US2723721A - Packer construction - Google Patents

Description

3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 14, 1952 INVENTOR WILLIAM T. CORSETTE ATTORNEYS Nov. 15, 1955 w. T. CORSETTE PACKER CONSTRUCTION 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 14, 1952 INVENTOR WILLIAM T. CORSETTE WM wk/W ATTORNEYS Nov. 15, 1955 w. T. CORSETTE PACKER CONSTRUCTION 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed July 14, 1952 FIG.

FIG. 9.

FIG.8.

llfly/r INVENTOR WILLIAM T. CORSETTE 777m Mia/W ATTORNEYS United States Patent L PACKER CON STRUCTION William T. Corsette, Long Beach, Calif., assiguor, by

direct and mesne assignments, to Seanay, Inn, Los Angeles, Califl, a corporation of California Application July 14, 1952, S'erial No. 298,734

I 8 Claims. (Cl. 166-179) This invention has todo generally with devices used in oil well drilling and servicing operations for the purpose" of effecting a fluid-tight seal between the-pipe in the well and the casing or between the pipe and the wall of an uncased section of a well hole. Such devices include swabs, cup-type packers, and sleeve-type packers;

An object of myinvention is to provide a novel and improved structure for swabs, packer cups, sleeve packers, and other devices of this nature, which utilizes an elastic orresilient annular body which is expanded for the purpose of effecting a seal.

Packer cups, sleeve packers and such devices usually embody an annular body of rubber or rubber-like mate'- rial and since the packer or devices are subjected to fluid pressures of "several thousand pounds, it is customary to employ some means for reinforcing the resilient portion of the" device. It is a particular object of my invention to provide a novel means of reinforcing the body of the packing device in an improved manner. In this connec tion it is an object to provide reinforcing means which tends to cause the packer body to return to normalpdsition from an expanded position.

Another object of the invention is to provide a swab cup for use on mandrels, tubing, or pipe which may be either smooth, rough, or threaded, providing a positive seal between the inner diameter of the cup and themember upon which it is mounted.

A further object is to provide a swab cup in which the cup expands freely to the inside wall of the outer tubing or casing providing a progressively tighter seal as the pressure upon the cup is increased.

Another object is to provide reinforcing means within the body of the cup which prevents the resilientbody of the cup from being extruded or deformed behind the cup assembly under the influence of high pressures.

Still another object is to provide reinforcing means within the cup body which prevents the cup body from separating from the metal shoe at the end thereof when it is moved while expanded. In this connection it is an object to provide a swab cup which is so designed that it may be moved in either direction while under the influence of fluid pressure.

It is also an object to provide a swab cup or packer which is so formed that it is possible to pass the same through collar recesses, and through rough, split, perforated, or out-of-round tubing or casing.

These and other objects will be apparent from the drawings and the following description.

Referring to the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a view, partly in section and partly in elevation, of a packing device of swab cup form embodying the invention, shown within acasing or tubing;

4 Fig. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view longitudinally oft'hedevice showing the cup body expanded; g I

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional, view on line 3- 3 'ofiFi'gjl;

Fig- 4 is an elevational view, partly in section, of a modified form of reinforcing means;

2,723,721 Patented Nov. 15, I955 t 2' Fig. 5 is a view, partly in section and partly in elevation, of a sleeve-type packer embodying the invention;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view of a modified construction;

7 is a fragmentary sectional" view on line 7-7 of 1g.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view showing a cuptype' packer embodying a modified form ofreinforcement'means;

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 8 illustrating a p'aeke'r cup with a'difi'erent type of reinforcement means; 4

Fig. 10 is a view similar to Fig, 8 showing a packer having-another species of reinforcement;

Fig. 1'1 is a fragmentary inside view of the reinforcement member of Fig. 10;

Fig; 12 is a fragmentary inside vie-W of a cup-type packer having a still different type of reinforcement mem- Fig. 13 is a perspective view'of another form ofspring; Fig. 14" is a fragmentary perspective view of a type of spring; and

I Fig. 15 is a fragmentary perspective view of another typeof spring.

More particularly describing the invention, I show in Fig. 1 a swab cup assembly 11 mountedon a mandrel or tubular member 12 and shown within a tubing or casing 14. In this form of the invention, the mandrel 1 2 is shown provided with a screw-threaded section 15 upon which is mouuted the cup assembly. The latter includes an annular resilient'body'18of rubber or rubber-like material, together with reinforcing means therein later. to be described, and a thiinble or abutment 19 at one end thereof. These parts are maintained in position by means of a lock nut 20. adjacent the thimble, a spacer sleeve 21, washer 22, and a second lock nut 23. Tightening of the latter nut causes the sleeve 21 to deform an inner portion 1 8" of the packer body into tight sealing engage.- ment with the mandrel 12'. Also, fluid pressure above the packer increases the sealing effect, making the original mechanical seal better.

