Patent ID: 6182762
Filing Date: 2001-02-06
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
In a well having a casing, a string of drill pipe extending into the casing, a support mechanism mounted in said string of drill pipe that transfers the weight of the drill pipe below said support mechanism to said casing, an apparatus mounted in said string of drill pipe for opening and closing a passage extending through said drill pipe, said apparatus comprising:a valve mounted in said passage and movable from an open to a closed position;an actuator assembly having a logitudinal axis and an upper portion connected to said string of drill pipe above said support member, the actuator assembly located in a first axial position relative to said valve when said valve is in said open position and a second axial position relative to said valve when said valve is in the closed position, said actuator assembly being connected to said valve to close said valve by moving from the first to the second position in response to axial movement of said string of drill pipe above said support mechanism after said drill pipe is supported within said casing by said support mechanism;a valve connector that connects said actuator assembly to said valve, said valve connector releasing said actuator assembly from said valve upon picking up said string of drill pipe and thus releasing said actuator assembly from the second position, allowing retrieval of said actuator assembly and said string of drill pipe above said support mechanism.