Patent · US Expired

Mechanically opened ball seat and expandable ball seat

US6866100B2 · kind B2 · utility

78Cited by
19References
26Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 23, 2002
Grant dateMar 15, 2005
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 24, 2022

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE21B2200/04
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A method and apparatus for obstructing the passage of fluid within a fluid flow conduit and subsequently reconfiguring the tool to allow substantially full-bore passage therethrough. Pressure developed upstream of the obstruction can be utilized to operate pressure actuated tools such as liner hangers. Equipment used in subsequent wellbore operations such as drill pipe darts can pass undamaged through the opened port. In an embodiment, the flow through a tubular is obstructed by placing a ball on an expandable ball seat, developing a pressure differential across the ball seat, equalizing the pressure after the hydraulically actuated tool completes its function, and mechanically manipulating the drill string to open the expandable ball seat and allow the ball to pass through.

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