Patent ID: 8763707
Filing Date: 2014-07-01
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A downhole circulating valve comprising: a generally tubular outer housing having an axially extending internal passageway including an internal seat and at least one generally radially extending opening formed through the housing intersecting the internal seat; and a valve element rotatably disposed within the internal passageway, the valve element having an axially extending internal bore and a head portion disposed at least partially within the internal seat, the head portion including at least one generally radially extending seal element, the valve element having a first position relative to the housing wherein the at least one seal element is not aligned with the at least one opening allowing fluid communication between the at least one opening and the internal passageway and a second position relative to the housing wherein the at least one seal element is aligned with the at least one opening and wherein the at least one seal element forms a metal-to-metal seal with the internal seat preventing fluid communication between the at least one opening and the internal passageway, wherein, the head portion rotates relative to and translates toward the internal seat to sealingly engage the seal element with the internal seat when the valve element is operated from the first position to the second position, thereby forming the metal-to-metal seal.