Abstract:
A new cement valve is disclosed for use in the production of an oil or gas well where hydraulic fracturing has been employed. In particular, the embodiments include a cement valve having a reclosable valve. When properly located, a first piston sleeve is hydraulically actuated to open the cement ports on the tool. After the cement has been pumped through the tool and the cement ports to a wellbore annulus, a blocking ball is dropped to stop flow through the tool. The tool is internally pressurized. The pressure overcomes shear pins to force downward movement of a ball housing inside the cement valve. This movement translates a travelling pin along a guide path, which rotates a ball valve inside the ball housing, releasing the blocking ball to open up the internal flow path through the cement valve at the same time the cement ports are closed.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates to a new cement valve for use in the production of an oil or gas well where hydraulic fracturing has been employed. In particular, the present disclosure includes a cement valve having a reclosable valve. When properly located, a first piston sleeve is hydraulically actuated to open the cement ports on the tool. After the cement has been pumped through the tool and the cement ports to wellbore annulus, a blocking ball is dropped to stop flow through the tool. The tool is internally pressurized. The pressure overcomes ball valve shear pins to force downward movement of a ball housing inside the cement valve. This movement translates a travelling pin along a guide path, which rotates a ball valve inside the ball housing, opening up the internal flow path of the cement valve at the same time the cement ports are closed. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    In the production of oil, gas and geothermal energy, drilling operations are used to create boreholes, or wells, in the earth. In recent years, lateral drilling into the targeted producing zone has become the preferred drilling procedure for extracting hydrocarbons from shale formations. In this practice, multiple engagements with the target zone are provided to allow an increased flow of production fluid into the wellbore. This is conventionally accomplished with a completion liner having interspaced packers that are hydraulically, mechanically set or swellable. Sleeve valves provided between the packers are operable with hydraulic pressure. Each sleeve valve has a circular valve seat for receivable of a ball known as a “frac ball.” Progressing down the completion liner, each sequential valve seat is smaller in opening such that the smallest valve is at the bottom of the system. 
         [0003]    To open a sleeve valve for hydraulically fracturing a designated interval, a first, smallest frac ball, is dropped into the system for seating in the sleeve valve furthest from the surface and stopping circulation. The small frac ball will pass through the valve seat of every other sleeve valve before coming to rest on the final valve seat. In this position, the ball blocks the flow of fluid beyond the valve seat. The fluid in the production liner is then pressurized. The high pressure on the surface side of the frac ball forces the sleeve downward, exposing ports to the formation. When the lowest sleeve has been opened, the next larger frac ball is dropped to seat in the penultimate sleeve valve. This process is continued until all of the sleeve valves have been opened. When all of the reservoir sections have been treated, the well is allowed to flow back, flushing all of the frac balls back to the surface where they are captured in a ball trap. 
         [0004]    Before this process can be initiated, it is necessary to firmly position the completion system in place in the open-hole environment. To accomplish this, a liner hanger is positioned inside the casing string, and a packer is set about the liner hanger. A cementing valve is positioned near the top of the completion system, below the liner hanger and above the packers and sleeve valves of the completion system. 
         [0005]    A circulation blocking ball is dropped to set on a seat in a circulation valve (circulation sub) at the lowest end of the completion string. This increases the pressure inside the string and sets liner hanger sleeps and open hole packers. Continuation of pressure increase actuates a hydraulic valve inside the cement valve, opening the cement ports so that cement can be pumped through the tool and into the well annulus. When completed, a blocking ball or plug is sent into the tool. This allows pressure to be built-up in the tool. When the pressure is sufficient to overcome shear pin resistance, a sleeve is hydraulically repositioned to again cover the cement ports. A mill is then run into the completion string to mill out the plug or blocking ball. 
         [0006]    It is desirable to have the ability to close the cement ports without having to trip a milling tool into the cement valve to mill the plug or blocking ball. It is further desirable to begin fracking operations without having to wait for the cement to set. 
         [0007]    The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a unique solution to the engineering constraints and challenges of providing a cement valve that can be reclosed without the need to run a milling tool into the system to remove the blocking ball or plug, reducing the risks of problems that occur in these operations, and without the waste of time and tooling for this separate operation. It is a further advantage of the present disclosure that it is not necessary to wait for the cement to set before beginning fracking operations, thus significantly reducing the total project time of well completion. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    The present disclosure is for a cement valve of a completion system capable of closure of the cement ports and simultaneous reopening of the central flow through the cement valve. In one embodiment, the cement valve comprises a valve body having an upper end and a lower end. A guide pin extends between the valve body and the ball housing. A ball is rotatably mounted in the ball housing. The ball has a converging path extending between a first port and a ball port. The ball also has a flow path extending between a third and fourth port on the ball. The flow path is perpendicular to, and intersecting with, the converging path. A lever is connected to the ball, such that translation of the ball housing relative to the valve body engages the guide pin with the lever and rotates the ball. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment, rotation of the ball aligns the flow path with a centerline of the cement tool and forces the ball housing to move towards the lower end of the valve body. In another embodiment, a pair of opposing flats is oriented perpendicular to each of the first and ball ports and to the third port and the fourth port. The lever has a cam portion positioned for engagement with the guide pin. 
         [0010]    In another embodiment, moving the ball housing towards the lower end of the valve body closes the cement ports. In another embodiment, there is a slot on the flat. The lever has a key on one end and a cam on its opposite end. The lever key engages the slot on the ball. 
         [0011]    Locating a blocking ball on the ball port and increasing the pressure inside the valve body causes the ball housing to move towards the lower end of the valve body. Moving the ball housing towards the lower end of the valve body closes the cement ports. This movement further causes the guide pin to engage the cam, rotating the ball substantially ninety degrees inside the valve body. Rotating the ball ninety degrees aligns the flow path in the ball with the center of the valve body. 
         [0012]    In another embodiment, a hydraulic piston is translatably located inside the valve body. The hydraulic piston is aligned with the cement ports to prevent flow through the cement ports. Piston shear pins prevent translation of the piston inside the valve body. Sufficiently pressurizing the interior of the valve body shears the shear pins and forces the hydraulic piston towards the lower end of the valve body to open the cement ports. 
         [0013]    As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the assembly disclosed may be modified and the same advantageous result obtained. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of an embodiment of the cement valve of the present disclosure. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a schematic sketch of a lateral wellbore having multiple valves for controlled operation in one or more intervals of a wellbore. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is an isometric exploded view of the major components of the cement valve of the  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a quarter section view of the valve body of the embodiment of the cement valve of the  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is an isometric view of the top sub and shear pins of the embodiment of the cement valve of the  FIGS. 1 and 3 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a quarter section front view of the bottom sub of the embodiment of the cement valve of the  FIGS. 1 and 3 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is an isometric and exploded view of the seat plug, spring and upper floating valve seat of the embodiment of the cement valve of the  FIGS. 1 and 3 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is an isometric quarter-section view of the ball housing of the embodiment of the cement valve of the  FIGS. 1 and 3 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is an isometric view of the valve housing of the embodiment of the cement valve of the  FIGS. 1 and 3 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is an isometric view of the hydraulic piston of the embodiment of the cement valve of the  FIGS. 1 and 3 . 
           [0024]      FIGS. 11 through 13  are different views of the ball of the embodiment of the cement valve of the  FIGS. 1 and 3 , shown variously rotated for visibility of its unique characteristics. 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is an isometric view of a lever of the embodiment of the cement valve of the  FIGS. 1 and 3 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is a top view of the cam portion of the lever of  FIG. 14 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  is a cross-section view of an embodiment of the cement valve, illustrating the ball oriented with its converging path in substantial alignment with the centerline of the valve body. 
           [0028]      FIG. 17  is a cross-section view of an embodiment of the cement valve, illustrating the ball having been rotated ninety degrees from the position illustrated in  FIG. 16 , such that its flow path is in substantial alignment with the centerline of the valve body. 
           [0029]      FIG. 18  is a quarter section of an embodiment of the cement valve of  FIGS. 1 and 3 , illustrating the cement valve as configured when initially run in the well, and with the cement ports blocked, and with the converging path of the ball in substantial alignment with the centerline of the valve body, as shown in  FIG. 16 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 19  is a cut-away portion of  FIG. 18 , enlarged for viewing. 
           [0031]      FIG. 20  is a quarter section of the embodiment of the cement valve of  FIGS. 3-17 , illustrating the cement valve having its hydraulic piston actuated to open the cement ports. 
           [0032]      FIG. 21  is a cut-away portion of  FIG. 20 , enlarged for viewing. 
           [0033]      FIG. 22  is a quarter section of the embodiment of the cement valve of  FIGS. 3-18 , illustrating the cement valve with a blocking ball located against the ball port and the ball housing moving downwards in the valve body. 
           [0034]      FIG. 23  is a cut-away portion of  FIG. 22 , enlarged for viewing. 
           [0035]      FIG. 24  is a quarter section of the embodiment of the cement valve of  FIGS. 3-19 , illustrating the cement valve with the valve housing blocking the cement ports and the ball rotated ninety degrees with its flow path in substantial alignment with the center of the valve body, as in  FIG. 16 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 25  is a cut-away portion of  FIG. 24 , enlarged for viewing. 
       
    
    
       [0037]    The objects and features of the present disclosure will become more readily understood from the following detailed description and appended claims when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like elements. 
         [0038]    The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the present disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the present disclosure may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the present disclosure. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0039]    The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the various embodiments of the present disclosure, and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. 
         [0040]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of an embodiment of cement valve  10  of the present disclosure. As seen in this view, cement valve  10  has a valve body  30 . A top sub  20  is coupled to the upper end of body  30  and provides a box connection for coupling with other completion string members. A bottom sub  50  is coupled to the lower end of body  30  and provides a pin connection for coupling with other completion string members. 
         [0041]      FIG. 2  is a schematic simplified sketch of a lateral wellbore  1  having a production string  2  having multiple valves for controlled operation in one or more intervals of wellbore  1 . A circulating sub  3  is located at the bottom of production string  2 . A hydraulic frac port  4  is positioned above circulating sub  3 . A series of packers  5  are located along production string  2  in the production zone of wellbore  1 . Frac valves  6  are located between packers  5 . A liner hanger  7  is located in the surface casing portion  8  of wellbore  1 . A cement valve  10  is located beneath liner hanger  7 . The several frac valves  6  separated by packers  5  provide controlled operation in one or more intervals of wellbore  1 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 3  is an isometric exploded view of the major components of cement valve  10  of the  FIG. 1 . Top sub  20  is coupled to the upper end of body  30  and bottom sub  50  is coupled to the lower end of body  30 . A seat plug  60  is translatably located inside body  30 , but held in position by shear pins  29  connected between it and top sub  20 . (See  FIG. 5 ). A spring  68  and an upper ball seat  69  are positioned below seat plug  60 . 
         [0043]    A perforated ball  70  is rotatably located inside a ball housing  100 . Ball housing  100  is translatably located inside body  30 . Ball housing  100  extends over upper ball seat  69  and spring  68  and is connected, such as by threaded connection, to seat plug  60 . A lever  90  connects ball  70  to ball housing  100  as best seen in  FIGS. 16-17 , such that rotation of lever  90  will generate rotation of ball  70 . 
         [0044]    A valve housing  130  is connected to ball housing  100 , such as by threaded connection. Connected seat plug  60 , ball housing  100  and valve housing  130  are translatably located inside valve body  30 , but held in position by shear pins  29  extending from top sub  20  (see  FIG. 5 ), preventing relative movement. A guide pin  38  (see  FIG. 3 ) extends through valve body  30  and into a guide path  114  (see also  FIG. 8 ) on ball housing  100 . 
         [0045]    A hydraulic piston  150  is translatably located inside valve body  30 , between valve housing  130  and bottom sub  50 . In its “run-in” position, hydraulic piston  150  is located proximate valve housing  130 , where it is held in position by piston shear pins  44  (see  FIG. 18 ), preventing relative movement. In this position, hydraulic piston  150  blocks cement ports  40  on valve body  30  (see  FIGS. 1 and 18 ). 
         [0046]      FIG. 4  is an isometric quarter section view of valve body  30  of the embodiment of cement valve  10  of the  FIG. 1 . In the embodiment illustrated, an upper box connection  32  is provided at its upper end for threaded connection to top sub  20 . A lower box connection  34  is provided to threaded connection to bottom sub  50 . 
         [0047]    Cement ports  40  are located on body  30 . An exhaust port  46  is also located on body  30 . A guide pin  38  ( FIG. 1 ) located in pin port  36  ( FIG. 4 ) connects body  30  to ball housing  100  at guide path  114  ( FIG. 3 ). Shear pins  29  prevent relative movement between ball housing  100  and valve body  30 . Piston shear pins  44  ( FIG. 1 ) in pin holes  42  ( FIG. 4 ) prevent relative movement between hydraulic piston  150  and valve body  30 . Piston shear pins  44  must be sheared to allow hydraulic piston  150  to move downward relative to valve body  30  to open cement ports  40 . Shear pins  29  must be sheared to allow ball housing  100  to move downward relative to valve body  30  to reclose cement ports  40  and to reopen the flow path inside valve body  30  by rotating ball  70 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 5  is an isometric view of top sub  20  of the embodiment of cement valve  10  of the  FIGS. 1 and 3 . A box connection  22  is provided for connection to another completion string component. A threaded coupling  24  is provided for coupling to valve body  30 . Seal grooves  26  are provided for O-ring seals to create a sealed connection to the interior of body  30 . In the embodiment illustrated, shear pins  29  are circumferentially arranged for engagement with recess  62  of seat plug  60  ( FIGS. 5 and 7 ). Alternative embodiments may be used to secure the assembly of the ball housing and valve to the body, such as locating shear pins through the body to engage another component connected to the valve, or to the valve itself. 
         [0049]      FIG. 6  is a quarter section front view of bottom sub  50  of the embodiment of cement valve  10  of the  FIGS. 1 and 3 . Bottom sub  50  has an external pin  52  for connection to another completion string component. A cylinder portion  58  is provided for translatable engagement with a lower piston  152  of hydraulic cylinder  150  ( FIG. 10 ). A threaded connection  56  is provided for coupling to valve body  30 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 7  is an isometric and exploded view of seat plug  60 , spring  68  and upper ball seat  69 . Seat plug  60  has a recess  62  for receiving shear pins  29 . Seat plug  60  has a profile  64  for translatable fit within body  30 , and a threaded portion  66  for connection to ball housing  100 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 8  is an isometric quarter-section view of ball housing  100  of the embodiment of cement valve  10  of the  FIGS. 1 and 3 . Ball housing  100  has an upper end  102  for receiving upper ball seat  69  and for connecting to threaded portion  66  of seat plug  60 . Ball housing  100  has a threaded connection  104  at its lower end for connection to valve housing  130 . Seals, such as O-rings are located in seal lands  108  for sealed translatable connection to valve body  30 . 
         [0052]    In the embodiment illustrated, a pair of opposing pivot flats  110  is provided for rotatable mounting of ball  70 . Lever apertures  112  extend through pivot flats  110 . A guide path  114  is provided on opposing sides of the exterior of ball housing  100 . Guide path  114  terminates at lever stations  118 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 9  is an isometric view of valve housing  130  of the embodiment of cement valve  10  of the  FIGS. 1 and 3 . In the embodiment illustrated, valve housing  130  has an externally threaded connection  132  for coupling to threaded connection  104  of ball housing  100 . Valve housing  130  has a receptacle  136  on its upper end for receiving spring  128  and lower ball seat  120  ( FIG. 3 ) to provide a floating lower ball seat  120  for engagement with ball  70 . When a blocking ball  200  ( FIG. 16 ) is dropped, shear pins  29  will be sheared. At that time, as best seen in  FIG. 25 , seat plug  60 , ball housing  100 , and valve housing  130  move downward in valve body  30  to reclose cement ports  40 . In this position, a lower end  138  of valve housing  130  may engage hydraulic piston  150 . 
         [0054]    O-rings are located in seal lands  134  for sealed translatable connection to valve body  30 . A lock ring groove  140  has a lock ring  142  located therein. Lock ring  142  is normally compressed. Lock ring  142  expands into a lock ring groove  49  ( FIG. 25 ) on valve body  30  when ball housing  100  and valve housing  130  move downward in valve body  30  to reclose cement ports  40 , as best seen in  FIG. 25 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 10  is an isometric view of hydraulic piston  150  of the embodiment of cement valve  10  of the  FIGS. 1 and 3 . Hydraulic piston  150  has a lower piston  152  that engages cylinder portion  58  of bottom sub  50 . Hydraulic piston  150  has an upper piston  154  that engages the interior of valve body  30 . Seals  158  are provided on upper piston  154  and lower piston  152 . A shear pin groove or shear pin slots  156  are provided for receiving piston shear pins  44  that extend through valve body  30  to hold hydraulic piston  150  in position over cement ports  40 . 
         [0056]      FIGS. 11 through 13  are different views of ball  70  of the embodiment of cement valve  10  of the  FIGS. 1 and 3 , shown variously rotated for visibility of its unique characteristics. Ball  70  has a pair of opposing flat sides  72 . Referring to  FIG. 13 , a key slot  74  is provided on each flat side  72 . Flat sides  72  of ball  70  are mounted against pivot flats  110  of ball housing  100 . In the embodiment illustrated, an O-ring  76  is provided around key slot  74  for sealed engagement with pivot flats  110 . 
         [0057]    Ball  70  has two intersecting passages through it. The first path is a converging path defined by a first port  84  and a second, smaller, “ball port”  82 . The second path is a flow passage defined by a third port  78  and a fourth port  80 . In its initial orientation, ball  70  presents the converging path aligned with the centerline of the valve body  30  through which cement will flow. This is best seen in  FIG. 16 . When cementing is completed, a blocking ball  200  is dropped into the production string. Blocking ball  200  is larger in diameter than ball port  82 , and smaller in diameter than port  84 . Blocking ball  200  passes through first port  84  and stops to block flow through ball port  82 . 
         [0058]    Internal pressure is increased to cause shear pins  29  to be sheared, and seat plug  60 , ball housing  100 , and valve housing  130 , move downward in valve body  30  to reclose cement ports  40 . As valve housing  130  moves downward, ball  70  is rotated substantially 90 degrees to align the flow passage of third port  78  and fourth port  80  with the centerline of the valve body  30 . This is best seen in  FIG. 17 . In this position, blocking ball  200  passes through cement tool  10 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 14  is an isometric view of lever  90  of the embodiment of cement valve  10  of the  FIGS. 1 and 3 .  FIG. 15  is a top view of a cam  92  of lever  90 . Referring to  FIG. 3 , there is a lever  90  on each pivot flat  110  pivotally connecting ball  70  to ball housing  100 . Lever  90  has a cam  92 , a cylinder  94  and a key  96 . Cylinder  94  of each lever is mounted in a lever aperture  112  on a pivot flat  110 . In this position, key  96  extends inward to engage key slot  74  of ball  70 . Cam  92  extends outward to present itself in lever station  118 , which intersects guide path  114 . 
         [0060]    Cam  92  engages guide pin  38  in valve body  30  when ball housing  100  moves downward in valve body  30  and guide pin  38  translates guide path  114 . (See  FIGS. 1 and 8 .) Engagement of guide pin  38  with cam  92  forces rotation of lever  90  in lever aperture  112 . Key  96  of lever  90  forces rotation of ball  70 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 16  is a cross-section view of the embodiment of cement valve  10  of  FIGS. 3-15 , illustrating cement valve  10  having ball  70  oriented with its converging path in substantial alignment with the center of valve body  30 , and ready to receive a blocking ball  200  at ball port  82 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 17  is a cross-section view of the embodiment of cement valve  10  of  FIGS. 3-16 , illustrating cement valve  10  having ball  70  having been rotated ninety degrees such that its flow path is in substantial alignment with the center of valve body  30 . As seen in  FIG. 17 , guide pin  38  has engaged and rotated lever  90 , and thus ball  70 , and presenting third port  78  to receive flow through valve body  30 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 18  is a quarter section of the embodiment of cement valve  10  of  FIGS. 3-17 , illustrating cement valve  10  as configured when initially run in the well. In this configuration, cement ports  40  are blocked by hydraulic piston  150 , which is held in place by piston shear pins  44 . A low pressure zone  48  is formed between lower piston  152  and valve body  30  that will permit movement of hydraulic piston  150  downwards upon shearing of piston shear pins  44 . In the run-in configuration, the converging path of ball  70  is in substantial alignment with the center of valve body  30  and prepared to receive blocking ball  200 , as seen in  FIG. 16 . Top seat plug  60 , ball housing  100 , and valve housing  130  are held in place by shear pins  29 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 19  is a cut-away portion of  FIG. 18 , enlarged for viewing. As best seen in this view, the converging path of ball  70  is in substantial alignment with the center of valve body  30 , and top seat plug  60 , ball housing  100 , and valve housing  130  are held in the upper locations by shear pins  29 . 
         [0065]      FIG. 20  is a quarter section of the embodiment of cement valve  10  of  FIG. 18 , illustrating cement valve  10  having been internally pressurized sufficiently to shear piston shear pins  44  and actuate hydraulic piston  150  downwards to open cement ports  40 . In this position, cement can be pumped through cement tool  10 . 
         [0066]      FIG. 21  is a cut-away portion of  FIG. 20 , enlarged for viewing. As best seen in this view, hydraulic piston  150  has moved downward. Shear pin slots  156  are displaced from shear pins  44 , and cement ports  40  are not blocked by upper pistons  154  of hydraulic piston  150 . 
         [0067]      FIG. 22  is a quarter section of the embodiment of the cement valve  10  of  FIG. 21 , illustrating cement valve  10  with blocking ball  200  located against ball port  82  of ball  70 , preventing flow through. Cement valve  10  has been internally pressurized sufficiently to shear pins  29  and force seat plug  60 , ball housing  100 , and valve housing  130  to move downwards in valve body  30 . Guide path  114  is moving downward along guide pin  38  as ball housing  100  moves downward. 
         [0068]      FIG. 23  is a cut-away portion of  FIG. 22 , enlarged for viewing. As best seen in this view, guide pin  38  has not yet caused rotation of lever  90 , so ball  70  remains with the converging path, blocked by blocking ball  200 , and aligned with the centerline of cement tool  10 . 
         [0069]      FIG. 24  is a quarter section of the embodiment of the cement valve of  FIG. 23 , illustrating a further progression of movement from that of  FIG. 23 . In  FIG. 24 , seat plug  60 , ball housing  100 , and valve housing  130  have moved further downward. Guide pin  38  has engaged cam  92  of lever  90  and caused rotation of lever  90  and thus ball  70 . 
         [0070]    Cement valve  10  now has valve housing  130  blocking cement ports  40 , and ball  70  is rotated ninety degrees with its flow path in substantial alignment with the centerline of valve body  30 , as in  FIG. 17 . In the embodiment illustrated, lock ring  142  has expanded into a lock ring groove  49  on the interior wall of valve body  30  to secure valve housing  130  in place over cement ports  40 . With cement ports  40  reclosed, it is possible to commence fracking operations without the need to set a plug, wait on cement, and drill out the plug, resulting in a significant savings of time and cost. 
         [0071]      FIG. 25  is a cut-away portion of  FIG. 24 , enlarged for viewing. As best seen in this view, guide pin  38  has engaged cam  92  of lever  90  and rotated lever  90  and ball  70 . Ball  70  is rotated ninety degrees to present is flow path in substantial alignment with the centerline of valve body  30 , as in  FIG. 17 . In this position, blocking ball  200  is released and no longer blocks the flow of fluid through cement valve  10 . 
         [0072]    If used herein, the term “substantially” is intended for construction as meaning “more so than not.” 
         [0073]    In an alternative embodiment, not shown, seat plug  60  and upper ball seat  69  are a single component. Similar component unities and divisions can be readily made by a person of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and novelty of the present disclosed embodiments. 
         [0074]    Having thus described the several embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments disclosed are illustrative rather than limiting in nature and that a wide range of variations, modifications, changes, and substitutions are contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and, in some instances, some features of the present disclosure may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Many such variations and modifications may be considered desirable by those skilled in the art based upon a review of the foregoing description of preferred embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the embodiments disclosed.