Patent ID: 8978765
Filing Date: 2015-03-17
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A valve system for providing fluid flow through radial openings disposed along an axial length of a tubular, the valve system comprising at least one valve group, the at least one valve group comprising at least two valves disposed along an axial length of the tubular a predetermined distance from each other, wherein each valve comprises means for providing a closed state of the valve, an intermediate state of the valve providing an intermediate opening for at least a time required to open all remaining valves in the group, and an open state of the valve providing a full radial opening larger than the intermediate opening, wherein the intermediate opening is provided by an inset fit onto or into the full radial opening and the full radial opening is lined with a material that is harder than a material of the inset, wherein the inset tapers inwardly from two sides to form the intermediate opening, the inset being thicker at an outer circumference than proximate the intermediate opening and having a liner that surrounds the inset along its entire outer length.