Patent US3799268A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3799268A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method and apparatus for evacuating drilling fluids from a well
Assignee: Baker Hughes Holdings LLC
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Filing: 1971-10-06
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Granted: 1974-03-26
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Expires: 1991-10-06
Abstract
Abstract A method of evacuating drilling fluids from between axially spaced well packers in which a circulating joint is disposed between the packer in a tubing string penetrating both packers. Pressure is applied to the tubing string to unblock circulating ports through the joint, allowing circulation into the area between packers and out of the well through a shorter tubing string penetrating only the upper packer. After circulation, pressure is applied to the long string causing the joint ports to be closed. The circulating joint comprises a tubular body with circulating ports through its walls and a sleeve assembly surrounding the body blocking the ports. Expansible chambers between the sleeve and body are employed to first unblock the ports and then to block them again upon selective introduction of pressure to the chambers.
Inventors
- 👤 C Cochran
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 23:29
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B33/00; E21B33/10; E21B33/12; E21B33/124; E21B34/00; E21B34/06; E21B34/10; E21B43/00; E21B43/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
180 words
A method of evacuating drilling fluid from a multiple zone well having upper and lower packer means therein, comprising the steps of: a. running a first string of tubing into said well for penetration of both of said packer means and having circulating joint means thereon for disposition between said upper and lower packer means; b. running a second string of tubing into said well for penetration of said upper packer means; c. applying pressure to said circulating joint means, through said first string of tubing, to open port means therein; d. circulating fluid through said first and second strings, said port means and the area between said packer means, displacing drilling fluid accumulated between said packer means; e. dropping closure means into said circulating joint means for engagement with seat means therein; f. closing said port means independently of said second string of tubing by applying pressure to said joint means through said first string; and g. removing said closure means from said circulating joint means by increasing the pressure applied to said joint means through said first string.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
180 words
A method of evacuating drilling fluid from a multiple zone well having upper and lower packer means therein, comprising the steps of: a. running a first string of tubing into said well for penetration of both of said packer means and having circulating joint means thereon for disposition between said upper and lower packer means; b. running a second string of tubing into said well for penetration of said upper packer means; c. applying pressure to said circulating joint means, through said first string of tubing, to open port means therein; d. circulating fluid through said first and second strings, said port means and the area between said packer means, displacing drilling fluid accumulated between said packer means; e. dropping closure means into said circulating joint means for engagement with seat means therein; f. closing said port means independently of said second string of tubing by applying pressure to said joint means through said first string; and g. removing said closure means from said circulating joint means by increasing the pressure applied to said joint means through said first string.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1 in which both said upper and lower packer means are completely set prior to said opening of said, port means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 2 in which said upper packer means is completely set after said running of said second string but prior to said opening of said port means.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
202 words
A method of evacuating drilling fluids from a multiple zone well having upper and lower packer means therein comprising the steps of: a. running and setting said lower packer means in said well; b. running a first string of tubing into said well and through said lower packer means, said first string of tubing having said upper packer means attached thereto and circulating joint means thereon for disposition between said lower and upper packer means; c. running a second string of tubing into said well and through said upper packer means; d. setting said upper packer means; e. applying pressure to said first string of tubing to open port means in said circulating joint means; f. circulating fluid through said first and second strings, said port means and the area between said upper and lower packer means to displace drilling fluid accumulated between said upper and lower packer means; g. dropping closure means into said circulating joint means for engagement with seat means therein and closing said port means by applying pressure to said joint means through said first string; and h. removing said closure means from said joint means by applying increased pressure to said joint means, through said first string.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
202 words
A method of evacuating drilling fluids from a multiple zone well having upper and lower packer means therein comprising the steps of: a. running and setting said lower packer means in said well; b. running a first string of tubing into said well and through said lower packer means, said first string of tubing having said upper packer means attached thereto and circulating joint means thereon for disposition between said lower and upper packer means; c. running a second string of tubing into said well and through said upper packer means; d. setting said upper packer means; e. applying pressure to said first string of tubing to open port means in said circulating joint means; f. circulating fluid through said first and second strings, said port means and the area between said upper and lower packer means to displace drilling fluid accumulated between said upper and lower packer means; g. dropping closure means into said circulating joint means for engagement with seat means therein and closing said port means by applying pressure to said joint means through said first string; and h. removing said closure means from said joint means by applying increased pressure to said joint means, through said first string.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The meThod of claim 4 in which said closing of said port means is accomplished while maintaining said second string in a stationary position.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-03-25 | 1977-09-24 | 1978-03-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-03-25 | 1981-09-24 | 1982-03-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-03-25 | 1985-09-24 | 1986-03-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |