US2162179A - Oil well completion equipment - Google Patents

Description

3 Sheets-'Sheet l June 13, 19139. R. A. MUELLER IL WELL COMPLETION EQUIPMENT Filed Sept. 29, 1957 R. A. MUELLER OIL WELL COMPLETION EQUIPMENT June 13, 1939.

3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 29, 1937 O WMU o fioer. MzzeZ Z e?? VM June 13, 1939. v R. A.=,MUELLER 2,162,179

OIL WELL COMPLETION EQUIPMENT Filed Sept. 29, 1937 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Y 66 "-114, /fg-'Y Patented June 13, 1939,

control at al1 times and without iiuiTlszp STATES PATENT or-ricE OIL WELL COMPLETION EQUIPMENT.`

Robert A. Mueller, Houston,

Tool Company, Houston,

of Texas Tex., assigner to Gray Tex., a' corporation i Application September 29, 1937, Serial No.` 166,438

1s claims. (ci. 16s-2o) The present invention relates to oil well completion equipment including a tubing spear, which maybe operated to provide control of the well at all times prior to, during and after completion, and without killing the well.

A further object of the invention is to provide a tubing spear and associated equipment which will permit the practice of a series of coordinated operations in the completion of an oil well, which will give the operator a wide choice of operations desirable or necessary to be performed, at any time prior to, during or after the completion of the well, with the well under killing the well.

In the drawings, which are illustrative of a preferred form of the spear, and preferred apparatus to be associated therewith, which drawings are in no sense restrictive,

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of the spear.

Figure 2'is a vertical sectional view of the spear, and associated mechanism for inserting the same into a tubing when'the latter has been run into a well.

Figure 3 isa similar vertical sectionalview of the spear, having associated therewith an implement fo`r removing the same from 'the tubing.

Figures V4 and 5 are taken along the respective lines 4-4 and .5-5 of Figure 1.

Figures 6 through 9 arel'views'of now well-` known oii well completion equipment, showing the manner in which the spear of the present invention cooperates with said equipment in the performancelof aj coordinated sequence of oil well completion operations, and

Figure 10 is a partial view of the topvofthe vwell after the completion operations have been completed, with the well ready for `flowing, and the spear removed. Only the lower nipple |20 of the Christmas tree is shownin this view, y

forming a sequence of *usual operations in thecompletion of anA oil well, while maintaining control of the well at all' times an'd'without killing the same. 'Y However,"it willbe understood that the spear of this invention and the. completion equipment associated therewith provide a'. flexibility of control making possible the performance of numerous unusual operations which the well to y a valve cage 20..` 'I'he horizontal sectional views i Suitablysecured thereof. The

the spear from with safety tomeet By unusual operations` fmay have to be performed a particular situation.'

*I mean those not normally carried out inthe.

completion .of a wel1as well asv operations perhaps not now known, but which will beA evolved to meet particular situations in unusualoradvanced producing elds, f .Y

The spear of the present invention is adapted to be inserted into ow tubing and the like, either as said tubing is being built up and run into the well, or after the tubing has been lowered into i position for flowing, or to position for performing any of the numerous operations for which flow tubingis utilized.

I'he principal element of the spear S is a hollow mandrel I Il having an interior bore,v l2` and an outside tapered surface sloping from the ends v of the mandrel to a greatest diameter adjacent the center of the mandrel, providing an upper slip engaging surface `I4 and a lower slip engagying surface I 6,. 'Ih'elower endof the mandrel is secured as b y means of threadsto ,a` hollow nipple I8, to the lower end of whichis threaded nipple I8 is surrounded by a suitable packer 22 shown as a rubber sleeve having a circular groove` 24 in its lower end, u

this packer functioning as hereinafter described. within the-,lower end vof the nipple I8 ,is a valve seat 2,5, which is normally closed by a one yway ball valve 28, the latter being normally biased to its `seatby a spring 30` housed within the valve cage 20. The valve cage is equipped with oneor more yports 32 to permitr ,passagel of fluid therethrough.

Surrounding the lower vend of the mandrel and above the `nipple `I8 Ais -a' slip mzember 34, comprising a sleeve havinggpipe engaging teeth 36 on the exteriorof ltsupper end, said teeth being carried by spring finger portionsfal ofthe slip member, the latter .being formed' by.V slots .38 extending longitudinallytthrougha portion of the length of the slip member from the inner end slip member is hollow, and itsbore l0 flares'outwardly as the inner end o f the member is approached, l this flared .portion beingv adapted to engage the lower` tapered portion [6 i of the'ma'ndrelto expand the slip and prevent y moving downwardly inzthrejtub; inginwhieh1t'ispcsitioned- .y i v [While` the spear is being inserted intova string of` tubing,'the slip section 34 is retainedV in its inactive or outermost position as s hown in Figures l'and 2 bya pin I2 carried on the outer wall of the mandrel which engages within an inverted J slot 4l in the lower end of the slip section, said slot having a vertical passage 46 and a horizontal ledge", the latter engaging the mandrel lug 42 and retaining the slip in its outermost and inactive position as shown in Figure 1. While the slip finger teeth 36 are in contact with -the inner wall of the tubingduring insertion,

this time, the weight of the spear causes the mandrel to move downwardly with respect to the slip section to the position shown in Figure 3, thus permitting the lower mandrel section `II to expand the slip fingers 31 against the inner wall of the tubing string, preventing downward movement of the spear with respect to the same.

The upper end o! the mandrel Il is secured as by means of threads to a hollow top nipple il, the latter being provided with a plurality of per' fox-ations l2, and with-an external threaded portion I4. The upperv end 'of the top nipple is open `through a restricted counterbore Il.

Surrounding the upper end of the mandrel and mounted for verticl sliding movement thereon is an upper slip member lf having tubing wall v engaging fingers carrying appropriate serrations as described in connection with the, member 34. This slip member is equipped with an outside threaded portion Il adjacent its outer end for a purpose hereinafter apparent.

The spear of this invention may be put into usebybeingloweredintoatubingalreadyin place in the well or may be positioned in a section of tubing which is being assembled into a tubing string above control equipment as the stringisbeinglowered into the well.-

If the speary is to be lowered into a tubing string already 'in the well, a lowering rod or pipe. may terminate in a collar i! having interior threads It in. engagement withthe external threads I4 of the top member of the spear. If fluid-is to be encountered in the well, which must necessarily baby-passed as the spearg is lowered away.' the olowering collar-'l2 has secured to its lower end and extending throughout the bore Il of the mandrel a valveopening rod I4, the latter retaining the g one wayvalve Il oil'of its seat as shownin 118- ure 2. thus permittingiluid in the well t'o pass upwardly throughthe mandrel, and outwardly :lx-'aah the perforations l2 inthe top mem- When the spear is being lowered into the well, the lug 4! is set in the slot 44 in the lower slip member. with said lug engaging above the step 44, so that the slip is retained in the position of Figures 1 and 2, providing only minimum resist-'- ancetothe insertion ci' the-spear into thetubing. The upper slip il, being freely mounted on the exterior of the mandrel. .will by reason of the light drag of .its fingers on'the interior of the tubing string, be moved to its uppermost and in active position as shown in Figures 1 and 2 during the insertion of the spear. lWhen the spear has been lowered to the'de sind depth in the tubing. the mandrel may be rotated with respect to the lower slip member um lu is in augment van the vertical channel 4t, at which time the weight of the'mlan- Adrei causes the'e'ntire tool toulon-downwardly under gravity with respect to the lower slip 34, Itofthemandr'elthenserving -to expand the lingers of the lower slip member into intimate engagement with the interior wall of the tubing.

After the spear has thus been set, the lowering device including the engaging collar $2 may be backed oi! of the upper end of the spear, and removed from the well, it being obvious that the removal of the rod 0.4 permits the valve 28 to engage its seat, and close of! any upward flow of fluid through the interior of the spear under iniluence of the spring 3l.

If pressure exists in the well, it tends not only to expand the rubber packer 22, acting upon the lower end of the same in the slot 24, but it also iniluences the entire tool upwardly if of sufcient force. Upward movement of the tool under well pressure causes expansion of the upper slip member Il, which resists upward movement by engagement of its spring fingers with the interior wall of the tubing, and any upward movement of the tool under pressure will terminate when the upper surface I4 of the mandrel engages within the interior flared surface 59 of the upper slip member 5.8, `and expands the ilngers thereof into intimate engagement with the inner wall of the tubing.

The spear of thepresent invention provides self-operating means for locking the spear in the desired position in the well, against both upward anddownward movement. 'I'he upper and lower slips I4 and 54 will rigidly engage the plain inner wall of the tubing at any point in the latter to prevent upward and downward movea In this case, the lowering device including the 'collar l and the rod C4 may not be necessary, and the spear is inserted into a section of tubing at a site nearthe surface of the well in the condition shown in Figure 1 with the lower slip member I4 in retracted position. After insertion, the mandrel may-be rotated with respect to the lower slipmember, removing the lug 42 fromv the J slot `so that when the tubing is positioned vertically, the weight of the mandrel drops into the lower slip member, thus expanding the same and securing the spear in place. Obviously, when this section of tubing is incorporated into the tubing string and lowered into the well, any pressure therein will only serve to move the mandrel upwardly with respect to the upper slip member 58, thus expanding the same and preventing further upward movement of the spear.

The spear may be removed from the well by an appropriate removing tool, or may be removed in a section tubing as the latter is withdrawn and broken down at the surface of the well. If it is desired to remove the spear from the tubing with the latter remaining in thewell, a removing device such as that showmat 4I in Figure 3 may be used. 'Ihis device comprises s. rod or pipe terminating in a hollow wrench adapted to encompass the upper end of the spear, and having threads to engage the threads 44 of the upper slip section l.. lThe removing wrench is also equipped at the upper end of its encompassing cylindrical portion with an interior collar or abutment 66, the latperfect control.

The force of lthe valve spring 3o is such that such well known operations as washing the well may be performed with the spear in place. That is, the spear may bevassembled in the vfl'ow tubing as the latter is built up, or may be lowered into `the well to any desired point, after which washing operations either inside or outside of the screen may be performed with the well under As is well known, the washing operation is one of the most dangerous and delicate necessary to performed in. the completion of oil wells, andthe spear of the present invention, while providing against upward flow of high pressure fluid from .the well, will permit downward iiow of washing fluid through the tubing, through the mandrel and past one way valve 428 to wash thewell. The spear may be positioned at any position in the tubing, adjacent the lower end thereof, or near the surface of the well; and may be readily inserted or removed at any time. In general, it will be evident that this device is of pronounced advantage in performing any of the usual operations in well completion necessary to be performed, as well as unusual operations, while maintaining control of the well against a blowout at all times and without killing the well.

The spear described above is adapted to be used with any type of oil well completion equipment, but is of particular advantage when used in association with now well known types of control equipment, in order-to carry out a planned sequence of control operations in completing a well.

Throughout Figures 6 through 10, a now well known type of completion apparatus is disclosed. only so much of this. equipment being illustrated as is necessary to describe the above mentioned sequence of operations.

In Figures (i and 10, casing head equipment of nthe type disclosed in Patent No. 2,082,413, Mueller et al., .lune 1, 1937, is shown; this equipment comprising a foundation I on which is mounted a plurality of successive casing heads 12, 'I4 and 16, surmounted by a tubing head18 of the type disclosed in thepatent to Mueller et al. No. 2,150,887, March 14, 1939.

The foundation casing head 'l2 is provided with an inside seat in which is hung and sealed a.

hanger 80 attached to and suspending an outside string of casing 82, said hanger having an upper sealing surface to receive the interior of a'second casing head 14, the latter also having an upper interior seat for sealing engagement with the hanger 82 which-suspends a second string of casing 84.

The thirdcasing head 1t` is adapted te seal with the upper portion of the hanger 82, and likewise seal with a hanger 86 of a third string of casing 88. 'I'he tubing head 18 is also provided with -a lower interior seat to seal with the upper portion of the vhanger 86, and is equipped with an upperinterior seat to receive a tubing hanger 90 which is secured to and suspends a ow tubing 82.

As described in the aforementioned Muelle-r et I al. patent,`the tubing hanger is provided with locking bolts 94 operable from the-exterior of the sively by blow out preventers |02 and I 04.

`casing head when control equipment is mounted thereabove to lock the tubing hanger 80 in sealing engagement in the seat of the tubing head 18, and prevent the hanger 90 and tubing from being blown from the well.

Each of the casing heads is provided with suitable outlets, as shown in the aforementioned patent, which may be plugged, or connected with outlet lines under the control of suitable valves, as shown, in order to permit venting of pressure from the interior of the various casing strings, or to provide for the discharge of uid through these outlets during operations necessary in seating the various strings of casing, for instance during .drilling operations through a previously set string of casing, to permit discharge of the drilling iiuid.

'The .casing heads and the tubing head are equipped with flange and bolt connections of like size, of dimensions designed to result in a sturdy casing head assembly, and are arranged one upon.

another, the overall dimension or diameter of as a foundation for control equipment mounted' directly thereon, said equipment comprising rst a drilling master valve |00, surmounted succes- The drilling master valve is connected with the, tubing head by bolt and flange connections of like size. This is necessary, as it isjdesiiable to use control equipment having the lowest possible number of square inches of area exposed to the pressure within the well. The minimizing of the area subject to well pressurefof any ofthe control devices, such as master valves and blow out preventers is a primary requisite in their design, and must take precedence over any advantage which would result from using equipment having an lincreased pressure subject area. It is quite undesirable to mount one control device above another, with the device so mounted having a greater area subject to the pressure in the well than thedevice or devices below it.

The drilling master valve, by reason of its bolt and flangeconnection with the tubing head may be removed and relegated to the position of an accessory when its function has been performed, and likewise it may be replaced on the tubing head when its performance is again desired.

Similarly, the blow out 4preventers |02 and |04 are connected to one another and to the master valve by bolt and flange connections of like size so that the area exposed` to the Well pressure may be kept at a minimum. The blow position of accessories after they are no longer needed, and replaced as a part of the control equipment when they are again needed.

v out preventers may likewise be removed to the The bores of the drilling master valve |00; the

blowout preventers |02 and |04 and-the tubing head 18 are at least as large as the interior diameter ofthe laststring of casing 88, so that a drilly |06, shown in Figure 6, having a diameter sublstantially aslarge as that of the interior diameter of saidlast string of casing may be lowered through the controlv equipment to drill through andbelow said'string of casing'as desired, while maintaining control of thewell aroundfthe drill stem by'means of the `blow out preventers |02 and |04 in the well-known manner. The drill stem is hollow to permit passage of drilling duid downwardly therethrough, to be discharged `through the side outlets in the tubing head 18,

and is equipped preferably adjacent its lower end with a one way valve to permit a downward flow of drilling fluid through the stem, while preventing upward flow of iiuid under pressure from the formation. Any well-known type of one way valve employed in drill strings may be used for this purpose.

In order to keep the well closed olf at all times to guard against a blow out, the master drilling valve may be kept closed until the drill bit4 When the drilling bit reaches working position,

the drill stem may be rotated and manipulated as desired through the blow out preventers, without losing cont'rol of the well. Following completion of the drilling operation, the Adrill stem and bit may be removed for the insertion of other tools, or for the insertion of the tubing without losing control of the well at any-time, and without killing the well. The drill bit is removed through the master valve and blow out preventers in a manner the reverse of that related with respect to its insertion.

"As is well known in the art, many operations may have to be performed at this stage of completion, particularly operations to determine ii' the well is drilled to the proper depth for running the flow tubing. Such operations performed at this dangerous stage of completion usually involve removal of the drill stem, application thereto of other tools and reinsertion of the same into the well. It may be necessary at this time to remove ,and reinsert the drill string many times. Such operations may` include: running the Schlumberger, drilling the rat hole, running the drill stem testing tool, reaming out the rat hole, and setting a perforated liner or strainer and packer. It will be' understood that the 'bore through the master drilling valve |00, blow out preventers Il! and l and` tubing head 'l0 is sufllcient to permit passage of all devices necessary to perform the above operations, such as the screen liner or packer. and it is obvious that the control equipment disclosed maybe manipulated to accomplish the perhaps usual operations above, as well as unusual operations, without losing control of the'well.

When the above type of operations have been desirable to lower the ow tubing into the well.

Before the lwell is ready to flow through this tubing it may be necessary to utilise the same in performing other operations involving manipule'cting the tubing, such as setting of the packer, e

If the well is mudded up sufficiently, the flow tubing may be lowered into the same in sections assembled above the upper blow out preventer, and the spear S assembled into the flow tubing adjacent the upper en'd thereof. However, if the well gives indication of danger of arblow out, the spear S may be inserted into the lower end of the flow tubing and run into the well past the blow out preventers with the master valve in closed condition, and with said preventers engaging the tubing, the master valve may be then opened for running'the tubing.

In Figure '1, the ow tubing 92 is shown being run into the well with the spear S inserted therein. It will be understood that when the spear is inserted into a section of tubing before the latter is built up into the flow string the spear will comprise that arrangement of parts shown in Figure l, and will not include the lowering collar 62 nor the valve opening rod 64. While I prefer to use blow out preventers of the ram type, diagrammatically indicated in Figure 6, the upper blow out preventer maybe replaced by a bowl ||0 and "wrap around device ||2Y` as shown in Figure 7. This arrangement is generally similar to that disclosed in the patent to Minor, No. 1,812,358, June 30, 1931, the wrap around comprising a pair of semi-circular plug segments which can be quickly wrapped around the tubing to seal within the bowl ||0 to close oif the space between the tubing and casing. These segments may be hinged together at one side, and may be equipped with a latching device at their other side, so that they form a plug around the tubing, which plug is received in the bowl to form a seal between the tubing and casing. The bowl may be carried at the upper end of a spacing nipple ||3 and may be flanged and equipped with bolts to engage a hold down plate or the like I I5 to hold the wrap around" in place.

By proper and well-known manipulation of the blow out preventers, the tubing may be lowered into position in the well, the connecting collars thereof being alternately passed by each blow out preventer to maintain a seal around the tubing at all times.

The spear may be inserted into a special short length of tubing ||4 as shown in Figure 7, which length is built up into the regular flow tubing string above the upper blow out preventer, or said spear may be inserted into any of the conventional length sections' of the flow 'tubing string before said sections are assembled to said string above the upper blow out preventer.

- If the well is sumciently mudded up, it may be more convenient'to delay inserting the -spear until one of the final or uppermost sectionsof the ow tubing is built into the tubing string, but if dangerous pressures are indicated, the spear should be inserted in the lowermost section of ow tubing, which section is inserted past and sealed with the blow4 out preventers with the master drilling valve |00 closed, after which the latter may be opened andthe tubing snubbed on down into the well with the blow out preventers maintaining control around the tubing at all times.

With the spear of Figure l in position in the flow tubing, but with the lug 42 removed from above the step 40 so that thel slip section 34 is in operative position, flow through the tubing may be controlled at any depth thereinby means of this independent device not connected except through/'the walls of the tubing with the surface of the well. As hereinbefore stated, the weight of the mandrel prevents the spear from dropping through the tubing, whereas if any pressure is encountered of suiflcient intensity to raise the spear,- it automatically-locks itself in' fixed position against the inner wall of the tubing. Furthermor'e, the valve 20 prevents upward flow of fluid past the spear.

the well. Such operations may include outside washing of the well. During this operation the tubing may be lowered to sealing engagement with the bottom of a screen or strainer positioned at the lower end of the inside string of casing d8, and the well washed by downward flow of washing fluid pumped through the tubing past the one way valve 28, this fluid moving up around the outside of the screen and discharging through the appropriate side outlets in the casing head. After outside washing, the tubing may be elevated, yafter which inside washing may be performed. During inside washing, the lower end of the tubing may be positioned or adjusted at any desired point in the casing, or with relation to the screen, and the washing fluid is pumped downwardly as before through the tubing past the one way valve 28, rising within the casing and discharging through the appropriate side outlets at the surface of the well, in this instance through the side outlets in the tubing head ld. During these operations, the washing iiuid is forced downwardly through the tubing by a pump unit locatediadjacent the well and connected with ingusually through nexible hose connections. If a packer is to be set, the tubing may be elevated, depressed or rotated as desired, with control against blow out maintained, in order to effect the desired operation. l

After the washing and similar operations, the tubing may be elevated substantially to hanging position, with the upper end oi the string iid thereof which is to be located at the point Vof hanging above the upper blow out preventer ibi. With the spear S s till in place within lthe tubing, and preventing upward flow of 'fluid therethrough from the well, and with the blow out prei/enters iti and itil preventing upward flow around the tubing, the tubing string is broken and tubing hanger @il is connected to the same as shown. Thereafter, the tubing, by means oi a lowering nipple lili, connected into the upper end of the hanger, is lowered to hanging position, the bores of the blow out preventers it and idd and the master drilling valve being suicient topass the hanger gli. The hanger is lowered to position below the upper blow out preventer mi, with the preventer itl closed, after which the preventer mi is engaged with the lowering nippel lid, and the lower preventer lili opened to pass `the hanger to its seat through the master drilling valve illu., thus maintaining control at all times.

After the hanger it is seated in the tubing head ld and the locking screws dit are moved inwardly to lockthe hanger in sealed position, 'all of the control equipment comprising the master valve, blow out preventers, etc. may be re moved and relegated to the position oi accessories, to be later used another wells, or until it is desired that they again be positioned on the same well. It will be understood that the seal around the tubing is at that time provided at the hanger @d while the :wir S maintains the tubing seal whether it is located adjacent the upper end'of the tubing as shown, or further down in the well.

llhe well is then ready for :flowingv and the flow control equipment shown in Figure 9 is then positioned on the tubing head 'it as a.'y foundation. The how control equipment comprises an adaptor il@ mounted upon the tubing head as a foundation, the adaptor and tubing head having bolt v and iiange connectionsoi like size. Positioned on the adaptoris a master manifold valve lli, in vertical alignment with the tub andhavm I the Christmas tree as the upper end of the ilow tub-l l of greater length than ter manifold valve and other regulating devices is known as a Christmas tree, and it will be apparent that this Christmas tree equipment may be moved to position as a unit and stabbed onto the tubing head as a foundation. I have shown further including a T |24 having dual side passages controlled by the ow valves |26 and |28, there being a vertical extension from the vT controlled bythe valve ld. The Christmas tree equipment is connected together by bolt Vand ange connections of like size for a reason previously explained. These connections .are such that the parts of the Christmas tree may be removed for repair or replacement without danger of leakage. That is, with this type of connection, any valve or iitting of the Christmas tree may be removed and repaired, and then again replaced, or the valve or fitting may be removed and a new valve or nttingsubstituted therefor, without the possibility of the connections being damaged to thus result in leakage.

With the Christmas tree ,in position, the well is ready for flowing as soon as the spear is revice such as the wrench tb carried on a solidi4 rod |36 is lowered through the valve i3d .with the valve iii in closed condition. A stg box Idd carried at the upper end ofthe nipple |32 is then packed around the solid rod i3d to provide a seal. When this is done, valve |122 may be opened, andthe rod lowered through the stuffing box while maintaining a seal until the tool\ td engages the threads t@ of the upper slip member 5d of the spear. spear from engagement with the walls of the tubing, after which the spear may be elevated to po-v sitionabove the valve lil, and then the latter The tool t5 will release the I l is closed. The interior of the fittings from the valve |22 to the stumng box Idil constitute a conduit to receive the spear, this conduit being that of the spear; With the valve im closed, the stumng box i3d may be taken off and the lifting rod |36 together with the spear entirely removed from 'the well head equipment. The nipple iii may be removed and replaced with a. dow line, or plugged at its upper endl with a pressure gauge plug as desired. The well is then in condition for flowing, as'shown in Figure 10,. with the Christmas tree mounted` on the casing head as a foundation. It will be apparent that not at anytime during the sequence of operations described, is it necessary to open up the well either through the casing or tubing to iow of dangerous pressures from the well. l

e present invention provides a marked ilexibility oi control, and gives the operator not only a wide choice of operations which can be safely performed, but also a wide choice of the manner in which these operations may be carried out. For instance, when the completion of the well has arrived at the stage where the Christmas tree has been attached to the casing head with the spear still in place in the tubing, ii desired. washing of the well may be performed through the Christmas tree. At this stage, the apparatus is in the condition shown in Figure 9', except that the removing rod idd with its wrench d5 and stuiilng box lit would not be in place. en in this conditi, a connection y be vFigure 1 'and before the Christmas tree is attached.

That is to say. some operators may prefer, or it may be necessary, to wash the well bothA outside the screen or strainer vand inside using the control equipment of the type shown in Figure 6.

`On the other hand, other operators may prefer, or it may be desirable, to only perform inside washing and through the Christmas tree as described above. Obviously, the flexibility of 'the apparatus of this invention'provides a wide choice of operations. If desired, outside washing of thescreen or strainer could be performed with the control equipment of Figure 1 in place, leaving inside washing.. if found to be necessary, to be done at the more secure time when the Christmas tree is in position on the casing head and the well practically ready to flow.

Not only does the present invention provide for a wide choice of usual as well as unusual operations prior to and during completion, but `it also provides for any operations desired to be performed subsequent to completion and at any time during the ilow life of the well. After the Christmas tree is attached, and the spear S removed, the equipment -is in the condition shown in Figure 10. The well may now be flowed with the equipment in this condition, and it will be observed that the removal of the spear leaves the tubing open for free fiom-without any obstructions therein. If during the flow life of the well, or at any time subsequent to completion, it is desirable to open up the well to perform any subsequent operations, the spear S may be reinserted into the tubing and positioned therein by reversing the operations described in connection with Figure 9, after which the Christmas tree may be safely removed with the well under control and the control master drilling valve Ill and blow out preventers |02 and I may replace the same, in order that additional operations in the well may be carried out. For instance, after the spear is inserted into the tubing and the control equipment is reapplied to the casing head, the tubing may be lifted from the well by reversinggtheoperations described in connection with it`s insertion for the attachment to the tubing of any type of packer, or the like, for any desired use; for instance, for use to isolate particular sands. as desired.

If some change in the position of the tubing is necessary in order to effect a better oil gas ratio, the tubing may be then raised or lowered, by removing sections therefrom, or attaching sectionsl thereto, without losing lcontrol of. the well either through casing or-tubing, by manipulation of the tubing and control equipment obvious from the description given hereinabove. vBuch lengthening or shortening of the tubing will, of course, include elevating the hanger Il through the control equipment as previously described, removing, the hanger for changes in length of the tubing, and then reapplying the hanger after the changesin length are eected, and lowering v the hanger through the control equipment to its seat in order to continue the flowing of the well.

equipment including the After these operations subsequent to completion are effected, the Christmas tree may again be stabbed on while maintaining control of the well, in the manner previously described.-

It will be apparent that many operations not described may be safely carried out with the apparatus disclosed by following the teachings `of this application.

I claim:

1. In apparatus for completing a well in formation having high pressure, a casing, a casing head,

on said casing head including a blowout preventer providing a seal between said casing and 'said tubing, said casing head having a side outlet below said control equipment and a valve controlling' said outlet, a removable spear in sealing engagement with the inner wall of said tubing in a portion thereof below .the casing head, said spear having releasable means for rigidly maintaining it against downward movement in said tubing and against upward movement therein under well pressure, and being unconnected with iiow tubing in said casing, control equipmentv the surface of the well except through the walls of the tubing, means'connected with the upper lend of said tubing for forcing washing fluid downwardly therethrough to wash the well, and means included in said spear adapted for passage of said downwardly flowing washing fluid therethrough while preventing upward iiow oi' fluid under well pressure therethrough, the washing fluid discharging through said side outlet from the casing.

2. Aremovable spear for use in washing wells adapted forengaging and sealing with the inner wall of a tubing or the like comprising a mandrel having a longitudinal passage therethrough, a releasable slip on the outer wall of said mandrel for rigidly engaging the inner wall of the tubing to prevent downward movement of the spear therethrough, a second releasable slip on the outer wall of said mandrel for rigidly engaging the 1nner wallV of the tubing to prevent upward move- -ment of thespear therethrough, and a one way valve controlling said passage adapted for flow of iiuid downwardly through the tubing and said passage and having means to prevent upward flow lof uuid from the well therethrough, said spear having means to cooperate with a removing tool to release said second named slip to permit removal of said spear from the tubing in order to flow the well therethrough 3. A renovable spear for use in washing wells adapted for engaging and sealing with the inner wall of a tubing or the like comprising a mandrel having a longitudinal passage therethrough, a releasable slip on the outer wall of said mandrel actuated by the vweight of said spear for rigidly engaging the inner wall of the downward movement ofthe spear therethrough, a second rele'asable slip on the outer wall of said mandrel actuated by the well pressure in the tubing below the spear for rigidly engaging the inner wall of the tubing to prevent upward movement of the spear therethrough, and a one way valve controlling said passage adapted for iiow of huid downwardly through the tubing and said passage and having means to prevent upward flow of fluid tubing to prevent from the well therethrough, said spear having tubing in order to flow wall of a tubing or the like comprising a. mandrel having a longitudinal passage therethrough, a releasable slip movably mounted on the outer wall of said mandrel, said slip having an active position in rigid engagement with the inner wall of the tubing to prevent downward movement of the spear therethrough, and an inactive position, a second releasable slip on the outer wall of said mandrel for rigidly engaging the inner wall of the tubing to prevent upward movement of the spear therethrough, a one way valve controlling said passage adapted for now of fluid downwardly through the ltubing and said passage and having means to prevent upward ilow of fluid from the well therethrough, and means carried by said spear for retaining said rst named slip in its inactive position when the spear is being inserted into the' tubing, said spear hav.- ing means to cooperate with a removing tool to release said second named slip to permit removal of said spear from the tubing in order to ow the well therethrough.

5. A removable spear for use in washing wells adapted for engaging and sealing with the inner wall of a tubing or the like comprising a mandrel having a longitudinal passage therethrough,-

a releasable slip on the outer wall of 'said man- 'drel for rigidly engaging the inner wall of the tubing to prevent downward movement of the spear therethrough, Ea second releasabie slip movably mounted on the outer wail of said mandrel, having 'an active position in rigid engagement withthe inner wall of the tubing to prevent upward movement of the spear therethrough, and an inactive position, a; one way valve controlling said passage adapted for ow of uuid downwardly through the tubing and said passage and having means to prevent upward flow of Huid from the well therethrough, and a spear removing device adapted to engage said second named siipand move it from its active to its inactive position in order to lift the spear from the tubing.

6. A removable spear for use in washing weils adapted for engaging and sealing with the inner wall oi a tubing or the like comprising a mandrel having a longitudinal passage therethrough, releasablemeans on said mandrel for rigidly engaging the plain inner wall of the tubingat any point in the latter to prevent'downward movement of the spear therethrough,.a second releasable means on said mandrel for rigidly engaging the plain inner wall of the tubing at 'any point in the latter to prevent upward movement oi the spear therethrough, and a one-way valve controlling said passage which opens for ilow of fluid downwardly through the tubing and said passage and closes to prevent upward flow of duid from the well therethrough, said spear having means to cooperate with a. removing tool to release said second named means to permit removal of said spear from the tubing in order to flow the well therethrough.

7. A removable spear for use in washing-wells adapted for engaging and sealing with the inner wall of a tubing or the like comprising a mandrel having a longitudinal passage therethrough, relea'sabie means on said mandrel for rigidly engaging the plain inner Awall of the tubing at any point in the latter to prevent downward movement of the spear therethrough, a'secondreleasabie means on said mandrel actuated by the well pressure in the tubing below the spear for rigidly engaging the plain inner `wall of the tubing lat any point in the latter to prevent upward move- Tit valve controlling said passage which opens for ow of iluid downwardly through the tubing and said passage and closes to prevent upward ilow of fluid from the well therethrough, said spear having means to cooperate with a removing tool to release said second named means to permit removal of said spear from the tubing in order to ilow the well therethrough.

8. A removable spear for use in washing wells adapted for engaging and sealing with the inner Awall of a tubing or the like comprising a mandrel having a longitudinal passage therethrough, re-

leasable tubing engaging means mounted for movement on the exterior of said mandrel, said means having an active position wherein it rigidly engages the plain inner wall of the tubing at any point 'in the latter to prevent downward movement of the spear therethrough, and an inactive position, a second releasable tubing engaging means on the exterior of said mandrel for rigidly engaging the plain inner wall of the tubing at any point in thelatter to prevent upward movement of the spear therethrough, a one-way valve controlling said passage which opens for flow of iluid downwardly through the tubing and said passage and closes to prevent upward flow 'of iiuid from the well therethrough, and means carried by said mandrel for retaining said ilrstnamed means in its inactive position when the spear is being inserted into the tubing, said spear having means to cooperate with a removing tool to release said second named tubing engaging means to permit removal of said spear from the tubing in order to flow the well therethrough.

9. A removable spear for use in washing weils adapted for engaging and sealing with the inner wall of a tubing or the like comprising a mandrel having a longitudinal passage therethrough, releasable tubing engaging means on said mandrel for rigidly engaging the plain inner wall of the tubing at any point in the latter to prevent downward movement of the spear therethrough,

a second releasable tubing engaging means mounted for movement on said mandrel having an active position wherein it rigidly engages the plain inner wall of the tubingV at any point in y the latter to prevent upward movement of the spear therethrough, and an inactive position, a

one-way valve controlling said passage which opens for dow of duid downwardly through the tubing and said passage and closes to prevent upward now of duid from the well therethrough, and a spear removing device adapted to 'engage said second-named tubing engaging means and move it from its active to its inactive position to permit lifting of the spear from the tubing.

l0. A removable spear for use in washing wells adapted i'or engaging and sealing with the inner wall of a tubing or the like comprising a mandrel having a longitudinal passage therethrough, a releasable slip on the outer wall of said mandrel adjacent the lower end of the spear for engaging the inner wall of the tubing to prevent downward movement oi the spear therethrough, a second releasable slip movably mounted on the outer wall oi the mandrel adjacent to and below the upper end of thev spear, having an active position in engagement with the inner wall of the tubing to prevent upward movement therethrough, and an inactive position, a one-way valve controlling said passage which opens for dow of uid downwardly c through the tubing and said passage and closes wardly in' encompassing relation over the upper end of said spear to engageV said second named slip and move it from its active to its inactive position to permit lifting of the spear from the tubing.

11. A removable spear for use in washing wells adapted for engaging and sealing with the inner wall of a tubing or the like comprising a mandrel having a longitudinal passage therethrough, a. releasable slip on the outer wall of said mandrel for engaging the inner wall'of the tubing to prevent downward movement of the spear therethrough, a second releasable slip on the outer wall of said mandrel for engaging the inner wall of the tubing to prevent upward movement of the spear therethrough. a one-way valve controlling said passage which opens for ilo'w of fluid downwardly through the tubing and said passage and closes to prevent upward iiow voi? fluid from the well therethrough, and a packer'mounted on the outer wall of the spear adapted to be expanded by well pressure below the same, said packer forming a seal between the outside oi the spear and the inner surface oi the tubing, said spear having means to cooperate with a removing tool to release said second named slip to permit removal of said spear from the tubing in order to ilow the well therethrough.

12. A removable spear for use in washing wells adapted for engaging and sealing with the inner wall of a tubing or the like comprising a mandrel having a longitudinal passage therethrough, a slip on the outer wall of said mandrel for engaging the inner wall oi' the tubing to prevent downward movement of the spear therethrough, a

second slip on the outer wailof vsaid mandrel for engaging the inner wall of the tubing to prevent upward movement of the spear therethrough, a one-way valve controlling said passage adapted for ow of iiuid downwardly through the tubing and said passage and having means to prevent upward ilow of weil iluid therethrough. and an inserting tool secured to said spear having means for maintaining said valve in 'condition to permit upward ilow of well fluid therethrough when the spear is being inserted down into the tubing.

13. A removable spear foruse in washing wells adapted for engaging and sealing with the inner wall of a tubing or the like comprising a mandrel having a longitudinal passage therethrough. a

Aslip on the outer wall of said mandrel adjacent the lower end thereof for engaging the inner wall of the tubing to prevent downward movement of the spear therethrough, a second slip on the outer wall of said mandrel adjacent the upper end thereof for engaging the inner wall of the tubing to prevent upward movement oi the spear therethrough, a one-way valve at thel lower end of said spear for controlling said passage and adapted for ow oi' iiuid downwardly through the tubing and said passage and having means to prevent upward iow of well uid therethrough, and an inserting tool secured to the upper end of said mandrel `having a rod extending through said passage to maintain said valve in condition to permit upward ow oi well iiuid therethrough when the spear is being inserted down into the tubing.

ROBERT A. MUELLER.

Images