Abstract Described is a method used in freeing a pipe string stuck in the bore of a well. An inflatable packer and setting tool are run through the string to a position just below the lowermost free connection where the packer is inflated to sealingly close the upper end of the stuck fish. The fish is then separated from the remainder of the string. After the fish is freed from the stuck position the packer and fish are retrieved. The bouyant packer and setting tool are positioned by a weight depending from the packer on a preselected length of wire. The packer comprises a bladder member inflatable with fluid from the setting tool. The setting tool comprises a piston member in a cylinder, one end of which contains the inflating fluid, the other end of which is provided with gas generating means to force the fluid into the packer.
A method of dislodging a pipe string, the lower portion of which is stuck in a well bore comprising the steps of: running an inflatable packer through said pipe string to a point just below the lowermost free connection in said pipe string; inflating said packer with a fluid to sealingly close the upper end of said lower portion; separating said lower portion from the remainder of said pipe string above said lowermost free connection; and freeing said lower portion from its stuck condition.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
84 words
A method of dislodging a pipe string, the lower portion of which is stuck in a well bore comprising the steps of: running an inflatable packer through said pipe string to a point just below the lowermost free connection in said pipe string; inflating said packer with a fluid to sealingly close the upper end of said lower portion; separating said lower portion from the remainder of said pipe string above said lowermost free connection; and freeing said lower portion from its stuck condition.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method of dislodging a pipe string as set forth in claim 1 and the additional steps of: running a retrieval tool into said well for engagement with said freed lower portion; deflating said packer; and retrieving said packer and said lower portion from said well bore.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
A method of dislodging a pipe string as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that prior to running said packer through said pipe string a weight is attached, by a wireline, to said packer for dependence therefrom.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method of dislodging a pipe string as set forth in claim 3, characterized in that said wireline is cut so that its length plus the length of said weight and said packer substantially equals the length of said lower portion.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method of dislodging a pipe string as set forth in claim 3, characterized in that the fluid for inflating said packer is selected so as to render said packer bouyant in a drilling fluid present in said well bore.