US2442544A - Liner hanger - Google Patents

Description

June 1, 1948. G. D. JoHNsoN LINER HANGER 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 .Illli/rlllIliffIlrltflIIIIIIIIIIIIIIFIIIfr nllrllllllllnllillll llllllflllllllfllll l Filed Jan. '7, 1941 @4f-VM? @i June l, 1948. G. D. JOHNSON 2,442,544

LINER HANGER Original Filed Jan. '7, 1941 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 June l, 1948. G. D.'JoHNsoN 2,442,544

LINER HANGER Original Filed Jan. 7, 1941 3 SheeiS-Sheet 3 Patented .lune l, i948 NEED SA LINER HANGER Continuation of application Serial N o. 373,428, January "l, 1941. This application May 24, 1943,

Serial No. 488,259

19 Claims.

This invention relates to well tools and equipment and has particular reference to liner hangers for supporting or suspending liners in wells. A general object of the invention is to provide a practical, dependable and readily controlled liner hanger,

This application is a continuation of my application Serial No. 373,428, led January 7, 1941 now abandoned.

Another object of this invention is to provide a liner formed and equipped to permit a thorough and effective washing or ilushing of the liner and the open productive portion of the well bore.

Another object of the invention is to provide a liner hanger of the character referred to embodying means whereby the iiushing fluid is bypassed around the packer and slip assembly to allow for a free upward ow of the ushing uid and to prevent the packer and slip means from becoming mudded up. When setting or actuating a liner hanger it is usually desirable to iiush the liner and the open portion of the well. The flushing fluid is discharged through the perforations of the liner and returns upwardly through the restricted annular space between the liner and casing. The unactuated packer and the slip means of the hanger restrict this already limited fluid passage and in most prior devices the packer and slip means have interfered with the return flow of the ushing fluid and have prevented an eflicient washing action. Further, the flushing uid flowing over or past the packer and slip means deposits some of its soli-d matter and the slip means and packer may become mudded up. The liner hanger of the present invention provides for the free passage of the flushing iiuid around or past the packer and slip means, thus overcoming the difficulties encountered in employing prior liner hangers.

Another object of this invention is to provide a liner hanger of the character referred to in which the by-pass ports or slots for the ushing fluid are sealed off or made inoperative for the passage of the well fluid when the packer is actuated.

Another object of this invention is to provide a liner hanger of the character mentioned which is easily controlled and operated to provide for a thorough washing of the liner and open part of the Well bore.

A further object of this invention is to provide a liner hanger of the character mentioned in which the gripping means may be tested to determine its effectiveness before actuating the packer, to insure the dependable supporting or suspension of the liner.

The various objects and features of my in- 2 vention will be fully understood from the following detailed description of a typical preferred manner of carrying out the method and typical form of appratus of the invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figs. 1, 2 and 3 are diagrammatic Views illustrating diiferent stages of operation of the liner, Fig. 1 showing the equipment in position in the Well and conditioned for the initial flushing operation, Fig. 2 showing the setting tool partially raised with the liner resting on the well bottom, and Fig. 3 showing the slips set and the tool conditioned for the nal Washing operation. Fig. 4 is an enlarged, vertical, detailed, sectional view of the upper portion of the liner hanger showing the slips set 0r actuated. Fig. 5 is an enlarged, vertical, detailed, sectional view of the lower portion of the hanger showing the packer being actuated. Figs, 6 and 7 are transverse, detailed, sectional views taken as indicated by lines B-B and l-l, respectively, on Fig. 4. Fig. 8 is a transverse, detailed, sectional View taken as indicated by line 8 8 on Fig. 5. Fig. 9 is a fragmentary, vertical, detailed, sectional view of the intermediate portion of the hanger taken in a vertical plane different from the plane of sectioning of Figs. 4 and 5, and Fig. 10 is a fragmentary, perspective view illustrating the spring clutch member for actuating the packing.

The liner hanger which is one element oi the present invention and which may be termed the Well section may be employed to set or support different types of well liners and may be `used under varying operating conditions. In the drawings I have shown a typical form of the invention used to suspend a conventional perforated or slotted liner L in a well bore equipped with a casing C which forms the wall of the well. The casing C terminates some distance above the well bottom to leave the lower portion of the well W open for the production of the well fluid. vThe lower end of the liner L is equipped with a Shoe S having a downwardly opening valve V. It is to be understood that the invention is not to be construed as limited or restricted to the particular form and application herein disclosed but it is to be taken as including any features .or modifications that may fall within the scope of the claims.

The liner hanger or well section of the structure I have provided may be said to comprise, generally, a body It to be secured to the liner L, gripping means ll on the body lo for engaging in the well casing C and packing means I2 on the body lo for sealing withthe interior of the casing C. A setting tool or mandrel I3, which is part of a setting element or section of the structure, is provided for lowering the liner L and body IO into the well and for controlling the means II and I2, and means I4 for handling the flushing fluid. The setting section is separable from the well section to be removable from the well as will be hereinafter described.

The body I of the hanger is an elongate tubular structure received in the casing C with substantial clearance to leave an annular passage I5 for the flushing fluid, as will be later described. A series of spaced longitudinally extending slots Hi is provided in the upper portion .of the body I, rhe body I is formed or equipped for ready connection with the upper end'of the liner L and to be releasably engaged by the setting tool withV a rather heaW internal threadV 2B, and thev upper end 2| of the member, I'I slopes downwardly and inwardly.

The gripping means I.I. is provided to connect thehanger body ID with the casing C tosuspend the liner L from the casing. so that it occupies the desired position in the. open part of the well W. The gripping means. II. is. preferably are.

ranged on the upper part of the body I6 and Vcomprises a cone member 22 threaded on the upper end of the body. The lower end of .themember 22.

presents a downwardly Aand inwardly sloping surface 23. The means II further includes. a plurality of gripping members or slips 24. slips 24 are segmental wedge-,like elements having sloping inner sides whichconform tothe cone surface 23y and having toothed outer surfaces for gripping the innersurface of theY casingC. The slips 24. are movable. on the surface 23 be.- tween Vretracted positions, where. they are .clear of the casing C, and expanded or actuated positions where they grip the inner` surface of the casing.

In accordance with the. invention the, slips, 2d4 are spring loaded or. spring urged.. Somewhat flexible fingers or reins, 25 are secured to. the lower ends of the slips 24,. Inthe drawings I have shown the reins 25..welded.in recessesorY grooves in the lower parts .of .theslips 24.. A ring 26 is shiftably engaged'on the 'bodyA lIlsome distance below the slips 24. The lower ends of. the

slip reins 25'` are riveted or. otherwise xed to.

23 and the collar 21.." Thespring 28 .urgesthe ring 26 and slips 24 upwardly so thattheslips have gripping engagement witlnthecasingA C but the vspring is'normally held linactiveoby-the setting tool I3as will be later described.

Blocks'or lugs 29- are secured to the lowerv parts of the slips Vtoy extend inwardly therefrom. 'I he lugsf29- may be Yformhedintegral with the slips 24 or may be welded to the slips. .The

The.

lugs 29 extend into and operate in the slots I6 in the body Ill. In accordance with the invention the lugs 29 are proportioned to project into the interior of the body I0 when the slips 24 are in -their retracted positions :and to be clear of the interior of the body I0 when the slips 24 are in their active positions. The upper ends if the lugs .29 may be notched or grooved for more dependable cooperation with the setting tool I3.

The sealing or packing means I2 is arranged on the body-.Ill .below the gripping means II and is provided .to seal or pack between the body IIJ and the casing C. The packing means I2 is a tubular or annular assembly engaged around the body I and comprises an upper ring or gland 30, a lower gland 3| and a sleeve-like body of packing 32 engaged between the glands 30 and 3|. The packing 32 may be lead or similar material capable of distortion and expansion when subjected to compression. The engaging ends of the glands 36 and 3.1 and the packing 32 have interlocking tongues 353 which connect the glands and packing to form a continuous` unit. The glands 30 and 3| are proportioned to be freely received in .the casing C andthe packing 32 is initially of aboutthe same external diameter as the glands to freely enter the casing.

When the DaCkng means I2 is in the idle or unactuatedconditionthe upper gland 30 is immedalely below or adjacent. the collar 21` and the lower gland 3l is spaced a substantial distance above the ribs I9. Releasable or frangible means is provided for, holding the packing, means I2 in this unactuated position. A` shear pin 34. is engaged in openingsinthebody land the gland 3B to releasablyretain the packing means I2 in the untllatcd' position. The shear pin 34 is illustratednFig. 9.

Gripping means may be providedto retain or hold the packing 32 in its expanded or actuated condition. The interior of the gland 30 may be formed with spaced vertical recesses 35 having downwardlyand inwardly inclined walls and griplJIS 3.5111133. bgshiftably .engaged in .these recesses, see Fig. 9. The grippers 36;;have sloping backs engaged on the recess wallsl and have toothed forward .Sides for gripping the external surface of thebody` Iii. The grippers 3 6`al1ow free down- Ward Irlovemerij;A of the gland 30 but automatically grip the body. I Il. to., prevent upward or return movement. of. the gland.

The, packingmeans l2v embodies parts engageable byparts, onA the setting tool, or mandrel I3 to bringabout the fracturepf thepin 34 and the expansion o f the packing 32.,- Ign accordance withA the. invention, the hanserbodg i0.- basa plurality of spaced longitudinal slots 3'I of substantial length spacedbetween; lits upper. andglowerfends. The `slots. A3l Serve. aspx-.passports oi` the flushing means. I4 i0. be. later: described.. B10cks:.38. lare encased; 0.11' tied-On theupper, endof the upper packing gland- .'fand-slidahlv Orfshiftablv engagey in the slots. 3,7. Screws ,'llgmay secureV the blocks 38j to the follower orrglanpdg3Il;` The parts of the blocks. uwhicli4 operatein the slots 3'Iv have upwardlyfacing generally.horizontaly shoulders 4D engageable by elements on the setting tool- I3v for. the fracture of the pin 34 and the compression of the packing 3.2.1. I t'willbe observed that. the. shear pin gservesto initially'retain the packing means I2 manl elevated position. adjacent the gripping means I.I.where substantialzportions ofthe slots 3I-'are uncoveredV or unobstructedlfor the free flow of the flushing fluid.

Thesetting` tool or setting. mandrel I3/which is an element of the invention and may be termed the setting section serves to releasably attach the body lo to a setting string 4l, to be run into the well thereon, and is employed to control or operate the gripping means I l and the packing means I2. rhe setting string 4l is a well string of pipe or tubing and the mandrel I3 is connected to the lower end of this tubular string.

The setting mandrel I3 comprises an upper section 42 and a lower section 43. The upper section 42 is a length of pipe or tubing received in the hanger body i5 with substantial clearance, leaving ample space for the passage of fluid through the body. A suitable threaded connection 44 secures the upper end of the section 42 to the lower end of the setting string 4 I. A sub or connecting member 45 connects the upper and lower sections 42 and 43. IThe lower section 43 is an elongate tubular member cr vextension and is preferably of less diameter than the upper section 42. The lower section 43 may be quite long, its length depending to a large extent upon the length of the liner L. The connecting member 45 may be threaded on the adjacent ends of the sections 42 and 43 and is larger in external diameter than said sections.

The lower portion of the member 45 has an external thread 45 for cooperating with the thread 2d to releasably connect the body I0 and the mandrel I3. The threads 2l! and 46 are preferably straight leithand threads to be easily Unthreaded without loosening or endangering the threaded connections of the setting string 4|.

A ria-nge 4l is provided on the member 45 above its thread 45 and has a sloping lower face 48 which engages and seals with the sloping end 2| of the member il when the threads 20 and 45 are fully engaged. When the threads 20 and 46 are fully engaged the setting tool or mandrel I3 is in what I will term its initial position. This initial position of the mandrel I3 is illustrated in l where it will be observed that the section 42 extends upwardly beyond the top of the body i@ and the section 43 extends downwardly to adjacent the lower end of the liner L.

The mandrel i3 is provided with an actuating part for cooperating with the lugs 29 for the control of the gripping means Il. This part is preferably in the nature of a ring 49 surrounding the upper section 42 and proportioned to be received in the body Ii) to engage downwardly against the lugs 29. The ring 49 surrounds the section @l2 with considerable clearance and is secured to the section by spaced welded webs 50, leaving ample spaces for the free fiow of fluid upwardly through the ring. When the mandrel I3 is in its initial position the ring 49 bears downwardly on or cooperates with the lugs 29 to hold the slips 24 in their retracted positions. The lower end of the ring 49 may be pitched or beveled to better cooperate with the grooved upper ends of the lugs 2S and to positively lock the slips 24 against outward movement. When the ythread 46 of the mandrel i3 is partially unthreaded upwardly from the thread 2li a given distance the ring 49 is raised sufficiently to allow the slips 24 to assume their gripping positions. As the slips 24 move upwardly under the action of the spring 28 the lugs 29 move outwardly in the slots I5 and are fully retracted from the interior of the body I0 so that they are no longer engageable by the ring 49. Fig. 2 of the drawings illustrates the intermediate position of the mandrel I3 where the member 45 is partially unthreaded from the member l1 so that the slips 24 are moved up on the cone sur-l face 23 and the lugs 29 are retracted within the slots I6.

