Central Support Has Shoulders Expanding Sealing Portion, Or Telescopes Patents (Class 166/196)
  • Patent number: 6182755
    Abstract: An annular seal is made of a collapsible bellows. The bellows can function as an anchor or a seal and is easily set into position using relative component movement. The bellows folds can be slanted and their outer sealing edges can have different profiles to meet expected conditions. The bellows is expanded for insertion to reduce its outer dimension and sets by compaction as a result of relative movement. The bellows can be straight or tapered and is settable with a minimal axial force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventor: Arthur J. Mansure
  • Patent number: 6176310
    Abstract: An assembly for sealing the annular space between the inner cylindrical surface of a tubular member and the outer surface of a cylindrical member having a separate upper and lower seal member each of which are sealably and translatably positioned on the cylindrical member outer cylindrical surface, each of the upper and lower seal members having a circumferentially outwardly displaceable sealing lip and including a tubular actuator positioned between the upper and lower seal members having end portions for radially outwardly displacing the upper and lower sealing lips and including a downwardly displaceable seal energizer for moving the upper seal member towards the lower seal member to cause the actuator to concomitantly, radially outwardly expand the circumferential sealing lips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: ERC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry D. Smith, Floyd J. Lane
  • Patent number: 6123148
    Abstract: A packer is provided which reduces the number of components required in a retrievable packer. The packer is compact in size, and convenient and economical in use. In a described embodiment, the packer includes seal carrying and gripping assemblies mounted on a mandrel. Axial compression of the assemblies causes a seal and grip structures carried on the assemblies to radially outwardly deflect. Each of the assemblies may be integrally formed, thereby further reducing the number of components needed to construct the packer. Each of the assemblies is usable separately on the mandrel to produce apparatus which only grippingly engage or only sealingly engage a tubular member in a well. The packer or similar apparatus is retrieved by releasing the force axially compressing the assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Dean Oneal
  • Patent number: 6102117
    Abstract: A packer apparatus for sealing between a tubing string and a casing in a wellbore is disclosed. The packer apparatus includes a seal assembly disposed about a packer mandrel. Upper and lower seal wedges are disposed about the packer mandrel above and below the seal assembly and may be inserted between the seal assembly and the packer mandrel to radially expand the seal assembly into engagement with the casing. The seal assembly includes an expandable elastomeric seal element having anti-extrusion bridge elements disposed in recesses at the upper and lower ends thereof. The anti-extrusion elements form an almost complete circle and thus are arcuately shaped having first and second ends with a gap therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Loren C. Swor, Lee Wayne Stepp, Donald W. Winslow
  • Patent number: 6050342
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for setting a compression seal pack in a well without rotation of the pipe string and setting mandrel. The setting device includes a release device and a moveable member. The release device secures a setting mandrel in a non-engaged position with respect to the seal packer. The moveable member is positionable to a first position, where the setting mandrel is locked in its non-engaged position, and to a second position, where the release device is free and the setting mandrel may move with respect to the seal packer. The method disclosed herein includes coupling the setting device to a compression set packer, positioning a setting mandrel within the seal packer and setting device, positioning the seal packer at the desired location in a well, releasing the setting mandrel from its non-engaged position with respect to the seal packer and lowering the setting mandrel into engagement with said packer to set the packer in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Scheumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Michael Ramsey
  • Patent number: 5988276
    Abstract: A packer is provided which reduces the number of components required in a retrievable packer. The packer is compact in size, and convenient and economical in use. In a described embodiment, the packer includes seal carrying and gripping assemblies mounted on a mandrel. Axial compression of the assemblies causes a seal and grip structures carried on the assemblies to radially outwardly deflect. Each of the assemblies may be integrally formed, thereby further reducing the number of components needed to construct the packer. Each of the assemblies is usable separately on the mandrel to produce apparatus which only grippingly engage or only sealingly engage a tubular member in a well. The packer or similar apparatus is retrieved by releasing the force axially compressing the assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Dean Oneal
  • Patent number: 5941313
    Abstract: A packer for sealing a space downhole in a well. The packer includes a deformable sheath having a body and first and second ends for defining an interior volume proximate to a tool surface. A material located within the interior volume is deformable, when the sheath second end is moved toward the sheath first end, to move the deformable sheath into the downhole space. The sheath can function as a sealing element or a backup element, and can be applied to different structures and tool configurations downhole in a wellbore. One or more deformation surfaces can selectively contact the sheath body to shape the deformation of the sheath body during the setting process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: PES, Inc
    Inventor: Napoleon Arizmendi
  • Patent number: 5857520
    Abstract: A backup shoe for a well packer provides high pressure sealing capability without requiring a large setting force or setting stroke of the packer. In a preferred embodiment, a backup shoe has an inner portion with a relatively thin cross-section and an outer portion with a relatively thick cross-section. Additionally, the inner portion has a pivot point between its ends. In a preferred embodiment of a packer utilizing the backup shoe, an element retainer axially contacts the inner portion adjacent its pivot point, and a seal element axially contacts an inner sloping surface formed on the outer portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryon D. Mullen, James D. Hendrickson
  • Patent number: 5797454
    Abstract: A downhole oil well pulling and running tool provides a releasable tool body that can be used to release a workstring such as a coiled tubing string from a tool assembly and to reattach if desired. To reestablish circulations (the ability to pump fluid down the workstring and up the annulus of the well) after detachment by increasing the pressure across a seated ball to a predetermined pressure that forces the ball through the seat into a ball cage. The cage is sized and shaped to carry a plurality of the ball valving members so that the unlatching and relatching procedure may be repeated as many times as desired until the ball cage is filled. Also providing a delay or timing system that will allow debris to pass thru the tool without a release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Sonoma Corporation
    Inventor: James E. Hipp
  • Patent number: 5775429
    Abstract: A packer for sealing a space downhole in a well. The packer includes a deformable sheath having a body and first and second ends for defining an interior volume proximate to a tool surface. A material located within the interior volume is deformable, when the sheath second end is moved toward the sheath first end, to move the deformable sheath into the downhole space. The sheath can function as a sealing element or a backup element, and can be applied to different structures and tool configurations downhole in a wellbore. For example, the packer can be applied to plugs, to through tubing mandrals, and to other well tools in open hole or in cased wellbore configurations. The packer resists damage to the seal elements, provides confirmation of the packer setting force, and is less expensive than conventional packer designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: PES, Inc.
    Inventors: Napoleon Arizmendi, Timothy Tips
  • Patent number: 5695009
    Abstract: A downhole oil well pulling and running tool provides a releasable tool body that can be used to release a workstring such as a coiled tubing string from a tool assembly and to reattach if desired. To reestablish circulations (the ability to pump fluid down the workstring and up the annulus of the well) after detachment by increasing the pressure across a seated ball to a predetermined pressure that forces the ball through the seat into a ball cage. The cage is sized and shaped to carry a plurality of the ball valving members so that the unlatching and relatching procedure may be repeated as many times as desired until the ball cage is filled. Also providing a delay or timing system that will allow debris to pass thru the tool without a release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Sonoma Corporation
    Inventor: James E. Hipp
  • Patent number: 5511620
    Abstract: A seal apparatus is provided for use in a subterranean wellbore having a wellbore tubular disposed therein that defines a wellbore surface. A conveyance tubular is provided, which is positionable within the subterranean wellbore. A sealing ring is provided, and disposed about at least a portion of the conveyance tubular. The sealing ring has a first surface proximate the conveyance tubular and a second surface which is removed in distance from the conveyance tubular. The second surface defines a sealing surface, and includes a plurality of portions, with selected ones of the plurality of portions of the sealing ring extending radially from the conveyance tubular in at least one radial dimension. The selected portions define at least one metal seal point for selectively and sealingly engaging the wellbore surface. The seal apparatus is operable in a plurality of modes, including a running mode of operation and a sealing mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Inventors: John L. Baugh, George J. Melenyzer
  • Patent number: 5439053
    Abstract: A reinforcing slat for use in an inflatable packer which is elongate and curved about its longitudinal axis and comprises perforations in the part thereof which enters the end portion and which bends around the end portion on inflation of the packer. The perforations serve to reduce the bending stiffness of the slat in the portion likely to suffer permantent deformation on inflation of the packer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Dowell Schlumberger Incorporated
    Inventors: David M. Eslinger, Robert M. Sorem
  • Patent number: 5433269
    Abstract: In a retrievable packer adapted for service under high temperature and pressure conditions, improved sealing is provided by a seal element prop surface which is radially offset with respect to the seal element support surface of the packer body mandrel. At least one seal element is supported on the elevated prop surface and is subjected to a radial squeeze in the set configuration, even though the lowermost seal element may be subject to longitudinal separation. The split level seal element support arrangement provides an annular pocket into which the seal elements can be retracted upon release and retrieval of the packer, thereby providing clearance for unobstructed retrieval. Upon release of the packer, a retainer collar is shifted away from a lower metal backup shoe, thereby providing an annular pocket into which the metal backup shoe is deflected, so that it does not obstruct the drift clearance as the packer is retrieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventor: James D. Hendrickson
  • Patent number: 5431412
    Abstract: The invention comprises a uniquely shaped sealing element or elements for a packer. In an application using a stack of elements, the upper element is configured so that at least a portion of its inside diameter represents an interference fit with the mandrel onto which it is mounted. A built-in moment within the packing element occurs as a result of the partial interference fit. Additionally, a taper is provided which, in effect, shifts the point of contact of the upper element closer to a central element, tending to better give extrusion support to the central element. The taper also facilitates the creation of a resistive moment which fights the tendency of the upper element to extrude in the upper outermost corner of the upper element, for example. The central element can also be installed on a mandrel with interference throughout its length to create a built-in radial force urging the element back into its original shape after it is expanded and allowed to relax.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Paul A. Reinhardt, William M. Richards, Daniel E. Dinhoble
  • Patent number: 5364110
    Abstract: A metal-to-metal annular seal for use in downhole tools which may include annular elastomeric backup seals. In each embodiment, a sealing member has a pair of annular frusto-conical lips adapted for sealing engagement with a cylindrical sealing surface on a member of a downhole tool. The sealing member may be a separate component or an integral part of another member of the downhole tool. A seal energizing member may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventors: Steven G. Streich, John T. Brandell, David D. Szarka, Bobby L. Sullaway
  • Patent number: 5343946
    Abstract: A packer assembly for a drop-in check valve includes a series of stacked rings in the annulus between the housing of the drop-in check valve assembly and the surface of the bore of the landing sub. The rings include at least two elastomer rings of different hardness. The top elastomer ring is capped off by a multi-part metal ring assembly comprising oppositely facing inner and outer L-shaped rings and a central T-shaped ring. The inner and outer rings have their vertical legs vertically located against the respective adjoining annulus walls and their horizontal legs in line. The trunk of the T-shaped ring is in the gap between the horizontal legs and in contact therewith so that when the elastomer ring radially expands, the metal of the metal rings is maintained in metal-to-metal contact across the annulus. This seals the annulus and prevents extrusion by eliminating all gaps. The lower elastomer ring can likewise be capped by a similar three-part metal ring assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Hydril Company
    Inventor: Charles D. Morrill
  • Patent number: 5341874
    Abstract: A retrievable packer 10 for isolating a selected depth of a wall of a borehole. The retrievable packer is comprised of a body member 12, a cylinder 32 surrounding the upper portion of the body member 12, and a sealing member 24 cylindrically surrounding the lower portion of the body member. The cylinder 32 and the upper portion of the body member 12 work in conjunction to provide a piston action which engages the sealing member 24 and causes the sealing member 24 to establish a seal with the wall of the borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Inventor: Christopher C. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5339894
    Abstract: A rubber seal adaptor for a well having a pipe fitting, a compression sleeve about the pipe fitting and rubber seal rings positioned about the pipe fitting so as to be compressed by the compression sleeve. A first circular groove in the bore of the compression sleeve has a conical surface such that there is a shallower portion and a deeper portion. A plurality of circular grooves extend about the periphery of the pipe fitting so as to be adjacent the groove in the compression sleeve. A plurality of steel balls are positioned within the groove in the compression sleeve to interfere with the plurality of grooves for locking the compression sleeve in a compressed condition against the rubber seal rings. The pipe fitting includes threaded ends for receiving a kelly nut and a liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Inventor: William R. Stotler
  • Patent number: 5325925
    Abstract: A metal-to-metal sealing method and apparatus for use on oil and/or gas wells, utilizes an upper seal member and a lower seal member, wherein the energizing of the seal members is staged to cause the lower seal member to become sealingly engaged. before the upper seal member becomes sealingly engaged. The seal members may have two seals of different construction; one seal is an interference type seal, and the other seal is a wedge type seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Ingram Cactus Company
    Inventors: Jerry D. Smith, Philip F. Huang
  • Patent number: 5311938
    Abstract: In a retrievable packer adapted for service under high temperature and high pressure operating conditions, improved sealing is provided by a seal element prop surface which is radially offset with respect to the seal element support surface of the packer body mandrel. At least one seal element is supported on the elevated prop surface and is subjected to a radial squeeze in the set configuration, even though the lowermost outside seal element may be subject to longitudinal separation. The split level seal element support arrangement provides an annular pocket into which the seal elements can be retracted upon release and retrieval of the packer, thereby providing clearance for unobstructed retrieval. Upon release of the packer, a retainer collar is shifted away from a metal backup shoe, thereby providing an annular pocket into which the metal backup shoe is deflected, so that it does not obstruct the drift clearance as the packer is retrieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventors: James D. Hendrickson, Colby M. Ross, William D. Henderson
  • Patent number: 5273116
    Abstract: The preferred firing mechanism of the present invention includes a number of components which cooperate together to actuate an electrically-actuable wellbore tool, which is operable in a plurality of operating modes, and which is carried within the wellbore by a selected one of a plurality of concentrically-nested wellbore tubular members. Viewed broadly, the apparatus includes an electromagnetic sensor means for detecting electromagnetic fields and providing an actuation signal to the electrically-actuable wellbore tool, when an electromagnetic field is detected. The electromagnetic sensor means is carried by the first selected one of the plurality of concentrically nested wellbore tubular members. The apparatus further includes means for selectively generating an electromagnetic field in the wellbore, which is carried by a second selected one of a plurality of concentrically nested wellbore tubular members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Richard J. Ross
  • Patent number: 5261487
    Abstract: A packoff nipple for use on the mandrel of a wellhead isolation tool features a two step extrusion sealing arrangement activated by a primary element forcing the expansion of a packing ring to fill voids in the tubing or casing brought about by pipe erosion, corrosion, out of round or off center mandrel conditions. Extremely high pressures are sealed off from the wellhead. The packoff nipple sealing elements are protected from damage when running the nipple through restricted areas in the wellhead and the tubing or casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Inventors: Roderick D. McLeod, Albert Roesch
  • Patent number: 5226492
    Abstract: A well installation is disclosed which has a production casing set in a subterranean well; a production tubing disposed within the production casing; an annular space defined between the production casing and the production tubing; and a packer for sealing the annular space, the packer having: a hollow metallic sleeve disposed on the production tubing, the hollow metallic sleeve having an inner cavity, the inner cavity being open at one end; an expandable member, contained within the inner cavity of the hollow metallic sleeve and extending from the open end of the inner cavity; and a wedge member disposed on the production tubing and contacting the expandable member, whereby compression of the packer causes radial expansion of the expandable member and of the hollow metallic sleeve, and whereby a first seal is formed between the production casing and the expandable member and a second seal is formed between the production casing and the cone-shaped hollow sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Intevep, S.A.
    Inventors: Jose M. Solaeche P., Jesus R. Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 5176217
    Abstract: In subterranean wells, it is common to effect the radial expansion of an annular organic packing element into sealing engagement between a tubular inner body and the inner wall of a well conduit, such as a well casing. Extrusion of the organic material has been encountered between the inner surface of upper and lower cone elements and the exterior of a tubular body portion and also between the inclined surfaces of upper and lower cone elements and the cooperating surfaces of cone rings. The first mentioned extrusion path is eliminated by forming a generally radial surface on the inner end of the upper and lower cones orthogonal to the tubular body and inserting a carbon fiber filled organic material in the resulting annular chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Mike A. Luke, Patrick C. Stone
  • Patent number: 5158137
    Abstract: The invention is an oil well capping device that may be forced into an oil well casing through which oil and/or gas under high pressure is emanating, to temporarily completely obstruct the flow of such oil until repairs to the well head structure have been completed before the device is removed, and includes a well sealing arrangement utilizing an axial compression system that causes elastomeric material elements mounted on an elongated shaft to radially expand and temporarily and safely seal off the well casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: Hilton & Chris Enterprises
    Inventor: Hilton S. Kim
  • Patent number: 5129660
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved seal assembly for sealing between the interior sealing surface of a well housing and the exterior sealing surface of a hanger landed within the well housing and includes a seal body having a pair of outer lips diverging outwardly for sealing against the housing interior sealing surface and an interior series of annular ridges which have a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the hanger exterior sealing surface, an upper energizer and a lower energizer for coacting with said lips to move the lips into sealing position and to store the energy of setting to ensure sealing engagement of the lips. The shape of the sealing lips is such that they each provide a sealing surface and a ridge having a greater outer diameter than the sealing surface so that when the seal assembly is being run into the housing any scratches resulting from the engagement of the seal with the interior of the housing is on the ridges and not on the sealing surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Taylor, James A. Burton
  • Patent number: 5103904
    Abstract: In subterranean wells, it is common to effect the radial expansion of an annular organic sacking element into sealing engagement between a tubular inner body and the inner wall of a well conduit, such as a well casing. Extrusion of the organic material has been encountered between the inner surface of upper and lower cone elements and the exterior of a tubular body portion and also between the inclined surfaces of upper and lower cone elements and the cooperating surfaces of cone rings. The first mentioned extrusion path is eliminated by forming a generally radial surface on the inner end of the upper and lower cones orthogonal to the tubular body, and inserting a carbon fiber filled organic material in the resulting annular chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Mike A. Luke, Patrick C. Stone
  • Patent number: 5096209
    Abstract: Seal elements for use on well packers having multiple mandrels for sealing between the packer and the inner wall of a well pipe. The seal elements (center elements and/or end elements) are provided with voids therein for controlling the stresses created in the elements during setting of the packers while minimizing the strains resulting from such stresses. The voids are preferably cavities and are readily formed in the elements as they are molded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: Otis Engineering Corporation
    Inventor: Colby M. Ross
  • Patent number: 5044434
    Abstract: A long stroke packer for use in a well bore. The packer has a housing assembly with an operating mandrel assembly disposed therein. A packer mandrel assembly is slidably connected to the housing assembly. During operation, the operating mandrel assembly may be actuated to cycle a tool below the packer without setting the packer. After the operating mandrel assembly and housing assembly are moved a predetemined amount with respect to the packer mandrel assembly, the housing assembly is brought into contact with a sliding shoe on the packer mandrel assembly which in turn engages and deforms packer elements into sealing engagement with the well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventors: Timothy D. Burns, Sr., Kenneth D. Caskey, Donald W. Winslow
  • Patent number: 5040608
    Abstract: Anchoring of a pack-off assembly of an oil well pump is improved by the provision of a tapered conical sleeve as a wedge for a friction seating ring which is forced outwardly against the inner surface of the pump barrel upon advancement of a nut carried on the end of the pack-off assembly. In addition, downward movement of the pack-off assembly in response to fluid pound is limited by the provision of the pump barrel as two separate pieces joined together with a coupling which includes a tapered section slightly reducing the cross section of the barrel but which permits passage of the lower piston by compressing spring-type seals carried by the piston as it passes through the reduced cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Inventor: John Doan
