Patent US3837684A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3837684A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Subsea casing hanger pack-off apparatus and method
Assignee: Vetco Inc
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Filing: 1972-10-30
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Granted: 1974-09-24
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Expires: 1992-10-30
Abstract
Abstract A casing hanger carries a follower and a packing assembly releasably secured to the follower, the combination being lowered on a tubular running string from a drilling rig floating in water and landed in a wellhead, the running string then being removed. A setting tool is then lowered from the rig on a tubular running string into engagement with the packing assembly to release it from the follower, the setting tool and running string imposing downweight on the packing assembly to release it from the follower and expand it into sealing engagement with the wellhead and casing hanger, after which the follower is shifted into locking or holding engagement with the expanded packing assembly. The effectiveness of the seal can be pressure tested, the pressure imposed exerting an additional downward force on the packing to apply an additional pack-off force on the packing assembly, the follower being further movable into locking or holding engagement with the expanded packing assembly.
Inventors
- 👤 J Hynes
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 19:53
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B33/00; E21B33/02; E21B33/03; E21B33/04; E21B33/043; E21B2200/00; E21B2200/01
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 30
Claim 1
Independent Claim
188 words
In well bore casing apparatus: an inner casing hanger body adapted to be disposed within an outer hanger body for suspending a casing within a well bore; follower means mounted on said inner body; a packing structure releasably connected to said follower means; said inner body having connector means for releasably securing said inner body to a running string for lowering said inner body and casing, with said follower means and packing structure mounted on said inner body, with respect to said well bore to seat said inner body within the outer hanger body with said packing structure disposed within the outer hanger body; a setting tool movable downwardly into engagement with said packing structure to release said packing structure from said follower means and shift said packing structure downwardly with respect to said follower means to seal the space between said inner body and the outer body; and coengaging means on said setting tool and follower means for shifting said follower means downwardly toward and against said packing structure to retain the packing structure in position sealing the space between said inner body and the outer body.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
188 words
In well bore casing apparatus: an inner casing hanger body adapted to be disposed within an outer hanger body for suspending a casing within a well bore; follower means mounted on said inner body; a packing structure releasably connected to said follower means; said inner body having connector means for releasably securing said inner body to a running string for lowering said inner body and casing, with said follower means and packing structure mounted on said inner body, with respect to said well bore to seat said inner body within the outer hanger body with said packing structure disposed within the outer hanger body; a setting tool movable downwardly into engagement with said packing structure to release said packing structure from said follower means and shift said packing structure downwardly with respect to said follower means to seal the space between said inner body and the outer body; and coengaging means on said setting tool and follower means for shifting said follower means downwardly toward and against said packing structure to retain the packing structure in position sealing the space between said inner body and the outer body.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
50 words
In apparatus as defined in claim 1; means providing a threaded connection between said follower means and inner body; said setting tool being rotatable to rotate said follower means on said inner body and feed said follower meanS downwardly of said inner body and into engagement with said packing structure.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
88 words
In apparatus as defined in claim 1; means providing a threaded connection between said follower means and inner body; said connector means comprising a spline connection whereby said setting tool is movable downwardly and without rotation to release said packing structure from said follower means and to shift said packing structure downwardly to seal said space, said setting tool then being rotatable to rotate said follower means on said inner body and feed said follower means downwardly of said inner body and into engagement with said packing structure.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
44 words
In apparatus as defined in claim 1; said connector means comprising a spline connection whereby said setting tool is movable downwardly and without rotation to release said packing structure from said follower means and to shift said packing structure downwardly to seal said space.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
48 words
In apparatus as defined in claim 1; said inner body having a shoulder engaged by said packing structure upon downward shifting of said packing structure by said setting tool to shorten and expand said packing structure into sealing engagement with said inner body and the outer hanger body.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
In apparatus as defined in claim 1; shearable means releasably connected said packing structure to said follower means to be sheared by said setting tool to release said packing structure from said follower means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
91 words
In apparatus as defined in claim 1; said inner body having a shoulder engaged by said packing structure upon downward shifting of said packing structure by said setting tool to shorten and expand said packing structure into sealing engagement with said inner body and the outer hanger body; means providing a threaded connection between said follower means and inner body; said setting tool being rotatable to rotate said follower means on said inner body and feed said follower means downwardly of said inner body and into engagement with said packing structure.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
129 words
In apparatus as defined in claim 1; said inner body having a shoulder engaged by said packing structure upon downward shifting of said packing structure by said setting tool to shorten and expand said packing structure into sealing engagement with said inner body and the outer hanger body; means providing a threaded connection between said follower means and inner body; said connector means comprising a spline connection whereby said setting tool is movable downwardly and without rotation to release said packing structure from said follower means and to shift said packing structure downwardly to seal said space, said setting tool then being rotatable to rotate said follower means on said inner body and feed said follower means downwardly of said inner body and into engagement with said packing structure.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
156 words
