US2171849A - Well cleaner - Google Patents

Description

Sept. 5, 1939. c. K. HOLT WELL CLEANER Filed Jan. 3, 19:59

X w 2 X Z 2 m W I v/ v M 4 H W @Zw 9 Patented Sept. 5, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT @FHQE 16 Claims.

This invention relates to a well tool and relates more particularly to a well cleaner or perforation cleaner. A general object. of the invention is to provide a simple, practical and effective tool for cleaning the perforations of well liners.

Tools known as well cleaners or perioration cleaners are employed to remove accumulated matter and obstructions from the perforations of well liners to increase the production of the wells. A typical well cleaner or perforation cleaner embodies vertically spaced packers for engaging in the well liner, and pump means for forcing fluid between the packers to discharge outwardly through perforations of the liner to clean the same. Such cleaners are not altogether satisfactory as they do not clean all of the perforations of the liner. Frequently a few of the perforations of the liner located in the zone between the packers of the cleaner will be clear or free of obstructions, and the fluid under pressure forced between the packers flows through these open perforations and does not clean the cloggedperforations.

Another object of this invention is to provide a well cleaner that is operable to fully clean all of the perforations of a well liner crease the production of the well.

Another object of this invention is to provide a well cleaner that operates to concentrate the discharge of the fluid under pressure at a few of the perforations of the liner to fully clean the same of all obstructions.

Another object or this invention is to provide a well cleaner that embodies a novel packer havto greatly ining a discharge orifice of limited area for con-' centrating the discharge of the fluid under pressure to flush through a limited number of perforations of the liner to fully clean the same.

Another object of this invention is to provide a well cleaner oi the character mentioned in which the packer is shifted vertically or isleit stationary while the fluid is discharged under pressure from its discharge orifice so that the perforations of a vertically extending band or of agiven zone of the liner are fully cleaned during one phase of operation of the tool. In one manner 'of operating the cleaner provided by-this inven-- tion the fluid discharging packer may be moved longitudinally in the liner as the fluid is discharged through the perforations to fully clean the perforations throughout a vertically extending zone-or area and this operation is followed by a partial turning of the packer and a repeated vertical movement of the packer accompanied by the discharge of the fluid under pressure so that a second and contiguous vertical zone of the liner is cleaned and this series of operations may be repeated until the entire liner is thoroughly cleaned.

Another object of this invention is to provide a well cleaner of the character mentioned in which the packer effectively seals with the liner around the fluid discharge orifice of the packer to assure the full discharge of the fluid under pressure at the limited zone of the liner opposite the orifice.

Another object of this invention is to provide a well cleaner of the character referred to in which the packer is carriedloy the reciprocating element of the pump means to move vertically in the liner during-the fluid ejecting and perforation washing operation.

A further object of thisinvention is to provide a novel fluid discharging packer for use on a well cleaner, or the like.

The various objects and features of my invention will be fully understood from following detailed description of typical preferred forms and applications of the invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. l is a side elevation of one embodiment of the invention showing the tool in the operative position in a well liner and illustrating the liner in longitudinal cross section. Fig. 2 is an enlarged longitudinal detailed sectional view of the pump means and anchor means showing the anchor meansin a retracted condition and illustrating certain parts in side elevation. Fig. 3 is an enlarged horizontal detailed sectional view of taken in a plane through the discharge orifice. Fig. 4 is a longitudinal detailed sectional view of the packer illustrated in Fig. 1 being a view taken in. a plane extending through the discharge oriflce and illustrating certain parts in elevation, to

the packer. illustrated in Fig. '1, being a view trated in Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive, of the drawing includes, generally, pump means ll, means II for releasably anchoring or securing the pump means III in a well liner L, a packer I! carried by the pump means 00 and operable to discharge the pumped fluid through the perforations P or the :liner L, and a, swab element-60 carried by the pump means and operable in the liner L.

