Patent ID: 6338466
Filing Date: 2002-01-15
Classification: E21B,Y10T

Abstract:
A downhole flow control for use in combination with a recharge well for recharging aquifers, the flow control comprising:a valve configured as a pipe section having an upper end for coupling through the recharge pipe with a source of pressurized water, an intermediate portion, and a lower end for coupling with a flow inhibitor; an outlet section in the intermediate portion, through which outlet section the pressurized water flows into the aquifer; a sleeve over at least the intermediate portion, the sleeve being movable between a first position in which the sleeve covers the outlet section to block the flow of water out of the outlet section and a second position in which the sleeve at least partially opens the outlet section to throttle water flow therefrom into the aquifer; and a double acting hydraulic actuator associated with the sleeve for moving the sleeve between the first and second positions to keep the recharge pipe filled with water by limiting the amount of water discharged from the recharge pipe, whereby air does not interfere with recharging the aquifer by becoming entrained in the stream of water due to voids therein as the stream of water moves down through the recharge pipe prior to entering the aquifer.