Orienting Tubing Hanger Apparatus Through Which Side Pocket Mandrels Can Pass

Abstract

A tubing hanger, from which multiple tubing strings are suspended, is seated in a subsea well head or casing hanger, being properly oriented with respect to a running tool by means of which the tubing hanger is lowered from a drilling vessel to seat in the casing hanger. The tubing hanger has an oval passage adapted to pass a tubing string with side pocket mandrels used for gas lift or other purposes, the tubing string being supported from an oval mandrel adapted to seat within the oval passage. The running tool is properly oriented relative to a guidance system as a reference point, the guidance system extending from the subsea floor to the drilling vessel, resulting in the multiple string tubing hanger and its several passages, including the oval passage, being properly oriented with respect to the guidance system. A locator assembly is then lowered to the tubing hanger and properly oriented with respect to its several passages, to subsequently guide the tubing string with the side pocket mandrels through the oval passage into the well bore, the oval hanger seating within the oval passage. The oval hanger has a fluid passage providing communication between regions above and below the tubing hanger.

Description

The present invention relates to subaqueous well bore apparatus, and more particularly to apparatus including a multiple string tubing hanger to be set and sealed in a well head or casing hanger.

Completion work in connection with oil and gas wells has required the provision of tubing hangers capable of passing large size gas lift and similar mandrels when a second tubing string is run in the well bore and supported from the tubing hanger. In completion work on land, extreme measures have been required to run the second string of tubing embodying one or more large size gas lift mandrels, such as providing completely segmented tubing hangers. When completing wells at offshore locations, the remote landing of the equipment at or near the subsea floor presents a still greater complication to the problem.

By virtue of the present invention, tubing hanger apparatus has been provided having a large passage of such shape and size as to permit easy passage of any usual variety of gas lift or other mandrels, such as side pocket mandrels, when the second tubing string is run therethrough. More specifically, the tubing hanger is provided with a large passage of oval shape through which a side pocket mandrel can pass and in which a supporting mandrel for the second tubing string is received. Such oval shape provides ample area through which the second tubing string with side pocket mandrels can move, as well as providing space for a fluid passage between a region above the tubing hanger and the region below the tubing hanger externally of the second tubing string.

Another object of the invention is to provide a locator adjacent to the tubing hanger properly oriented with respect thereto for guiding the second tubing string through the large passage and to orient the supporting mandrel with respect to the large passage to insure its movement into the latter and its appropriate seating in the tubing hanger. In a more limited sense, the large passage is of oval shape to receive a companion supporting mandrel of oval shape.

A further object of the invention is to provide apparatus embodying the locator, in which the locator can direct the second tubing string into the large passage.

After the second tubing string and supporting mandrel have been installed, the locator is removed, leaving the tubing hanger apparatus in condition for reception of the usual tubing strings sealingly engaged in the tubing hanger passages and communicating with the lower portion of a Christmas tree subsequently appropriately connected to the well head.

This invention possesses many other advantages, and has other purposes which may be made more clearly apparent from a consideration of a form in which it may be embodied. This form is shown in the drawings accompanying and forming part of the present specification. It will now be described in detail, for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention; but it is to be understood that such detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Referring to the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a subsea system used in connection with the drilling and completion of an underwater well bore;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged vertical section through the apparatus embodying the invention, and which is to be disposed in the well head casing hanger apparatus illustrated in FIG. 5b, including apparatus for setting a multiple string tubing hanger in a predetermined position, the tubing hanger itself being illustrated in its set condition;

FIGS. 3a and 3b together constitute a longitudinal section of a locator and a running tool therefor set on top of the tubing hanger, FIG. 3b being a lower continuation of FIG. 3a, FIG. 3b being taken along the lines 3b--3b on FIGS. 11 and 12;

FIGS. 4a and 4b together constitute a longitudinal section similar to FIGS. 3a and 3b of a second tubing string and supporting mandrel being lowered on a mandrel running tool into the locator, with a second string orienting guide assembly mounted on the mandrel running tool, FIG. 4b being a lower continuation of FIG. 4a;

FIGS. 5a and 5b are views similar to FIGS. 4a and 4b disclosing the mandrel seated in the tubing hanger after having been properly oriented with respect to the second string locator by the orienting guide assembly, FIG. 5b being a lower continuation of FIG. 5a;

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal section taken along the line 6--6 on FIG. 17 through the tubing hanger apparatus, illustrating first and second tubing strings disposed at the upper end of the tubing hanger prior to their connection to passages in the tubing hanger and the second string mandrel;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 illustrating the first and second tubing strings threadedly connected in the first and second passages in the tubing hanger and the tubing hanger mandrel;

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal section through the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 18 with the first and second tubing strings removed;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary longitudinal section through a portion of the tubing hanger, disclosing it latched to a surrounding casing hanger;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary longitudinal section through the running tool for lowering the tubing hanger to the well housing, the running tool being latched to the tubing hanger;

FIG. 11 is a cross-section taken along the line 11--11 on FIG. 3b;

FIG. 12 is a cross-section taken along the line 12--12 on FIG. 3b;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary section of the latch ring device for securing the second string mandrel to the tubing hanger;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-section taken along the line 14--14 on FIG. 4a;

FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 13 disclosing the latch ring expanded into locking relation to the tubing hanger;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary section through a portion of the assembly disclosed in FIG. 6 used in orienting the first and second tubing strings relative to the passages in the tubing hanger and hanger mandrel;

FIG. 17 is a cross-section taken along the line 17--17 on FIG. 6;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged section taken along the line 18--18 on FIG. 8.

As illustrated in the drawings, a multiple tubing string hanger 10, such as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 3,688,841, is to be set in sealed relation in a casing hanger 11 suitably supported, as through another casing hanger 12, in a housing 13 at the top of a well bore 14 drilled into a formation underlying the floor F of an ocean, or other body of water. As is known in the art, the housing 13 and the various casing hangers 11, 12 supported thereby are secured to a guidance structure 15 of a guidance system, in a known manner. This guidance structure includes a base 16 having guide posts 17 extending upwardly from its corner portions and to which are secured cables or lines 18 extending upwardly through the water to a drilling vessel (not shown) floating in the water. A blowout preventer stack 19 is disposed at the lower end of a marine riser 20 extending upwardly to the drilling vessel, this blowout preventer stack being suitably secured to a connector 22 attached to the housing 13. This connector may be of any suitable type, for example, being of the hydraulic type illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 3,321,217. A suitable seal ring or gasket 23 effects a seal between the upper end of the connector and the lower end of the blowout preventer stack, another seal ring 24 effecting a seal between the casing hanger housing 13 and the connector 22.

The connector 22 occupies a known position with respect to the guidance structure 15, being moved downwardly with the blowout preventer stack 19 toward the housing 13 along the guide lines 18. The connector has a guide frame 25 suitably secured thereto, the outer ends of which are attached to guide sleeves 26 having lower downwardly flaring funnels 27 secured thereto, and being slidable along the guide lines 18 and then over the guide posts. The connector has a longitudinal slot or groove 28 disposed therein which has a known orientation with respect to the guide posts 17. It is with respect to this groove 28 that the tubing hanger 10 is to be oriented, so that the longitudinal passages 29, 30 extending through the tubing hanger body 39 will bear a known orientation or angular relation relative to the groove 28 in the connector, and consequently, with respect to the guide lines 18 and guide posts 17 of the guidance system 15, the orientation being accomplished with the structure and in the manner described hereinbelow. It is to be noted that one of the passages 30 is of oval cross-section.

A plurality of concentric casing strings 35a, 35b (FIG. 5b) are connected at their upper ends to concentric casing hangers 12, 11 which are in stacked relation and appropriately sealed against the casing hanger housing 13. The uppermost casing hanger 11 is the one on which the tubing hanger 10 is to seat and against which it is to be sealed, this casing hanger having a suitable downwardly tapering hanger seat 36 and an internal lock groove 37 thereabove, the upper side 38 of which tapers in a downward and outward direction.

The tubing hanger 10 includes the main body 39 having the plurality of longitudinal passages 29, 30 extending therethrough. The lower end of this body is connected by means of a swivel 40 to a landing ring 41 having a downwardly tapering seating surface 42 adapted to engage the companion seat 36 in the casing hanger 11. The ring 41 has a plurality of circumferential grooves 43 therein receiving elastomer seal rings 44 adapted to bear and seal against the casing hanger seat 36. It also includes circumferential internal grooves 45 containing seal rings 46 sealing against the periphery of the lower portion of the tubing hanger body 39.

The swivel 40 interconnects the tubing hanger body 39 and landing ring 41, permitting the hanger body to rotate relative to the landing ring. As specifically illustrated, the swivel includes a lower body member 47 threadedly secured to the body 39 and having a downwardly facing shoulder 48 opposed to an upwardly facing shoulder 49 in the landing ring, there being suitable antifriction bearing rings 50 between and engaging the opposed shoulders. The landing ring 41 has an upwardly extending skirt 51 encompassing the lower portion of the lower body member 47 and receiving the outer portion of an inherently expansible retainer ring 52 in an internal groove 53, which also extends partially into an external groove 54 in the lower body member. It is apparent that the retainer ring 52 prevents the landing ring 41 from shifting longitudinally with respect to the hanger body 39 and its lower member 47, while permitting rotation of the hanger body and lower member relative to the landing ring 41 when the latter is engaged with the casing hanger seat 36.

The lower body member 47 also carries a plurality of circumferentially spaced lock dogs 55 extending through circumferentially spaced radial slots 56 in the lower body member and slidable radially therein. The outer portions of the dogs are receivable within the internal lock groove 37 in the casing hanger 11 and with the upper downwardly and outwardly inclined cam faces 57 on the dogs engageable with the companion upper cam face or side 38 of the groove. Outward movement of each dog is limited by engagement of its upwardly directed terminal member 58 with the inner surface 59 of the lower body member above the slots 56, the dogs being shiftable radially inwardly to the extent limited by their engagement with the periphery of the tubing hanger body 39. The dogs also have downwardly and inwardly inclined external tapered surfaces 60 engageable with an upper tapered surface 61 on the casing hanger to be cammed radially inwardly thereof during lowering of the tubing hanger body 39 with respect to the casing hanger 11, as described hereinbelow.

The dogs 55 are expandable outwardly as a result of downward shifting of a cam actuator sleeve 62 surrounding the tubing hanger body, this actuator sleeve having a lower portion provided with a downwardly tapering expander surface 63 adapted to move behind the dogs or lock elements 55 and engage companion tapered expander surfaces 64 therein. The cam actuator sleeve 62 is longitudinally shiftable relative to the tubing hanger body 39, but is non-rotatable with respect thereto by virtue of an orienting dog or key 65 extending through a slot 66 in the cam actuator sleeve and which is also received in a longitudinal groove or keyway 67 in the tubing hanger body, this key being secured to the body by one or more cap screws 68. The orienting dog or key is secured to the tubing hanger body in a known and predetermined angular relationship relative to the longitudinal passages 29, 30 through the hanger body.

The cam actuator sleeve 62 is shiftable longitudinally of the tubing hanger body 39 by an actuator sleeve 69 that encompasses the upper portion of the hanger body 39 and which is threadedly secured to an upper actuator ring 70 having an inwardly extending portion or flange 71 overlying the upper end 72 of the hanger body. Downward movement of this actuator sleeve 69 along the body 39 is prevented by the flange 71 engaging the upper end 72 of the tubing hanger body; whereas, its upward movement is prevented by engagement of an upwardly facing shoulder 73 on the actuator sleeve with a shear ring 74 encompassing the body and secured thereto by one or more shear pins or screws 75 extending through the ring and threaded into companion bores in the body. This shear ring is initially spaced downwardly from a downwardly facing shoulder 76 formed on and provided by an external flange 77 on the upper end of the tubing hanger body. Thus, the actuator sleeve 69 is prevented from shifting longitudinally in both upward and downward directions relative to the tubing hanger 39, but is capable of rotating with respect thereto. Such rotation will effect longitudinal shifting of the cam actuator sleeve 62 along the tubing hanger body 39 by virtue of a threaded interconnection 78 between the lower portion of the actuator sleeve and the upper portion of the cam actuator sleeve. As noted, the actuator sleeve 69 has external right-hand threads 79 thereon meshing with companion internal right-hand threads 80 on the upper threaded head portion 81 of the cam actuator sleeve. Thus, right-hand rotation of the actuator sleeve 69 will shift the cam actuator sleeve 62 longitudinally upwardly along the body to a position in which the upper end of the cam actuator sleeve engages a downwardly facing shoulder 82 on the actuator sleeve, at which time the lower expander portion 63 is elevated above the dogs 55, the latter being permitted to contract inwardly and be located completely out of the internal casing hanger groove 37. On the other hand, left-hand rotation of the actuator sleeve 69 will effect downward movement of the cam actuator sleeve 62 along the tubing hanger body, shifting its expander portion 63 behind the dogs 55 and expanding the latter outwardly into the casing hanger groove 37.

The tubing hanger 10 is lowered from the drilling vessel into its appropriate seating position within the casing hanger 11, is firmly sealed thereagainst, and is appropriately oriented relative to the groove 28 in the connector 22, and, therefore, with respect to the blowout preventer stack 19 and the guidance system 15 through use of a running tool 90 connected to the tubing hanger. The running tool includes an upper sub 91 having a threaded box 92 threadedly secured to the lower end of a running string 93 of drill pipe, or the like, extending upwardly through the marine riser 20 to the drilling vessel. The running tool (FIG. 10) includes an inner body member 94 disposed in a counterbore 95 in the upper portion of the tubing hanger body 39 and having a suitable side seal ring 96 therein sealingly engaging against the inner cylindrical wall of the counterbore. The upper portion of the hanger body 39 includes a circumferential internal groove 97 above its cylindrical surface having a downwardly tapering lower side 98 and an upwardly tapering upper side 99, this groove being adapted to receive a split lock ring 100 mounted in a groove 101 defined between the inner body member and an outer guide sleeve 102 thereabove, which is spaced from the lower side of the groove to provide upper and lower guide surfaces for the split lock ring 100.

The upper portion of the outer guide sleeve 102 surrounds an upper guide member 103 constituting the upper portion of the inner body structure and threadedly secured to the inner body member 94, this guide member having an outwardly directed flange 104 overlying the upper end of the outer guide sleeve 102 and extending laterally beyond its periphery. The lock ring 100 is expandable laterally outwardly hydraulically and is locked in its outward expanded position by an annular cylinder member 105 slidable along the inner body member 94. Thus, the annular cylinder is located within an annular space 106 between the inner body member and the outer guide sleeve. It includes a lower cylinder sleeve portion 107 slidable along a lower piston portion 108 of the inner body member, the guide member 103 having a depending annular piston portion 109 along which an upper cylinder sleeve 110 is slidable. An inwardly directed cylinder head 111 is disposed in the space between the upper and lower pistons 109, 108, being slidable along a reduced diameter peripheral portion 112 of the inner body member. The upper sleeve 110 slidably seals against a suitable seal ring 113 in the upper annular piston, the lower cylinder sleeve 107 slidably sealing against a suitable seal ring 114 in the lower piston 108, there being a seal ring 115 in the cylinder head 111 slidably sealing against the periphery of the reduced diameter portion 112 of the inner body member 94.

Fluid under pressure derived from the running string 93 can pass into a radial port 116 between the interior of the inner body member into an upper cylinder space 117 to shift the actuating cylinder 105 downwardly along the inner body member, for the purpose of engaging an upper inclined cam face 118 on the split lock ring 100 to expand the latter outwardly into the internal groove 97 in the upper portion of the tubing hanger body 39 and to then shift behind the inner cylindrical surface 119 of the lock ring to retain it within the hanger body groove 97 (FIG. 10). On the other hand, when the lock ring 100 is to be released from the groove 97, fluid under pressure is directed from the interior of the inner body member 94 through its side port 120 into the cylinder space 121 between the lower piston 108 and cylinder head 111 to shift the cylinder upwardly and out of engagement from the split latch ring 100, allowing the latter to contract from the hanger body groove 97.

The inner body member 94 is movable longitudinally with the top sub 91 of the running tool 90, this top sub, however, being rotatable relative to the inner body member, because of the provision of a swivel 125 therebetween. This swivel is constituted by the external flange 104 on the guide member 103 projecting into an internal groove 126 defined between a lower upwardly facing shoulder 127 of a clutch member 128 surrounding the outer guide sleeve 102, and threadedly secured to the top sub 91, and a downwardly facing shoulder 129 provided by the end of the top sub. Rotation of the top sub 91 relative to the inner body member 94 is facilitated by an anti-friction bearing ring 130 provided between the top sub and the inner body structure. Leakage of fluid between the guide member 103 and the top sub 91 is prevented by a suitable side seal ring 134 in the guide member sealingly engaging the opposed inner wall of the lower portion of the top sub.

The rotary motion of the running string 93 and top sub 91 is transmitted to the actuator sleeve 69 for the purpose of locking the dogs 55 in the groove 37 in the casing hanger 11, or to release the dogs from such groove. Such transmission of rotary motion is effected by the interengagement of downwardly facing clutch teeth 135 at the lower end of the clutch member 128 with companion axially extending teeth 136 formed in the upper end of the upper actuator ring 71 secured to the actuator sleeve 69.

An outer orienting sleeve 137 surrounds the clutch member 128, actuator sleeve 69, and the upper portion of the cam actuator sleeve 62, having a lower slot 138 therethrough adapted to receive the outer portion of the orienting dog or key 65, this slot terminating in a downwardly flaring mouth 139 to facilitate passage of the key into the slot. This orienting sleeve is movable longitudinally with the top sub 91 and upper clutch member 128 by being retained within a peripheral groove 142 defined between an upwardly extending shoulder 143 on the clutch member and a ring 144 secured to the top sub by screws 144a. The orienting sleeve has a narrow, vertical groove 145 therein in which an orienting key or dog 146 is radially shiftable, this key or dog being shiftable outwardly by a helical compression spring 147 bearing against the base 148 of the groove and against the central portion of the dog. The outward extent of movement of the dog is limited by engagement of its upper and lower terminals 149 with companion upper and lower stop plates 150 secured by screws 151 to the orienting sleeve 137, the dog having upward and downward tapering external surfaces 152 to facilitate its longitudinal movement past obstructions that it might encounter. The dog 146 has a circumferential extent or width conforming to the width of the groove 28 in the connector 22, to be forced by its spring 147 thereinto.

Because of the swivel connection between the outer orienting sleeve 137 and the sub 91 and clutch member 128, the clutch member can transmit its rotary motion to the actuator sleeve 69, after the orienting key 146 has expanded into the connector groove 28, for the purpose of locking and unlocking the dogs 55 in the casing hanger groove 37. However, prior to locking of the dogs in the groove, the rotary motion of the running string 93 and top sub 91 is transferable to the outer orienting sleeve 137 for the purpose of turning the latter within the connector 22 into a position in which its spring pressed key 146 expands outwardly into the connector groove 28.

The running tool 90 and tubing hanger 10 carried thereby are specifically illustrated in various positions in U.S. Pat. No. 3,688,841. Accordingly, only the final set position of the hanger 10 is illustrated herein, although the different relative positions between the parts and the operation of the apparatus is described in detail below.

