Abstract:
An apparatus is provided for producing a well from at least one productive zone penetrated by the well bore in which casing is set below the top of the well. Tubing hanger means support at least one production tubing string extending downwardly in the well bore and communicating with a production zone. Anchor means on the tubing hanger means are actuatable into anchoring engagement with the casing. The tubing hanger means receives at least one upper production tubing string section typically carrying safety valve means thereon extending to the top of the well and sealingly engageable with the tubing hanger means before, during and after the anchoring engagement of the tubing hanger means with the casing, whereby the upper production tubing string section is respectively communicable with the downwardly extending production tubing string when the tubing hanger is set. A latch apparatus is carried on and extending between the upper production tubing string sections for initial securement of the tubing hanger means to each of the upper production tubing string sections, the latch apparatus carrying the sum of the strength of the tubing hanger means and each of the lower production tubing string sections. Anchoring of the tubing hanger and sealing engagement therein of the production tubing string section may be effected in one trip down the well, without the requirement of retrieval of a work string or other means used to set the hanger, and without subsequent re-entry into the well of the upper production tubing string section carrying the safety valve means for sealing engagement into the hanger means.