The mandrel I3 is further provided with a means or part for cooperating with the shoulders on the blocks 38 to actuate or compress the packing means I2. This part may be carried by the connecting member 45 and is in the nature of a split extensible spring sleeve comprising a ring 5I and a multiplicity of spring iingers 52 depending from the ring. The ring 5I is supported for rotation and may be arranged on the upper part of the member 45. I have shown the ring 5I positioned between a collar 53 on the section 42 and an upwardly facing shoulder 54 on the member 45 to be held against longitudinal movement. The arms or fingers 52 slope or curve downwardly and outwardly and are formed so that they tend to spring outwardly. The width of the fingers 52 is such that the fingers are too wide to enter the slots IB and is such that at least one finger 52 will spring into each slot 31. The fingers 52 are in spaced adjacent relation and may be proportioned so that their width is less than one-half the width of the slots 37 to insure the entrance of at least one iinger 52 in each slot. The lower ends of the fingers 52 are preferably straight and substantially horizontal to cooperate with the shoulders 49. When the mandrel I3 is in its initial position illustrated in Fig. 1 the fingers 52 are conned inthe body lli below the slots 3l. Following disconnection of the threads 2li and 45 the mandrel I3 is moved upwardly at which time the iingers 52 ride up in the body i0 and pass out of the body. The lower ends of the blocks 38 are tapered or sloped to allow the fingers 52 to freely slide past the blocks. The upper end 55 of the cone member 22 slopes downwardly and inwardly to guide the ngers 52 back in-to the body I2 when the mandrel I3 is lowered to actuate the means I2, as will be later described.

The uid handling means E4 provides for the full, effective ushing of both the open lower portion of the well W and the liner L and is such that the packing means l2 and the gripping means Ii are completely avoided or by-passed by the returning flushing ii-uid so that these means do not interfere with the return flow and do not become mudded up. The flushing means or fluid handling means I4 includes the slots 3l' referred to above. The size or capacity of the slots 31 is ample so that the slots easily handle the full volume of the flushing iiuid. During the flushing operations the slots 3l have extensive lower portions exposed or open below the packing means I2 to place the interior of the body Iii in full communication with the surrounding space I5 for the free upward return of the iluid through the upper portion of the body I0 which carries the gripping means II and the unactuated packing means I2.

The means I4 further includes a iluid discharging or directing means on the lower section 43 of the mandrel I3 which comprises a plurality of vertically and circumferentially spaced discharge ports 56 provided in the lower portion of the section 43, and sealing plungers or cups 51 mounted on the section 43 above and below the ports 56. The packers or cups 51 are formed to slidably seal with the interior of the liner L and thus conne the discharge from the ports 55 to clear or wash the perforations of the liner L. The lower end of the section 43 is initially open so that the washing fluid is discharged directly into again Ithe well during the initial kwashing .operation which is for the purpose of cleaning thewallsof the well preparatory to suspending the liner. Valve means is providedto c lose the 'lower endof the section 43 .when it isdesired to Acleanor wash the liner L. An upwardly .-facing valve seat 58 is provided in the section 43 `below Ythe `ports 56. A valve member or v ball 59;'maybe`dro'pped Vor pumped down the string -4I-vand through lthe sections 42 and 43 to cooperate with -the seat 58 when the liner L is t be flushed.

In employing the liner hanger of thenvention the parts are assembled and .conditioned .to as- -sume the positions illustrated in'Fig. 1 -of .the -drawings and the mandrel I'3 is secured to 'the -lower end of the string 4I 'whereupon Ythe assembly is run into the well. The string 4I may be lowered to bring the lowerfend of the linerl. the desired distance above the well bottom. Water or other iiuid is then circulatedor pumped -down through the string 4I to wash theA open -lower portion of the well W. The uid discharges from the lower end of the section-43 to pass out through the shoe S and washes the well wall. Tf desired, the string 4`I may be moved up and down as the iiuid is discharged to more'thoroughly wash the open lower part of .the-well. Thereturning washing fluid ilows upwardly .through the passage I5 to the slots 3'I, then passes in `.through the slots to continue Vupwardly through the body ID and casing C. The returning fluid thus by-passes the means II vand I2.

Following this initial washing operation Vthe .string 4I is lowered to engage the .shoe iS with the bottom of the well and is 'then rotated through say six or eight revolutions 4to thread lor move the mandrel I3 upwardly with respect to the liner L and the-body I 0. During this -unthreading .operation the engagement of the shoe .S with the well bottom vholds the liner L-and `the `body IEI against turning. The upward movement of the mandrel I3, resulting from `the cooperation of the threads 23 and 46, .brings the mandrel I3 to its intermediate position described .above to release or free the slips 24 for-action. When the mandrel I3 is `moved or unthreaded upwardly the ring 49 moves away from; the lugs 29 and the spring 23 urges the slips upwardly along the cone surface 23. Upwardmovement of the slips-24 is accompanied by outward movement of the slips so that the lugs 29 are retracted from the interior of the tbody .I0 `andare moved outwardly into theslots I6. The operation just described conditions the slips 24-foroperation- The string 4I is then raised to Vbring the .liner L to adjacent the desired nal position. `The threads 20 and 4B vremain engaged so that ythe liner hanger and the liner Lrarexraised with the string 4I. During this upward:movementV :the spring loaded slips 24 .merely drag against the :Internal surface of the casing C,. their rough-cned surfaces or teeth being formed to readily rslide upwardly in the casing C. When the ilinerfLihas been raised to the selected position ,the string.4 4I is allowed to settle or move (downwardly .to .complete the actuation of the slips24 and' .tantest the slip grip. Iiv the string 4I moves/downwardly a distance less than it was raised 'it indicates that the slips 24 have obtained `a proper gripping engagement with the casing C. :In-most instances the slips 24 obtain .a firm snal engagement with the casing C almost immediately and the liner hanger and liner move downwardly. but a short distance.