The pump means I 0 is adapted to be entered in the well liner L and to be-releasably anchored or secured in a selected position in the liner by the socket 24 or the'plug'22 may 19. During the down stroke means II. The pump means ll ispreferably a barrel and plunger means operable by arecip rocable well string S. In the construction .illustrated the pump means 12 includes a barrel I2 to be anchored in the liner L and a plunger l4 operable in the barrel. The barrel I2 is an elongate tubular member provided at its opposite ends with threaded-on heads or caps Hi. The upperportion oi the pump barrel l2 has communication with the interior of the liner L. In the typical arrangement illustrated ports ii are provided in the upper cap 15 to put the interior of the barrel ill in communication with the liner L.

The plunger l4 of the pump means II is connected with" the well string S to be reciprocated and turned thereby. The plunger l4 shiitably passes through an opening l1 in the lower cap I! and the said lower cap carries 'a packing gland It for sealing about the plunger. A head I9 is provided on the upper end of the plunger i4 to shiitably operate in the pump barrel l2. The well string S extends through an opening 22 in the upper barrel cap I! and is sealed about by a gland 2| on the upper cap. A connection .is providedbetween the string 8 and the plunger head l9 whereby the plunger may be reciprocated by the string S. In the case illustrated the lower end of the string S is' threaded in a socket 22 in a plug 22 which in turn is threaded in a socket 24 in the upper end of the head l9.

Valve means are associated with the plunger head l9 so that reciprocation of the plunger 14 in the barrel l2 produces a pumping action. The valve means of the plunger [4 may take various forms. The string S may be ported and placed in communication with the inner portion oi the be ported to act as an inlet member. In the construction illustrated ports 25 are provided in the plug 22 to place the inner portion of the socket 24 in communication with the upper end part of the barrel I2 and ports 26 extend through the head 12 from the socket 24 to put the socket in communication with the portion of the pump chamber below the head. An annular valve 21 is provided in the socket 24 and is adapted to seat up against the lower end of the plug 22 to close the ports 22. A ring 22 is arranged in the socket 24 and carries springs 29 for urging the valve 21 to its closed position against the plug 22. During the up stroke of the plunger l4 a reduced pressure 'is'created in the barrel l2 below the head l9 and the valve 21 opens to allow fluid from the liner L'to pass through the ports 25 and 26 into the pump chamber below the head of the plunger l4 the valve 21 is closed against the lower end 'of the plug 22 to prevent the discharge of fluid through the ports 25.

A central vertical opening 22 extends into the head 19 from its lower end to communicate with the socket 24. The upper endoi the plunger I4 is threaded in the lower part or the opening 22. The pump plunger i4 is tubular having a central longitudinal opening 2| and this opening is in communication with the opening 22in the head IS. A valve is provided to control communication between the plunger opening 21 and the portion of the barrel pump chamber below the head l2. An annular downwardly facing seat 22 is provided on the wall oi the opening 22 anda ball valve 22 is arranged in the opening 22 to seal upwardly against the seat 22. A ring 25 is threaded in the opening 29 and a coiled spring 22 is arranged under compression between the ring 25 and the ball valve 22 to urge the valve upwardly fisain t v or secure the pump means pump barrel l2 and nipple 42 secured its seat 22. During the down stroke of the plunger l4 the valve 22 opens to allow the fluid displaced by the plunger head 19 to discharge downwardly through the plunger opening 2|. During the up stroke of the plunger I4 the valve 22 is closed and the valve 21 is opened.

The means II is provided to releasably anchor ID in the well liner L. The anchor means H is preferably in the nature of a slipmeans. As illustrated, the means H includes a tubular cone 21 on the pump barrel I2. The cone 21 is secured to the exterior of the barrel 12 by welding or other suitable means and has a downwardly and inwardly tapered external surface. The means ll further includes a set of slips 22 cooperating with the cone 21. The slips 22 have inclined inner surfaces shiftably engaged on the cone 21, and toothed outer sides for-gripping the internal surface of the liner L. Tail piece means is provided to control the slips 2!. This tail piece means comprises spaced rings 29 shiftable on the pump barrel i4 below the cone 21 and outwardly bowed leaf springs 40 extending between and connecting the rings 29. The springs 42 are adapted to frictionally cooperate with the internal surface of the liner L to resist movement of the tail piece assembly in the liner. Reins 4| 7 connect the lower ends of the slips 38 with the upper tail piece ring 29.

Releasable latch means is provided for holding the slips 28 in the retracted positions so that the tool may be conveniently moved through the liner L and through the well. One or more hooklike latches 42 are secured to the upper tailpiece ring 29 and are adapted to cooperate with pins 22 projecting from the barrel [2. When the latches 42 are in cooperation with the pins 42 the slips 28 are latched or held in their retracted positions where they are clear of the interior of the liner L. -The pins 42 may be released from the latches by a partial turning movement of -the barrel l2 followed by a downward movement of the barrel;

A releasable clutch conne tion is provided for transmitting turning movement from the plunger 14 to the barrel l2 to effect the release and reengagement of the latch means 42-42 just described. This clutch means may include clutch parts or teeth 44 on the under side of the upper barrel cap it and complementary clutch teeth 45 on the upper end of the plug 22. When the cleaner is run into the well and when the plunger 14 is in its uppermost position with respect to the barrel l2, the teeth 44 and 45 cooperate for the transmission of turning iorces so that the string S may be; turned to effect the release and re-engagement of the latch means 42--42.

The packer I2 is an important feature of the invention. In the preferred construction the packer I2 is connected with the pump plunger l4 to directly receive-the pumped fluid therefrom and to discharge'the pumped fluid through the liner perforations P as the pump means l9 is operated. The packer I2 is spaced below the is interposed in or secured to the plunger l4. In the form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive, of the drawing, the packer 12 includes a tubular carrier or to the pump plunger l4. A threaded coupling 41 serves to secure the nipple 46 to the lower end of the pump plunger [4. A similar threaded coupling 48 secures a lower valve section 49:; to the lower end of the nipple 42. .C llars 42 are welded or otherwise fixed to the 7 of the wires 52. The cups 53 engage about the nipple in spaced adjacent relation to the couplings 41 and 45. v I

' The packer l2 further includes opposed cuplike sections 55 of rubber, rubber composition, synthetic rubber, or the like, arranged on the nipple 45. The packer sections 55 are an'anged in opposed end to end relation with their large ends in abutment and with their tapered smaller ends facing upwardly and downwardly. The small end portions of the sections 55 are vulcanized to sleeves 5| which surround the nipple 45' between the collars 49 and the adjacent couplings 47 and 48. The opposed abutting ends of the packer sections 55 are cemented or vulcanized l together so that the two sections 50, in effect, constitute a continuous packer body. The packer sections are reinforced by longitudinally extending wear-taking wires 52. The wires 52 are spaced apart circumferentially and are em bedded or partially embedded in theexteriors of the sections 50. The wires 52 preferably extend between the upper and lower end portions of the packer H2. The opposite ends of the wires 52 may be curved or bent inwardly to be securely anchored in the sections 50. Metal clips '53 may engage about the reduced end portions of the sections 50 to cover and retain the end parts nipple 48 and the adjacent cups 53 and sleeves 5! are clamped between the collars 49 and the couplings 41 and 48. This efiectively secures the packer i2 to the nipple 45.

The packer it just described is adapted to have shiftable sealing cooperation with the internal surface of the liner L. The packer I2 is proportioned so that its intermediate part is compressed or distorted to a substantially cylindrical shape through its engagement. with the inner surface of the liner L It is to be observed that the packer l2 comprising the opposed abutting sections 50 is hollow to be more readily compressed or distorted to conform to the inner wall of the liner L.

In accordance with the invention the packer l2 has a window or discharge orifice for discharging the fluid pumped by the means it.

.The orifice 55 is spaced between the ends of the packer l2 and is preferably equally spaced between the opposite ends of the packer. The discharge orifice 55 faces laterally or horizontally and is preferably, though not necessarily, square or rectangular in cross-sectional shape. The orifice 55 is proportioned to oppose a limited number of the spaced perforations P in the liner L. For example, it may be proportioned to oppose three or four perforations P. The abutting end portions of the packer sections 55 are shaped to provide or define the orifice 55. The sections 55' have inturnedflanges 55 providing or defining the side walls of the orifice 55. The flanges. 55 extend inwardly to the nipple 45'and are preferably cemented, vulcanized, or otherwise secured to the nipple in such a manner that fluid pressure cannot leak past them. The nipple,

45 is tubular and being connected with the plunger l4 by the coupling 41 it has its opening in communication with the opening 3| of the plunger. The nipple 45 is ported to discharge the pumped fluid outwardly through the discharge orifice 55. In the preferred construction a plurality of spaced jetting ports 51 is provided in the wall of the nipple 45 to communicate with the orifice 55. The ports 51 are adapted to discharge or jet the pumped fluid outwardly through the oriflce 55 during the down stroke of the plunger M. The orifice 55 being .of small capacity allows the employment of a barrel l3 and plunger l4 of small diameter to develop high fluid pressure.

The discharge orifice 55 is spaced midway between the ends of the packer I 2 so that the packer effectively seals with the internal wall of the liner L around the mouth of the orifice 55 to prevent the passage or leakage of fluid vertically or longitudinally around the packer. The wires 55- that would otherwise cross the orifice 55 may be embedded in the flanges 56 to reinforce the flanges. This construction is illustrated in Fig. 4. Longitudinal grooves 8 are preferably provided in the exterior of the packer l2 and the packer I 2 may be flattened as at X, at a point diametrically opposite the orifice 55 so that the packer [2 does not have a swabbing action or piston action when reciprocated in the liner L. It is to be understood that the flattened portion 58 may be dispensed with, if desired. The grooves 8 do not join the orifice but are spaced from the orifice.

The lower section 49 referred to above is a obliged to discharge from the orifice 55. It may be preferred to provide a safety valve or relief valve in the lower section 59 In the structure illustrated this relief valve comprises. a ball valve 55 normally held in its closed position by a spring 55 bearing on an adjustable plug 9. The plug 5 may be adjusted to give the valve 55 the desired setting. The valve 58 normally prevents the discharge of fluid from the lower section is. In the event that an excessive pressure builds up in the opening 3|, the nipple 45, etc., the spring 59 yields, allowing the valve 58 toopen. This, of course, relieves the excess pressure. When the tool is withdrawn from the well the valve 58 is adapted to open to allow the fluid to by-pass around orpast the swab element 50.

The tool may include one or more swab elements 50 for cleaning the internal surface of the liner L and for producing aswabbing action when the plunger I4 is reciprocated. In the case illustrated there is a single swab element 55. The swab element 50 is preferably spaced below the packer 12. In the construction illustrated the swab element. 50 is secured to the lower section 55'. The swab element 60 is substantially cupshaped and is arranged with its concave side facing upwardly. The swab element 50 is expanded and active during the upstroke of the plunger l4 and operates to draw the sand, etc. 'into the liner L. During the downstroke of the plunger 94 when the pumped fluid is discharged from the orifice 55 the swab element 60 collapses and is substantially inactive.

Fig. 5 of the drawing illustrates a second form of packer I! that may be embodied in the tool of the invention. The packer i2 includes a shouldered tubular carrier 5! connected with the plunger 84. A nipple 52 is connected with the plunger [4 by the coupling 41 and has its lower end threaded into the carrier iii. A similar nippie 53 is threaded in the carrier 5| from its lower end. The threads of the nipples 52 and 63 are preferably pitched in opposite directions. .For I now to Figs 1 to 4, inclusive,

the latches 42. When operation.

the nipples 62 and 68 are in tight abutting relation.