In apparatus as defined in claim 1; said inner body having a shoulder engaged by said packing structure upon downward shifting of said packing structure by said setting tool to shorten and expand said packing structure into sealing engagement with said inner body and the outer hanger body; means providing a threaded connection between said follower means and inner body; said connector means comprising a spline connection whereby said setting tool is movable downwardly and without rotation to release said packing structure from said follower means and to shift said packing structure downwardly to seal said space, said setting tool then being rotatable to rotate said follower means on said inner body and feed said follower means downwardly of said inner body and into engagement with said packing structure, shearable means releasably connecting said packing structure to said follower means to be sheared by said setting tool to release said packing structure from said follower means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
60 words
In apparatus as defined in claim 1; means providing a seal between said setting tool and inner hanger body to enable pressure to be imposed on fluid in the annular space between said inner body aNd the outer body above the packing structure to test the packing structure for leakage when sealing the space between said inner and outer bodies.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
181 words
In apparatus as defined in claim 1; said inner body having a shoulder engaged by said packing structure upon downward shifting of said packing structure by said setting tool to shorten and expand said packing structure into sealing engagement with said inner body and the outer hanger body; means providing a threaded connection between said follower means and inner body; said connector means comprising a spline connection whereby said setting tool is movable downwardly and without rotation to release said packing structure from said follower means to shift said packing structure downwardly to seal said space, said setting tool then being rotatable to rotate said follower means on said inner body and feed said follower means downwardly of said inner body and into engagement with said packing structure; means providing a seal between said setting tool and inner hanger body to enable pressure to be imposed on fluid in the annular space between said inner body and the outer body above the packing structure to test the packing structure for leakage when sealing the space between said inner and outer bodies.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
209 words
In apparatus as defined in claim 1; said inner body having a shoulder engaged by said packing structure upon downward shifting of said packing structure by said setting tool to shorten and expand said packing structure into sealing engagement with said inner body and the outer hanger body; means providing a threaded connection between said follower means and inner body; said connector means comprising a spline connection whereby said setting tool is movable downwardly and without rotation to release said packing structure from said follower means and to shift said packing structure downwardly to seal said space, said setting tool then being rotatable to rotate said follower means on said inner body and feed said follower means downwardly of said inner body and into engagement with said packing structure; means providing a seal between said setting tool and inner hanger body to enable pressure to be imposed on fluid in the annular space between said inner body and the outer body above the packing structure to test the packing structure for leakage when sealing the space between said inner and outer bodies; shearable means releasably connecting said packing structure to said follower means to be sheared by said setting tool to release said packing structure from said follower means.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
105 words
The method of sealing the annular space between an outer well bore hanger body and an inner casing hanger body, comprising releasably securing a packing structure to a follower mounted on the inner hanger body, lowering the inner hanger body with the follower and packing structure supported thereby into the outer body and seating the inner body within the outer body, releasing the packing structure from the follower for downward movement from the follower within the annular space to seal the same, then shifting the follower downwardly toward and against the packing structure to retain the packing structure in its position sealing the annular space.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
105 words
The method of sealing the annular space between an outer well bore hanger body and an inner casing hanger body, comprising releasably securing a packing structure to a follower mounted on the inner hanger body, lowering the inner hanger body with the follower and packing structure supported thereby into the outer body and seating the inner body within the outer body, releasing the packing structure from the follower for downward movement from the follower within the annular space to seal the same, then shifting the follower downwardly toward and against the packing structure to retain the packing structure in its position sealing the annular space.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
97 words
The method as defined in claim 13; releasably attaching a running string to the inner body for jointly lowering the inner body, follower and packing structure into the outer body to seat the inner body within the outer body, removing the running string, then lowering a setting tool on a running string into engagement with the packing structure to effect said release of the packing structure from the follower and sealing of said annular space by said packing structure, then manipulating the setting tool to effect downward shifting of the follower toward and against the packing structure.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
130 words
The method as defined in claim 13; releasably attaching a running string to the inner body for jointly lowering the inner body, follower and packing structure into the outer body to seat the innEr body within the outer body, removing the running string, then lowering a setting tool on a running string into engagement with the packing structure to effect said release of the packing structure from the follower and sealing of said annular space by said packing structure, then manipulating the setting tool to effect downward shifting of the follower toward and against the packing structure; applying pressure to fluid in the annular space above the packing structure to test the effectiveness of the packing structure in sealing the annular space, and removing the setting tool and running string.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
114 words
The method as defined in claim 13; the follower being mounted on the inner body by a threaded connection, releasably attaching a running tool to the inner body for jointly lowering the inner body, follower and packing structure into the outer body to seat the inner body within the outer body, removing the running string, then lowering a setting tool on a running string into engagement with the packing structure to effect said release of the packing structure from the follower and sealing of said annular space by the packing structure, then rotating the running string and setting tool to thread the follower downwardly of the inner body toward and against the packing structure.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
147 words
