Patent · US Expired

Downhole circulation valve operated by dropping balls

US7055605B2 · kind B2 · utility

12Cited by
4References
15Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 11, 2002
Grant dateJun 6, 2006
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 17, 2022

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE21B21/103
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A downhole tool (10) for selectively circulating fluid in a borehole is disclosed. The tool operates via the use of a combination of deformable drop balls (36) and smaller hard drop balls (40). In use a deformable drop ball (36) moves a sleeve (20) exposing a radial port (30,32) to provide fluid circulation radially from the tool. The smaller drop ball (40) can then obstruct the radial port (32,30) and by the increased pressure the deformable drop ball (36) is extruded through the tool. The resulting pressure differential as the drop ball (36) moves causes the sleeve (20) to rise, releasing the smaller drop (40) ball and closing the radial port (32,30). The process can be repeated to selectively circulate fluid through the tool.

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