  • Patent number: 5029643
    Abstract: A retrievable bridge plug apparatus, and associated methods, are provided for sealing the bore of a drill pipe string to control a well that is flowing out of control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventors: Donald W. Winslow, David P. Brisco
  • Patent number: 5010958
    Abstract: A bridge plug for sealing a well casing comprises a plurality of cups which tightly interfit together when a compressive load is applied to both opposite ends of the plurality of cups. Application of the compressive load to both opposite ends of the cups forces a first cup to fit into a second cup, the second cup to fit into a third cup, and the third cup to fit into a fourth cup, etc., thereby producing a single unitary plug which includes a plurality of tightly interfit cups. Further application of the compressive load to both opposite ends causes transverse expansion of the plurality of interfit cups to occur. When the cups contact the well casing wall, a permanent seal is achieved between the cups and the well casing wall. Anchor elements on both sides of the cups contact the well casing wall and permanently hold the interfitting cups in their compressed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Dale E. Meek, Merlin D. Hansen
  • Patent number: 4993489
    Abstract: A wellhead isolation tool is presented which includes an expanding nipple operable from outside the wellhead and casing, the nipple and its concentric mandrels being inserted into the wellhead and thus down through the wellhead array and into the casing or tubing by a single hydraulic cylinder and then the nipple expanded and sealed in the casing or tubing. The cylinder and its support rods may be removed when the nipple and mandrels are in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Inventor: Roderick D. McLeod
  • Patent number: 4993488
    Abstract: An expanding nipple, externally mounted packer has a body which mounts onto a stack of blowout preventers or a casing head and tubing spool or the like. The body contains an external locking mechanism and the upper ends of a pair of concentric mandrels which are lowered into the well casing, through the blowout preventer stack or other configuration of well head equipment. The outer mandrel has a deformable seal on its lower end and the inner mandrel has an expander on its lower end. A piston on the inner mandrel responsive to hydraulic pressure, raises the inner mandrel with respect to the outer mandrel so that the expander forces the seal outwards against the casing wall. The locking mechanism allows the seal to be locked in place. The hydraulic pressure on the piston is reversed to unseal the nipple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Inventor: Roderick D. McLeod
  • Patent number: 4991650
    Abstract: An improved wellhead isolation tool is presented which includes an expanding nipple operable from outside the wellhead and casing, the nipple and its concentric mandrels being inserted into the wellhead and thus down through the wellhead array and into the casing or tubing by a concentric hydraulic cylinder. The nipple is then expanded and sealed in the casing or tubing by a second concentric hydraulic cylinder. It is then locked in place both mechanically and hydraulically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Inventor: Roderick D. McLeod
  • Patent number: 4989672
    Abstract: An apparatus for locking a packer against premature actuation in a well bore. The locking apparatus includes a sleeve attached to a lower end of the packer and spring biased locking members adjacent to the sleeve. When in a locked position, lugs on the locking members engage a groove in the sleeve and prevent longitudinal movement of a mandrel in the packer with respect to the packer elements. When the locking apparatus enters a liner in the well bore, the locking members are biased radially inwardly, disengaging the lugs from the groove, so that the packer mandrel may be actuated and the packer set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventors: Timothy D. Burns, Sr., Kenneth D. Caskey, Donald W. Winslow
  • Patent number: 4949785
    Abstract: An improved annular sealing element for oil well blowout preventers includes a plurality of curved metal segments spaced apart at regular circumferential angles and imbedded in a resilient matrix forming a generally lenticular-shaped body with a hollow central bore. Each segment has a tooth-like upper plate section which has a convex upper, outer surface adapted to slide upwards on the concavely curved inner wall surface of a blowout preventer cavity. Each upper tooth-like plate section has a downwardly depending web which is vertically pivotably supported within a groove formed in the upper surface of a wedge-shaped base plate at the bottom of the lenticular body. The inner toe portion of each base plate is imbedded in the resilient matrix, while the rear, heel portion of each base plate, which has a convexly curved lower surface, protrudes through the matrix. Pivotability of the upper portion of each segment relative to the base plate limits the force exertable by the element on a drill string component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Inventors: Joseph O. Beard, Stanley W. Granger, Frode Sveen
  • Patent number: 4907651
    Abstract: A metal-to-metal packer seal for downhole use in a well that operates in a deleteriously corrosive atmosphere. The seal is formed by the cooperating ends of two pipe sections, one of which is vertically positioned in a well with an upwardly facing metallic socket. The corresponding upper pipe section includes a connector which is lowered onto the socket and carries with it at least one, and preferably a plurality of metal rings which are extruded to form a corrosive resistant circular seal between the engaged pipe socket and pipe connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventor: Sami Bou-Mikael
  • Patent number: 4862961
    Abstract: A retrievable tension-set packer, by itself, and in conjunction with retrievable tension-set bridge plug for use in field testing of oil well casings is disclosed. The retrievable tension-set packer is constructed to be set and sealed above an area of the oil well casing to be tested, while the retrievable tension-set bridge plug is constructed to be set and sealed in an area below the area of the casing to be tested. When used in conjunction with a retrievable tension-set bridge plug, the retrievable tension-set packer has a portion thereof which allows limited rotational movement for setting the bridge plug below the area to be tested, while the tension-set packer requires greater predetermined rotational movement to set the packer above the area to be tested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: N.A.R.K. Properties
    Inventor: Cecil L. Neff
  • Patent number: 4791992
    Abstract: Disclosed is a packer (32) responsive to a first hydraulic pressure for setting the packer (32) within a casing (16), and responsive to a second higher pressure for releasing the packer (32) from the casing (16). The first pressure moves an inner piston (94) which shears a screw (96) to thereby apply a compressive force to elastomeric bands (66, 68). The elastomeric bands (66, 68) bow outwardly and seal the packer (32) to the casing (16). A toothed ratchet ring (135) engages with respective teeth (114,122) of the inner piston (94) and an outer cylinder piston (90) to permit one-way movement of the inner piston (94). The packer (32) is thereby set and the hydraulic pressure can be reduced. The packer (32) is released from its sealing engagement with the casing (16) by applying a second greater hydraulic pressure which shears a screw (92), thereby allowing the outer cylindrical piston (90) to move downwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1988
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Greenlee, Michael W. Pitts
  • Patent number: 4789029
    Abstract: A plurality of packing elements are mounted in vertically spaced relationship on a tubing string with the spacing of the elements corresponding generally to the spacing of a plurality of sets of perforations in a well conduit. The lowermost packing unit is provided with radially expanding locking elements which engage a locking groove provided in the wall conduit. All packing units incorporate expandable elastomeric sealing members and are set by the application of tension to the tubing string and are unset by the subsequent application of a higher degree of tension to the tubing string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1988
    Assignee: Baker Oil Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick C. Stone, Mike A. Luke, Gary D. Ingram
  • Patent number: 4759409
    Abstract: An improved subsea wellhead seal assembly include an annular body having a pair of lower annular skirts, one extending downwardly and outwardly and the other extending downwardly and inwardly, a lower landing ring and means movably securing the lower landing ring to the annular body so that, when the lower landing ring is landed, the annular body continues its downward movement to deform the annular skirts outwardly and inwardly into sealing engagement with the walls of the annulus. A reaction ring is provided above landing ring for engagement by the ends of skirts and spacer rings may be used to preselect the level of the sealing surface engagement by the skirts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Assignee: Cameron Iron Works USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven D. Gullion
  • Patent number: 4753444
    Abstract: A seal and seal assembly for use with well tools, such particularly as well packers, for sealing the annulus between the well packer mandrel and the wall of a well tubing such as casing. The seal is fabricated of an elastomeric-like material comprising fluorocarbon resins, poly arylene ketone, and carbon fibers mounted between end retainer assemblies each comprising a mesh anti-extrusion ring, a tapered mesh backup ring, and a metal backup shoe. The seal has internal longitudinally spaced V-shaped recesses to cause the seal to buckle radially outwardly as it is compressed longitudinally to increase the stress along the middle portion of the seal where the seal meets the well casing inner wall. The seal is useful at high temperatures and pressures such as 550 degrees F. and greater than 15,000 psi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1988
    Assignee: Otis Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Alan T. Jackson, Thomas W. Ray, Eduardo Alvarez
  • Patent number: 4751965
    Abstract: The improved wellhead seal assembly includes an annular metal seal ring having upper spaced apart inner and outer rims with an upper energizing ring positioned between such rims and movable axially between them, a resilient seal embedded in and extending through ports in the central portion of the seal ring, lower inner and outer seal rings connected to said central portion of said seal ring by inner and outer bellows and a wedging ring depending from the central portion of the seal ring between such bellows and adapted to move downward between the inner and outer seal rings to wedge them apart into sealing engagement with the inner and outer sealing surfaces, such movement being responsive to downward movement of the upper energizing ring and the flexing of the lower bellows legs and continued movement of said upper energizing ring wedging said upper rims apart into sealing engagement with the inner and outer sealing surfaces, the upper energizing ring being releasably connected to the upper seal rims so tha
