Patent · US Expired

Flow control apparatus with specific latching means for use in a subterranean well and associated methods

US6082458A · kind A · utility

26Cited by
6References
9Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJul 1, 1999
Grant dateJul 4, 2000
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 1, 2019

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE21B2200/02
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A flow control apparatus and associated methods of using provide enhanced longevity and reliability without requiring complex mechanisms. In a described embodiment, a choke for use within a subterranean well has multiple trim sets which may be selected by manipulation of an inner tubular cage. Additional features include provision of releasable latches to maintain the cage in a desired position, and utilization of biasing members to bias the cage toward a neutral position in which all of the trim sets are closed.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.