The packer [2 further includes a body 04 of rubber, rubber composition, synthe -abber, or the like, vulcanized or otherwise fixed to the carrier 6|. The packer body 64 is of prolate spheroidal shape. The packer body 04 is proportioned to'have its intermediate portion slidably seal with the internal surface of the liner L. The packer body 64 may be reinforced by longitudinally extending wires 65 embedded or partially embedded in its surface portion. Metal caps 6' may be arranged on the nipples 62 and 63 to engage about the opposite end portions of the body 64 and to cover the ends of the wires 65. A fluid discharge orifice 61 is provided in the packer body 64. The orifice 61 may be similar to the above described orifice 55 and continues inwardly through the carrier GI. Ports 68 are provided in the walls of the nipples 62 and $3 to discharge the pumped fluid outwardly through the orifice 61.

The operation of the improved well cleaner of the present invention is as of the drawing-the tool is first connected with the lower end of the string S and run into the wellon the string. The slips 38 are initially in theircollapsed positions and the pins 43 are in latching engagement with the cleaner has been lowered to a selected position in the liner L the string S is given a partial turn and is lowered to release the pins 43 from the latches 42. The clutch parts 45 cooperate with the parts 44 for the transmission of the turning movement from the string S to the barrel l3. Following the release of the latch means allowed to settle or to -move downwardly. The resultant downward movement of the barrel it causes the cone 31 to actuate the slips 38 into gripping engagement with the interior of the liner L. The slips 38 operate to hold the barrel It and the associated parts against downward movement. The tool is then in condition for To operate the tool the string 8 is reciprocated so that the pump means Ill delivers fluid under pressure to the discharge orifice I5 and the element 60 has a swabbing action. During the downward strokes of the string pressure is displaced from below the plunger head l9 to flow down through the opening II and the npple 45 so that it discharges from the ports 51 and the orifice 55. The fluid under pressure discharging through the orifice 5i effectively washes or cleans the perforations P opposed or' passed by the orifice 55, as the packer [2 moves downwardly. The pumped fluid is discharged in a concentrated stream at the orifice 55 to thoroughly remove the clogging accumulations from the perforations P. It will be observed that the orifice 55 discharges a downwardly moving laterally directed stream of fluid to clean the perforations P throughout a longitudinally extending band or area of the liner L. During the upstroke of the plunger H the valve 2'! opens to admit a charge of fluid to the barrel l3 below the head l9, and the swab element draws the sand and other solid matter into the liner L. The plunger l4 may be reciprooated a number of times to be sure that the several perforations P in the above mentioned band or area are thoroughly cleaned. The string 5 is then given a partial turn and then reciprocated so that the fiuldQdischarged from the orifice I! cleans the follows: Referring 42-43 the string S is the part of the liner 3 fluid under operable in the liner to perforations? in a longitudinally extending band or area of the liner L contiguous to the band or area first cleaned. These operations are con-- tinued until a given portion of the liner L is thoroughly cleaned, whereupon the string S may be raised to release the slips 38 and may be moved vertically to bring the tool to another position in the liner. set or actuated and the above described operations repeated until the entire liner is thoroughly cleaned. It will be apparent that the tool may remain stationary during its operation to clean a. limited selected zone of the liner L.

Having described-only typical preferred forms and applications of my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific 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 my invention, I claim:

1. In a tool for cleaning the well liner, a packer for insertion in the liner having a fluid discharge orifice for discharging fluid outwardly through the perforations.

2. In a tool for cleaning the perforations of a well liner, a packer adapted to have sealing engagement with the interior of the liner and having a fluid discharge orifice at its zone of sealing engagement with the liner for discharging fluid outwardly through a limited number of said perforations.

3. A well cleaner for cleaning the perforations of a tubular liner comprising a fluid conducting carrier, and a packer on the carrier for shiftably sealing with the interior of the liner and having an openng receiving fluid from the carrier and discharging it through at least one perforation at the zone of engagement of the packer with the liner.

4. In a well cleaner for cleaning the perforations of a well liner, a packer of resilient sealing The slips 38 may again be perforations of a sealing engagement with the interior of the liner, the packer having an orifice outwardly through certain of its perforations in and means for delivering fluid under pressure to said orifice. V

5. In a tool for cleaning the perforations of a well liner, a packer of prolate spheroidal shape have its intermediate portlon in sealing engagement with the interior of the liner and having an outwardly directed opening in said portion for discharging fluid through a limited number of said perforations.

6. A tool for cleaning the perforations of a. well liner comprising a packer operable in the liner to seal with its'interlor, the packer having an orifice for directing fiud-outwardly through the perforations of the liner, and pump means connected withthe packer for supplying fluid elements and delivering tlgpumped fluid to the orifice. a

8. A tool for cleaning the perforations of a for discharging fluid engaged by said portion,

well liner comprising a body of packing movable in the liner and having a surface portion in sealing engagement with the inner surface of the liner, said body having an orifice discharging at said surface portion, pump means operable in the well comprising two relatively reciprocable elements, one a barrel. the other a plunger, means for releasably supporting one of the pump elements in the liner, and means securing the packer body to one of the pump elements and conducting the pumped fluid to the orifice to be discharged therefrom.

9. A tool for cleaning the perforations of a well liner comprising a body of packing movable in the liner and having a surface portion in sealing engagement liner, said body having an orifice discharging at said surface portion, pump means operable in the well comprising two relatively reciprocable elements, one a barrel, the other a plunger, means for releasably supporting one of the pump elements in the liner, and means connecting the packer body with the other element to be reciprocable therewith and conducting the pumped fluid to the orifice to be discharged therefrom to clean the perforations in the path of the orifice. g

10. A tool for cleaning the perforations of a well liner operable by a well string comprising, a packer operable in the liner and having a surface sealing with the wall of the well, the packer -having an outwardly directed fluid discharge opening at said surface, pump means operable in the well including two relatively reciprocable elements, one a barrel, the other a plunger, means connecting the reciprocable pump element with the string to be operated thereby, means for supporting the other element in the liner releasable by turning movement of said other element, releasable clutch means for connecting, said elements for transmission of turning move-, ment whereby the string may be turned to release the supporting means, and means connecting the packer with one of the pump elements to be carried thereby and conducting the pumped fiuid to the packer to be discharged from the said opening.

11. In a tool of the character described. a tubular carrier, and cup-shaped. packing sections arranged on the carrier with their large ends in with the inner surface of the 5 opposition and abutment, the packing sections being formed to define an outwardly directed fluid discharge opening, the carrier having a port placing its interior in communication with the said opening.

12. In a tool of the 'character described, a tubular carrier, two substantially cup-shaped packing sections, and means securing the sections on the carrier with their large ends in abutment, the abutting end parts of the sections being 10 shaped to define an outwardly directed fluid discharge orifice, the carrier having a port placing its interior in communication with the orifice.

13. In a tool of the character described, a tubular carrier having a lateral opening in its wall, and a body of packing on the carrier having a laterally directed fluid discharge orifice in communication with the opening.

14. In a tool of the character described, a tubular carrier having a lateral opening in its wall. a body of packing on the carrier having a laterally directed fluid discharge orifice in communication with the opening, and a fluid conducting element extending into the carrier and having ports for jetting fiuid through said openg ing and orifice.

15. In a well cleaner for cleaning the perforations of a well liner, a packer of resilient seal- Ii ing material adapted to have a portion in shiftable sealing engagement with the interior of the liner, the packer having an orifice for discharging fluid outwardly through certain of the per forations in the part of the liner engaged by said portion, and means for delivering fiuid under pressure to said orifice, said means comprising a tubular fluid conducting member carrying the packer and having ports for discharging jets of fiuid through the orifice.

16. A tool for cleaning the perforations of a well liner comprising a packer operable in the liner to seal with its interior, the packer having an orifice for directing fluid outwardly through the perforations of the liner,- a swab element connected with the packer to be in spaced rela' 'Z ii tion thereto and operable in the linento pro h K. HOLT.

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