Patent ID: 9157297
Filing Date: 2015-10-13
Classification: E21B,F16K

Abstract:
1. A method of controlling flow in a subterranean well extending through a hydrocarbon bearing formation, the method comprising the steps of: disposing a downhole submersible pump in said well, said pump defining a critical reverse flow rate; selecting a one-way primary valve characterized by a low resistance to flow and a low opening differential pressure; disposing said primary valve within a standing valve assembly so as to allow uphole flow; selecting a one-way pump-through valve characterized by a high resistance to flow and a high opening differential pressure so that a flow rate through said pump-through valve at said high opening differential pressure is less than said critical reverse flow rate; disposing said pump-through valve within said standing valve assembly so as to allow downhole flow; disposing said standing valve assembly in said well uphole of said submersible pump; opening the primary valve in response to a differential pressure acting upward across the primary valve greater than said low opening differential pressure; pumping fluid by said submersible pump through the primary valve; closing the primary valve in response to a differential pressure acting upward across the primary valve less than said low opening differential pressure; opening the pump-through valve in response to a differential pressure acting downward across the pump-through valve greater than said high opening differential pressure; and flowing fluid downward through the pump-through valve while the first one-way valve is closed.