Valve for a downhole tool
US9677348B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 15, 2012 |
| Grant date | Jun 13, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 6, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16K31/52425
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A commutating valve for a downhole steering tool. The downhole steering tool has a sleeve which surrounds an annular body which in turn surrounds a driveshaft. A plurality of steering cylinders are located in the annular body and a steering piston is located in each steering cylinder, the steering pistons engaging the sleeve. A pump pressurizes hydraulic fluid within a reservoir, the reservoir having a closable outlet whereby the pressure of the hydraulic fluid within the reservoir can be raised by closing the outlet and lowered by opening the outlet. The valve comprises a number of discrete valve members which are all in communication with the reservoir and can be opened sequentially whereby to deliver hydraulic fluid to the steering cylinders sequentially. The pressure within each steering cylinder can be controlled in order to control the position of the driveshaft within the sleeve.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.