US 5,330,000 A · Squeeze packer latch

Abstract

A latching device to be used with a cement squeeze packer and a stinger is disclosed. The latching device enables an operator at the surface of an oil or gas well to open and close the squeeze packer valve without the risk of pulling the stinger out of the packer. The latch assembly is installed on the stinger assembly and is provided with a plurality of radially flexible fingers that engage the uphole end of the packer mandrel. Preferably, a series of ribs on both the latch and the uphole end of the mandrel are engaged when the stinger assembly descends into the hole and the stinger enters the packer. These ribs prevent the stinger from coming out of the packer until a predetermined tensile force is applied.

Claims16

Dependent claims

An apparatus for retaining a tubular member in a valved squeeze packer, comprising:

(a) a sleeve-shaped member having a central axis and an internal bore along the central axis dimensioned to receive the tubular member therethrough, the sleeve-shaped member having a plurality of radially flexible fingers with inwardly facing ribs;
(b) means for limiting axial movement of the sleeve-shaped member between first and second axial positions with respect to the tubular member;
and
(c) a mandrel member attached to the valved squeeze packer and having outwardly facing ribs engageable with the inwardly facing ribs, the ribs of the mandrel member and sleeve-shaped member remaining engaged when the sleeve-shaped member is in the second axial position and tensile force on the tubular member is below a preselected force, and disengaging when the tensile force on the tubular member reaches a preselected force.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Squeeze packer latch

Life of this patent

Squeeze packer latch

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16