Importance

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Abstract

A liner seal for use in a tool string for sealing above a gravel pack around a liner screen. The liner seal is originally positioned in the tool string between the liner screen and a release mechanism. The release mechanism is a pressure actuated, non-rotational type having collets engaged with a portion of the liner seal. Gravel is packed around the liner screen, and the release mechanism is actuated. Setting weight on an outer sleeve of the liner seal downwardly moves the outer sleeve with respect to an inner sleeve attached to the liner screen. This relatively converging movement of the outer and inner sleeves radially outwardly displaces a seal member into sealing engagement with the well bore. A shear pin is included so that a predetermined load is required for downwardly moving the outer sleeve. A slip is provided to prevent upward movement of the outer sleeve, thus preventing disengagement of the seal member with the well bore. The liner seal sealingly encloses an upper end of an annular volume around the liner screen, and prevents upward migration of a gravel pack in the annular volume. After the liner seal is released and set, the tool string may be removed from the hole. An additional trip for setting a separate liner seal is eliminated.

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First Claim