US3687202A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for treating wells
Assignee: Otis Engineering Corp
•
Filing: 1970-12-28
•
Granted: 1972-08-29
•
Expires: 1990-12-28
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus and method for producing an area or region of substantially reduced pressure in a well casing to suction purge perforations in the casing at the producing zone for clearing the perforations, removing detritus and the like. The apparatus is adapted for use with hydraulic set packers without causing premature setting thereof, and is designed to permit injection of treating fluids or the like into the well formation, if desired, prior to establishing production from the well. All operations are carried out with the flow conductor in place and without removing it from the well casing.
Inventors
- 👤 Carter R Young
- 👤 Leonard Mccasland
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 23:40
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B33/00; E21B33/10; E21B33/12; E21B33/129; E21B33/1294; E21B37/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 40
Claim 1
Independent Claim
128 words
A method of treating a well to clear the entrance openings from a producing formation into the well bore, comprising: closing an area of the well bore adjacent the entrance openings from the producing formation to provide a closed chamber and in the well bore at such entrance openings; suddenly reducing the pressure in said closed chamber area of said well bore to draw well fluids inwardly through the entrance openings into the well bore to clear said openings for flow therethrough; introducing treating fluids from the surface through the well bore into the closed chamber area to treat the producing formation communicating therewith through such entrance openings; then flowing well fluids from the producing formation through the chamber area to the surface through the well bore thereabove.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
128 words
A method of treating a well to clear the entrance openings from a producing formation into the well bore, comprising: closing an area of the well bore adjacent the entrance openings from the producing formation to provide a closed chamber and in the well bore at such entrance openings; suddenly reducing the pressure in said closed chamber area of said well bore to draw well fluids inwardly through the entrance openings into the well bore to clear said openings for flow therethrough; introducing treating fluids from the surface through the well bore into the closed chamber area to treat the producing formation communicating therewith through such entrance openings; then flowing well fluids from the producing formation through the chamber area to the surface through the well bore thereabove.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
171 words
A method of treating a cased well to clear entrance openings from a producing formation into the well casing, including: introducing a closed purge chamber containing substantially atmospheric pressure into the well casing; inserting a packer into the well casing connected to the closed purge chamber; maintaining a bypass flow path through the packer as the same is lowered through the well casing; setting the packer with the closed purge chamber therebelow at a point in the well casing above the entrance openings from the producing formation into the well casing to provide a closed chamber region in the welL casing communicating with such entrance openings; closing the bypass flow path through the packer; opening the closed purge chamber in the closed chamber region in the casing below the packer to create a surge of fluid flow from the producing formation through the entrance openings into the casing; and flowing well fluids through the closed chamber region from the producing formation to the packer and upwardly through the well casing thereabove.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
171 words
A method of treating a cased well to clear entrance openings from a producing formation into the well casing, including: introducing a closed purge chamber containing substantially atmospheric pressure into the well casing; inserting a packer into the well casing connected to the closed purge chamber; maintaining a bypass flow path through the packer as the same is lowered through the well casing; setting the packer with the closed purge chamber therebelow at a point in the well casing above the entrance openings from the producing formation into the well casing to provide a closed chamber region in the welL casing communicating with such entrance openings; closing the bypass flow path through the packer; opening the closed purge chamber in the closed chamber region in the casing below the packer to create a surge of fluid flow from the producing formation through the entrance openings into the casing; and flowing well fluids through the closed chamber region from the producing formation to the packer and upwardly through the well casing thereabove.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
56 words
In the method of claim 2 the additional step of conducting treating fluid downwardly through the well casing and through the packer into the closed chamber region in the well casing below the packer for treating the producing formation communicating therewith through the entrance openings prior to flowing the well fluids upwardly through the well casing.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
In the method of claim 3 the further step of producing the well fluids through the opened closed chamber and packer to the well surface without disturbing the setting of the packer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
64 words
In the method of claim 2 the additional step of permitting foreign matter in the well fluids drawn into the well casing through the entrance openings when the closed chamber is opened to settle in the well bore below the packer before introducing the treating fluid through the packer and closed chamber area to treat the producing formation communicating therewith through the entrance openings.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
In the method of the character set forth in claim 2 the step of setting the packer by hydraulic fluid pressure introduced through the well bore to the packer to actuate the same
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
35 words
In the method of the character set forth in claim 2 the step of closing the bypass flow path and opening the purge chamber by hydraulic fluid pressure applied thereto through the well bore thereabove.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
176 words
Apparatus for cleaning the entrance openings from producing formation into a well bore which includes: an elongate tubular mandrel having a longitudinal bore therethrough and means thereon for connecting it to a well packer; means providing a bypass flow passage through the mandrel to the bore of the packer; means movable relative to the mandrel for closing said bypass flow passage; first closure means in the bore of said mandrel at longitudinally spaced points therein closing said bore to provide an elongate purge chamber in said mandrel spaced from said bypass flow passage of said mandrel; lateral inlet opening means in said mandrel communicating the interior of said purge chamber with the exterior of the mandrel; second closure means on said mandrel initially closing said inlet opening means and movable to a position opening said inlet opening means; and means on said mandrel engageable with said second closure means for moving said second closure means from position closing said inlet opening means to a position opening said inlet opening means to suddenly open said purge chamber.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
176 words
Apparatus for cleaning the entrance openings from producing formation into a well bore which includes: an elongate tubular mandrel having a longitudinal bore therethrough and means thereon for connecting it to a well packer; means providing a bypass flow passage through the mandrel to the bore of the packer; means movable relative to the mandrel for closing said bypass flow passage; first closure means in the bore of said mandrel at longitudinally spaced points therein closing said bore to provide an elongate purge chamber in said mandrel spaced from said bypass flow passage of said mandrel; lateral inlet opening means in said mandrel communicating the interior of said purge chamber with the exterior of the mandrel; second closure means on said mandrel initially closing said inlet opening means and movable to a position opening said inlet opening means; and means on said mandrel engageable with said second closure means for moving said second closure means from position closing said inlet opening means to a position opening said inlet opening means to suddenly open said purge chamber.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
52 words
Apparatus of the character set forth in claim 8 including: means releasably supporting said first closure means in said bore of said mandrel and releasable to permit said first closure means to be moved from such longitudinally spaced points in the mandrel to open the purge chamber to flow through the mandrel.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
57 words
Apparatus of the character set forth in claim 8 wherein said first closure means comprises: a plug tool releasably locked in sealing position in said mandrel above said lateral inlet opening means and a closing tool landing nipple and a closing tool seated therein in sealing position connected to the mandrel below the lateral inlet opening means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
42 words
Apparatus of the character set forth in claim 10 wherein said plug tool is removable from locked sealing position in the mandrel and said closing tool is displaceable from the closing tool landing nipple to permit fluid flow longitudinally through the mandrel.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus of the character set forth in claim 8 wherein said means for moving said second closure means is operable by fluid pressure applied within the mandrel to said means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus of the character set forth in claim 12 including: fluid pressure operated means for actuating said means for closing said bypass flow passage to close said passage.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
55 words
Apparatus of the character set forth in claim 8 including: means providing a circulating flow passage in the mandrel opening to the exterior thereof at a point spaced from said purge chamber; and means movable in the mandrel initially closing said circulating flow passage and movable to a position opening said passage to flow therethrough.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus of the character set forth in claim 14 wherein said means closing said circulating flow passage is movable to open said passage in response to operating fluid applied thereto within the mandrel thereabove.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus of the character set forth in claim 8 wherein the plug tool is removable upwardly through the mandrel.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus of the character set forth in claim 16 wherein said means for closing said circulating flow passage is removable upwardly through the mandrel.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus of the character set forth in claim 17 including: means operatively connecting said means for closing said circulating flow passage with said plug tool whereby they may be moved together upwardly through the mandrel.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
31 words
In combination with the apparatus of claim 8; a fluid operated well packer connected to the upper end of the mandrel and having means connecting it to a well tubing string.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
225 words
A well treating system for a well having a string of casing therein with perforations in its wall providing entrance openings from a producing formation into the bore of the casing for production of well fluids from the producing formation into the well bore for flow to the surface of the well, said system including: a string of tubing having a packer connected thereto; a purge chamber connected in the string of tubing below the packer and comprising an elongate closed chamber having removable closures at its opposite ends and a lateral inlet opening with a movable closure initially closing said lateral opening; means providing a fluid bypass path through the bore of the packer for bypassing well fluids past the packer as the packer is lowered into the well casing; fluid operated means for closing the bypass passage in response to a predetermined operating fluid pressure; means for opening the lateral inlet opening of the closed purge chamber by a predetermined fluid pressure in excess of the pressure required to close the bypass flow passage through the packer bore; and means for removing said removable closures at the opposite ends of said purge chamber, after the lateral inlet opening has been opened, to permit well fluids to flow upwardly through the purge chamber and the packer and through the tubing string to the surface.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
225 words
A well treating system for a well having a string of casing therein with perforations in its wall providing entrance openings from a producing formation into the bore of the casing for production of well fluids from the producing formation into the well bore for flow to the surface of the well, said system including: a string of tubing having a packer connected thereto; a purge chamber connected in the string of tubing below the packer and comprising an elongate closed chamber having removable closures at its opposite ends and a lateral inlet opening with a movable closure initially closing said lateral opening; means providing a fluid bypass path through the bore of the packer for bypassing well fluids past the packer as the packer is lowered into the well casing; fluid operated means for closing the bypass passage in response to a predetermined operating fluid pressure; means for opening the lateral inlet opening of the closed purge chamber by a predetermined fluid pressure in excess of the pressure required to close the bypass flow passage through the packer bore; and means for removing said removable closures at the opposite ends of said purge chamber, after the lateral inlet opening has been opened, to permit well fluids to flow upwardly through the purge chamber and the packer and through the tubing string to the surface.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
85 words
In a well system of the character set forth in claim 20, means for establishing an injection fluid flow path through the packer to the exterior of the purge chamber after the lateral inlet opening of the purge chamber has been opened and before the removable closures have been removed, whereby treating fluid may be introduced from the surface through the tubing string and the packer into the producing formation for treating the same before opening the purge chamber for flow of well fluids therethrough.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
188 words
A method of treating a well to clear entrance openings from a producing formation into a well casing including: supporting a closed purge chamber containing substantially atmospheric pressure below a packer; supporting the packer on a string of well tubing; introducing the purge chamber and packer into the well casing by means of the string of well tubing; maintaining a bypass flow path through the packer as the same is lowered through the well casing; locating the packer at a desired location in the well casing above the entrance openings with the closed purge chamber disposed therebelow; closing the bypass flow path through the packer; setting the packer to provide a closed chamber region in the well casing therebelow communicatiNg with said entrance openings; opening the closed purge chamber by hydraulic fluid pressure to create a surge of fluid flow from the producing formation through the entrance openings into the casing; then, flowing well fluids from the producing formation through the chamber region in the casing into the opened surge chamber and through said surge chamber and said packer and said string of well tubing to the surface.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
188 words
A method of treating a well to clear entrance openings from a producing formation into a well casing including: supporting a closed purge chamber containing substantially atmospheric pressure below a packer; supporting the packer on a string of well tubing; introducing the purge chamber and packer into the well casing by means of the string of well tubing; maintaining a bypass flow path through the packer as the same is lowered through the well casing; locating the packer at a desired location in the well casing above the entrance openings with the closed purge chamber disposed therebelow; closing the bypass flow path through the packer; setting the packer to provide a closed chamber region in the well casing therebelow communicatiNg with said entrance openings; opening the closed purge chamber by hydraulic fluid pressure to create a surge of fluid flow from the producing formation through the entrance openings into the casing; then, flowing well fluids from the producing formation through the chamber region in the casing into the opened surge chamber and through said surge chamber and said packer and said string of well tubing to the surface.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method set forth in claim 22 including the step of introducing treating fluid through the string of well tubing and packer into the closed chamber region and through the entrance openings into the producing formation to treat such formation prior to flowing the well fluids from the well.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
72 words
A method of the character set forth in claim 23 including the steps of opening a circulating flow passage from the packer to the closed chamber region exteriorly of the closed purge chamber; and introducing treating fluid through the string of well tubing and packer into the closed chamber region and through the entrance openings into the producing formation to treat such formation prior to flowing the well fluids from the well.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
55 words
The method of the character of the claim 22 including the step of allowing the solid matter drawn into the closed chamber region by the surge of fluid flow through the entrance openings to settle prior to introducing the treating fluid into the closed chamber region and through the entrance openings into the producing formation.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
55 words
The method of the character of the claim 23 including the step of allowing the solid matter drawn into the closed chamber region by the surge of fluid flow through the entrance openings to settle prior to introducing the treating fluid into the closed chamber region and through the entrance openings into the producing formation.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
60 words
The method of the character of claim 22 wherein the steps of setting the packer and opening the closed purge chamber are accomplished by application of a first predetermined operating fluid pressure through the tubing string to the packer and the subsequent application of a second predetermined higher operating fluid pressure through the tubing string to the closed purged chamber.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of the claim 23 including the step of opening said circulating flow passage from the packer to the closed chamber region by fluid pressure applied from the surface through the tubing string to the packer.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
98 words
The method set forth in claim 22 including the steps of setting the packer by application of hydraulic fluid pressure thereto before opening the closed purge chamber; establishing a circulating flow passage spaced from said purge chamber from the packer to the closed chamber region by application of hydraulic fluid pressure through the packer; and introducing treating fluid through the string of well tubing and packer and through the circulating flow passage into the closed chamber region and through the entrance openings into the producing formation to treat such formation prior to flowing well fluids from the well.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
54 words
The method set forth in claim 27 including the step of closing the bypass flow path through the packer by application through the tubing of a predetermined operating fluid pressure lower than said first predetermined operating fluid pressure and prior to setting the packer by application of said first predetermined operating fluid pressure thereto.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
174 words
A method of treating a well to clear the entrance openings from a producing formation into the well bore, comprising: closing off a region of the well bore adjacent the entrance openings from the producing formation to provide a closed chamber in the well bore communicating with such openings; producing a suddenly reduced pressure in said closed chamber area of said well bore to draw well fluids inwardly through the inlet openings into the well bore to clear said openings for flow of well fluids therethrough; opening a flow path into said closed chamber in the well bore from the surface for intRoducing treating fluids therethrough to the closed chamber area of the well bore; introducing treating fluids from the surface through the well bore and said flow path into the closed chamber area to treat the producing formation at such entrance openings; then, opening the closed chamber to flow therefrom to the surface to produce well fluids from the producing formation through the closed chamber area through the well bore to the surface.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
174 words
A method of treating a well to clear the entrance openings from a producing formation into the well bore, comprising: closing off a region of the well bore adjacent the entrance openings from the producing formation to provide a closed chamber in the well bore communicating with such openings; producing a suddenly reduced pressure in said closed chamber area of said well bore to draw well fluids inwardly through the inlet openings into the well bore to clear said openings for flow of well fluids therethrough; opening a flow path into said closed chamber in the well bore from the surface for intRoducing treating fluids therethrough to the closed chamber area of the well bore; introducing treating fluids from the surface through the well bore and said flow path into the closed chamber area to treat the producing formation at such entrance openings; then, opening the closed chamber to flow therefrom to the surface to produce well fluids from the producing formation through the closed chamber area through the well bore to the surface.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
266 words
A method of treating a well to clear the entrance openings from a producing formation into the well bore, comprising: introducing a closed purge chamber containing substantially atmospheric pressure into the well casing by lowering the same into the casing on a tubing string from the surface; simultaneously inserting a packer into the well casing connected in the tubing string above the closed chamber; maintaining a bypass flow pass through the packer as the same is lowered into the well bore through the well casing; hydraulically closing the bypass through the packer by fluid pressure introduced into the tubing string at the surface; setting the packer by a higher hydraulic pressure introduced into the tubing string at the surface to provide a closed chamber area in the well casing adjacent the perforations from the producing formation into the well bore; closing the bypass flow path through the packer; opening the closed purge chamber by an actuating fluid pressure introduced into the well casing at the surface of a value in excess of that required to set the packer and close the bypass flow path to produce a surge of well fluids from the producing formation through the perforations into the well bore; opening a circulation path through the packer and spaced from the closed chamber into the well casing adjacent the perforations by an operating fluid pressure of a value in excess of that required to open the purge chamber; then, opening the closed chamber area in the well bore to flow from the producing formation through the purge chamber and packer to the well surface.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
266 words
A method of treating a well to clear the entrance openings from a producing formation into the well bore, comprising: introducing a closed purge chamber containing substantially atmospheric pressure into the well casing by lowering the same into the casing on a tubing string from the surface; simultaneously inserting a packer into the well casing connected in the tubing string above the closed chamber; maintaining a bypass flow pass through the packer as the same is lowered into the well bore through the well casing; hydraulically closing the bypass through the packer by fluid pressure introduced into the tubing string at the surface; setting the packer by a higher hydraulic pressure introduced into the tubing string at the surface to provide a closed chamber area in the well casing adjacent the perforations from the producing formation into the well bore; closing the bypass flow path through the packer; opening the closed purge chamber by an actuating fluid pressure introduced into the well casing at the surface of a value in excess of that required to set the packer and close the bypass flow path to produce a surge of well fluids from the producing formation through the perforations into the well bore; opening a circulation path through the packer and spaced from the closed chamber into the well casing adjacent the perforations by an operating fluid pressure of a value in excess of that required to open the purge chamber; then, opening the closed chamber area in the well bore to flow from the producing formation through the purge chamber and packer to the well surface.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
39 words
In the method set forth in claim 32 the additional step of introducing treating fluids through said circulation path to treat the producing formation before producing the well through said purge chamber, packer and tubing string to the surface.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-08-29 | 1976-02-28 | 1976-08-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-08-29 | 1980-02-28 | 1980-08-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-08-29 | 1984-02-28 | 1984-08-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |