US2190442A - Tool useful for removing objects from wells - Google Patents

Description

C. E. COSTELLO TooL USEFUL FOR REMovING OBJECTS FROM WELLS Feb. 13, 1940.

` 2 sheets-sheet 1 Filed May 10, 19:58

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TOOL USEFUL FOR REMOVING OBJECTS FROM .WELLS AFiled May l0, 1938 2 Sheets-Sheet'Z fw v Patented Feb. 13, 1940 UNITED STATES PATEN TOOL USEFUL FOR REMOVING OBJECTS FROM WELLS tello, Inglewood, Calif.

Application May 10, 1938, Serial No. 207,042

16 Claims.

'I'his invention relates to a well tool and relates more particularly to a tool useful in removing or recovering objects from wells. A general object of the invention is to provide a practical de- 5 pendable and particularly eiective tool useful in recovering objects from wells.

Another objectof this invention is to provide a fluid pressure operated tool capable of exerting a great force or pull on an object caught or 10 lodged in a well to free or pull the same loose.

, Another object of the invention is to provide a tool of the character mentioned thatv is capable of imposing or applying a heavy up pull 'on an object in the well without subjecting the fishing 15 string, the hoisting equipment, the Well derrick or the other well equipment to heavy strains or forces, the pullingl forces being confined to the tool and the object in the well.

Another object of the invention is to provide a zo well tool of the character mentioned that may be operated to recover an object from the well without putting heavy tension on the fishing string so that the string may conform to irregularities in the well and isnot liable to break under tension and little friction is set up between the string and the well casing or Well wall, even though the Well is crooked.

Another object of this invention is to provide a tool of the character mentioned in which fluid under pressure is pumped down through a tubular fishing string to act on a piston element connected with the iish or caught object through the medium of a grappling device to pull the object free for ready withdrawal from the well.

Another object of this invention is to provide a tool of the character mentioned in which the well lining or Well casing is utilized as the cylinder for the fluid pressure operated piston element. i Another object of this invention is to provide tool of the character mentioned embodying a sealing means or packing assembly cooperating with the well casing to act as a piston therein and connected with a suitable fishing tool or 45 grappling tool for engaging the iish and embodying a second sealing means or packing assembiy cooperating with the interior of the well casing to seal therewithat a point spaced from said piston element to define a pressure cham- 50 ber or cylinder into which fluid under' pressure is introduced to move the piston element upwardly, and thus free the fish.

`Another object of this invention is to provide 'a y well tool of the character mentioned iii-which. the j cylinder-deiining packing element is anchored or secured to the well casing by a gripping means to form a stationary head or closure for the end of the fluid pressure space or cylinder that receives the fluid under pressure for actuating the piston element. Another object of this invention is to provide a tool of the character mentioned in which a single tubular string may serve to carry the tool, to control and to manipulate the several mechanisms of the tool, to conduct the actuating uid pressure to the tool and to withdraw the tool and the recovered object from the well.

Another object of this invention is to provide a tool of the character mentioned that embodies a novel arrangement of ports and passages that facilitates the quick and easy running of the tool into and out of the Well and the draining of fluid from the fishing string as it is withdrawn from the well.

Another object of this invention is to provide a tool of the character mentioned in which the means for anchoring the packing element to the casing, and the grappling tool or shng tool may both be fully controlled by simple manipulations of the iishing string.

A further object of this invention is to provide a tool of the character mentioned that is positive in operation and capable of exerting a Very heavy up pull or force on an object in the well and, therefore, is particularly useful in recovering well liners and other objects that may be very tightly lodged or sanded in wells.

The various objects and features of my invention will be fully understood from the following detailed description of a typical preferred form and application of my invention, throughout which description' reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal sectional View of a portion of a typical well showing the toolV of the 40 present invention therein with the grappling device extending into the fish or liner. Fig. 2 is an enlarged longitudinal detailed sectional view of the upper portion of the tool in the well casing showing the parts in the normal or unactuated positions. Fig. 3 is an enlarged longitudinal detailed sectional view of the lower portion of the tool showing the grappling device in elevation and in position in the iish or liner. Figs 4,

5 and 6` are enlarged transverse detailed sec- 50 tional viewstaken as indicated by lines 4-4, 5 5 `and 6 6', respectively,on Fig. 2'.' Fig. 'l is an enlarged transverse detailed sectional view taken .as `indicated byline 'l-l onvliig.` 3. Fig.

8'is aj side elevation of the lower portionof the 55 tool showing the grappling device in the actuated condition and illustrating the ilsh or liner in vertical cross section, and Fig. 9 is a side elevation of the intermediate portion i' the tool showing the gripping means or anchoring means of the packing assembly in the actuated condition.

In Fig. 1 of the drawings I have illustrated a 'portion of a typical well lined by a water string or casing C. The usual shoe III on the lower end oi' the-casing C and the lower part of the casing are cemented in the well bore. A liner L extends downwardly in the well from the casing C and projects into the open or uncased lower portion of the well. In accordance with the usual practice the liner L extends some distance upwardlv in the casing C. It may be assumed that the liner L is caught or sanded in the well to be diicult of removal by the usual means.

In the following detailed description the tool of the present invention will be described as employed tov withdraw or recover the liner L from the well. It is to bey understood that this description is not to be taken as limiting or 'restricting the use or application of the invention and that the invention is to be construed as covering any features or modications that may fall within the scope of the claims.

The improved tool of the present invention may be said to comprisagenerally, a tubular body or mandrel II, a grappling device or fishing tool I2 on the mandrel II for gripping ythe liner L, a piston element I3 on the mandrel Il operable in the well casing C, a sealing or packing means i4 around the mandrel I I adapted to be anchored to and to seal with the casing C at a point spaced from the piston element I3 and thereby provide a pressure chamber X below the piston element I3, and a releasable connection I 5 between the mandrel il and the packing means III releasable by the action of iluid pressure on the piston I3 to permit the control or actuation of the lshingtool I2 by the mandrel II subsequent to the actuation of the packing means I4.

The mandrel II constitutes the carrier for the various other parts of the tool and forms a conduit for conducting iluid, as will be more fully described. The mandrel Ii is proportioned to pass through the casing C and to enter the liner L with substantial clearance. In the preferred construction illustrated the mandrel II includes an upper member I B threaded to the lower end of the string S. The member I6 is in the nature oi a tubular sub or coupling and forms the body of the piston element i3. as will be hereinafter described. The mandrel I i further includes a tubular upper section il threaded into the lower end of the member IIS, a lower section i3 and a sub or coupling member I3 connecting the sections i7 and i8. The sections Il and I3 of the mandrel III may each be iormed of one or more connected lengths of pipe or tubing and in practice the sections may be of the same diameter. It is to be noted that the upper end of the tubular mandrel ii is connected through the member i3 with the lower end of the operating string S to receive fluid therefrom.

The grappling tool or fishing tool I2 is connected with the lower end of the mandrel II and is operable to grip the ilsh or liner L. In the Aparticulier use or application of the invention illustrated, where the ilsh or liner L is in the form of a tubular object, the shing tool I2 is in the nature of a spear adapted to enter the liner. It is to be undertsood that other forms of grapthe tool for recovering objects of various shapes and natures. It may be preferred to connect a suitable jarring device between the lower end of the mandrel II and the tool I2. In the drawings I have illustrated a jarring tool comprising a stem 20 connected with the lower end of the mandrel section I8 by a coupling 2l and a tubular member 22 surrounding or receiving the stem Splines 23 connect the stem 20 and the member 22 for relative longitudinal movement and hold them against relative turning. Opposing shoulders 24 are provided on the stem 20 and the member 22 to be brought together to produce a jarring action. The lower end of the coupling 2i may engage against the upper end of the member 22 to provide a jarring action.

The grappling tool or ilshing tool I2 includes a body 25 threadedly connected with the lower end oi the jarring tool member 22. or head 26 is provided on the lower end of the body 25 and a cone 21 is provided on the body above the head 26. The cone 21 has a plurality of spaced downwardly and outwardly inclined ways 23. Slips 29 are slidably keyed to the ways 23 and are toothed to grip the interior of the A bull nose y lish or liner L. A ring 30 surrounds the body 25 y and pivoted links or reins 3l connect the slips 29 with the ring. A friction means or tail piece the body 25 and has a swivel or rotatable connection with the ring 30. outwardly bowed springs 33 are provided on the sleeve 32 to frictionally engage the interior of the' sh or liner L. An L slot or J slot 34 is provided in the sleeve 32 and a pin 35 on the body 25 operates in the slot. The lateral branch or arm of the J slot 34 extends rearwardly from its lower end, with respect to the right hand direction of rotation. The pin 35 normally cooperates with this lateral arm oi' the slot 34.

The tool I2 may be operated to grip the interior of the liner L by turning the body 25 to the right to move the pin 35 out of the lateral arm oi' the slot 34 whereupon the body 25 is moved upwardly to actuate the slips 29. Upon upward movement of the body 25 the inclined of the fishing tool I2 is positively connected with the mandrel il of the tool through the splined jarring tool to be controlled by movement of the mandrel. v

The piston element I3 is secured or 'fixed to the mandrel il and is operable under the infiuence of uid under pressure below it to move the mandrel and the ilshing tool I2 upwardly. The piston element I3 is provided on the upper portion of the mandrel Il and in the simple preferred form of the invention illustrated the connecting member I6 forms the body of the piston element. The member I6 has a downwardly facing annular shoulder 36. The piston element I3 includes a series of alternate .packing cups 37 and spacers 38 surrounding the member- I6 below the shoulder 36. The uppermost cup 31 bears upwardly against the shoulder 36. A nut 39 is threaded on themember I 6 and engages upwardly against the lowermost spacer 38 to hold the cups 3l and spacers 38 in position and to sion. The packing cups 31 are formed of a suitable iiexible and resilient material and the cups face downwardly to expand outwardly into tight sliding and sealing cooperation with the interior ofy the casing C by uid pressure introduced under the piston element I3. It is to be noted that the piston element I3 slidably seals with the interior of the casing C and that the casing constitutes the cylinder element of the device.

The sealing or packing means I4 is spaced between the grappling tool or fishing tool- I2 and the piston element I3. In the preferred construction the packing means I4 is carried on or surrounds what I have termed the lower section I8 of the mandrel II and is initially connected with vthe mandrel by the releasable connection I5. In accordance with the invention the packing means I4 is in the nature of a tubular assembly arranged around the tubular mandrel I I. The packing means I4 includes a tube 40, a cone 4I threaded on the upper end of the tube 40 and a carrier member 42 threaded to the upper end part of the cone 4I. A head 43 is threaded on the member 42 and carries a packing gland 44 for sealing about the mandrel II. Following the release of the connection I5 the mandrel II is turnable and movable longitudinally relative to the assembly of the tube 40, the cone 4I, the member 42 and the head 43.

It is to be understood that the invention is not to be construed as limited to the employment of the particular class of packing or sealing elements for the piston element I3 and the means I4 illustrated in the drawings and` described above, as the invention contemplates the employment of multiple or single packers or sealing elements of any suitable character in the piston element I3 and the meansrI4.

The packing means I4 further includes a group or assembly of packing cups 45 and spacers 46. The cups 45 and the spacers 46 are ring-like members and surround the member 42. The spacers 46 are interposed between the adjacent cups 45. The lowermost cup 45 bears on an upwardly facing shoulder 41 on the carrier member 42 and a nut 48 is threaded on the member 42 to clamp against the uppermost spacer 46. The cups 45 face upwardly and their peripheral parts are adapted tovseal with the inner wall of the well casing C. The packing cups 45 are formed cf flexible resilient material and are effective to seal against iiuid under pressure above them. The

packing cups 45 of the means lI4 are spaced below the piston element I3 to define the cylinder or pressure chamber X.

The packing means I4 further includes a gripping means or slip assembly for holding the packing cups 45, the carrier member 42, the tube 40, etc., against downward movement when pressure is introduced to the chamber X to actuate the piston element I3. In the typical embodiment of the invention illustrated the slip assembly includes slips 50 slidably keyed to downwardly and inwardly inclined ways 5I on the cone 4I.

The slips 50 are toothed and their teeth are formed to cooperate with the interiorA of the casing C to prevent downward movementI of the cone 4I and associated parts. A sleeve V52 is` turnably and slidablyarranged.- around the tube 40 below the cone 4I. A- ring 53,is .rotatably supported in a groove inthe upperfportion4 of*v the sleeve 52. .'Pivoted .links orfreins '54V connect the slips 5Il'fwith-'the` ring V53.. Outwardly bowed; leaf springs 55 are providedton .the-'.sleeve-52N- and are adapted to frlctionally engage the interlor of the casing C to resist movement of the sleeve with respect to the casing.

A releasable pin and slot connection is provided between the sleeve 52 and the tube 40 to control the slips 50 of the packing means I4. An inverted L slot or J slot 56 isprovided in the sleeve 52 and a pin 51 on the tube 40 co-operates with the slot 56. The lateral arm of the J slot 56 is at the upper end of the slot and extends forwardly relative to the right hand direction of rotation. 'I'he pin 51 normally cooperates with the lateral. arm of the slot 56 to hold the sleeve 52 in a position where the slips 5D are at the lower ends of their ways 5I and are retracted from the casing C. When the tube 46 is turned to the left and then moved downward the pin 51 moves out of the lateral arm of the slot 56 and then downwardly in the slot and this movement is accompanied by downward movement of the cone 4I relative to the slips 5U and the inclined ways 5I force the slips outwardly into gripping engagement with the casing C.V The springs 55 resist downward movement of the sleeve 52 and the slips 50 during the downward movement of the tube 40 and the cone 4I. It will be noted that the slips 5D are adapted to cooperate with the casing C to prevent downward movement of the' packing means so that the cups 45 of the packing means form a closure or head for the lower end of the cylinder or pressure chamber X.

The slip assembly and the control therefor of the means I4 described above are merely typical and are not to be taken as restricting the invention to the employment of these particular constructions.

It is preferred to provide a stop collar 58 on the lower end of the tube 4II to limit movement of the sleeve 52 on the tube. The invention preferably includes means for stopping or limiting upward movement of the mandrel II through the packing means I4 following the release of the connection I5. In the case illustrated this stop means comprises a coupling member 59 interposed in the mandrel section I8 and provided with a projecting flange 60 adapted to engage the lower end of the tube 40 of the packing lmeans iii or the stop collar 58 there-cn.

Port means is provided to admit fluid under pressure to the pressure chamber X to actuate or move the piston element I3 upwardly. The coupling member I 9 described above serves to close off the interior of the tubular mandrel II, that is, it forms a partition across the interior of the mandrel. The port means for admitting uid to the chamber X includes one or more ports 6I in the Wall of the mandrel section i1 above the coupling member i9. Fluid from the ground surface may flow down through the string S to pass through the member I6 and the mandrel section i1 and to discharge from the ports Gi into the pressure chamber X.

The releasable connection I5 is* provided to connect the packing means I4 with the mandrel lI so that the slips may be-controlled and actuated by manipulation of the string S and the mandrel II. The connection I5'is in the nature of a frangible connection and is operable to Atransmit rotation as well'` as longitudinal movement The connection I5 includes" an annular flange 62 on the connecting member I9. The flange 62 is spacedabove the head 43. Frangible v screws 63 are passed through openings in the flange 62. and 'L are. threadedinto sockets 64 in the head 43. Nuts 8B maybe threaded on the screws 33 to engage the under side oi the ilange 62. In accordance with the invention the screws 63 are formed to fail or break under a predetermined longitudinal strain set up or produced by the fluid under pressure in the chamber X acting on the piston element I3 and the set or stationary means I6 and moving the piston I3 upwardly with rpect to the packing means I3. In practice the screws 63 may have annular grooves cut in them at points spaced between their ends so that they are weakened to fail at these points. Following the actuation of the slips 50 pressure applied to the fluid in the chamber X acts against the piston element I3 to move the mandrel II upwardly with respect to the packing means I4 and this force and movement breaks the screws 63.

The releasable connection I5 includes clutch elements for transmitting turning forces between the mandrel II and the packing means I4. A plurality of circumferentially spaced clutch ears or lugs 36 is providedon the head I3 and clutch jaws 6l depend from the flange 62 and are received between the lugs B6. The jaws 61 cooperate with the lugs 66 for the positive transmission of turning forces between the mandrel I I and the sealing or packing means I 4. The engaging lugs 66 and jaws 6l relieve the frangible screws 63 of all turning forces and prevent the premature fracturing of the screws during therelease and actuation of the slips 50. Following the breaking of the screws 63 upward movement of the mandrel II with respect to the packing means I4 moves the jaws 6? out of engagement with the lugs 66. This frees the mandrel II from the packing means I3 so that the mandrel may be turned and moved longitudinally with respect to the packing means to actuate the tool I2 as described above. f

The invention provides a novel by-pass means for by-passing fluid past or around the piston element I3 and the packing means I8 when the tool is run into and out of the well. The by-pass means includes one or more lateral ports TI) in the lower section I8 of the mandrel II. The ports 'Ill are preferably spaced below the stop fiange 60. The by-pass means further includes a by-pass pipe 'II extending longitudinally through the upper mandrel section I'I. The pipe II extends upwardly into the member I6 and its upper end is received in a lateral opening 'I2 in the wall of the member I6. The upper end of the pipe Il communicates with the well or well casing C at a point above the sealing cups 3l of the piston element i3. The lower end portion of the pipe II extends through or into an opening I3 in the member I9. The lower end of the pipe 'll communicates with the interior of that portion of the mandrel II below the member i9. The pipe 'FI is considerably smaller in diameter than the mandrel II and passes through the mandrel and the member i6 with substantial clearance, leaving ample space for the passage iiuid enters the ports 70, and flows through the mandrel II and the pipe II to discharge above the piston element I 3. Whenthe tool is pulled from the well iiuid iiows down through the pipe 'II and the mandrel II to discharge from the ports 1U.

It is preferred to provide'means whereby fluid may drain from the fishing string or operating string S when the string and tool are withdrawn from the well. This means includes one or more lateral ports I5 in the wall ofthe lower mandrel section I8. The ports 'I5 are located to be below the tube 40 when the parts' arein the unactuated positions and to be in communication with the chamber X when the mandrel II has reached the upper portion of its stroke relative to the packing means Il. In practice the distance between the ports I5 and the stop ange 60 is equal to or slightly greater than the distance between the stop ange 58and the gland 44 of the means I 5 so that the ports 16 communicate with the chamber X when the stop ilange 80 is in engagement with the lower end of the tube' 40 or its stop collar 58. When the ports 'I5 `are in como munication with the pressure chamber X iluid from the string S is free to flow out through the ports BI into the chamber X and then in through the ports 'I5 into the mandrel II to discharge into the casing or well through the ports 10.

In the operation of the tool the mandrel II` may be connected with the lower end of the operating string S with the several parts in the positions illustrated in Figs. l to 7, inclusive, of the.

The tool is run into the well on the drawings. operating string S to the point where the grappling tool I2 is within the iish or liner L. The position of the liner L in the well is predetermined and the string S is readily lowered to a position where the tool I2 is within the liner. During the downward movement of the string of tools through the well casing C the iiuid in the well is free to by-pass upwardlythrough the ports I0 and 15, the mandrel II and the pipe 1I to above the piston element I3 and the fluid in the well does not interferey with the free movement of the tool through the casing.

When it is desired to actuate the tool the y string S is turned to the left to move the pin 51 out of the lateral arm of the slot 56 and the string S is then allowed to settle so that the pin moves downwardly in the slot 56. This downward movement is accompanied by downward movement of the cone 4I, and the ways 5I of the cone force the slips out into gripping engagement with the interior of the casing C. If desired the iluid in the string S and chamber X may be put under pressure to act on the packing means I4 to move or to assist in moving the cone di downwardly and eect the actuation of the slips 50 as `just described. 'I'he slips SII gripping the interior of the casing C hold the several elements of the sealing means or packing means Id against downward movement. The uid in the string S and the chamber X is then put under pump pressure. The pressure in the chamber X acts upwardly against the piston element i3 and tends to move the piston element and the mandrel II upwardly with respect to the packing means I4, the latter being held against downward movement by the slips 50. Sumcient pressure is put on the iiuid in the chamber X to break or fracture the screws 63 and following the fracturing of the screws G3 the mandrel is free to move up under the action of the pressure on the piston element I3. When the screws 63 have been broken or parted the pressure is removedI from the fluid in the string S and the chamber X. In this connection it is to be observed that the ports 6I at all times chamber X and the string S so that the pressure in the chamber X may be relieved when necessary or desirable.