.Following the actuation :oi the slips 24 the string 4'I is .rotated Atodisconnect the thread 4.6 from-.the thread AZIland the string is raised to release the settingstring from the .liner hanger. Through lthisoperation thesetting section of the structure .is freed from the wellsection for free movement relative thereto. 'The valve vor ball .59 is then dropped or pumped .down through the string 4I and mandrel I3'to come to rest on the seat 58. Washing fluid or ilushing uid is circulateddown throughthe stringv4I and mandrel I3 .to'discharge from the ports 56. The fluid discharged .from the ports .56 is confined between spaced packers or sealing cups 5'I and ,is obliged to .discharge outwardly through alimited nurnber .of .slots of the liner L so that it thoroughly clears the .perforations .or slots. During this washing Vof the liner L the string .4I .may be moved upwardly andV downwardly so that the perforations .oftheliner are .cleared or .washed throughoutthe length ,of the liner.

- The washing fluid,.aiteritsdischarge through the .perforations of the liner L, .-returns .or flows upwardly-around the liner and through the space l5. Thisupwardly owing fluid passes inwardly throughthe -open lower parts of the slots 3'I and then flows up through the body ID into the casing Cand ilowsupthrough the casing .to the ground surface. The .diversion of the washing uid through :the rslots .3.7 completely .by-passes the uidfaround or pastboththe gripping means II and packing means l2. The gripping means II and .packing means I2 `restrict and obstruct the already limited .space around the body IB and thereturning .washing rluidpasses in through the slots 31 withlittle .or ,no .tendency to flow up around the .upper portion of the body I which carries the means *.II and I2. Accordingly, there isno obstruction retardingthe return flow of the washing .iluid and the gripping means II and y packing .means I2 `are not liable to become muddedup.

`When the liner .L has been washed the setting string 4I'isgmoved `downwardly to reenter the ngers,,52-.in-the body I9. The string 4I is lowered until the .ends of the fingers 52 engage the shoulders 40. With the fingers 52 in engagement withthe shoulders `4Q the weight or a portion of the yweight of the setting stringAI is applied .to ytheupper gland 30 of the means I2 through the medium of the ingers :52 .and the shoulders 40, This results in shearing or Ifracturing of the shear .pin 34 andthe packing means I2 is moved ydown with the string :4I .until the lower gland 3| rests on the ribs i9. The weight or the portion ofthe .Weightflof thestring 4I thereafter imposed on .the upper gland 3i), lby lthe Aengagement .of the `ingers .p52 with the vshoulders 4E), compresses the pack` zing. 32. In this manner the 'packing 32 may be .compressed ,to Aeffectively and -dependably seal between the 'interior of .the casing C and the Jexteriorpf thexbody 1E. Fig. 5 of the drawings lshows `the lpacking 32 in its .actuated or sealing condition. It is to beooserved that the packing '.ifseals between thevcasing C and the body I0 'in'a zone jbelow the `slots '31 thus sealing off the slots'from the open lower portion of the well bore W.

4"ltkillowing the actuationor compression of the ,packing 32 ,the vsetting string 4I is withdrawn .from :thewell. When this is done the fingers 52 merely ride .up in the .body I0 until they pass out .of 4the body. .The upward withdrawal of the `mandrel- .I.3 .leaves the yinterior of the hanger free -and'ientirely unobstructed for the free flow of 9 the well fluids and for the insertion and installation of other well equipment.

Having described only a typical preferred form and application of my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specic details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any variations or modifications that may appear to those skilled in the art and fall within the scope of the following claims.

Having described my invention, I claim:

l. A hanger, for a well liner and to be handled by a tubular setting string having an extension entering the liner, comprising a tubular body to be secured to the upper part of the liner, means for releasably connecting the string with the body, the string being operable to conduct washing fluid to the liner through the extension, grip ping means supported by the body for supporting the body and liner in the well, packing means supported by the body operable to seal the body in the well, the gripping means and packing means being spaced above the releasable connecting means, the body having at least one by-pass port located below the packing means when the packing means is unactuated for passing the returning fluid from around the liner into the body to flow upwardly therethrough past the packing means without commingling with duid entering the well.

2. A hanger, for a well liner and to be handled by a tubular setting string having an extension entering the liner, comprising a tubular body to be secured to the upper part of the liner, means for releasably connecting the string with the body, the string being operable to conduct washing duid to the liner through the extension, gripping means supported by the body for supporting the body and liner in the well, packing means supported by the body for sealing the body in the well, the gripping means and packing means being spaced above the releasable connecting means, the body below the packing means having at least one by-pass port for passing the returning fluid from around the liner into the body to iiow upwardly therethrough past the packing means without commingling with iiuid entering the well, and means operable to position the packing means to prevent flow through said port rom around the liner. l

3.A liner hanger for use on a tubular well string comprising a tubular body to be secured to the upper part of the liner, means for releasably connecting the string with the body so the string extends into the body with clearance thus leaving a passage for iiuid, the string being operable to conduct washing fluid through the body to the liner to pass outwardly, therethrough, gripping means carried by the body for gripping the well wall to support the body and liner in the well, and packing means carried by the body for sealing the body in the well, the gripping and packing means being spaced above the releasable connecting means, the body between the releasable connecting means and the portion carrying the gripping means and the having at least one by-pass port seing the returning washing uid from :l the liner into said passage to flow upwai oily therethrough.

il. In a liner hanger for use on a tubular setting string, a tubular body to be secured to the liner, gripping means carried by the body operable to engage in the well to support the liner therein., longitudinally shiftable packing means carried by the body below the gripping means operable to seal the hanger in the well, a tubular mandrel on the setting string extending downwardly into the body with clearance with respect to the interior` of the body to leave a fluid passage in the body, a threaded connecting means for releasably and shiftably connecting the mandrel with the interior of the body at a point below the packing means, the string and mandrel being adapted to conduct iiuid to the liner to discharge outwardly therethrough, the body between said releasable and shiftable connecting means and the packing means having a port to allow said fluid to return through said passage, and means on the mandrel operable upon movement of the same relative to the body subsequent to the release of said releasable and shiftable connecting means for moving the packing means downwardly relative to the body and to actuate the packing means to seal the hanger in the well at a point below the port.

5. A well tool comprising a tubular body having a fluid port in its wall and a passage leading upwardly from said port, means distinct from the port and passage for conducting fluid through the body to discharge into the well, a packer on the exterior of the body movable along the body between a position clear of the port and a position Where it closes the port and operable to seal the body in the well, releasable means holding the packer in the first named position, and means for releasing the releasable means and for moving the packer to the position where it closes oi iiow through the port. A

6. A well tool comprising a tubular body having a uid port in its wall, a packer on the exterior of the body movable along the body between a position where it leaves the port open and a position where it closes the port and operable to seal the body in the well, a part on the packer located to be at the port with the packer in both of said positions, a shiftable mandrel entering the body, and means on the mandrel engageable with said part for moving the packer to the position where it closes oi flow through the port.

7. A wel] tool for use on a well string comprising a tubular body having an opening in its Wall and having an inclined external surface, a grip.-V ping member on the tubular body for gripping the well wall operable by said surface upon relative movement between the body and member and initially in a retracted position at the inner end of the surface, means normally urging the gripping member along said surface to bring the gripping member into engagement with the Well wall, an inwardly projecting part on the gripping member received in said opening and extending into the body when the gripping member is in the initial position, a mandrel on the string extending into the tubular body, co-engageable means on the body and mandrel operable upon manipulation of the string to change the relative longitudinal positioning of the body and mandrel, and a part on the mandrel engageable with the said part on the gripping member within the body to hold the gripping member inactive and out of engagement with the well wall when the body and mandrel are in certain relative longitudinal positions and disengageable from said gripping member part upon said change in the relative longitudinal positions of the body and mandrel so that the gripping member is freed to be actuated into engagement with the well wail, the said part on the gripping member being ci such inward extent as to be retracted outwardly to be clear of the interior of the body when the 1I gripping member-is actuated into'nal'gripping engagementwith the well wall by movement of the body in the well.

8:1 In a tool for use on a well string, a tubular body; packing means slfiiftablev axially on the exterior`- of the body and expansible to seal between-the` bodyand the well wall, a tubular mandrelon the string extending into the-body with' clearance to leave apassage-therein, a releasable connection between the body and mandrei, releasable means for initially retaining the packing means in a raisedpositionon the body, tl'ie body having spaced longitudinal slots for putting--said'pa'ssage in communication with the Well below' tliepacking means -when the packing means is in the raised position, lugs on the packing means extending into the slots, and spring fingers on the mandrel adapted" to-enter said slot's and engage the lugs -following the release of said connection so that downward forcev may be applied to the packing meansto release the packing-means and to -move the packing means below said slots for actuation.

