Patent ID: 7798249
Filing Date: 2010-09-21
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: receiving a suspension of impactors and fluid in a drill string defining a passage so that at least a portion of the suspension flows through the passage and to a body member, the drill string partially defining an annulus; discharging the at least a portion of the suspension in a formation using the body member so that at least a portion of the imp actors is received in the annulus; and generally preventing at least a portion of the at least a portion of the impactors present in the annulus from flowing from the annulus and into the passage, comprising: coupling a control device to the drill string, the control device comprising at least one valve member; and placing the at least one valve member in a closed position; wherein the control device comprises at least one other valve member; and wherein the method further comprises generally preventing at least another portion of the impactors present in the passage from flowing to the body member, comprising: placing the at least one other valve member in a closed position.