said lower actuating means from holding relation to said lock means to release said lock means.

o. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: a

body; normally retracted means disposed about said body and adapted to be expanded outwardly into engagement with the wall of the Well bore;.upper actuating means engaging an upper portion of said normally retracted means and comprising an upper `setting sleeve; lower actuating means engaging a lower portion of, said normally retracted means -and comprising a lower setting sleeve; a piston connected `tp said upper sleeve and slidably and sealingly engagingsaid body and lower sleeve; a piston connected to said lowers eeve and sealingly engaging said body; said pistons, lower) leeve and body providing an atmospheric chamber into which well bore iluid cannot enter initially; at least one ofsaid pistons being responi sive to the hydrostatic head of lipid in the well bore for relatively shifting said sleeves and upper and lower actuating means to expand said normally retracted means; releasable lock means for preventing relative shifting between said body and upper actuating means and held in locked position preventing such shifting byk said lower actuating means; means for conducting the pressure of uid externally of said body to said lower actuating l@ Y ,Y Y i means to shift it relative to said upper actuating means and release said lock means; and means closing said conducting means and shiftable to open position in response to fluid pressure in said body. l g

7. In apparatus adapted to be set in a, well bore: a body; normally retracted means disposed about said body and adapted to be expanded outwardly into engagement with the wall of the well bore; upper actuating means engaging an upper portion of said normally retracted means and comprising an upper setting sleeve; lower actuating means engaging a lower portion of said normally retracted means and comprising a lower setting sleeve; a piston connected to said upper sleeve and slidably and sealingly engaging said body and lower sleeve; a piston connected to said lower sleeve and sealingly engaging said body; said pistons, lower sleeve and body providing an atmospheric chamber into which well bore fluid cannot enter initially; at least one of said pistons being responsive to the hydrostatic head of fluid in the VWell bore for relatively shifting said sleeves and upper and lower actuatingrmeans to expand said normally retracted means; releasable lock means for preventing relative shifting between said body and upper actuating means and held in locked position preventing such shifting by said lower actuating means; means for conducting the pressure of iiuid externally of said body means to said lower actuating means to shift it relative to said upper actuating means and release said lock means; and piston valve means closing said conducting means and shiftable downwardly of said body t o open position in response to fluid pressure 'in said body.

8. In apparatus adapted to beset in a well bore: body means; normally retracted means disposed about said body means and adapted to be expanded outwardly into engagement with the wall of the well bore; upper actuating means engaging said normally retracted means; lower 'actuating means engaging said normally retracted means;

said upper and lower actuating means being movable 'toward each other to expand said normally retracted means; hydraulically operable means responsive to the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore for relatively shifting said upper and lower actuating means toward each other; releasable lock means for preventing relative shifting between said body means and one of said actuat- `ing means and held in locked position preventing such to fluid pressure in said body means.

9. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: body means; normally retracted means disposed about said 'body means and adapted to be expanded outwardly into engagement with the 'Wall of the well bore; upper actuating means engaging said normally retracted means; lowerl actuating means engaging said normally retracted means; said upper and lower actuating means being movable toward each other to expand said normally retracted means; hydraulically operable means responsive to the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore for relatively shifting said upper and lower actuating means toward each other; lock means for preventing relative shifting between said body means and one of said actuating means and held in locked position preventing such shifting by the other of said actuating means; a cylinder connected to said body means; means releasably connecting said cylinder to said other of said actuating means; said cylinder having a passage therein extending from the well bore `externally of the cylinder to said other of said actuating means; and means closing said passage and shiftable to open position in response to tluid pressure in said body means, .whereby the hydrostatic head of uid in the well bore can aieaoes il shift said other of said actuating means to a position releasing said releasable means and said lock means.

it?. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: body means; normally retracted means disposed about said body means and adapted to be expanded outwardly into 1eflggement with the Wall of the well bore; upper actuatinfmeans engaging said normally retracted means; lower actuating means engaging said normally retracted means; said upper and lower actuating means being movable toward each other to expand said normally retracted means; hydraulically operable means responsive to the hydrostatic head of iiuid in the well bore for relatively shifting said upper and lower actuating means toward each other; lock means for preventing relative shitting between said body means and one of said actuating means and held in locked position preventing such shifting by the other of said actuating means; a cylinder slurrounding said body means; frangible means connecting said cylinder to said body means; means releasably connecting said cylinder to said other of said actuating means; said cylinder having a passage therein extending from the well bore externally of the cylinder to said other of said actuating means; and means closing said pas- 'sage and shittable to open position in response to fiuid pressure in said body means, whereby the hydrostatic head 'of iiuid in the well bore can shift said other of said actuating means to a position releasing said releasable means and said lock means.

il. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: a `-ibody; normally retracted means disposed about said body and adapted to be exapended outwardly into engagement with the wall of the well bore; upper actuating means engaging an upper portion of said normally retracted means and comprising an upper setting sleeve; lower actuating means engaging a lower portion of said normally retracted means and comprising a lower setting sleeve; a piston connected to said upper sleeve and slidably and sealingly engaging said body and lower sleeve; a piston connected to said lower sleeve and sealingly cngaging said body; said pistons, lower sleeve and body providing an atmospheric chamber into which well bore uid cannot enter initially; at least one of said pistons being responsive to the hydrostatic head of uid in the well bore for relatively shifting said sleeves and upper and lower actuating means to expand said normally retracted means; lock means for preventing relative shifting between said body and upper actuating means and held in locked position preventing such shifting by said lower actuating means; a cylinder connected to said body; means releasably connecting said cylinder to said lower actuating means; said cylinder having a passage therein extending from the well bore externally of the cylinder to said lower actuating means; and means closing said passage and shiftable to open position in response to fluid pressure in said body, whereby the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well -bore can shift said lower actuating means to a position releasing said releasable means and said lock means.

12. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: a body; normally retracted means disposed about said body and adapted to be expanded outwardly into engagement with the wall of the well bore; upper actuating means engaging an upper portion of said normally retracted means and comprising an upper setting sleeve; lower actuating means engaging a lower portion of said normally retracted means and comprising a lower setting sleeve; a piston connected to said upper sleeve and slidably and scalingly engaging said body and lower sleeve; a piston connected to said lower sleeve and sealingly engaging said body; said pistons, lower sleeve and body providing an atmospheric chamber into which well bore fluid cannot enter initially; at least one of said pistons being responsive to the hydrostatic head of uid in the well bore for relatively shifting said sleeves and upper and lower actuating means to expand said normally retracted means; lock means for preventing relative shifting between said body and upper actuating means and held in locked position preventing such shifting by said lower actuating means; a cylinder surrounding said body; frangible means connecting 'saidi cylinder to said body; means releasably connecting said cylinder to said lower actuating means; said cylinder having a passage therein extending from the well bore externally of the cylinder to said lower actuating means; and means closing said passage and shiftable to open position in response to uid` pressure in said body, whereby the hydrostatic head or duid in the well bore can shift said lower actuating means to a position releasing said releasable means and said lock means.

13. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: body means; normally retracted means disposed about said body means and adapted to be expanded outwardly into engagement with the wall of the well bore; upper actuating means engaging said normally retracted means; lower actuating means engaging said normally retracted means; said upper and lower actuating means being mov= able toward each other to expand said normally retracted means; hydraulically operable means responsive to the hydrostatic head of iluid in the welll-bore for rela'- tively shifting said upper and lower actuating means toward each other; releasable lock. means interconnecting said body means and one of said actuating means to prevent relative sliifting between said upper and lower actuating means; means for releasing said lock means; pressure countcracting means providing a closed vatmospheric chamber between said body means and said one of said actuating means, whereby the force of the hydrostatic head of Huid acting in one direction on said one actuating means is substantially countcracted by lie liydrostatic head of fluid acting in the opposite direction on said counterac'ting means to substantially relieve said lock means of load.

14. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bor'e': body means; normally retracted means disposed about said body means and adapted to be expanded outwardly into engagement with the wall 'of the well bore; upper actuating means engaging said normally retracted means; lower actuating means engaging said normally retracted means; said upper and lower actuating means being movable toward each other to expand said normally retracted means; hydraulically operable means responsive to the hydrostatic head of iiuid in the well bore for relatively shifting said upper and lower actuating means t0- ward each other; releasable lock means interconnecting said body means and one of said actuating means to prevent relative shifting between said upper and lower actuating means; means for releasing said lock means; pressure counteracting means providing a closed atmospheric chamber between said body means and said one of said actuating means, whereby the force of the hydrostatic head of fluid acting in one direction on Said one actuating means is substantially counteractefl( by the hydrostatic head of fluid acting in the opposffte direction on said counteracting means to substantialff l, d

y ie icve sai lock means of load, said one actuating mans being mmh able along said body means to open/aid atmosphnc chamber to the pressure of the well 6re um mesinnflsrgtddtneet in a well bore: body 7 /i body means and adapted to ans disposed about said mg mans engagmg Smfl-'Ormaily retracted means; lower aciuatn means Cugat -g said normally retracted means; ald Lipper and 10W '.-r actuating7 means being movable to- ;Vad ehther l@ expand said normally retacted means; hllaaflhi (,)ljerhable means I'Ssponsiveto the hydrostatic upper and 1,. :drt ewfl bore for relatively shifting said lwsable 1 O/"fwelalll-mg means toward each other; re-

-d u means llefCOnnecting said body means and sm EQ@ 'acliummg means i0 PTU/cnt relative shifting between said upper and lower actuating means; means for releasing said lock means; pressure counteracting means providing a closed atmospheric chamber between said body means and said upper actuating means, whereby the force of the hydrostatic head of fluid acting downwardly on said upper actuating means is substantially counteracted by the hydrostatic head of fluid acting upwardly on said counteracting means to substantially relieve said lock means of load.

16. In apparatus adapted to be set in a well bore: body means; normally retracted means disposed about said body means and adapted to be expanded outwardly into engagement with the Wall of the well bore; upper actuating means engaging said normally retracted means; lower actuating means engaging said normally retracted means; said upper and lower actuating means being movable toward each other to expand said normally retracted means; hydraulically operable means responsive to the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore for relatively shifting said upper and lower actuating means toward each other; releasable lock means interconnecting said body means and said upper actuating means to prevent relative shifting between said upper and lower actuating means; means for releasing said lock means; pressure counteracting means providing a closed atmospheric chamber between said body means and said upper actuating means, whereby the force of the hydrostatic head of fluid acting downwardly on said upper actuating means is substantially counteracted by the hydrostatic head of uid acting upwardly on said counteracting means to substantially relieve said lock means of load; said upper actuating means being movable downwardly along said body means to open said atmospheric chamber to the pressure of the well bore fluid.

References Cited bythe Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,008,523 11/61 Clark et al. 166-134 X 3,112,796 12/63 Myers 166-120 CHARLES E. OCONNELL, Primary Examiner.

Claims

1. IN APPARATUS ADAPTED TO BE SET IN A WELL BORE: BODY MEANS; NORMALLY RETRACTED MEANS DISPOSED ABOUT SAID BODY MEANS AND ADAPTED TO BE EXPANDED OUTWARDLY INTO ENGAGEMENT WITH THE WALL OF THE WELL BORE; UPPER ACTUATING MEANS ENGAGING SAID NORMALLY RETRACTED MEANS; LOWER ACTUATING MEANS ENGAGING SAID NORMALLY RETRACTED MEANS; SAID UPPER AND LOWER ACTUATING MEANS BEING MOVABLE TOWARD EACH OTHER TO EXPAND SAID NORNALLY RETRACTED MEANS: HYDRAULICALLY OPERABLE MEANS RESPONSIVE TO THE HYDROSTATIC HEAD OF FLUID IN THE WELL BORE FOR RELATIVELY SHIFTING SAID UPPER AND LOWER ACTUATING MEANS TOWARD EACH OTHER; RELEASABLE LOCK MEANS FOR PREVENTING RELATIVE SHIFTING BETWEEN SAID BODY MEANS AND ONE OF SAID ACTUATING MEANS AND HELD IN LOCKED POSITION PREVENTING SUCH SHIFTING BY THE OTHER OF SAID ACTUATING MEANS; MEANS INTERCONNECTING SAID BODY MEANS AND OTHER OF SAID ACTUATING MEANS FOR PREVENTING RELATIVE SHIFTING THEREBETWEEN; AND MEANS FOR SHIFTING SAID OTHER OF SAID ACTUATING MEANS FROM HOLDING RELATION TO SAID MEANS TO RELEASE SAID LOCK MEANS.