Subsequent to the actuation of the slips III and the release of the connection I5, as Just described, the string S is turned to the right to move the pin 35 out of the lateral arm of the slot 34 and is then moved upwardly to actuate the slips 29. yThe release of the connection I5, as described above, frees the mandrel II from the packing means I4 so that the mandrel may be freely manipulated to actuate thel slips ,29. The slips 29 are forced out by the inclined ways 28 to obtain a/flrm grip on the interior vof the fish or liner L.,

Following the actuation of the'ilshing-toolor grappling'tool I2 the fluid in the string S and the chamber X is again put under pressure. In practice a high pump pressure may be ap` plied to the fluid. The pressure on the fluid in the chamber X acts upwardly against the piston element I3 and thus acts upwardly onthe mandrel I i. The grappling tool I2 serves to conneet the mandrel II with the fish or liner L and transmits the heavy up force from the mandrel to the liner or sh. 'Ihe pressure on the fluid in the chamber X may be increased until a sumciently strong up-pull is put on the liner L or sh to pull the same free. It will be understood how a very heavy up strain or pull may be put on the fish or liner L by applying appropriate pressure to the fluid in the chamber X. When the fluid pressure acting on the piston element I3 moves the mandrel II, the tool I2 and the liner L upwardly, the mandrel moves up through the packing means I4.

The upward movement of the mandrel II, thetool I2 and the fish or liner L may continue until the ports 'I5 come into communication with the chamber X and thestop ange Gli comes into engagement with the lower end of the tube 40 or its stop collar 58. The extent of upward movementf the mandrel II, or the stroke of the piston element I3 and the mandrel, is determined by the length of the lower section I8 of the mandrel and this movement may be as great as desired. The upward movement of the fish or liner L resulting from the application of the fluid pressure to the piston element I3 frees the fish or liner from the well. Accordingly, when the mandrel II has reached the upper end of its stroke the heavy pump pressure may be removed from the fluid in the chamber X and the string S. The string S and the entire tool -as` the tool through the casing C iluidis free to' -byf pass down through the pipe 1I the Amandrelll and out through the ports 10. Accordingly, the fluid standing in the casing C does not impede the upward movement of the tool assembly through the casing. As the string S is withdrawn from the well the fluid standingin it is free to discharge through the ports 6I into the chamber X and to then pass in through the ports 15 into the mandrel I I to ultimately flow through the ports 10 into the well or casing C.

If at any time during the operation it appears desirable or necessary to withdraw the device from the well, the pressure inthe chamber X may be relieved by merely stopping the pumps supplying the pressure to the string S whereupon simple manipulations o f the string S will release the tool I2 and the packing means Il. The string S may then be raised to remove the tool ordevice from the well. As above described uid is freely by-passed through the pipe 1 I the mandrel II and the ports 10 during the removal of the tool or device from the well.

The present invention provides a tool operated by fluid under pressure to apply a very heavy up force or pull on an object caught or sanded in a well without endangering the fishing string by severe tensile strains. The tool utilizes the well lining or casing C as the cylinderof the fluid pressure actuated piston element I3 an'd utilizes the casingas a stationary abutment for the packing means I4 dening the lowerend offthe cylinder. "Ihettool yis suchvthat it may-be -fully controlled and operatedby Simple manipulations of the single operating string AS. f The frangible connection or r'eleasable' connection' I5 provides for-the easyandrapid actuation ofthe slip assembly-ofthe packing means I4'and foland application of my'invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specic details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any variations or modifications that may appear to those skilled in the art or fall within the scope of the following claims:

Having described by invention, I claim:

1. A tool useful in removing an object from a well comprising two spaced elements adapted'to seal withthe wall of the well to define a chamber in the well, means connected with one of the elements for gripping the said object, means for holding the other element against movement, and means for introducing fluid pressure to said chamber to act on the first mentioned element to move said object.

2. Apparatus useful in removing an object from a well comprising a tubular string to be run into the well, two elements for'sealingywith' the wall of the well and vertically spaced-apart to .define a pressure chamber,y one of said elements being secured to the string, means operablejto' hold vthe other element against movement, a device on thev string for connecting ythefsanie with the object, `and means putting the; stringpin 3. Apparatus useful in removing an'fobject l from a Well comprising a 'tubular string run into thewell,` two elements r for sealing-evitan.imv lthe wall 'of the. well and vertically spaced apart'` to dene a pressure chamber,v the `upperelement being movable with the string,'the 'lower element and string being relatively shiftable, a connection between the string and said lower-elementreleas-'- able by a longitudinal strain, means operable by manipulation of the string for holdingV the said lower element against downward. movement, means placing the string in communication with the said chamber whereby fluid pressure may be introduced to the chamber to release said connection, and means for connecting the string with the said object whereby the introduction of pressure to the chamber may act on the upper element to raise the said object.

4. Apparatus useful in removing an object from a well comprising a tubular string to be run into the well, two elements for sealing with the wall of the well and vertically spaced apart to deiine a pressure chamber, vthe upper element being movable with the string, the lower element and string being relatively shiftable, a connection between the string and said lower element releasable by a longitudinal strain. means operable by manipulation of the string for holding the said lower element against downward movement, means placing the string in communication with the said chamber whereby iluid pressure may be introduced to theI chamber to release said connection, and a grappling tool connected with the string and operable by manipulation thereof to connect with the said object whereby the introduction of fluid pressure to the chamber ysubsequent to the release of said connection moves the said object upwardly.

5. A tool for use on a tubular well string for removing an object from a well comprising a mandrel to be connected with the string, a piston element on the mandrel for sealing with the wall of the well, packing means shiftably carried by the mandrel to grip and seal with the wall of the well and spaced below the piston element to define a pressure chamber in the well, means associated with the mandrel for gripping said object, and means for introducing fluid pressure from the string to the chamber to move the piston element, mandrel and object upwardly.

6. A tool for use on a tubular well string for removing an object from a well comprising a mandrel to be connected with the string, a piston element on the mandrel for sealing with the wall of the well, packing means shiftably carried by the mandrel toY seal with the wall of the well below the piston element` to provide a chamber in the well, means operable by manipulation of the mandrel for holding the packing means against downward movement, a grappling device connected with the mandrel for engaging said object, and means for introducing iiuid pressure from the string to the chamber to exert an upward force on the piston element, mandrel and object.

7. A tool for use on a tubular well string for removing an object from a well comprising a mandrel to be connected with the string, a piston element on the mandrel for sealing with the wall of the well, packing means shiftably carried by the mandrel to seal with the wall of the well below the piston element to provide a chamber in the well, means operable by manipulation of the mandrel for holding the packing means against downward movement, means for by-passing fluid past the piston element and packing means during movement of the tool into and out of the well, a grappling device connected with the mandrel for engaging said object, and means for introducing uid pressure from the string'vv to the chamber to exert an upward force on the piston element, mandrel and object.

8. A tool for use on a tubular well string forv removing an object from a well comprising a mandrel to be connected with the string, a pis-n ton element on the mandrel for sealing with the mitted from the mandrel through said connection to hold the packing means against downward" movement, means for introducing fluid pressure from the string to said chamber to apply a 1ongitudinal force to the connection to release the same, and a grappling device connected with tlie mandrel to engage said object whereby the introduction of uid pressure to the chamber sub-- sequent to the release of the connection moves the piston element, mandrel and object upwardly.

9. A tool for use on a tubular well string for removing an object from a well comprising a mandrel to be connected with the string, two

vertically spaced elements for sealing with the wall of the well to provide a chamber, the upper element being secured to the mandrel, the lower element and mandrel being relatively shiitable.

means associated with the lower element for holding the same against downward movement whereby the mandrel may be moved in the well. with respect to the lower element, a device connected with the mandrel for. securing said object tothe mandrel, and means for passing iluid pressure from the string to said chamber-to act f on the upper element to raise the object.

10. A tool for use on a tubular well string, for removing an object from a vwell comprising a mandrel to be connected with the string, two

vertically spaced elements for sealing with the mandrel, means for conducting fluid 'pressure Y from the string to the chamber to act on the upper element and free said object for removal from the well, and means for by-passing the fluid in the well past said element during movement of the tool through the well.

l1. A tool for use on atubular well string, for removing an object from a well comprising a mandrel to be connected with the string, two vertically spaced elements for sealing with the wall of the well to provide a chamber, the upper element being 'secured to the mandrel, the lower element and mandrel being relatively shiftable, means associated with the lower element for holding the same against downward movement whereby the mandrel may be moved in the well i with respect to the lowerelement, a device connected with the mandrel for securing said object to the mandrel, means for conducting uid pressure from the string to the chamber to act on the upper element and free said object for `|removal from the well, and means for conducting uid from the string to the well below the lower element when the tool is withdrawn from the well.

12. Apparatus useful in removing an object from a well comprising a tubular string to be run into the well, two elements for sealing with the wall of the vwell and vertically spaced apart to deine a pressure chamber, the upper element e being movable with the string, the lower element and string being relatively shlftable, a connection between the string and said lower element releasable by a longitudinal strain, said connection including a part designed to fail under a. predetermined tensile strain, means operable by nianipulation of the string for holding thesaid lower element against downward movement, means placing the string in communication with the said chamber whereby fluid pressure may be introduced to the chamber to release said connection, and means for connecting the string with the said object whereby the introduction of pressure to the chamber may act on the upper element to raise the said object.

13. A tool for use on a tubular well string for removing an object from a well comprising a mandrel to be connected with the string, a piston element on the mandrel for sealing with the wall of the well, packing means shiftably carried by the mandrel to seal with the wall of the well below the piston element to provide a chamber in the well, a connection between the mandrel and the packing means releasable by a predetermined vertical force, said connection including a part for transmitting vertical forces designed to fail under a predetermined vertical strain, and cooperating members for transmitting turning forces disengaged by relative vertical movement between the mandrel and packing means, means associated with the packing means operable by movement transmitted from the mandrel through said connection to hold the packing means against downward movement, means for introducing fluid pressure from the string to said chamber to apply a longitudinal force to the connection to release the same, and a grappling device connected with the mandrel to engage said object whereby the introduction of fluid pressure to the chamber subsequent to the release of the connection moves the piston element, mandrel and object upwardly.

14. A tool for use on a tubular well string for removing an object from a well comprising a mandrel to be connected with the string, a piston element on the mandrel for sealing with the wall o! the well, packing means shiftably carried by the mandrel to seal with the wall of the well below the piston element to provide a chamber in the well, a connection between the mandrel and the packing means releasable by a predetermined vertical torce, means associated with the packing means operable by turning and longitudinal movement of the mandrel to hold the packing means against downward movement in the well, means for conducting fluid pressure from the string to said chamber to impose a vertical force on the connection to release the same, and a grappling device connected with the mandrel and operable by manipulation thereof to grip said object whereby fluid pressure in the chamber acting on the piston element is transmitted to said object.

15. A tool for use on a tubular Well string to free an object in a well, the well having a casing, the tool comprising a mandrel to be connected with the string, a piston element movable with the mandrel and adapted to seal with the casing, a sealing means shiftably related to the mandrel and sealing with the casing below the piston element to provide 'a chamber in the casing, slip means associated with the sealing means and operable by movement thereafter to grip the casing and hold the sealing means against downward movement, a frangible connection between the mandrel and sealing means whereby the mandrel may be manipulatedy to actuate the slip means, means on the mandrel for connecting the same with the object, and means for admitting fluid pressure from the string to the chamber to break said connection and thereafter raise the object.

16. Apparatus for removing an object from a well including a tubular well string, two vertically spaced elements for sealing with the wall of the well to define a uid chamber, means connected with one of the elements for grappling the object in the well, means for engaging the wall of the well to hold the other element against movement, and means maintaining the said chamber in communication with the string whereby fluid pressure may be introduced to said chamber from the string to act on the first mentioned element to move said object and whereby said fluid pressure may be removed from the said chamber at will.

CHARLES E. COS'I'EIM).

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