Actuating ball
US5941309A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 20, 1997 |
| Grant date | Aug 24, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 20, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/1789
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The present invention relates to tools for use in wellbores which are actuated by means of actuating balls. The invention provides a method of actuating a tool located in a wellbore, the method comprising the sequential steps of: (a) locating a frangible actuating ball (2) on a seat, the seat being provided in the tool for receiving the actuating ball (2); (b) pumping fluid down a tubing string attached to the tool so as to apply a force to the seat and thereby actuate the tool, the force being transmitted to the seat through the actuating ball (2); and (c) breaking the actuating ball (2) to permit fluid to flow through the seat. The invention has the advantage over the prior art of providing means for actuating a downhole tool with an actuating ball (2) so that the actuating ball (2) does not form an undesirable obstruction once the tool has been actuated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.