Patent ID: 6073906
Filing Date: 2000-06-13
Classification: F16K

Abstract:
A downhole flow control for use in combination with a recharge well for recharging aquifers, the flow control comprising:a valve configured as a pipe section having an upper end for coupling through the recharge pipe with a source of pressurized water, an intermediate section, and a lower end for coupling with a flow inhibitor;a plurality of outlet ports in the intermediate section, through which outlet ports the pressurized water flows into the aquifer;a sleeve over at least the intermediate section, the sleeve being movable between a first position in which the sleeve covers the outlet ports to block the flow of water out of the outlet ports and a second position in which the sleeve at least partially opens the outlet ports to throttle water flow therefrom into the aquifer; anda double acting hydraulic actuator associated with the sleeve for moving the sleeve between the first and second positions to keep the recharge pipe filled with water, whereby air does not become entrained in the water as the water moves through the recharge pipe so as to enter the aquifer; the double acting hydraulic actuator comprising a first axially extending internal passage in the wall of the intermediate section and a second axially extending internal passage in the wall of the intermediate section, the first passage communicating with a first sub-chamber between the sleeve and the intermediate section and closed by the other side of the radially extending wall, whereby when the first sub-chamber is filled with hydraulic fluid and the second sub-chamber is allowed to empty of fluid the sleeve axially shifts to the first portion and when the second sub-chamber is allowed to empty of fluid the sleeve moves to the second position.