Patent · US Expired

Flow control apparatus for use in a wellbore

US6644412B2 · kind B2 · utility

117Cited by
18References
83Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 25, 2001
Grant dateNov 11, 2003
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 25, 2021

Classification

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

Abstract

An apparatus and method of controlling the flow of hydrocarbons into and/or out of a string of tubing disposed in a wellbore. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a tubular member having at least one aperture formed in a wall thereof and a sleeve disposed radially outward of the tubular member. The sleeve is selectively movable between a first position and a second position to control the flow between the outside and the inside of the tubular member. In one aspect, the apparatus further comprises a biasing member disposed adjacent the sleeve and adapted to apply a force against the sleeve in an axial direction and further comprises a piston adapted to receive a hydraulic pressure to move the sleeve against the force of the biasing member. In another aspect, the apparatus further comprises a electromechanical device adapted to selectively move the sleeve between the first position and the second position and further comprises a control line adapted to conduct an electrical current. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a tubular member having at least one aperture formed therein and a fixed ring and a rotatable ring disposed radially outward of the tubular member. In …

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