Thermally-controlled valves and methods of using the same in a wellbore
US7032675B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 6, 2003 |
| Grant date | Apr 25, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 30, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05D23/123
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods of operating a downhole tool comprise thermally-controlling the tool by sensing a temperature and controlling the tool in response to the sensed temperature. Thermally-controlled downhole tools comprise a control element responsive to a change in temperature that control flow into, out of, or through a wellbore. Methods and systems for servicing a wellbore comprise using a thermally-controlled tool comprising a thermally-controlled valve (TCV) in a wellbore. The TCV includes a valve body comprising an injection port for allowing material to flow into or out of the wellbore and an opening/closing mechanism for regulating flow of the material through the injection port in response to a change in temperature. The valve body may be coupled to a downhole conduit. A plurality of TCV's may be arranged in the wellbore to control the injection of steam into the wellbore or the recovery of oil from the wellbore.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.