When the tubing hanger 10 is to be lowered and set in sealed off relation in the casing hanger 11, its cam actuator sleeve 62 is first disposed in an upward position along the tubing hanger body 39, with the upper end of the sleeve abutting the downwardly facing shoulder 82 on the actuator sleeve 69, the lower end of the cam actuator sleeve being in its upper position with respect to the dogs 55. The running tool 90 is secured to the tubing hanger 10, the inner body member 94 being piloted within the upper end of the tubing hanger body, with a seal sub 200 secured to the body member being located in the round passage 29 of the hanger body 10, the cylinder 105 being hydraulically actuated by fluid under pressure passing through the ports 116 to be shifted downwardly to expand and retain the lock ring 100 within the upper body groove 97. At this time, the clutch teeth 135, 136 are engaged and the orienting key 65 is located within the orienting slot 138 in the lower portion of the outer orienting sleeve 137. Accordingly, the tubing hanger 10 has a known angular relationship relative to the spring pressed orienting key or dog 146 mounted in the orienting sleeve.

A running dart 201 is then inserted in the body member 94 to seal off the ports 116, 120. The running tool 90 and tubing hanger 10, with a tubing string 210 secured thereto, are lowered by the running string 93 through the marine riser 20 and blowout preventer stack 19 and into the casing hanger body 11, until the landing ring 41 engages the companion seat 36 in the casing hanger. The running string of drill pipe 93 and running tool 90 are then rotated, which will effect rotation of the actuator sleeve 69, because of the engagement of the clutch elements 135, 136 with one another, and also rotation of the cam actuator sleeve 62 in view of the abutting of the upper end of the sleeve with the shoulder 82 on the actuator sleeve 69, the rotation being in a right-hand direction. Accordingly, the entire tubing hanger 10 is rotated as a unit, this rotary motion being transmitted through the orienting key 65 to the orienting sleeve 137, which turns the spring pressed dog 146 with it until the latter is opposite the connector orienting groove 28; whereupon the spring 147 will shift the orienting key into the groove 28, preventing further rotary motion from occurring. However, in view of the know relationship between the orienting dog 65 and the passages 29-31 through the tubing hanger body 39, and of such orienting dog with the spring pressed orienting dog 146, the engagement of the spring pressed key 146 in the connector groove 28 places the tubing hanger body 39 is a known angular relationship with respect to the connector 22, and, therefore, with respect to the guidance system 15 along which the connector has been placed, the connector groove 28 bearing a known relationship to the guide posts 17 of the guidance structure.

Following landing of the landing ring 41 against its companion casing hanger seat 36, and the positioning of the orienting key 146 in the connector groove 28, the running string 93, top sub 91 and clutch member 128 are rotated in a left-hand direction, which will rotate the actuator sleeve 69 in a left-hand direction. Since the cam actuator sleeve 62 cannot rotate, being fixed to the tubing hanger body 39 by the orienting key 65, and to the connector 22 through the key 65, orienting sleeve 137, key 146 and groove 28, the cam actuator sleeve 62 is shifted downwardly along the hanger body 39, its lower expander portion 63 moving behind the dogs or latches 55 and shifting them laterally outwardly into the casing hanger lock groove 37 with which they are aligned, bringing the tapered cam surfaces 57 of the dogs into engagement with the companion cam face 38 defining the upper side of the casing hanger groove. As more left-hand torque is applied to the running string 93, top sub 91, clutch member 128 and actuator sleeve 69, the cam actuator sleeve 62 is shifted downwardly to a further extend, the dogs being shifted radially outwardly to a further extent. In view of their tapered engagement with the upper side 38 of the casing hanger groove 37, the lower body member 47 and the tubing hanger body 39 are urged downwardly, forcing the landing ring 41 downwardly and insuring firm leakproof sealing engagement between the seal rings 44 and the casing hanger seat 36. The cam actuator sleeve 62 remains behind the dogs 55 and insures the retention of the tubing hanger body 39 in its downward position locked to and sealed against the casing hanger 11.

The running tool 90 can now be released from the set tubing hanger 10. The running dart 201 is retrieved by a wireline retrieving tool (not shown) and a releasing dart (not shown, see U.S. Pat. No. 3,688,841) is lowered through the running string, coming to rest within the inner body 94, directing fluid under pressure through the lower ports 120 into the lower cylinder space 121 to shift the cylinder 105 upwardly along the body 94 from its position behind the split lock ring, thereby releasing the running tool from the tubing hanger body 100. This allows the running string 93 to be elevated, elevating the running tool 90 therewith, the upper side of the lock ring 100 engaging the upper side 99 of the tubing hanger body groove 97 to shift the ring inwardly from the groove, the clutch teeth 137 on the clutch member becoming disconnected from the companion clutch teeth 136 on the actuator ring 70, and the outer orienting sleeve 137 sliding upwardly along the cam actuator sleeve 62 and completely off the fixed orienting dog or key 65. The upper inclined surface 152 on the spring pressed dog or key 146 will engage any obstructions thereabove, such as the upper end of the groove 28, and be cammed thereby inwardly completely from the connector 22 to move upwardly with the remainder of the running tool 90 through the blowout preventer stack 19 and marine conductor or riser 20 to the drilling vessel. The tubing hanger 10 remains secured in its oriented position within the casing hanger 11, with the tubing string 210 extending into the well bore to the desired depth.

After the tubing hanger 10 has been set with its passages appropriately oriented with respect to the orienting groove 28 in the connector, a locator (FIG. 3a, 3b) is lowered in place to subsequently guide a second string of tubing 210a into and through the second oval passage 30 in the tubing hanger (see FIG. 4b). As shown, a second string locator apparatus 220 is provided having a lower body portion 221 and an elongate locator sleeve portion 222 extending upwardly therefrom. This locator body has a longitudinal groove 219 therein receiving an orienting key 224 receivable within the orienting groove 28 of the connector, in the same manner as the key 146 is used in setting the tubing hanger 10 in its appropriate position within the casing hanger housing 13. Essentially the same running tool 90 is used with the exception that the outer orienting sleeve 137 is removed. The running tool 90 is connected to the locator body 221 in the same manner as it was connected to the tubing hanger 10. Thus, the inner body member 94 of the running tool is inserted within the locator body until the clutch member 128 engages the upper end 222 of the body. At this time, the latch ring 100 is disposed opposite the internal circumferential groove 223 in the body, permitting the cylinder sleeve 105 to be shifted downwardly hydraulically to force and retain the latch ring 100 outwardly in the body groove 223, and in that manner releasably securing the running tool 90 to the locator apparatus 220.