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1988
    Assignee: Cameron Iron Works USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas G. Cassity
  • Patent number: 4745972
    Abstract: A well packer is shown having an annular packing element surrounded on either side by axially shiftable annular shoulders. Extrusion preventing devices are located between each shoulder and the packing element to prevent extrusion of the packing material during use. The extrusion preventing devices include an outer split ring having a generally triangular cross-section defined by a cylindrical abutment surface for abutment with the outer conduit, a tapered sidewall engageable with one of the shoulders, and a planar surface which is substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the packer. The planar surface has an innermost radial extent which joins the tapered sidewall and an outermost radial extent which joins the cylindrical abutment surface. The extrusion preventing device also includes an inner split ring of complimentary shape but reversely arranged to the outer ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1988
    Assignee: Hughes Tool Company
    Inventors: Merle L. Bell, Martin P. Coronado
  • Patent number: 4735266
    Abstract: A plurality of packing elements are mounted in vertically spaced relationship on a tubing string with the spacing of the elements corresponding generally to the spacing of a plurality of sets of perforations in a well conduit. The lowermost packing unit is provided with radially expanding locking elements which engage a locking groove provided in the well conduit. All packing units incorporate expandable elastomeric sealing members and are set by the application of tension to the tubing string and are unset by the subsequent application of a higher degree of tension to the tubing string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1988
    Assignee: Baker Oil Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick C. Stone, Mike A. Luke, Gary D. Ingram
  • Patent number: 4730835
    Abstract: A sealing assembly for effecting the sealing of an annulus between two telescopically related tubular conduits, of the type employed in subterranean wells, is achieved by utilizing annular seal backup elements dieformed from a knitted wire mesh by two successive dieforming steps. In the first dieforming, the knitted mesh backup element is formed to an external diameter equal to or preferably exceeding the maximum diameter that will be required for the backup member to assume when expanded into engagement with the outer wall of the annulus to be sealed. The second dieforming operation reduces the external diameter of the annular knitted mesh seal backup element to a dimension less than the outer wall of the annulus to be sealed, thus permitting convenient assembly and run-in of the sealing assemblage. The two step dieforming operation significantly reduces the amount of axial compressive force required to expand the sealing elements and the seal backup members to their sealed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1988
    Assignee: Baker Oil Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond K. Wilcox, Gary L. Harris
  • Patent number: 4719971
    Abstract: A wellhead system having a casing hanger (C) with a first sealing surface (20) within a wellhead (W) with a second sealing surface (16) spaced from said first sealing surface (20) forming annulus (14) in combination with a pack-off assembly (P) including a wedge ring (42), which in this embodiment, supports a pack-off (64) which has a first metal-to-metal seal (S-1) which sealingly engages the first sealing surface (20) upon initial movement of the pack-off (64) into the annulus (14) and a second metal-to-metal seal (S-1) which sealingly engages the second sealing surface (16) upon further movement of the wedge ring (42) urging said second pack-off seal (S-2) radially outwardly towards the first sealing surface (20). Each metal-to-metal seal may be provided with elastomeric sealing means. Two types of metal-to-metal seals (S-1, S-2) and two types of lock down means, wicker ring (40) and split ring (10), are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Henry S. Owens
  • Patent number: RE32831
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing a well casing, when a length of production tubing is disposed within the well casing, utilizes a sealing means having a first diameter less than the diameter of the production tubing, and the sealing means is compressible to a second diameter which sealingly conforms to the diameter of the well casing, to prevent fluids disposed in the well casing below the sealing means from flowing through the well casing to above the sealing means. .Iadd.To support the sealing means when it has been sealingly conformed to the diameter of the well casing, the well bore apparatus of the invention further includes upper and lower sets of opposed reinforcing members which are mounted on the body of the well bore apparatus above and below the sealing means and operatively arranged to be respectively swung outwardly from the body to an extended position for supporting the upper and lower end portions of the sealing means against longitudinal movement in the well casing. .Iaddend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1989
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Clinton O. Shonrock, John O. Wambaugh, Joachim A. Hoppe