US3930540A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Wellbore circulating valve
Assignee: Halliburton Co
•
Filing: 1974-10-10
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Granted: 1976-01-06
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Expires: 1994-10-10
Abstract
Abstract A wellbore circulating valve especially useful in a string of testing tools utilizes a sequentially ratcheted inner mandrel which covers a series of flow ports and is opened by a predetermined sequence of operations which move the mandrel away from the flow ports thereby communicating the annulus with the inner bore of the tool.
Inventors
- 👤 John C. Holden
- 👤 Gary Q. Wray
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 02:11
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B34/00; E21B34/06; E21B34/14; E21B34/10; E21B34/108; E21B34/12; E21B49/00; E21B49/001; E21B49/08; E21B49/087
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
201 words
In a well testing apparatus to be used in conjunction with a testing tool string having open interior means including flow passage means operable to communicate will well formation fluid under the control of valve means for opening and closing said flow passage means in response to changes in pressure of fluid in a well annulus surrounding said apparatus, the improvement comprising: normally closed, well annulus pressure change responsive, circulating valve means adapted to communicate a portion of said open interior means of said string with said well annulus; and opening means responsive to at least a predetermined minimum number of said pressure changes for opening said circulating valve means to enable fluid to be removed from said open interior means of said testing tool string by circulation of fluid between said well annulus and said open interior; said opening means being operable to prevent said opening of said circulating valve means until after said predetermined minimum number of said pressure changes has occurred; and said circulating valve means, prior to said opening thereof, being operable to prevent fluid communication between fluid in said well annulus and fluid in said open interior means of said tool string, through said opening means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
201 words
In a well testing apparatus to be used in conjunction with a testing tool string having open interior means including flow passage means operable to communicate will well formation fluid under the control of valve means for opening and closing said flow passage means in response to changes in pressure of fluid in a well annulus surrounding said apparatus, the improvement comprising: normally closed, well annulus pressure change responsive, circulating valve means adapted to communicate a portion of said open interior means of said string with said well annulus; and opening means responsive to at least a predetermined minimum number of said pressure changes for opening said circulating valve means to enable fluid to be removed from said open interior means of said testing tool string by circulation of fluid between said well annulus and said open interior; said opening means being operable to prevent said opening of said circulating valve means until after said predetermined minimum number of said pressure changes has occurred; and said circulating valve means, prior to said opening thereof, being operable to prevent fluid communication between fluid in said well annulus and fluid in said open interior means of said tool string, through said opening means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
50 words
The improvement in the well testing apparatus of claim 1 wherein said open interior means has a normally closed port in communication therewith, and said circulating valve means includes a slidable sleeve arranged to span said port in one position and is movable to another position to open said port.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
65 words
The improvement in the well testing apparatus of claim 2 wherein said opening means includes piston means within said apparatus having a transverse surface area subject to the pressure of fluid in the well annulus surrounding said apparatus so that fluid pressure can act to shift said piston means in one longitudinal direction, and means for urging said piston means in the other longitudinal direction.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
210 words
In a method of well testing to be used in conjunction with a testing tool string having open interior means including flow passage means operable to communicate with well formation fluid under the control of valve means for opening and closing said flow passage means in response to changes in the pressure of fluid in a well annulus surrounding said apparatus, the improvement comprising: providing in said testing tool string normally closed, well annulus pressure change responsive circulating valve means adapted to communicate a portion of said open interior means of said tool string with said well annulus; responsive to at least a predetermined minimum number of said pressure changes for opening said circulating valve means, opening said circulating valve means to enable fluid to be removed from said open interior means of said testing tool string by circulation of fluid between said well annulus and said open interior; preventing said opening of said circulating valve means until after said predetermined minimum number of said pressure changes has occurred; and prior to said opening of said circulating valve means, maintaining said circulating valve means closed to prevent fluid communication between fluid in said well annulus and fluid in said open interior means of said tool string, through said opening means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
210 words
In a method of well testing to be used in conjunction with a testing tool string having open interior means including flow passage means operable to communicate with well formation fluid under the control of valve means for opening and closing said flow passage means in response to changes in the pressure of fluid in a well annulus surrounding said apparatus, the improvement comprising: providing in said testing tool string normally closed, well annulus pressure change responsive circulating valve means adapted to communicate a portion of said open interior means of said tool string with said well annulus; responsive to at least a predetermined minimum number of said pressure changes for opening said circulating valve means, opening said circulating valve means to enable fluid to be removed from said open interior means of said testing tool string by circulation of fluid between said well annulus and said open interior; preventing said opening of said circulating valve means until after said predetermined minimum number of said pressure changes has occurred; and prior to said opening of said circulating valve means, maintaining said circulating valve means closed to prevent fluid communication between fluid in said well annulus and fluid in said open interior means of said tool string, through said opening means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-01-05 | 1979-07-07 | 1980-01-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-01-05 | 1983-07-07 | 1984-01-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-01-05 | 1987-07-07 | 1988-01-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |