Production tubing shunt valve
US6289990A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 24, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 18, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 24, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B34/08
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A submersible pump assembly suspended on a string of tubing in a well has a valve that drains the tubing above the pump when the pump shuts down. The valve includes a valve housing installed with the tubing string above the submersible pump assembly. The valve housing has an interior in communication with fluid in the string of tubing above the valve housing, and a shunt port communicating the interior of the valve housing with an annulus surrounding the string of tubing. A valve cage is slidably received within the valve housing for movement between upper and lower positions. The valve cage blocks communication through the shunt port while in the upper position, and while in the lower position, opens the shunt port. A valve seat is located in the valve cage, and a valve member moves between a lower position, sealingly engaging the valve seat, and an upper position, allowing flow through the valve seat from the pump to the tubing string. Pump pressure causes the valve cage and the valve member to move to the upper positions. Ceasing operation of the submersible pump assembly causes the valve cage and the valve member to move to the lower positions, allowing fluid in the tubing stri…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.