Patent ID: 6427773
Filing Date: 2002-08-06
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
A tubing plug adapted for insertion into a tubing string for sealing the tubing string, the tubing plug comprising:(a) a housing having an outer surface, wherein the housing is adapted for insertion in the tubing string such that an annulus is defined between the tubing string and the outer surface of the housing, and wherein the housing defines a fluid passage therethrough, the fluid passage having an upper end and a lower end; (b) a sealing mechanism associated with the housing for sealing the annulus; (c) a two-way fluid bypass for selectively permitting a flow of a fluid across the sealing mechanism; (d) a one-way valve located at the lower end of the fluid passage for selectively permitting a flow of a fluid in a first direction from the upper end to the lower end of the fluid passage upon exposure of the valve to a fluid pressure which is equal to or greater than a predetermined actuating pressure of the valve and for preventing a flow of a fluid in a second direction from the lower end to the upper end of the fluid passage, wherein the one-way valve is comprised of a valve seat defined by the lower end of the fluid passage and a valve member for sealingly engaging the valve seat and wherein the valve member is movable axially within the fluid passage in relation to the valve seat for selectively sealingly engaging and disengaging the valve seat; and (e) a releasable locking mechanism for fixedly maintaining the valve member in sealing engagement with the valve seat by preventing the axial movement of the valve member within the fluid passage, wherein the locking mechanism releases the valve member to permit axial movement within the fluid passage upon exposure of the valve to a fluid pressure which is equal to or greater than the predetermined actuating pressure of the valve.