Patent ID: 6296061
Filing Date: 2001-10-02
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
An equalizing subsurface valve for controlling fluid flow in a well conduit, comprising:a body member having a longitudinal bore extending therethrough;a valve closure member mounted within the body member to control fluid flow through the longitudinal bore, and having a first surface and a second surface;a valve actuator disposed within the body member and remotely shiftable to move the valve closure member between open and closed positions;a pilot activator movably disposed within a pilot bore in the valve in response to movement of the valve actuator;a pilot piston movably disposed within a cylinder in the valve, a first surface of the pilot piston being in fluid communication with the pilot bore through a pilot passageway in the valve, the pilot activator alternately permitting and preventing fluid communication between the longitudinal bore adjacent the second surface of the valve closure member and the first surface of the pilot piston through the pilot passageway; and,an equalizing plug movably disposed within a plug bore in the valve in response to movement of the pilot piston, the equalizing plug alternately permitting and preventing fluid communication between the longitudinal bore adjacent the second surface of the valve closure member and the longitudinal bore adjacent the first surface of the valve closure member through at least one equalizing passageway in the valve.