The body 18' of the packer has its greater diameter in a region 24 near its upper end as viewed in Fig. l. I From this area, the packer body'recedes in diameter to approximately the same diameter as the thimble 19 below this region. Above the region 24" the body is provided with'a tapered surface 26 and rounded end 27. v

It is a particular'feature that I' reinforce the body 18 in a manner to cause the body to tend to return to it's normal shape as shown in Fig. l and in a manner to prevent any migration or extrusion of the material of the body when it is subjected to extremely high pressures. The reinforcing means shown in Fig. 1 comprises two rows of flat springs which are arranged concentrically, the springs in the outer row being indicated by 28' and those in the inner row by 29. These springs have their inner ends positioned in the grooves 31 and 32, respectively, in a shoe 33, all of the parts being bonded to the material of the body 18. The springs may be secured to the shoe by welding, if desired. The-springs 28in the outer row conform generally to the contour of'the outer surface of the body of the packer and extend considerably beyond the springs in the inner row. The springs in each row are so spaced circumferentially and have a width such-that the springs in one row are staggered with respect to the springs in the other row and to some extent overlap. This construction prevents extrusion of the material of the body 18 under the influence of high fluid pressures within the cup.

.Itfwill be noted that the spacing sleeve 2'1 has its; lower end underc tinwardly'as at 21" to provide dsloping end surface" and that the shoe 33 has its upper end terminating in an inwardly sloping end surface as at 33", these of each other and are shown mounted in a shoe two sloping surfaces engaging the projecting portion 18' of the cup body to force the same against the mandrel.

While in Figs. 1-3 I have shown the thimble 19 and the shoe 33 as separate parts, I contemplate that these could be made in one piece. Also, instead of the separate fiat springs 28 and 29, each row of springs can be formed as a unitary structure as shown in Fig. 4 where fiat spring sections 35 are shown projecting from an annular base portion 36, split at 37 for ease of assembly.

In Fig. 2 the packer cup is shown expanded into sealing engagement with the casing 14 as it would be under the influence of a differential of fluid'pressure, the greater pressure being above the packer in the view shown. It .will be apparent that, even in expanded position, the packer can be moved, since the ends of the packer body taper away from the casing wall.

Referring now to Fig. 5, I show what is known as a sleeve-type packer 40 positioned on a mandrel or tubing 41. This type of device is used comonly in packing off the annular space around the pipe in an open or uncased bore hole. Various means which are well known in the art are used for actuating the packing into an expanded position where it will engage the wall of the hole, and since these means are well known, the supporting and actuating means for the sleeve are not shown in the drawing.

. The device comprises an elongated annular body 43 which is formed of a resilient material such as rubber, synthetic rubber, or other rubber-like material. At each end of the body I provide a threaded thimble 44. Within the body at each end I provide two concentric rows of flat springs, the springs in the outer row being indicated by 45 and those in the inner row by 46. These springs are disposed generally in the same manner as the springs of the cupor swab-type packer previously described although, in this form of the invention, the outer springs have hook-like lower ends 45 which lie against a surface 48 formed on the thimble. The inner springs 46 have similar hooked ends 46, the terminal portions of which lay against a stepped surface 51 on the thimble. A retaining ring 52 fits over the inner ends of the inner springs and serves to hold the elements together. The body 43 is bonded to the springs and the thimble and ring.

If desired, any suitable seal means may be provided between either or both of the thimbles 44 and the mandrel 41, and in Fig. 6 I show a thimble 54 provided with a groove 55 to contain an 0 ring 56 for this purpose. Also, referring to Fig. 6, I show a slightly modified form of the invention wherein the inner and outer- flat springs 57 and 58, respectively, are mounted within a common annular recess or groove 60 formed by a retainer ring 61 secured to the thimble by a weld 62. In this form of the invention the ends of the springs 58 are notched at 58 (Fig. 7) to reduce their width and permit the mounting of both sets of springs in the single channel or groove 60.

Referring now to Figs. 8l3, I show various other forms of reinforcement means particularly designed for cup-type packers but useful in other types of packing members. In Figs. 1-3, two rows of spring members are employed in the cup body, however, two rows are not essential in all cases since there are many instances where it is unnecessary to have as much reinforcement as is provided by two rows. The length of the individual springs, their number and spacing all may be varied to provide a desired amount of strength and flexibility. In Fig. 8 I show a cup body 60 having a single row of reinforcement springs 61. These are spaced circumferentially 63. The springs extend upwardly over the outside of the packer body 60 and terminate at their upper ends' in inwardly curved portions 64 which are embedded in the cup. In

this particular form the springs 61 serve, ,to some extent as a guide means on running in and out of the well hole.

