US2592947A - Tubing packer - Google Patents

Description

J. s. PAGE 2,592,947

TUBING PACKER 2 SHEETS-SHEET 1 April 15, 1952 Filed Julyjf, 1946 JNVEA'TOR. fok/l S pag@ A E BFH C w April 15, 1952 Filed July 3, 1946 J. S. PAGE TUBING PACKER 2 SHEETS-SHEET 2 INVENTOR.

fo/lu Spaye Patented Apr. l5, 1952 2,592,947 TUBING PAKER .lohn S. Page, Long Beach, Calif., assigner to Page Oil Tools Inc., Long Beach,- Calif., a corporation of California Application `luly 3, 1946,V Serial No. 681,316

' (el. 16s- 12) 8 Claims.

This invention relates to a tubing packer and is more specifically concerned with a tubing packer combined with a tubing support, it being a general object of the invention to provide a tool of this character which is simple, practical, safe and dependable.

It is a general objectief the present invention to providea tool of the general character referred to involving a gripping mechanism or slip device that can .be set or engaged independently of the packers orpacking means included in the tool.

Another vobject is to provide a gripping device and a packer related as above outlined so that if pressureis acting to urge the packer upwardly the packer will merely :1ct to aid in the setting of thegripping mecbanism.

Another-object is to provide a tool wherein a packing means may serve to set or to aid in setting the gripping means but will not act to release the gripping means in the event that there is a reversal of pressure operating the packing means in the opposite direction.

Anotherobject is to .provide a tool wherein the gripping meansor slip mechanism serves to carry the load or weight ofthe tubing so that the packing means is not under such load but is actuated by iiuid pressure to maintain a tight j,

seal.

Another object is to provide a tool embodying a plurality ol packers which can be arranged or faced in any desired manner. The present invention contemplates providing the tool with a j.

plurality of packerunits and any desired number of such units canbe faced in either direction or in both directions. as well conditions may require. Thevconstruction of the tool is such that it can 'ce readily extended to accommodate a large number of packingunits if they become necessary. .Y l

Another object is to provide a tool involving packing means freely slidable on the main body of the tool which packing means is sealed with the body of, the tool Fand being free does not impede or offer a drag topi-event operation of the gripping means employed for supporting the Another object is to provide a tool which is cl4 simple practical construction and which involves few rugged easily formed parts that can be readily assembled or taken apart.

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, through which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a sectional view of a part of a well showing a liner located within a casing and showing the tool of the present invention sealed in the liner and supporting a string of tubing therein. Fig. 2 is an enlarged detailed sectionall View of the mechanism of the present invention, being a view taken as indicated by line 2 2 on Fig. l. Fig. 3 is an enlarged detailed sectional view of a tool taken substantially as indicated by line 3-3 on Fig. l, showing two packer units in place instead of four, as shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a view similar to a portion of Fig. 2 showing the parts in a different position. Fig. 5 is an enlarged detailed transverse sectional view taken as indicated by line 5--5 on Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is an enlarged detailed transverse sectional view taken as indicated by line 6 6 onFig. '2. Fig. 7 is an enlarged detailed transverse -sec-k tionalrview taken as indicated by line 1-1 on Fig. 2, andFig. 8 is an enlarged sectional view of one of the packer units.

The tool of the present invention can be used in various situations. However, as above pointed out it is particularly useful on or in connection with tubing arrangedwithin a tubular string such as a liner and.' therefore, inli'ig. lof the drawings I have shown a 'situation where there is a well bore A lined with a casing B within which there is a liner C. A string of tubing is shown within the liner and the tool of the present invention is shown in connection with the tubing supporting the tubing in the liner and establishing a packing or seal between the tubingY and the liner. The tool of the present invention can be used on or in a. string of tubing; that is. it can be applied to the lower end of a string of tubing or it can be incorporated intermediate the ends of a string of tubing, in which case, as'shown in the drawings, it is arranged between an upper section lll of a tubing string and a lower section Il of the tubing string.

, The tool of the present invention involves, generally, a slip mechanism or gripping device D carried by or connected with the tubing and engageable with the liner, operating means E for the slip mechanism, control means F for the means E, bypass means G provided. to maintain free communication between the inside and the outside of the tool when the slip mechanism is held retracted or in the released position and packing means H serving to pack the tool or the tubing in or with the liner C, y

The slip mechanism D is preferably located or incorporated in the tool so that it occurs at the upper end portion thereof, and in its preferred form it involves, generally, a body section l2 and a plurality of slips |3 carried by and cooperating with the section. The body section of the means or mechanism D is an elongate tubular part or structure having an enlargement or head portion I4 with a plurality of circumferentially spaced inclined guideways I5 which carry the slips I3. The upper end portion I5 of the body section |2 is of reduced diameter and is in the nature of a stem by which the body section is connected to the tubing and which serves as a part to be engaged if it is necessary to iish the tool from the well. In the case illustrated the stem |5 is shown with an internally threaded opening to receive the lower end of the upper section I of the tubing string and its exterior is provided with wickers ifi to cooperate with a fishing tool.

The slips i3 may be of the type generally employed in tools of this general character, that is, they may be wedge-shaped parts having gripping teeth IS on their outer faces and they are preferably keyed or locked to the guideways of the body so that they are properly maintained in the desired position thereon. The manner in which the slips are engaged with the guideways of the body is clearly illustrated in Fig. 5 of the drawings.

The operating means for the slip mechanism involves, generally, an elongate tubular body section 2i), a sleeve 2| slidable on the body section 2), a plurality of grippers or spring lingers 22 carried by the sleeve, links 23 connected to the slips I3 and a coupling between the links 23 and the sleeve 2 I.

The elongate tubular body section 20 is arranged below the body section I2 of means D and is shown attached thereto by a tubular coupling 24. In the particular construction illustrated the coupling 24 is an elongate tubular part entering the lower end of body section I2 and threaded thereto at 25 and entering the upper end of the body section 2i) and threaded thereto at 26. The coupling 24 may be considered a part or continuation of either of the body sections and when the body sections are joined by the coupling these parts, that is, the body sections I2, 2D and the coupling 24, form a rigid, continuous tubular body structure.

The sleeve 2| of means E is slidable and rotatable on the body section 20 and it serves primarily as a carrier for the fingers 22.

The spring iingers or grips 22 may be of the form and construction employed, generally, in tail pieces, and they are carried by the sleeve 2| to normally frictionally engage the interior of the liner C. In the particular case illustrated the upper end portions of the fingers 22 are shown secured to the upper end portion of sleeve 2| by suitable fastening devices 28 while the lower end portions of the iingers slidably bear on the lower end portion of the sleeve where they extend under guards 25. The middle or outwardly bowed portions of the fingers are free and project outwardly to bear in the liner in the manner illustrated in Fig. l of the drawings.

The links23 are in the nature of connecting links having their upper ends connected to the lower ends of the slips I3 as by pivot pins 30 while their lower ends are connected to the coupling which joins the links to the sleeve 2| as by pivot pins 3|.

The particular coupling provided between the links and sleeve illustrated in the drawings involves, generally, an annular collar 32 tting loosely around the coupling 24 and formed to receive and hold the pivot pins 3| which hold the lower ends of the links. A split ring 33 is assembled around and embraces a portion of the collar 32 to be coupled thereto and is threaded at 34 into the upper end of the sleeve 2| so that its sections are maintained in the desired assembled position embracing the collar.

The control means F for the operating means E is preferably a bayonet type control. For instance, as shown in the drawings, it involves one or more projections or pins 40 projecting from the exterior of the body section 20 and cooperating with bayonet slots in the sleeve 2|. In the particular case illustrated I show two projecting pins 4|) on the body section 20 located diametrically opposite each other and I provide two bayonet slots each having a vertical or longitudinal section 4| and a top or lateral section or notch 62 at the upper end of the section 4|. When' the pins are engaged in the notches 52 the sleeve is locked against longitudinal movement on the body section 20 but when the pins 40 are in register with the sections 4| of the slots the sleeve is free to move vertically far enough to allow full movement of the slips |3 upward on the inclined parts of the body section l2.

The by-pass means G provided to maintain free communication between the inside and the outside of the toolr when the control means F is set holding the slips down is a port construction involving or embodying parts of the body section 20 and parts of the sleeve 2|. In the preferred form of the invention illustrated in the drawings one or more by-pass ports 50 are provided in the body section 20 intermediate its ends or at a point where it is covered by the sleeve 2|. If the number of ports 55 is made to correspond to the number of bayonet slots provided in the sleeve 2B the ports 5U may be made to cooperate with the bayonet slots. In the case illustrated I have shown two bayonet slots in the sleeve 2| and four by-pass ports 50 in the body section 2B. In this case two of the ports 5|) cooperate with the bayonet slots and two of the ports 50 cooperate with by-pass ports 5| provided in the sleeve 2| between the bayonet slots. Where four ports 5B are provided, as shown in the drawings, they are preferably located apart and the bayonet slots and ports 5| are located 90 apart the ports being located and related so that when the pins 4B of means F are engaged in the notches 42 of the bayonet slots the ports 58 register with the bayonet slots and ports 5| providing free passage or communication between the interior of the tool and the exterior thereof. This relationship of parts is clearly illustrated in Fig. 2 of the drawings. When the pins `Mi are rotated out of the notches 42 so that they are in the longitudinal portions of the bayonet slots the ports 50 are out of register with the bayonet slots and ports 5I so that communication between the interior of the tool and the exterior thereof is shut off. This relationship of parts is illustrated in Fig. 4. of the drawings. To prevent or minimize leakage it is preferred to provide packing means at or in connection with the port construction just described. In the case illustrated packingv rings 55 are provided between the body 2|) and sleeve 2| and belowthe ports 5B. In the case illustrated 4the wall of the body 2|) is thicker than that of the sleeve 2| and therefore the packing rings are shown carried in body 20.

The packing means H that I have provided is preferably located below the structure thus far described or, in other words, atthe lower end portion of the tool. In its preferred form the packing means involves, generally, an el-ongate tubular body section 60 and one' or 'more packer units 6| carried onA the body section; The body section 60 is preferably a simple, tubular part having its upper end joined Lor coupled to the body structure above described. In' the case illustrated the upper end of the body section 6B.

is shown threaded into the lower end portion of body section 20 at 62. The body section 60 is made of such length as to accommodate thenumber of packing units 6| desired inthe tool and consequently it may vary widely in length. In Fig. l I illustrate a body of such length as to accommodate four packer units whereas in Fig. 3

I illustrate a body which is shorter and such as g:

the tubing section H may be considered a part yof the present tool to the extent that it is applied to the lower end of the body section 6!) and forms an enlargement retaining the packer units 6| on the body section, it being understood that any such part can be employed that will serve this purpose if the tool is not used in connection with a lower tubing section, as shown in the drawings.

It is a feature of the ypresent invention that I` can employ one or more packer units El as circumstances require and I can arrange the packer units to face in either or both directions, that is, I can use one or more packer units all faced up, or one or more packer units all faced down, or I can use a combination of packer units some faced up and some faced down. In Fig. l of the drawings I illustrate four packerunits, three faced down and one faced up, the uppermost of the group being faced up... In Fig. 3 I show a simple arrangement where there are but two packer units, one faced up and one faced down, the uppermost being faced up. l'iVith'the construction that I have provided the desired combination and arrangement of packer units can be gained quickly and conveniently since it is merely necessary to slide the packer units onto the body section 69 facing them in the desired direction as they are applied and it is unnecessary to operate threaded connections or joints of any kind.

Each packer unit 6| is, in general, an independent packer individually and freely vmovable on the body section Sil. In the preferred form of the invention each packer unit 6| includes, generally, an elongate tubular part or sleeve l@ having a bore or opening H therethrough such as to slidably accommodate the Abody section 60. The sleeve 'l0 is provided at one end with-an enlargement or head l2 which carries packing 13 and forms an abutment or shoulder 14 for a the.

packing support 15. In the particular case illustrated the head 12 is formed separate from the rest of the sleeve and is secured thereto by welding 'I6 and the packing 13 is a ring of suitable shape and formed of suitable material carment,

The packing element is preferably a unit of rubber or the like having an annular body portion SB carried onthe'sleeve 'l0 in engagement with the support 15 and so that it extends under the retaining Iiange 18. An annular extension 8| is provided on the body 80 forming a sealing lip shapedl and proportioned to normally yieldingly bear outwardly in the liner C. Being formed as just described the lip 8ll has a cavity or chamber E2 within it for the reception of fluid so that fluid under pressure acts inside or within the lip to urge it out into sealing engagement with the liner. A retainer such as a collar 83 is applied to the sleeve 1B to retain the packer f: body in engagement with the support '|5. In the case illustrated the collar B3 is threaded to the end portion of the sleeve l and a spacer 84 is arranged between the collar and the body ll. With this arrangement the collar 83 occurs outward of and beyond the end of lip 8| so that itis easily accessible, i,

From the foregoing description it will be apparent that I have provided a tool that can be advantageously applied to or incorporated in a string of tubing and that the tool can be positioned with the slips retracted and so that it can be readily run into the well tothe desired point or location. When at the desired point in the well the means F is released by suitable rotation of the tool disengaging the pins 40 from the notches 42. With the slips released they can be actuated by lowering the tubing slightly causing the body I2 to move down relative to' the slips I3, the slips being supported against downward movement-by the spring iingers 22 frictionally engaged in the liner C. If there is upward pressure in the liner C below the tool it may act on the packers or packer units 6|l so that they move up causing the uppermost unit to engage the lower end of sleeve 2| causing the slips to be forced up on the body section I2. iIt is to be observed that with the arrangement that I have provided the uppermost packer unit 5| is free-to bear against the lower end of sleeve 2i to effect the action just described. By providing a plurality of packer units BI constructed as above described and by arranging them in the desired manner, I am able to pack against leakage in either direction. It is to be understood that as the tool is being lowered into the well the by-pass means G is open allowing free circulation of fluid between the inside and the outside of the tool above the packer units, but when the means F has been released the means G is closed.

It is yto be noted that each packer unit 6| is sealed on the supporting body section and it will be apparent that sufficientplay or longitudinal movement is provided for shifting of the packer units along the body section 60 so that in the event there is a reversal of pressure, for instance a down pressure in the liner C, the packer units are free to merely move away from the lower end of sleeve 2| without in any way disturbing the setting of the means D. Furthermore, it is to be observed that the several body sections incorporated in the tool when assembled or arranged together, as above described, form a continuous tubular body structure extending from one end of the tool to the other and which serves as a duct or continuation of the tubing when the tool is connected in a tubing string, as above described.

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 modications that may appear to those skilled in the art and fall within the scope of the following claims.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. A Well tool of the character described for operation in a well casing including, a central tubular body, a gripping mechanism on the body and engageable in the casing, operating means ior the mechanism including a member on the body shiftable longitudinally thereof and normally rictionally engaging the casing, and packing means including a unit shiftable longitudinally of the body and relative to the mechanism and also relative to the said operating means abutting said member when moved in one direction.

2. A well tool of the character described for operation in a well casing including, a central tubular body, a grippingmechanism on the body and engageablein the casing, operating means for the mechanism including a member on the body frictionally engaging the casing shiftable longitudinally of the tool, said member having a continuous uniform frictional engagement with the casing, and packing means including a plurality of packer units shiftable along the body and relative to said member and one arranged to abut said member when shifted in one direction.

3. A well tool of the character described for operation in a well casing including, a central tubular body, a casing gripping mechanism on the body, operating means for the mechanism including a casing engaging member shiftable longitudinally of the body, and packing means including a plurality of packer units shiftable along the body and relative to said member and one arranged to abut said member when shifted in one direction, each unit including a sleeve slidable on the body and a packing element on the sleeve and engaging the casing, and seals between the sleeves of said units and the body.

4. A well tool of the character described including, a central tubular body, a casing gripping mechanism on the body, operating means for the mechanism including a casing engaging member shiftable longitudinally of the body and having uniform and continuous frictional engagement with the casing, and packing means including a plurality of cup-shaped packer units shiftable along the body and relative to said member and one arranged to abut said member when shifted in one direction, there being units faced in each direction lengthwise of the tool.

5. A tool of the character described for operation in a well casing including, an elongate tubular body, casing engaging slips carried at the upper end portion of the body, a member carried on the body below the slips shiftable lengthwise of the body to operate the slips and having spring lingers in uniforml continuous frictional engagement with the casing, and a casing engaging packer unit slidable on the lower end portion .of the body and into abutting engagement with said member upon being moved upwardly on the body.

6. A tool of the character described for operation in a well casing including, an elongate tubular body, casing engaging slips carried at the upper end portion of the body, a membercarried on the body below the slips and releasably latched thereto, the member being shiftable lengthwise to operate the slips and having spring fingers in uniform continuous frictional engagement with the casing, means controlling the shifting of said'member lengthwise of the body, and a casing engaging packer unit slidable on the lower end portion of the body and relative to said member and into abutting engagement with said member upon being moved upwardly on the body.

'7. A tool of the character described for operation in a well casing including, an elongate tubular body having a fixed tapered head thereon, slips carried by the body cooperating with the head, a sleeve on the body shiftable lengthwise thereof and operatively coupled with the slips, a spring finger carried by the sleeve and normally frictionally engaging the casing, packing means carried by the body adjacent the sleeve and shiftable relative thereto, and means controlling movement of the sleeve lengthwise of the body including a pin on the body cooperating with a slot on the sleeve, the slot having a portion extending lengthwise of the tool and a lateral notch at one end of said portion, and by-pass means including cooperating ports in the body and sleeve in register when the pin is in the notch holding the sleeve against longitudinal movement.

8. A tool of the character described including, an elongate tubular body, slips carried by the body, a rigid annular sleeve shiftable along the body, and a connection between the slips and sleeve including links, pivot pins connecting the links to the slips and a coupling between the links and sleeve including a rigid annular collar engaged freely around the body, pivot pins connecting the links to the collar, and a sectional sleeve including a plurality of separable arcuate sections assembled around a portion of the collar to be coupled therewith, the sectional sleeve having an externally threaded portion on which the rigid sleeve is threaded to hold the sections of the sectional sleeve assembled and to couple the two sleeves together.

i JOHN S. PAGE.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in Vthe iile of this patent:

UNrrnD STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 12,005,955 Renouf Jan. 25, 1935 2,179,812 Calkins NOV. 14, 1939 2,189,697 Baker Feb. 6, 1940 2,290,441 McGafey July 21, 1942 2,338,369 Williams Jan. 4, 1944 2,368,401 Baker Jan. 30, '1945 v21,390,112 McGaffey Dec. il, 1945 2,506,680 Otis May 9, 1950

Images