Patent ID: 6966380

Claim:
A system for controlling fluid flow from a wellbore, comprising: a valve assembly having: a valve member defining a plurality of fluid inlet orifices; a sleeve generally formed by a tubular wall having a plurality of fluid inlet orifices in the form of holes extending transversely through the tubular wall, the sleeve being moveable to permit and prevent flow of fluid through selected ones of the plurality of fluid inlet orifices, the sleeve being movable to a plurality of positions including a closed position, an open position and a plurality of intermediate positions; and a sliding seal positioned to form a seal with the sleeve; a drive mechanism operable to move the sleeve to the plurality of positions relative to the valve member, each position being predetermined so the sliding seal does not overlap any of the plurality of fluid inlet orifices; and tubing fluidicly coupled to the valve assembly for conveying fluid to a surface location.