Abstract: A plug container has a flanged, splined end which mates with a complemental end of a casing adapter member. These two ends are secured to each other by a clamping mechanism which permits easy connecting and disconnecting of the two ends, thereby affording easy interchanging of different adapter members. The plug container has a cavity with a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the plug to be retained in the cavity so that pressure equalization around the plug is maintained without an external bypass. Pressure equalization is also maintained adjacent a cap which closes an end of the plug container. This pressure equalization of the cap is achieved by one or more radial openings in an abutment wall of the cap. The cap is sealed by a pressure-energized seal disposed in the interior surface of the housing into which the plug is threadedly connectible. Two manifold ports are disposed near the two ends of the cavity in which the plug is to be disposed.

Abstract: A packer element design for use in well bores that may be at a relatively low initial temperature and be subsequently heated to much higher temperatures. High temperature packing material of asbestos fibers impregnated with Inconel wire is employed in packer rings of frusto-conical shape which face on a center packer ring of triangular cross-section formed of the same material. Low melting point thermoplastic wafers of frusto-conical shape are interspersed at least between adjacent frusto-conical packer rings. These thermoplastic wafers soften at a relatively low well bore temperature and help to initiate a seal when squeezed between the high temperature rings as the packer is set. As the well bore temperature increases, the low melting point thermoplastic liquifies and is squeezed out from between the high temperature packer segments, which then take over the sealing function.

Abstract: A combination multiple stage cementing tool and casing inflation packer includes an inflatable packer having a packer mandrel and an inflatable packing element disposed about the mandrel. A cementing tool includes a cylindrical outer casing, a cementing port disposed through a side wall of the casing, and a sliding sleeve valve assembly for opening and closing the cementing port. The cylindrical outer casing of the cementing tool is permanently attached to the packer mandrel and has a maximum outer diameter at least as great as a maximum outer diameter of the inflatable packing element when the inflatable packing element is in an uninflated position.

Abstract: An anchor tool and cooperating anchor positioner for use in a well bore are disclosed. The anchor tool may be employed as part of a well casing or liner, while the anchor positioner is part of a tool string run inside the casing or liner. The anchor positioner locates and anchors the tool string at a desired level in the well bore by engagement with the anchor tool placed at that location. Multiple anchor tools may be employed if it is desired to deploy the tool string at different levels. All operation of the anchor positioner is effected by mechanical force.

Abstract: An improved anchor positioner for use with anchors incorporated in a liner or casing of a well bore. The anchor positioner comprises upward-facing spring arms having downward facing shoulders on the exterior thereof, the spring arms, when extended radially outward, engaging a shoulder on an anchor to locate a tool string in a well bore. An indexing head, rotatable in response to axial reciprocation of the tool string, retracts the spring arms from the anchor. A subsequent reciprocation of the tool string will cause the spring arms to extend radially outward and to be locked in the extended position by contact with the indexing head, thus locking them into the anchor against downward movement. Retraction of the spring arms is effected by force from contact with inwardly-inclined faces on the indexing head, and extension of the spring arms is effected by outward force exerted by contact of the inside of the spring arms with axial grooves on the outside of the indexing head.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for gravel packing a producing formation or zone in a well without inducing fluid movement across the zone being packed during reverse circulation. Packing and reverse circulation are effected without any movement of the tool string from the time packing is initiated. Bypass and dump valves are incorporated in the isolation gravel packer to facilitate movement of the tool string within the well bore before and after packing a zone.

Abstract: A method of gravel packing multiple zones with a single trip of the operating string into a well without inducing fluid movement across zones, and without disturbing the zone being packed in reverse circulation. Apparatus is disclosed to perform the method, comprising a screen liner assembly surrounding a concentric operating string. Mechanical force on the operating string is used to change all tool modes of the apparatus. The operating string is accurately positioned with respect to the screen liner assembly at every zone level and zones may be easily relocated if necessary. Zones may be packed in any order, and a zone may be repacked, if necessary, during the same trip into the well.

Abstract: A method of gravel packing multiple zones with a single trip of the operating string into a well without inducing fluid movement across zones, and without disturbing the zone being packed in reverse circulation. Apparatus is disclosed to perform the method, comprising a screen liner assembly surrounding a concentric operating string. Mechanical force on the operating string is used to change all tool modes of the apparatus. The operating string is accurately positioned with respect to the screen liner assembly at every zone level and zones may be easily relocated if necessary. Zones may be packed in any order, and a zone may be repacked, if necessary, during the same trip into the well.