Liner setting tool

Abstract

There is a provided a liner setting tool for running liner or casing into a well bore which comprises an elongate body for attachment to the casing or liner, but which allows for movement of the liner setting tool relative to the liner or casing. The elongate body has radial outlets which may be closed or open in alternative states, whereby these radial outlets may be used for circulating fluid in order to clean the well bore.

1 . A liner setting tool for running liner or casing into a well bore wherein said liner setting tool is comprised of an elongate body with a number of integral radial outlets and is adapted for attachment to said casing or liner and wherein the liner setting tool is moveable between a first and second position relative to the liner or casing, wherein the radial outlets are closed when the liner setting tool is in a first position relative to the liner or casing and open when the liner setting tool is in a second position relative to the liner or casing.  
     
     
         2 . A liner setting tool as claimed in    claim 1   , wherein the casing or liner has flow ports corresponding to the outlets of the liner setting tool.  
     
     
         3 . A liner setting tool as claimed in    claim 1   , wherein movement of the liner setting tool between the first and second position is provided by rotation of the liner setting tool relative to the liner or casing.  
     
     
         4 . A liner setting tool as claimed in    claim 1   , wherein when the liner setting tool is in the first position the radial outlets are closed by virtue of the liner or casing.  
     
     
         5 . A liner setting tool as claimed in    claim 2   , wherein when the liner setting tool is in a second position the radial outlets are open by virtue of them communicating with the ports in the liner or casing.  
     
     
         6 . A liner setting tool as claimed in    claim 1   , wherein the radial outlets are associated with seal rings which restrict the flow of fluid between the tool and the liner.  
     
     
         7 . A liner setting tool as claimed in    claim 6   , wherein the seal rings are made from a relatively hard wearing but flexible material, such as rubber.  
     
     
         8 . A liner setting tool as claimed in    claim 1   , being adapted to threadably engage with the liner or casing.  
     
     
         9 . A liner setting tool as claimed in    claim 1   , comprising a first upper end having attachment means for attaching the tool to a work string.  
     
     
         10 . A liner setting tool as claimed in    claim 1   , having a lower end formation which co-operates with a seat formed in the casing or liner so as to restrict the axial movement of the liner setting tool relative to the liner or casing.  
     
     
         11 . A liner setting tool attachable to an associated casing or liner by threaded connections.  
     
     
         12 . A liner setting tool as claimed in    claim 11   , wherein the threaded connections may be loosened by rotation of the liner setting tool in an anti-clockwise or left-hand direction.  
     
     
         13 . A method for lining a well bore, comprising the steps of: 
 a) running the liner on a work string attached to the liner setting tool;    b) cementing the liner in place by introducing cement slurry axially into the bore, through the tool, to the bottom of the section of bore, from where the cement can flow into the annular space between the external surface of the liner and the bore well wall;    c) lifting the liner setting tool relative to the liner by rotating the tool until the integral ports of the liner setting tool are aligned with the by pass port of the liner, and;    d) passing fluid through the bore, which flows in an radial direction, through the newly aligned integral ports of the liner setting tool and flow ports of the liner, to clean the well bore.