Patent ID: 9085954
Filing Date: 2015-07-21
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A downhole needle valve tool comprising: an outer housing; an electric motor having a rotational output; an obturating member for obturating a fluid pathway; wherein the obturating member is rotationally coupled to the rotational output of the electric motor such that rotation of the output of the electric motor results in rotation of the obturating member; and wherein rotation of the obturating member results in axial movement of the obturating member relative to the electric motor and the fluid pathway; such that rotation of the obturating member in one direction results in movement of the obturating member into sealing engagement with the fluid pathway and rotation of the obturating member in the other direction results in movement of the obturating member out of sealing engagement with the fluid pathway; wherein the obturating member is rotationally coupled to the output of the electric motor by a coupling which ensures that the obturating member is rotationally locked to the rotational output of the electric motor but can move axially with respect thereto; and the obturating member and the outer housing each comprising screw threads which are in screw threaded engagement and which cause axial movement of the obturating member either toward or away from the fluid pathway when the obturating member is rotated.