The method as defined in claim 13; the follower being mounted on the inner body by a threaded connection, releasably attaching a running tool to the inner body for jointly lowering the inner body, follower and packing structure into the outer body to seat the inner body within the outer body, removing the running string, then lowering a setting tool on a running string into engagement with the packing structure to effect said release of the packing structure from the follower and sealing of said annular space by the packing structure, then rotating the running string and setting tool to thread the follower downwardly of the inner body toward and against the packing structure, applying pressure to fluid in the annular space above the packing structure to test the effectiveness of the packing structure in sealing the annular space, and removing the setting tool and running string.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
175 words
Well bore casing apparatus: comprising an inner casing hanger body adapted to be disposed within an outer hanger body for suspending a casing within the well bore; said inner body having connector means for releasably securing said inner body to a running string for lowering said inner body and casing with respect to said well bore to seat said inner body within the outer hanger body; follower means adapted to be mounted on said inner body; a packing structure below and releasably connected to said follower means; a setting tool movable downwardly into engagement with said packing structure to release said packing structure from said follower means and shift said packing structure downwardly with respect to and independently of movement of said follower means to seal the space between said inner body and outer body; and coengaging means on said setting tool and follower means for shifting said follower means downwardly toward and against said packing structure to retain the packing structure in position sealing the space between said inner body and the outer body.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
175 words
Well bore casing apparatus: comprising an inner casing hanger body adapted to be disposed within an outer hanger body for suspending a casing within the well bore; said inner body having connector means for releasably securing said inner body to a running string for lowering said inner body and casing with respect to said well bore to seat said inner body within the outer hanger body; follower means adapted to be mounted on said inner body; a packing structure below and releasably connected to said follower means; a setting tool movable downwardly into engagement with said packing structure to release said packing structure from said follower means and shift said packing structure downwardly with respect to and independently of movement of said follower means to seal the space between said inner body and outer body; and coengaging means on said setting tool and follower means for shifting said follower means downwardly toward and against said packing structure to retain the packing structure in position sealing the space between said inner body and the outer body.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
49 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 18; means providing a threaded connection between said follower means and inner body; said setting tool being rotatable to rotate said follower means on said inner body and feed said follower means downwardly of said inner body and into engagement with said packing structure.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
87 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 18; means providing a threaded connection between said follower means and inner body; said connector means comprising a spline connection whereby said setting tool is movable downwardly and without rotation to release said packing structure from said follower means and to shift said packing structure downwardly to seal said space, said setting tool then being rotatable to rotate said follower means on said inNer body and feed said follower means downwardly of said inner body and into engagement with said packing structure.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
43 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 18; said connector means comprising a spline connection whereby said setting tool is movable downwardly and without rotation to release said packing structure from said follower means and to shift said packing structure downwardly to seal said space.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 18; shearable means releasably connecting said packing structure to said follower means to be sheared by said setting tool to release said packing structure from said follower means.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
59 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 18; means providing a seal between said setting tool and inner hanger body to enable pressure to be imposed on fluid in the annular space between said inner body and the outer body above the packing structure to test the packing structure for leakage when sealing the space between said inner and outer bodies.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
103 words
The method of sealing the annular space between an outer well bore hanger body and an inner casing hanger body, comprising providing a packing structure releasably secured to a follower adapted to be mounted on the inner casing hanger body, lowering the inner hanger body into the outer body and seating the inner body within the outer body, releasing the packing structure from the follower for downward movement away from the follower within the annular space to seal the same, then shifting the follower downwardly toward and against the packing structure to retain the packing structure in its position sealing the annular space.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
103 words
The method of sealing the annular space between an outer well bore hanger body and an inner casing hanger body, comprising providing a packing structure releasably secured to a follower adapted to be mounted on the inner casing hanger body, lowering the inner hanger body into the outer body and seating the inner body within the outer body, releasing the packing structure from the follower for downward movement away from the follower within the annular space to seal the same, then shifting the follower downwardly toward and against the packing structure to retain the packing structure in its position sealing the annular space.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
75 words
The method as defined in claim 24; effecting a threaded connection between the follower and inner body, lowering a setting tool on a running string into engagement with the packing structure to effect said release from the packing structure and sealing of said annular space by the packing structure, then rotating the running string and setting tool, whereby said threaded connections thread the follower downwardly of the inner body toward and against the packing structure.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
108 words
The method as defined in claim 24; effecting a threaded connection between the follower and inner body, lowering a setting tool on a running string into engagement with the packing structure to effect said release from the packing structure and sealing of said annular space by the packing structure, then rotating the running string and setting tool, whereby said threaded connection threads the follower downwardly of the inner body toward and against the packing structure, applying pressure to fluid in the annular space above the packing structure to test the effectiveness of the packing structure in sealing the annular space, and removing the setting tool and running string.
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) | 1977-09-23 | 1978-03-25 | 1978-09-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-09-23 | 1982-03-25 | 1982-09-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-09-23 | 1986-03-25 | 1986-09-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |