Patent ID: 8033338
Filing Date: 2011-10-11
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A system for continuous circulation wellbore operations, the system including a sub system having a sub positionable in fluid communication with a wellbore tubular string, the sub comprising a body, the body being generally cylindrical and having a first end, a second end, and an exterior surface, the second end connectible to a the wellbore tubular string, a bore through the body from the first end to the second end, the bore having an inner boundary defined by an inner surface of the body, the bore positionable for fluid communication with the wellbore tubular string, a side opening in the body, the side opening extending from the exterior surface of the body to the inner surface, and the sub system further including a closure apparatus including a housing in fluid communication with the side opening of the body of the sub, the closure apparatus including a closure mechanism outside the body, the closure mechanism including a closure member within the housing and selectively insertable into the side opening and removable from the bore of the body, the closure member movable to selectively close off flow from the first end of the body to the second end of the body, the closure apparatus including an extendable shaft having a shaft channel therethrough for diverting flow from the sub therethrough.