A locator guide member 225 is suitably secured to the lower portion of the body, as by means of screws 227, this locator member having a downwardly tapering guide surface 228 for guiding the second tubing string into its oval passage 30a, as described hereinbelow. The locator member 225 is secured to the body 221, such that the oval passage 30a is a predetermined angular distance from the orienting key 224, as for example, opposite the orienting key. Accordingly, the disposition of the orienting key 224 in the orienting groove 28 will place the oval body passage 30a in alignment with the oval passage 30 through the tubing hanger 10.

It is to be noted that the locator sleeve 222 has an inclined cam surface 230 therein extending from its upper end to a longitudinal groove 231, which, as described hereinbelow, has the purpose of guiding the second tubing string 210a into its appropriate position through the oval body passage 30a. The groove 231 and orienting key 224 lie in the same vertical plane.

The running tool 90 is secured to the lower end of a tubular running string 93, such as drill pipe, and is lowered into the locator sleeve 223 until the latch ring 100 is opposite the body groove 223, whereupon the cylinder sleeve 105 is subjected to fluid pressure and shifted downwardly behind the latch ring, shifting it outwardly into the groove 223 and thereby locking the locator apparatus 220 to the running tool. The running tool is then lowered through the marine riser 20 and into a position in which the lower surface of the locator member 225 engages the upper end of the tubing hanger 10. The running string 93 is then rotated until the orienting key 224 is forced by its spring 147 outwardly into the orienting groove 28 in the connector 22, which will then place the oval body passage 30a in appropriate alignment with the oval tubing hanger passage 30, and the groove 231 in the same vertical plane as the groove 28. To insure that the cylinder sleeve 105 will remain in its locked position behind the latch ring 100, a running dart 201 is inserted in the running tool to blank off the ports 116, 120 in the latter leading to the cylinder sleeve. After the second string locator apparatus 220 has been landed and properly oriented, the running dart 201 is retrieved by means of a suitable wireline tool (not shown) and a releasing dart, such as the dart shown in FIG. 4 of U.S. Pat. No. 3,688,841, is lowered through the running string and into the running tool, whereupon the fluid in the running string 93 can be subjected to pressure to effect an upward shifting of the cylinder sleeve 105 from its position behind the latch ring 100. An upward pull can now be taken on the running string 93 which will cause the latch ring 100 to be cammed inwardly from the groove 223, allowing the running tool 90 to be elevated by the running string 93 to the drilling vessel, leaving the second string locator apparatus 220 in its proper oriented position on top of the tubing hanger 10.

The second tubing string 210a (FIGS. 4a, 4b) is then run downwardly through the marine riser 20, the locator 220 and the oval passages 30a, 30 into the well bore. This second tubing string may have one or more side pocket mandrels (not shown) thereon, the maximum distance across the tubing string 210a and its side pocket mandrel being less than the major axis distance 250 across each of the oval passages. The upper end of the second tubing string 210a is threadedly secured to an oval mandrel 251, conforming in shape to the oval passages and with its dimensions slightly less than the corresponding dimensions of the oval passages. The tubing string 210a communicates with a mandrel passage 252 extending longitudinally through the mandrel at the one side thereof, this passage having an upper internal left hand thread 253 and a cylindrical sealing surface 254 above the thread. The mandrel also has a second bore 255 at the other side thereof provided with a lower nipple 256 threadedly secured thereto and having a tapered lower end 257. This nipple has side ports 258 therethrough for the passage of fluid through the bore 255 and the side ports. The mandrel has a second internal left hand thread 259 in the upper portion of the bore and a sealing surface 260 above such thread.

A cylindrical mandrel running tool 261 has its lower portion inserted in the second string mandrel bore 252 and has an external left hand thread 262 meshing with the internal left hand thread 253, as well as seal rings 264 sealingly engaging the cylindrical sealing surface 254 of the mandrel 251. The mandrel running tool 261 also carries a split inherently expansible lock ring 265 engaging the upper surface of a ring 266 resting on the mandrel 251 and retained initially in retracted position by an encompassing mandrel skirt 267 surrounding the upper tapered portion 268 of the lock ring. The ring 266 is prevented from turning by a pin 269 secured to the top of the oval mandrel and extending upwardly through a notch 269a in the ring (FIG. 18). The pin 269 is disposed between the ends of the lock ring 265 to limit the extent of its turning to a few degrees only, the open end 265a of the lock ring being prevented from shifting to any substantial extent laterally of the axis of the passage 252 by a pair of spaced vertical pins 269b secured to the upper end of the mandrel 251 and disposed externally of the lock ring to be engaged thereby, as disclosed in FIG. 18, when the ring has been expanded outwardly into engagement with a companion arcuate lock groove 400 in the second oval passage 30 and which is disposed at one end portion of the oval passage.

The mandrel running tool 261 has an upper reduced diameter portion 269 extending through an orientation guide frame 270 that rests upon an upwardly facing shoulder 271 of the running tool, this guide frame having the upper end of an annulus pin or rod 272 firmly secured thereto and extending into the second bore 255 of the oval mandrel. The guide frame carries a guide member 273 having an enlarged opening 274 receiving the central hub part 275 of the guide frame (FIG. 14) and which can shift laterally of the hub in several directions and pivot to a limited extent about the axis of a vertical pin 276 fixed to the guide member 273 and extending into a transverse slot 277 in the guide frame. The guide assembly has an orienting lug 278 at one side thereof opposite the mandrel running tool 261 for coaction with the cam surface 230 of the second string locator sleeve 222. This lug can slide downwardly along the cam surface, and in so doing will turn the entire apparatus, including the running tool 261, pin 272 and mandrel 251 within the locator sleeve 222 until the guide lug 278 slides down into the longitudinal groove 231 in the locator sleeve, at which time the oval mandrel 251 is in appropriate alignment with the oval passage 30a through the locator member 225. Some lateral shifting can occur, and also relative turning, between the running tool 261, diaphragm 270 and the rod 272 with respect to the guide member 273, because of the enlarged opening 274 in the guide member and the transverse slot 277 receiving the pin 276 to permit the turning of the oval mandrel 251 into its position of alignment with the oval passage 30a. Such shifting insures that the oval mandrel 251 will be turned into the position of alignment with the oval passage 30a despite the fact that it may have reached the upper end of the locator sleeve 222 in a position in which the orienting lug 278 is disposed about 180.degree. from the vertical orienting groove 231 in the locator sleeve 222.

The oval mandrel 271 passes through the oval passage 30a in the locator member 225 and into the oval passage 30 of the tubing hanger, until a flange 401 on the oval mandrel comes to rest on a companion seat 402 in the tubing hanger, as disclosed in FIGS. 5a and 5b. At this time, the nipple 256 will be disposed below the passage 30, and side seals 403 on the oval mandrel will be in sealing engagement with a sealing surface 404 in the passage 30 above its seat 402. Rotation of the running string 405 secured to the upper end of the running tool 261 to the right to a small extent, such as a single turn, partially unthreads the lower portion 262 of the running tool from the left-hand thread 253 in the mandrel bore 252, elevating the skirt 267 from the lock ring 264 and permitting it to expand outwardly inherently into the lock groove 400 in the tubing hanger. The open or split end 265a of the lock ring will face outwardly toward the opposite end of the oval passage 30, with more than 180.degree. of the lock ring disposed within the companion arcuate lock groove 400, the lock ring 265 extending partially across the mandrel 251 to prevent its upward movement within the tubing hanger (FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 15, 18). The running string 405 and running tool 261 are then turned to a further extent to the right to completely unthread the running mandrel 261 from the oval mandrel 251, permitting the running tool and the orienting assembly carried thereby, as well as the rods 272, to be elevated through the marine riser 20 to the drilling vessel.

A running tool 90 is then lowered on the running string 93 through the marine riser and into the locator 220, with the cylinder sleeve 105 in its upper position, the latch ring 100 being retracted, until the clutch 128 engages the shoulder 222 on the upper end of the locator body 221. An appropriate dart (not shown) is then run through the running string 93 and inserted in the running tool body 94, for pressure to be applied through the upper ports 16, forcing the cylinder sleeve 105 downwardly behind the latch ring 100 and expanding it outwardly into the groove 223, thereby coupling the second string locator apparatus 220 to the running tool. The running string 93 is now elevated to elevate the running tool and the locator apparatus connected thereto through the marine riser 20 to the drilling vessel.

The second tubing string 210a with its side pocket mandrels thereon has thus been installed in the well bore, hanging appropriately from the tubing hanger 10 alongside the first tubing string 210 that was lowered in the well bore together with the tubing hanger itself.

First and second strings of tubing 300, 301 can now be lowered from the drilling vessel and appropriately related to the first and second passages 29, 30 through the hanger body 10 and through the hanger mandrel 251 (FIG. 6). These tubing strings have lower portions 302, 303 threadedly secured, as by left hand threads 304, 305, in parallel bores through an orienting member 306 having an orienting lug 307 related to the tubing strings 300, 301 in the same manner as the passage 29, 30 through the tubing hanger 10 are related to the coupling orienting groove 208. The member 306 carries a lower ring 308 adapted to bear upon the tubing hanger 10, the member 306 being capable of turning around the ring 308 because of a swivel connection therewith provided by a split ring 309 received in opposed grooves 310 in the ring and member, a bearing 311 being disposed between the member 306 and ring 308. The assembly of tubing 300, 301, body member 306 and ring 308 is then lowered through the marine riser 20 until the ring 308 rests on top of the tubing hanger 10, after which the tubing strings 300, 301 are turned, as to the right, until the orienting lug 307 snaps out into the orienting groove 28, which will insure the appropriate alignment of the first tubing string 300 with the first passage 29, and of the second tubing string 301 with the passage 252 through the oval mandrel 251.

Each tubing string is then rotated to the right to unthread it from the orienting member 306, thereby disconnecting the tubing strings from the member, whereupon each tubing string can be lowered until its lower threaded pin, which has the left hand thread thereon, is in threaded mesh with the internal threads 315 in the respective bores 29, 252, whereupon continued left hand rotation fully secures the lower portion of each tubing string 300, 301 to the companion internally threaded box in the tubing hanger and in the oval bore, at which time suitable side seals 316 on the lower portions of each tubing string are engaged in the cylindrical seal bores 317 of the tubing hanger and mandrel, the parts then being in the position illustrated in FIG. 7.

If the blowout preventer stack 19 is to be removed and a Christmas tree installed, suitable plugs (not shown) can be lowered through the tubing strings 300, 301 and set in the landing nipple portions 318, 319 of the first and second passages 29, 252, as well as in the landing nipple portion 320 of the third passage 255 through the oval mandrel 251. It is noted that each of these landing nipple portions has a groove 321 therein and a sealing surface 322 therebelow for receiving a suitable blanking plug that is releasably locked in the landing nipple portion, so as to close off the tubing string therebelow. These blanking plugs can be of the type manufactured by Baker Oil Tools, Inc. or by Otis Engineering Corporation, such plugs being well known in the industry. Upon installation of the plugs, the tubing strings 300, 301 can be rotated to the right and released from the tubing hanger 10 and the oval mandrel 251 and withdrawn, with the orienting member 306, to the drilling vessel, whereupon the blowout preventer stack 19 can be disconnected and removed. A suitable Christmas tree (not shown) can be mounted in place in a known manner in appropriate relation to the tubing hanger 10 and its bores, the Christmas tree having provisions thereon for tubing sealing within the several passages 29, 252, 255.

In the event that the well production is to be gas lifted through the second tubing string 210a and through the Christmas tree assembly, gas under pressure can be pumped down through the nipple 256 flowing out through its perforations 258 into the well casing, the gas passing through the gas lift valves in the side pocket mandrels for the purpose of elevating the production in the second tubing string 210a to the top of the well bore, all in a known manner.

Claims

I claim:

1. In apparatus to be located in a hanger disposed above a well bore: hanger body means adapted to be seated in the hanger and having a plurality of passages therein for tubing strings to be disposed in the well bore, a first of said passages being communicable with a first tubing string, a second of said passages being of oval cross-section; a mandrel of oval cross-section adapted to be seated in said second passage and adapted to support a second tubing string disposed in the well bore, said mandrel having a third passage communicating with said second tubing string and a fourth passage establishing communicating between a region above said mandrel and a region below said mandrel externally of said second tubing string.

2. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; said second tubing string including a side pocket mandrel establishing communication between the interior and exterior of said second tubing string, the distance across said second tubing string and its side pocket mandrel being less than the major diameter of said oval passage to permit passage of said second tubing string through said oval passage.

3. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; and means for orienting said oval mandrel relative to said oval passage for movement of said oval mandrel into said oval passage.

4. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; and means for orienting said oval mandrel relative to said oval passage for movement of said oval mandrel into said oval passage; said orienting means including a locator adapted for lowering to a position above and adjacent to said hanger body means and oriented in a predetermined position with respect to said oval passage; a running tool secured to the upper portion of said mandrel for lowering said mandrel in said locator; and coengageable means on said running tool and locator for turning said mandrel in said locator, as said running tool lowers said mandrel in said locator, to a position of alignment of said mandrel with said oval passage for movement of said mandrel into said oval passage.

5. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; and means for orienting said oval mandrel relative to said oval passage for movement of said oval mandrel into said oval passage; said orienting means including a locator adapted for lowering to a position above and adjacent to said hanger body means and oriented in a predetermined position with respect to said oval passage; a running tool secured to the upper portion of said mandrel for lowering said mandrel in said locator; and coengageable means on said running tool and locator for turning said mandrel in said locator, as said running tool lowers said mandrel in said locator, to a position of alignment of said mandrel with said oval passage for movement of said mandrel into said oval passage, said coengageable means on said running tool and locator comprising an orienting device on said running tool, and a downwardly inclined cam surface in said locator engaged by said orienting device to turn said mandrel to said position of alignment as said running tool lowers said orienting device and mandrel in said locator.

6. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; and means for orienting said oval mandrel relative to said oval passage for movement of said oval mandrel into said oval passage; said orienting means including a locator adapted for lowering to a position above and adjacent to said hanger body means and oriented in a predetermined position with respect to said oval passage; a running tool secured to the upper portion of said mandrel for lowering said mandrel in said locator; and coengageable means on said running tool and locator for turning said mandrel in said locator, as said running tool lowers said mandrel in said locator, to a position of alignment of said mandrel with said oval passage for movement of said mandrel into said oval passage, said coengageable means on said running tool and locator comprising an orienting device on said running tool, and a downwardly inclined cam surface in said locator engaged by said orienting device to turn said mandrel to said position of alignment as said running tool lowers said orienting device and mandrel in said locator, said orienting device including means extending into said fourth passage, whereby said running tool, mandrel and orienting device turn as a unit in said locator.

7. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; and means for orienting said oval mandrel relative to said oval passage for movement of said oval mandrel into said oval passage; said orienting means including a locator adapted for lowering to a position above and adjacent to said hanger body means and oriented in a predetermined position with respect to said oval passage; a running tool secured to the upper portion of said mandrel for lowering said mandrel in said locator; and coengageable means on said running tool and locator for turning said mandrel in said locator, as said running tool lowers said mandrel in said locator, to a position of alignment of said mandrel with said oval passage for movement of said mandrel into said oval passage; said locator including guide means engaged by the second tubing string to direct the second tubing string into said second passage.

8. In apparatus as defined in claim 1; and means for orienting said oval mandrel relative to said oval passage for movement of said oval mandrel into said oval passage; said orienting means including a locator adapted for lowering to a position above and adjacent to said hanger body means and oriented in a predetermined position with respect to said oval passage; a running tool secured to the upper portion of said mandrel for lowering said mandrel in said locator; and coengageable means on said running tool and locator for turning said mandrel in said locator, as said running tool lowers said mandrel in said locator, to a position of alignment of said mandrel with said oval passage for movement of said mandrel into said oval passage; said locator including guide means engaged by the second tubing string to direct the second tubing string into said second passage; said guide means having an oval passage aligned with said second passage and in which the second tubing string and mandrel pass for movement of the mandrel into said oval passage.

9. In apparatus to be disposed in a hanger located above a well bore and to be oriented in a predetermined angular position relative to a reference member above the well bore; hanger body means adapted to be seated in the hanger and having a plurality of passages therein for tubing strings to be disposed in the well bore, a first of said passages being communicable with a first tubing string, a second of said passages being of oval cross section; a running tool adapted to be secured to a running string, said running tool having a first orienting member engageable with the reference member to place said running tool in a predetermined angular position relative to the reference member; means releasably securing said running tool to said hanger body means for lowering said hanger body means into the hanger; means interconnecting said hanger body means and running tool for retaining said hanger body means in a predetermined angular position relative to said running tool, whereby to locate said hanger body means and its oval passage at a predetermined angular position relative to the reference member when said orienting member is engaged therewith; a mandrel of oval cross section adapted to be seated in said second passage and adapted to support a second tubing string disposed in the well bore, said mandrel having a third passage communicable with the second tubing string and a fourth passage establishing communicating between a region above said mandrel and a region below said mandrel externally of the second tubing string.

10. In apparatus as defined in claim 9; a locator; a second running tool adapted to be secured to a running string and releasably secured to said locator for lowering said locator to a position above and adjacent to said hanger body means; said locator having a second orienting member engageable with the reference member to place said locator in a predetermined position with respect to said oval passage; a third running tool secured to the upper portion of said mandrel for lowering said mandrel in said locator; and coengageable means on said third running tool and locator for turning said mandrel in said locator, as said third running tool lowers said mandrel in said locator, to a position of alignment of said mandrel with said oval passage for movement of said mandrel into said oval passage.

11. In apparatus as defined in claim 9; a locator; a second running tool adapted to be secured to a running string and releasably secured to said locator for lowering said locator to a position above and adjacent to said hanger body means; said locator having a second orienting member engageable with the reference member to place said locator in a predetermined position with respect to said oval passage; a third running tool secured to the upper portion of said mandrel for lowering said mandrel in said locator; and coengageable means on said third running tool and locator for turning said mandrel in said locator, as said third running tool lowers said mandrel in said locator, to a position of alignment of said mandrel with said oval passage for movement of said mandrel into said oval passage, said third running tool being releasably secured to said mandrel for release and removal from said mandrel after seating of said mandrel in said second passage.

12. In apparatus as defined in claim 9; a locator; a second running tool adapted to be secured to a running string and releasably secured to said locator for lowering said locator to a position above and adjacent to said hanger body means; said locator having a second orienting member engageable with the reference member to place said locator in a predetermined position with respect to said oval passage; a third running tool secured to the upper portion of said mandrel for lowering said mandrel in said locator; and coengageable means on said third running tool and locator for turning said mandrel in said locator, as said third running tool lowers said mandrel in said locator, to a position of alignment of said mandrel with said oval passage for movement of said mandrel into said oval passage; said co-engageable means on said third running tool and locator comprising an orienting device on said third running tool, and a downwardly inclined cam surface in said locator engaged by said orienting device to turn said mandrel to said position of alignment as said third running tool lowers said orienting device and mandrel in said locator.

13. In apparatus as defined in claim 9; a locator; a second running tool adapted to be secured to a running string and releasably secured to said locator for lowering said locator to a position above and adjacent to said hanger body means; said locator having a second orienting member engageable with the reference member to place said locator in a predetermined position with respect to said oval passage; a third running tool secured to the upper portion of said mandrel for lowering said mandrel in said locator; and coengageable means on said third running tool and locator for turning said mandrel in said locator, as said third running tool lowers said mandrel in said locator, to a position of alignment of said mandrel with said oval passage for movement of said mandrel into said oval passage; said coengageable means on said third running tool and locator comprising an orienting device on said third running tool, and a downwardly inclined cam surface in said locator engaged by said orienting device to turn said mandrel to said position of alignment as said third running tool lowers said orienting device and mandrel in said locator, said orienting device including means extending into said fourth passage, whereby said third running tool, mandrel and orienting device turn as a unit in said locator.

14. In apparatus as defined in claim 9; a locator; a second running tool adapted to be secured to a running string and releasably secured to said locator for lowering said locator to a position above and adjacent to said hanger body means; said locator having a second orienting member engageable with the reference member to place said locator in a predetermined position with respect to said oval passage; a third running tool secured to the upper portion of said mandrel for lowering said mandrel in said locator; and coengageable means on said third running tool and locator for turning said mandrel in said locator, as said third running tool lowers said mandrel in said locator, to a position of alignment of said mandrel with said oval passage for movement of said mandrel into said oval passage; said locator including guide means engaged by the second tubing string to direct the second tubing string into said second passage.

15. In apparatus as defined in claim 9; a locator; a second running tool adapted to be secured to a running string and releasably secured to said locator for lowering said locator to a position above and adjacent to said hanger body means; said locator having a second orienting member engageable with the reference member to place said locator in a predetermined position with respect to said oval passage; a third running tool secured to the upper portion of said mandrel for lowering said mandrel in said locator; and coengageable means on said third running tool and locator for turning said mandrel in said locator, as said third running tool lowers said mandrel in said locator, to a position of alignment of said mandrel with said oval passage for movement of said mandrel into said oval passage; said locator including guide means engaged by the second tubing string to direct the second tubing string into said second passage, said guide means having an oval passage aligned with said second passage and through which the second tubing string and mandrel pass for movement of said mandrel into said oval passage.

16. In apparatus to be located in a hanger disposed above a well bore: hanger body means adapted to be seated in the hanger and having a plurality of passages therein for tubing strings to be disposed in the well bore, a first of said passages being communicable with a first tubing string; a mandrel adapted to be seated in a second of said passages and adapted to support a second tubing string disposed in the well bore, said mandrel having a third passage communicable with said second tubing string and a fourth passage establishing communication between a region above said mandrel and a region below said mandrel externally of said second tubing string; means for orienting said mandrel relative to said second passage for movement of said mandrel into said second passage; said orienting means including a locator adapted for lowering to a position above and adjacent to said hanger body means and oriented in a predetermined position with respect to said second passage; a running tool secured to the upper portion of said mandrel for lowering said mandrel in said locator; and coengageable means on said running tool and locator for turning said mandrel and said locator, as said running tool lowers said mandrel in said locator, to a position of alignment of said mandrel with said second passage for movement of said mandrel into said second passage.

17. In apparatus as defined in claim 16; said coengageable means on said running tool and locator comprising an orienting device on said running tool, and a downwardly inclined cam surface in said locator engaged by said orienting device to turn said mandrel to said position of alignment as said running tool lowers said orienting device and mandrel in said locator.

18. In apparatus as defined in claim 16; said coengageable means on said running tool and locator comprising an orienting device on said running tool, and a downwardly inclined cam surface in said locator engaged by said orienting device to turn said mandrel to said position of alignment as said running tool lowers said orienting device and mandrel in said locator, said orienting device including means extending into said fourth passage, whereby said running tool, mandrel and orienting device turn as a unit in said locator.

19. In apparatus as defined in claim 16; said locator including guide means engaged by the second tubing string to direct the second tubing string into said second passage.

20. In apparatus to be disposed in a hanger located above a well bore and to be oriented in a predetermined angular position relative to a reference member above the well bore: hanger body means adapted to be seated in the hanger and having a plurality of passages therein for tubing strings to be disposed in the well bore, a first of said passages being communicable with a first tubing string, a second of said passages being adapted to receive a second tubing string; a running tool adapted to be secured to a running string, said running tool having a first orienting member engageable with the reference member to place said running tool in a predetermined angular position relative to the reference member; means releasably securing said running tool to said hanger body means for lowering said hanger body means into the hanger; means interconnecting said hanger body means and running tool for retaining said hanger body means in a predetermined angular relation to said running toool, whereby to locate said hanger body means and its second passage at a predetermined angular relation relative to the reference member when said orienting member is engaged therewith; a mandrel adapted to be seated in said second passage and adapted to support the second tubing string disposed in the well bore, said mandrel having a third passage communicable with the second tubing string and a fourth passage establishing communication between a region above said mandrel and a region below said mandrel externally of the second tubing string; a locator; a second running tool adapted to be secured to a running string and releasably secured to said locator for lowering said locator to a position above and adjacent to said hanger body means; said locator having a second orienting member engageable with the reference member to place said locator in a predetermined position with respect to said second passage; a third running tool secured to the upper portion of said mandrel for lowering said mandrel in said locator; and coengageable means on said third running tool and locator for turning said mandrel in said locator as said third running tool lowers said mandrel in said locator to a position of alignment of said mandrel with said second passage for movement of said mandrel into said second passage.

21. In apparatus as defined in claim 20; said third running tool being releasably secured to said mandrel for release and removal from said mandrel after seating of said mandrel in said second passage.

22. In apparatus as defined in claim 20, said third running tool being releasably secured to said mandrel for release and removal from said mandrel after seating of said mandrel in said second passage; said coengageable means on said third running tool and locator comprising an orienting device on said third running tool, and a downwardly inclined cam surface in said locator engaged by said orienting device to turn said mandrel to said position of alignment as said third running tool lowers said orienting device and mandrel in said locator.

23. In apparatus as defined in claim 20, said third running tool being releasably secured to said mandrel for release and removal from said mandrel after seating of said mandrel in said second passage; said coengageable means on said third running tool and locator comprising an orienting device on said third running tool, and a downwardly inclined cam surface in said locator engaged by said orienting device to turn said mandrel to said position of alignment as said third running tool lowers said orienting device and mandrel in said locator, said orienting device including means extending into said fourth passage, whereby said third running tool, mandrel and orienting device turn as a unit in said locator.

24. In apparatus as defined in claim 20; said locator including guide means engaged by the second tubing string to direct the second tubing string into said second passage.

25. In apparatus as defined in claim 20; said locator including guide means engaged by the second tubing string to direct the second tubing string into said second passage; said coengageable means on said third running tool and locator comprising an orienting device on said third running tool, and a downwardly inclined cam surface in said locator engaged by said orienting device to turn said mandrel to said position of alignment as said third running tool lowers said orienting device and mandrel in said locator.