9. In a tool for use on a tubular well string, a; tubularr body, packing means vshiftable axially on the exterior of the body and expansible to seal between the body and-the well wall, a tubular mandrel onlthe string extending into the body with'clearance to leave a' passage therein, a-releasable connection between the body andimandr'e'l releasable meansfor initially retaining the packingmeans in a-raised position on the body, the body having spaced longitudinal slots for putting said passage in'communcation with the Well below the packing means when the packing means'is in th'eraisedposition, lugs on the packing'means extending into the slots, an abutment on the body below the slots, and parts on the mandrel adaptedV to enter the slots and act downwardly against the lugs torelease said retaining means and move the packing means downwardly against the abutment and` act on the packingl means to expandA it.

102 In a liner hanger for use on a tubular. setting string, a-tubular body tobe secured to the' liner,l packing means shiftable axially on theL exterior orfthe body andexpansible-to seal between the body and the well wall; a tubular mandrel on theY setting string extending into the body Withclearance tov leave a passage therein, a releasable connection between the body and mandrel, releasable means initially retaining the packing means in a position spaced above the releasable connection, the portion of the body' between the releasable connection andV thepacking meanswhen in initial position having' spaced longitudinal slots for putting said passage in communication with the well below the packing means, lugs on` the upper portion of the packing means extending into the slots; an abutment on the body below the slots, parts on the mandrel initially positioned out of cooperation with the'slotswhen the mandrel is`v connected to the body and adapted upon releaseof4 said connection and manipulation of said mandrel to move in the slots and act downwardly against the lugsy to release said retaining means, movethe packing means downwardly against the abutment andi expand the packing means', and` meansfor retaining the packing means expanded.

11. A tool' for use'onv a Well string comprising a tubular body, means'on' the exterior of the body fr'vg'ripping' the well wall including inclined surface means on the' body and gripping slips operable outwardly by the inclined surface means upon a given relative-movement' between the body and slips, the slipsv being. initially positioned at the innerr end'of'said surface-means,l a mandrel on the string extending into the body, a releasable connection between the body: and mandrel operable-while still engaged to produce relative axial movement between the mandrel and body, the body having afslot in its wall, spring means tending to-expand the slips, and'means for holding the slips retracted when thev body and mandrel are interconnected in certain' relative longitudinal positions' and releasable-to release said slips by said relative axial movement between thel body and mandrel, said holding means comprising a part-on a slip of the gripping means projecting through the slot into the interior of the body when the slips are retracted and retracted from the interior of said body upon said outward actuation of the slips, and a part on the mandrel rnovable'therebyand engageable with the part on the slip to hold the slip in retracted position.

12. A well tool for'use on a Well string comprising a tubular body having an opening in its wall and having an inclined external surface, a gripping member on the tubular body for gripping the well wall operable Vby said surface-upon relative movement between the-body and member and initially in aA retracted position at the inner end ofthe surface; means normally urging the-gripping member alongsaid-surface to bring the gripping member intoengagement with the Well wall, an inwardly proj ecting-part on the gripping member received in said opening and extending into the body when the gripping member is in the initial position, a mandrel on the string extending intoY the tubularv body, co-engageable means onthe-body and mandrel operableupon manipulation of the string to change the relative longitudinal positioning of the body and mandrel, andal part on the mandrel engageable with the said part on the grippingmember within the body to hold the gripping member inactive and out of' engagement with the well walliwhen the-bod'yand mandrel are in certain relative-longitudinalpositions and disengageable from said gripping member part upon said change in the relative longitudinal positions of the body and mandrel so that the gripping member is freed to be actuated into engagement with the'well wall, the said part* on the gripping member. being of such inward extent as to be retracted outwardly to be clear of the interior of the body when the gripping member is actuated into nnal gripping engagementwith the well wall by movement-of the body in the well.

13. The combination with a tubing string of a liner hanger body member including inclined slip expanding faces and slips adapted to ride on said faces, there being openings through said body member adjacent said faces and restraining elements on said slips extending through said openings intoV the interior' of said. body member when saidy slipsare retracted on said faces; and means for suspending said liner hanger body member from said tubing string, including a releasable connection providingfor relative movement between said tubing string and said body member and restraining means associated with said liner hanger suspending means and engageable with said restraining elements for holding said slips in a retracted position, and disengageable from said slips upon relative movement between said liner hanger body and said tubing string, and resilient means operable upon release of said slips to urge said slips into expanded position.

14. In a liner hanger, a tubular packer body, a packing sleeve surrounding said packer body and adapted to be axially compressed and radially expanded into sealing contact with a surrounding casing, a packing setting collar surrounding said packer body adjacent one end of said packing sleeve and movable on said packer body for axially compressing said packing sleeve, slots in the packer body and means on the setting collar projecting through said slots toward the interior of the packer body, a tubular member axially movable within said packer body and said means, and leaf spring members extending longitudinally in circumferentially spaced relationship about the exterior surface of said tubular member, said leaf spring members having one of their ends secured to vsaid tubular member and having their opposite ends free from said tubular member and resiliently biased in a radially outward direction whereby said tubular member and said leaf spring members may be drawn in one direction through said means and upon movement of said tubular member in the opposite direction the free ends of said leaf spring members will engage and move said means in a direction to cause said setting collar to axially compress said packing sleeve.

15. Well apparatus of the character described including two connected sections, one a well section to be set in a well and including a body and a packer for sealing said well section in the well, the other a setting section for conducting fluid to the apparatus and for handling the Well section and being detachable from the well section for removal from the well independently of the well section, a liner carried by the well section to depend therefrom into the well, and an extension on the setting section depending therefrom and into the liner to conduct fluid downwardly into the liner, there being a port in the well section whereby fluid discharged from the extension and owing upwardly around the liner is admitted into the well section to discharge from the apparatus above the packer, the packer being located relative to the port to be operable to close off flow through the port from around the liner.

16. Well apparatus of the character described including two connected sections, one a well section to be set in a well and including a body and a packer for sealing said well section in the well, the other a setting section for conducting uid to the apparatus and for handling the well section and being detachable from the well section for removal from the well independently of the well section, a liner carried by the well section to depend therefrom into the well, an extension on the setting section depending therefrom and into the liner to conduct iiuid downwardly into the liner, a port in the body whereby fluid from around the liner is conducted through the 'ccd37 past the packer without commingling with iluid entering the well through the apparatus, the packer being operable to close off flow through the port in the body from around the liner, and means whereby the packer is operated by the setting section.

17. In a liner hanger for use on a tubular setting string, a tubular body to be secured to the liner, gripping means carried by the body operable to engage in the well to support the liner therein, packing means shiftable on the exterior of the body operable to seal the body in the well, a tubular mandrel on the setting string extending downwardly into the body with clearance to leave a fluid passage in the body, means for releasably and shiftably connecting the mandrel with the body at a point below the packing means, the string and mandrel being adapted to conduct fluid to the liner, the body between the last named means and the packing means having a port to allow fluid passing up around the liner to return through said passage, and means operable by manipulation of the string for actuating the packing means to a position to close oi flow through the port from around the liner.

18. A tool for use on a well string comprising a tubular body, the body having spaced slots and a sloping external surface, slips movable outwardly by said surface upon movement relative to the body in one direction, spring means tending to move the slips relative to the body in said direction, the slips being initially positioned in a retracted position at the inner end of said surface, lugs on the slips projecting inwardly through said slots when the slips are in retracted position, a mandrel on the string shiftably and releasably connected with the body for relative axial movement therebetween, and a part on the mandrel initially engaging with the lugs and holding the slips retracted against action of said spring, Said part being movable out of engagement with the lugs by axial movement of the mandrel relative to the body thereby releasing the slips for movement by said spring means.

19. A liner hanger for use on a tubular well string comprising, a tubular body to be secured to the upper part of the liner, means for releasably connecting the string with the body so as to extend into the body with clearance, the string being operable to conduct washing fluid to the liner and well, gripping means on the body for supporting the body and liner in the well, and packing means on the body for sealing it in the well, there being a port in the body for bypassing said fluid upwardly through that portion of the body which carries the gripping and packing means, the packing means being'shiftable downwardly on the body by manipulation of the string relative to the body for closing off flow through the port.

GLENN D. JOHNSON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date Re. 21,085 ONeill May 16, 1939 387,675 Dresser Aug. 14, 1888 891,065 Heeter June 16, 1908 1,242,539 Fuller Oct. 9, 1917 1,248,881 Mack Dec. 4, 1917 1,604,771 Gill Oct. 26, 1926 1,606,402 Crowell Nov. 9, 1926 2,084,611 Crickmer June 22, 1937 2,085,997 Phipps July 6, 1937 2,189,937 Broyles Feb. 13, 1940 2,291,371 Buchanan et al July 28, 1942 2,292,345 Arutunoff Aug. 11, 1942 2,303,556 Johnson et al Dec. 1, 1942 2,318,167 Knowlton May 4, 1943

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