In Fig. 9 I show another form of reinforcement means wherein a single row of fiat springs 7l' ar 'e'embedded in the cup body 72 being mountedat their lower ends' inthe shoe 73. The upper ends of the springs are preferably curved inwardly as shown. Where the packer may be subjected to extremely high pressures and only a single row of springs is used, it is desirable to provide a fiber or fabric reinforcement layer 74 which is substantially continuous around the inner sides of the springs. Any fabric or fiber suitable for molding in rubber or synthetic rubber can be used.

In Figs. 10 and 11 I show another form of the invention wherein a multiple spring unit 81 is used to reinforce the cup body 82. This member 81 is shown as having an annular base 84, which may be split at some point for assembly if desired, and alternately long springs 85 and short springs 86 projecting therefrom. The outer ends of the springs are bent inwardly as shown. If desired, individual springs 85 and 86 may be used. This particular construction provides for greater flexibility of the cup body beyond the ends of the shorter springs.

In Fig. 12 I show still another form of the invention wherein a plurality of fiat springs 91 are embedded in circumferentially spaced relation in the body 92 of the packer. These springs have a return bend 93 connecting two legs 94 and 95, the ends of which are mounted in the shoe 96.

Referring now to Fig. 13, I show another modification. Here a fiat U-shaped spring 101 having legs 102 and 103 connected by a joining portion 104 is shown. The upper or outer end portion 104 is preferably curved as shown. Also, the inner ends 105 of the legs are bent inwardly and provided with arcuate edges 106 to facilitate mounting the unit in a shoe member such as shoe 73 shown in Fig. 9. Several of the units 101 are used spaced circumferentially of a cup body.

While I have shown the various springs as made of flat, imperforate spring stock, I contemplate that perforate springs, such as that shown at 111 (Fig. 14), may be used or I may use an undulated or corrugated spring stock 112 such as that shown in Fig. 15. These two types of spring stock afford an excellent means of mechanically locking the spring in place. In using the term fiat spring, both in the specification and claims, I intend that this shall include an undulated or corrugated spring, such as the one shown in Fig. 14, and other springs where the spring is flat on a line crossing its side surface from edge to edge.

Although I have described certain preferred forms of my invention, I contemplate that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the invention, the scope of which is indicated by the following claims.

I claim:

1. A packing member adapted to be mounted on a mandrel or the like, comprising an annular body of resilient material and a plurality of flat springs embedded in said body and extending generally axially thereof, with the flat sides lying in a circumferential path, said springs being disposed in a pair of radially spaced concentric rows with the springs in each row being spaced circumfcrentially of each other, the springs in one row being of such dimensions as to substantially overlie the space between the springs in the other row.

2. A packing member as set forth in claim 1 in which the springs in one row are staggered with respect to and overlap those in the other row.

3. A packing member as set forth in claim 1 wherein the springs in the outer row are longer than those in the inner row.

4. A packing member adapted to be mounted on a mandrel or the like comprising an annular body of resilient material, a rigid, annular member at one end of said body, and a plurality of fiat springs embedded in said body and extending generally axially thereof with the fiat sides lying in a circumferential path, said springs being disposed in a'pair of radially spaced concentric rows with the springs in each row being spaced circumferentiallyof each other; the springs in one row being of such dimensions as to substantially overlie the space between the springs in the other row said springs being anchored at one end in said rigid, annular member.

5. A packing member as set forth in claim 4 in which the springs in the outer row conform generally throughout a major portion of their length to the external configuration of said body.

6. A packing member as set forth in claim 4 in which the springs in the outer roW conform generally throughout a major portion of their length to the external configuration of said body and in which the springs in said inner row are substantially shorter than those in the outer row.

7. A sleeve-type packer comprising an elongated annular body of resilient material, a thimble at each end of said body, and a pair of radially spaced concentric rows of flat springs embedded in said body and at each end thereof extending from the respective thimbles for a limited distance axially of the body, the flat sides of the springs lying in a circumferential path with the springs in one row being of such dimensions as to substantially overlie the space between the springs in the other row.

8. A packing member as claimed in claim 1 in which said springs are corrugated.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,596,353 Hartman Aug. 17, 1926 1,613,066 Turner Jan. 4, 1927 1,898,292 Crikmer Feb. 21, 1933 2,013,903 Thaheld Sept. 10, 1935 2,228,630 Kail Jan. 14, 1941 2,241,532 Barnes May 13, 1941 2,305,282 Taylor et a1 Dec. 15, 1942 2,325,556 Taylor Jr. et al. July 27, 1943 2,336,090 Granger Dec. 7, 1943 2,390,372 Johnston et a1. Dec. 4, 1945 2,562,079 Baker July 24, 1951 2,581,981 Taylor Jan. 8, 1952 2,585,706 Ware Feb. 12, 1952 2,609,258 Taylor et a1 Sept. 2, 1952

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