Patent US3777740A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4373582A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Acoustically controlled electro-mechanical circulation sub
Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Co
•
Filing: 1980-12-22
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Granted: 1983-02-15
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Expires: 2000-12-22
Abstract
Abstract This invention relates to a self-contained circulation sub which may be operated upon control from the surface. It may be in the shape of a short section of drill collar and utilizes a sleeve valve to cover the circulation ports. Upon reception of an acoustic signal from the surface, a control valve directs fluid from the pipe bore onto a pressure face on the sleeve valve. The sleeve valve then moves down and exposes the circulation ports thereby allowing drilling fluids to pass from its interior to its exterior.
Inventors
- 👤 John M. Bednar
- 👤 Daniel P. Postler
- 👤 Terry V. Jones
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 00:56
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B21/00; E21B21/10; E21B21/103; E21B34/00; E21B34/06; E21B34/066; E21B47/00; E21B47/12; E21B47/14; E21B47/16
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 57
Claim 1
Independent Claim
260 words
A device for use in a well which may be used as a circulation sub comprising: a housing having an inner bore, an exterior wall, and at least one circulation port allowing fluid communication between the inner bore and the exterior wall; a piston sleeve slidably mounted within the inner bore of the housing, covering said at least one circulation port in one position, and having pressure responsive means adapted to slidably move the piston sleeve to another position uncovering said at least one circulation port upon application of sufficient fluid pressure; a control valve assembly for applying fluid pressure to the pressure responsive means of the piston sleeve and having a sleeve-shaped valve body with a first opening through the wall of said valve body in open communication with the pressure responsive means of the piston sleeve, a second opening through the wall of said valve body in open communication with the inner bore of the housing, a third opening through the wall of said valve body in open communication with the exterior of the housing, and also having a valve stem slidingly fitted within the valve body and adapted to allow, in a first position, communication between the first and third valve body openings while covering the second and, in a second position, communication between the first and second valve body openings while covering the third so as to allow said piston sleeve to move to a piston uncovering said at least one circulation port; and means for slidably moving the valve stem relative to the valve body.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
260 words
A device for use in a well which may be used as a circulation sub comprising: a housing having an inner bore, an exterior wall, and at least one circulation port allowing fluid communication between the inner bore and the exterior wall; a piston sleeve slidably mounted within the inner bore of the housing, covering said at least one circulation port in one position, and having pressure responsive means adapted to slidably move the piston sleeve to another position uncovering said at least one circulation port upon application of sufficient fluid pressure; a control valve assembly for applying fluid pressure to the pressure responsive means of the piston sleeve and having a sleeve-shaped valve body with a first opening through the wall of said valve body in open communication with the pressure responsive means of the piston sleeve, a second opening through the wall of said valve body in open communication with the inner bore of the housing, a third opening through the wall of said valve body in open communication with the exterior of the housing, and also having a valve stem slidingly fitted within the valve body and adapted to allow, in a first position, communication between the first and third valve body openings while covering the second and, in a second position, communication between the first and second valve body openings while covering the third so as to allow said piston sleeve to move to a piston uncovering said at least one circulation port; and means for slidably moving the valve stem relative to the valve body.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the housing is adapted at its upper and lower ends to connect to well drilling pipe or collars.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the piston sleeve is held in position covering said at least one circulation port by a regulator spring.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the valve stem is splined to allow fluid communication between said valve body openings.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the valve stem is necked down to allow fluid communication between said valve body openings.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the valve stem is slotted to allow fluid communication between said valve body openings.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for slidably moving the valve stem comprises at least one electric motor.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the means for slidably moving the valve stem additionally comprises a ball nut.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 7 or 8 wherein at least one limit switch limits the movement of the valve stem between said one position and said other position.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 7 additionally comprising battery means suitable for powering said at least one electric motor.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 10 additionally comprising a pressure switch adapted to electrically isolate said battery means when inner bore pressure nears atmospheric.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 10 additionally comprising means adapted to allow charging of said battery means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for slidably moving the valve stem comprises a solenoid.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for slidably moving the valve stem comprises a hydraulic actuator.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
284 words
A device suitable for use as a circulation sub in a well comprising: a housing having an inner bore, an exterior wall, and at least one circulation port allowing fluid communication between the inner bore and the exterior wall; a piston sleeve slidably mounted within the inner bore of the housing, covering said at least one circulation port in one position, and having pressure responsive means adapted to slidably move the piston sleeve to another position uncovering said at least one circulation port upon application of sufficient fluid pressure; a control valve assembly for applying fluid pressure to the pressure responsive means of the piston sleeve and having a sleeve-shaped valve body with a first opening through the wall of said valve body in open communication with the pressure responsive means of the piston sleeve, a second opening through the wall of said valve body in open communication with the inner bore of the housing, a third opening through the wall of said valve body in open communication with the exterior of the housing, and also having a valve stem slidingly fitted within the valve body and adapted to allow, in a first position, communication between the first and third valve body openings while covering the second and, in a second position, communication between the first and second valve body openings while covering the third so as to allow said piston sleeve to move to a position uncovering said at least one circulation port; means for slidably moving the valve stem relative to the valve body; and means for receiving an acoustic signal from the upper portion of the well adapted to actuate means for slidably moving the valve stem within the valve body.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
284 words
A device suitable for use as a circulation sub in a well comprising: a housing having an inner bore, an exterior wall, and at least one circulation port allowing fluid communication between the inner bore and the exterior wall; a piston sleeve slidably mounted within the inner bore of the housing, covering said at least one circulation port in one position, and having pressure responsive means adapted to slidably move the piston sleeve to another position uncovering said at least one circulation port upon application of sufficient fluid pressure; a control valve assembly for applying fluid pressure to the pressure responsive means of the piston sleeve and having a sleeve-shaped valve body with a first opening through the wall of said valve body in open communication with the pressure responsive means of the piston sleeve, a second opening through the wall of said valve body in open communication with the inner bore of the housing, a third opening through the wall of said valve body in open communication with the exterior of the housing, and also having a valve stem slidingly fitted within the valve body and adapted to allow, in a first position, communication between the first and third valve body openings while covering the second and, in a second position, communication between the first and second valve body openings while covering the third so as to allow said piston sleeve to move to a position uncovering said at least one circulation port; means for slidably moving the valve stem relative to the valve body; and means for receiving an acoustic signal from the upper portion of the well adapted to actuate means for slidably moving the valve stem within the valve body.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the housing is adapted at its upper and lower ends to connect to well drilling pipe or collars.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the piston sleeve is held in position covering said at least one circulation port by a regulator spring.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the valve stem is splined to allow fluid communication between said valve body openings.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the valve stem is necked down to allow fluid communication between said valve body openings.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the valve stem is slotted to allow fluid communication between said valve body openings.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the means for slidably moving the valve stem comprises at least one electric motor.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the means for slidably moving the valve stem additionally comprises a ball nut.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 21 or 22 wherein at least one limit switch limits the movement of the valve stem between said first position and said second position.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 21 additionally comprising battery means suitable for powering said at least one electric motor.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 24 additionally comprising a pressure switch adapted to electrically isolate said battery means when inner bore pressure nears atmospheric.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 24 additionally comprising means adapted to allow charging of said battery means.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the means for slidably moving the valve stem comprises a solenoid.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the means for slidably moving the valve stem comprises a hydraulic actuator.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said means for receiving an acoustic signal is adapted to be responsive to FSK signals of 310±20 Hz and 370±20 Hz.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 29 wherein said means for receiving an acoustic signal is adapted to be responsive to FSK signals of 316±4 Hz and 374±3 Hz.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
262 words
A device suitable for use as a circulation sub in a well comprising: a housing having an inner bore, an exterior wall, and at least one circulation port allowing fluid communication between the inner bore and the exterior wall; valve means adapted to close said at least one circulation port and having pressure responsive means adapted to be openable in response to application of sufficient pressure; a control valve assembly for applying fluid pressure to the pressure responsive means of the valve means and having a sleeve-shaped control valve body with a first opening through the wall of said control valve body in open communication with the pressure responsive means of the valve means, a second opening through the wall of said control valve body in open communication with the inner bore of the housing, a third through the wall of said control valve body in open communication with the exterior of the housing, and also having a control valve stem slidingly fitted within the control valve body and adapted to allow, in a first position, communication between the first and third control valve body openings while covering the second and, in a second position, communication between the first and second control valve body openings while covering the third so as to allow said valve means to open; means for slidably moving the control valve stem relative to the control valve body; and means for receiving an acoustic signal from an upper portion of the well adapted to actuate means for slidably moving the control valve stem within the control valve body.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
262 words
A device suitable for use as a circulation sub in a well comprising: a housing having an inner bore, an exterior wall, and at least one circulation port allowing fluid communication between the inner bore and the exterior wall; valve means adapted to close said at least one circulation port and having pressure responsive means adapted to be openable in response to application of sufficient pressure; a control valve assembly for applying fluid pressure to the pressure responsive means of the valve means and having a sleeve-shaped control valve body with a first opening through the wall of said control valve body in open communication with the pressure responsive means of the valve means, a second opening through the wall of said control valve body in open communication with the inner bore of the housing, a third through the wall of said control valve body in open communication with the exterior of the housing, and also having a control valve stem slidingly fitted within the control valve body and adapted to allow, in a first position, communication between the first and third control valve body openings while covering the second and, in a second position, communication between the first and second control valve body openings while covering the third so as to allow said valve means to open; means for slidably moving the control valve stem relative to the control valve body; and means for receiving an acoustic signal from an upper portion of the well adapted to actuate means for slidably moving the control valve stem within the control valve body.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 31 wherein the housing is adapted at its upper and lower ends to connect to well drilling pipe or collars.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 31 wherein the control valve stem is splined to allow fluid communication between said valve body openings.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 31 wherein the control valve stem is necked down to allow fluid communication between said control valve body openings.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 31 wherein the control valve stem is slotted to allow fluid communication between said control valve body openings.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 31 wherein the means for slidably moving the control valve stem comprises at least one electric motor.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 36 wherein the means for slidably moving the control valve stem additionally comprises a ball nut.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 36 or 37 wherein at least one limit switch limits the movement of the control valve stem between said first position and said second position.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 36 additionally comprising battery means suitable for powering said at least one electric motor.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 39 additionally comprising a pressure switch adapted to electrically isolate said battery means when inner bore pressure nears atmospheric.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 39 additionally comprising means adapted to allow charging of said battery means.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 31 wherein the means for slidably moving the control valve stem comprises a solenoid.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 31 wherein the means for slidably moving the control valve stem comprises a hydraulic actuator.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 31 wherein said means for receiving an acoustic signal is adapted to be responsive to FSK signals of 310±20 Hz and 370±20 Hz.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 44 wherein said means for receiving an acoustic signal is adapted to be responsive to FSK signals of 316±4 Hz and 374±3 Hz.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
161 words
A device suitable for use in a wall as circulation sub comprising: a housing having an inner bore, an exterior wall, at least one circulation port allowing fluid communication between the inner bore and the exterior wall and adapted at its upper and lower ends to connect to well drilling pipe or collars; a piston sleeve slidably mounted within the inner bore of the housing, covering said at least one circulation port in one position, and having pressure responsive means adapted to move the piston sleeve to another position uncovering said at least one circulation port upon application of sufficient fluid pressure from the fluid communicating between the inner bore and exterior wall; control valve means adapted to apply said sufficient fluid pressure to said piston sleeve pressure responsive means to move said piston sleeve to said another position; and means for receiving an acoustic signal from an upper portion of the well and adapted to actuate said control valve means.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
161 words
A device suitable for use in a wall as circulation sub comprising: a housing having an inner bore, an exterior wall, at least one circulation port allowing fluid communication between the inner bore and the exterior wall and adapted at its upper and lower ends to connect to well drilling pipe or collars; a piston sleeve slidably mounted within the inner bore of the housing, covering said at least one circulation port in one position, and having pressure responsive means adapted to move the piston sleeve to another position uncovering said at least one circulation port upon application of sufficient fluid pressure from the fluid communicating between the inner bore and exterior wall; control valve means adapted to apply said sufficient fluid pressure to said piston sleeve pressure responsive means to move said piston sleeve to said another position; and means for receiving an acoustic signal from an upper portion of the well and adapted to actuate said control valve means.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 46 wherein the piston sleeve is held in position covering said at least one circulation port by a regulator spring.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 46 wherein said means adapted to actuate the control valve includes an electric motor.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 48 additionally comprising battery means suitable for powering said at least one electric motor.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 49 additionally comprising a pressure switch adapted to isolate said battery means when inner bore pressure nears atmospheric.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 49 additionally comprising means adapted to allow charging of said battery means.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 46 wherein said means for receiving an acoustic signal is adapted to be responsive to FSK signals of 310±20 Hz and 370±20 Hz.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 52 wherein said means for receiving an acoustic signal is adapted to be responsive to FSK signals of 316±4 Hz and 374±3 Hz.
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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) | 1986-02-14 | 1986-08-16 | 1987-02-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-02-14 | 1990-08-16 | 1991-02-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-02-14 | 1994-08-16 | 1995-02-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |