(19)
(11)EP 3 483 386 B1

(12)EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45)Mention of the grant of the patent:
13.09.2023 Bulletin 2023/37

(21)Application number: 18215962.4

(22)Date of filing:  15.10.2014
(51)International Patent Classification (IPC): 
E21B 34/12(2006.01)
E21B 29/00(2006.01)
(52)Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC):
E21B 34/12; E21B 29/00; E21B 31/12; E21B 2200/06

(54)

DOWNHOLE TOOL METHOD AND DEVICE

BOHRLOCHWERKZEUGVERFAHREN UND VORRICHTUNG

PROCÉDÉ ET DISPOSITIF POUR OUTIL DE FOND DE TROU


(84)Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

(30)Priority: 30.10.2013 NO 20131434

(43)Date of publication of application:
15.05.2019 Bulletin 2019/20

(62)Application number of the earlier application in accordance with Art. 76 EPC:
14857171.4 / 3063364

(73)Proprietor: ARDYNE HOLDINGS LIMITED
Aberdeen AB10 6DL (GB)

(72)Inventor:
  • EVERTSEN, Steffen
    Aberdeen AB10 6DL (GB)

(74)Representative: Campbell, Arlene 
IPentus Limited The Old Manse Wilsontown, By Forth
Lanark, ML11 8EP
Lanark, ML11 8EP (GB)


(56)References cited: : 
WO-A1-97/46791
US-A- 4 100 969
US-A- 4 566 478
US-B1- 6 889 771
US-A- 3 592 275
US-A- 4 356 867
US-A- 4 842 064
  
      
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description


    [0001] This invention relates to a downhole valve for use in a downhole-tool method. More particularly, it relates to a downhole valve for use in a downhole-tool method in which the downhole tool is designed to form part of a pipe string, and in which the valve is provided with a passage for fluid, the passage including an opening and closing mechanism. The description also includes a downhole-tool device.

    [0002] The invention is particularly directed towards a valve in a hydraulic downhole tool for removing casing in a well.

    [0003] A downhole-tool in question is arranged with a first fixing device and a second fixing device with an intermediate hydraulic actuator - often termed a jack - which is arranged to change the distance between the fixing devices. The actuator may be single-acting so that a possible return movement is carried out by means of a spring.

    [0004] The first fixing device is arranged to be fixed to or at the end of a casing and the second fixing device is arranged to be fixed a distance from the end of the casing, typically to a surrounding casing.

    [0005] Casing is removed piece by piece by a cutting tool being moved into the casing and cutting it a distance from the nearest end, so that an end length and a casing rest in the extension of the end length are formed. The end length may be several hundred metres long. The casing, and thereby the end length, may be cemented and stuck to a surrounding casing, so that great axial force must be used to pull the end length loose before it can be pulled out of the well.

    [0006] Said tool with said fixing devices and actuator is lowered into the well, is attached to the upper end of the end length by means of the first fixing device and typically to the wall of a surrounding casing by a second fixing device. By means of the hydraulic actuator, the end length is pulled away from the rest of the casing. If the end length is not loose enough when the stroke length of the actuator has been spent, the operation may be repeated after having moved the tool so that the second fixing device grips further away from the rest of the casing still fixed.

    [0007] As in many downhole operations, it is practical to drive a hydraulic actuator by means of a liquid, typically a drilling fluid, which is pumped through a pipe string in which the tool is included. The actuator is then hydraulically connected in such a way that fluid may flow out of a port in the pipe string and into the actuator. When pressure is to be created for driving an actuator in a downhole tool, it is known to close to the flow of drilling fluid by means of a valve, which is placed below said port. A well-known solution is to arrange a valve seat below the port and let a valve body, such as a ball, into the fluid flow. The ball follows the fluid flow, and when the ball lands in the valve seat, the fluid flow through the pipe string is blocked. The pressure at the port upstream of the valve seat may then easily be determined by means of a pump and other equipment on the surface, so that the actuator can work with the desired force.

    [0008] Several solutions are known for said valve. A valve seat and a loose ball as a valve body may work well in a vertical well, but not so well in a horizontal well. Valves that are operated via a separate hydraulic circuit with associated hydraulic lines are complicated and often come into conflict with other components of the tool. Valves that are operated by the drill string being rotated have drawbacks in terms of safety because of the risk of loosening threaded connections in the pipe string so that it is no longer pressure-tight.

    [0009] US 4 566 478, US 4 356 867, US 6 889 771, US 4 842 064, WO 97/46791, US 4 100 969 and US 3 592 275 describe valve arrangements.

    [0010] The invention has for its object to remedy or reduce at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art.

    [0011] The object is achieved according to the invention through the features that are specified in the description below and in the claims that follow.

    [0012] In a first aspect of the invention, a downhole valve for use in downhole operations in which a hydraulic actuator is driven by a liquid through a pipe string which includes a downhole tool, is according to claim 1.

    [0013] In a second aspect of the invention, a method of closing a downhole valve, the downhole valve being used in downhole operations in which a hydraulic actuator is driven by a liquid through a pipe string which includes a downhole tool, the downhole valve being according to the first aspect, the method according to claim 7.

    [0014] A downhole-tool method is described, in which the downhole tool is designed to form part of a pipe string, and in which a downhole valve, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is provided with a passage for fluid, the passage including an opening and closing mechanism, the method being characterized by comprising:
    • connecting a first valve portion to the pipe string;
    • connecting a second valve portion telescopic relative to the first valve portion to a downhole object;
    • pre-tensioning the first valve portion and the second valve portion in the direction of contraction to an initial position in which the opening and closing mechanism is open; and - displacing the first valve portion relative to the second valve portion in the direction of extension to close the opening and closing mechanism.


    [0015] The method includes displacing the first valve portion relative to the second valve portion in the direction of extension by pulling on the pipe string.

    [0016] A downhole-tool device is described, which is designed to form part of a pipe string, and in which a downhole valve, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is provided with a passage for fluid, the passage including an opening and closing mechanism, the valve being characterized by a first valve portion being connected to the pipe string and a second valve portion telescopic relative to the first valve portion being connected to a downhole object, the first valve portion and the second valve portion being pre- tensioned in the direction of contraction to an initial position in which the opening and closing mechanism is open, a displacement between the first valve portion and the second valve portion in the direction of extension bringing the opening and closing mechanism to close.

    [0017] The opening and closing mechanism consists of a seat valve. One of the valve portions has an associated valve seat, and one of the valve portions is designed to, in the initial position, keep a valve body at a distance from the valve seat, a displacement between the first valve portion and the second valve portion in the direction of extension having the effect of letting the valve body come into sealing contact with the valve seat.

    [0018] A downhole valve according to the invention includes a first valve portion which comprises a tubular housing, and a second valve portion which can be moved axially in the first valve portion comprises a telescope pipe which is connected to a downhole object. Movement between the valve portions works to close or open an opening and closing mechanism in the passage. When the opening and closing mechanism is open, fluid may flow through the valve. When the opening and closing mechanism is closed, fluid may not flow through the valve. Fluid that is pumped through a pipe string of which the valve forms part may optionally be stopped or allowed to pass by closing and opening the valve. When the valve is open, the fluid flow is used for purposes of operating equipment downstream of the valve. When the valve is closed, the fluid pressure upstream of the valve is increased to provide hydraulic power for purposes or equipment upstream of the valve.

    [0019] The opening and closing mechanism is normally kept open by means of a pre- tensioned main spring, which is arranged to displace the first and second valve portions in the direction of contraction and thereby have the effect of opening the opening and closing mechanism. The valve is thus normally open to fluid flow.

    [0020] The pre-tensioning force of the main spring should be sufficient to resist normal stretching of a pipe string of which the valve forms part. When used in a vertical well, the pre-tensioning force must at least be large enough to resist the gravity of equipment hanging under the valve. The spring may be pre-tensioned to 100,000 N, 100 kN, for example.

    [0021] A downhole tool, of which a downhole valve according to an embodiment of the present invention forms part, will typically include a fishing device which can grip at the end of the casing that is to be pulled out, and a fixing device which can grip in a surrounding casing a distance from the fishing device. The valve is positioned between the fishing device and the fixing device. A hydraulic actuator or jack is arranged to be able to alter the distance between the fishing device and the fixing device. By reducing the distance between the fishing device and the fixing device, after both are fixedly engaged with the respective casings, the force from the actuator may pull the fishing device, and the casing retrieved, in the direction out of the well.

    [0022] Fishing devices are known to the person skilled in the art and are not described any further. The same applies to tools that include said fixing device and actuator.

    [0023] After a length of the casing that is to be pulled out has been cut and a casing length thereby has been separated from the rest of the casing, and after the fishing device has gripped the end of the casing length, a tensile force is applied to the downhole tool from the surface. The tensile force is to be larger than the pre-tensioning force of the main spring in the valve and thereby capable of pulling the telescope pipe in the direction out of the housing. Thereby the opening and closing mechanism of the valve closes and increased fluid pressure upstream of the valve becomes available for fixing the gripping tool to said surrounding casing and then for pulling the fishing device and the fished casing length in the direction out of the well by means of the actuator.

    [0024] The opening and closing mechanism consists of a slide valve; see the specific portion of the description.

    [0025] The first valve portion and the second valve portion are pre-tensioned in the direction of contraction by means of a hydraulic force, either as a force in addition to the force of the main spring or independently, for example by using the annular space in which the main spring is located as a hydraulic cylinder with necessary seals. Between the first valve portion and the second valve portion, at least one longitudinal floating key may be arranged in order to prevent relative rotation between the valve portions.

    [0026] In what follows, an example of a preferred method and embodiment is described, which is visualized in the accompanying drawings, in which:

    Figure 1 shows a principle drawing of a downhole tool, which is provided with a downhole valve according to an embodiment of the present invention;

    Figure 2 shows a longitudinal section, on a larger scale, through the valve of figure 1, in which an opening and closing mechanism is shown in the open position;

    Figure 3 shows a section II- II of figure 2;

    Figure 4 shows the same as figure 2, but the opening and closing mechanism is shown in its closed position;

    Figure 5 shows a perspective section, on a larger scale still, of the valve in which the opening and closing mechanism consists of a seat valve, which is in the open position;

    Figure 6 shows the same as figure 5, but the opening and closing mechanism is in the closed position; and

    Figure 7 shows the opening and closing mechanism in an alternative embodiment in which it consists of a slide valve.



    [0027] In the drawings, the reference numeral 1 indicates a downhole tool, which is in a surrounding casing 2. The downhole tool 1 is connected between a pipe string 4, such as a drill string, and an end length 6 of a casing 8 which has been severed from the rest of the casing 8 by a cut 10 made in advance. Cement 12 connects the end length 6 and the rest of the casing 8 to the surrounding casing 2.

    [0028] The downhole tool 1 includes a hydraulic jack 14 which, at one end, is connected to the surface via the pipe string 4, and which, at the other end, has a telescopic element 16. A fixing device 18 in the form of a gripper is arranged to grip inside the surrounding casing 2 and thereby fix the hydraulic jack 14 relative to the surrounding casing 2. A hydraulic actuator not shown is arranged to displace the telescopic element 16 in the longitudinal direction when hydraulic pressure is supplied to it from fluid in the pipe string 4. The actuator is supplied with hydraulic pressure via a port not shown in the hydraulic jack 14.

    [0029] The downhole tool 1 further includes a downhole object 20 in the form of a fishing device with a fixing device 22, which is arranged to grip the end length 6 at the nearest end thereof.

    [0030] The hydraulic jack 14, fishing device 20 and their uses are not described any further as they are both well known to the person skilled in the art.

    [0031] Between the telescopic element 16 of the hydraulic jack 14 and the fishing device 20, a valve 24 according to the invention has been positioned. An internal passage, not shown in figure 1, in the pipe string 4, the hydraulic jack 14, the valve 24 and the fishing device 20 forms a continuous fluid channel which makes it possible to pump fluid from the surface through the entire downhole tool.

    [0032] The valve 24 includes a first valve portion 26 and a second valve portion 28 telescopic relative to the first valve portion 26. The first valve portion 26 consists of a housing, and the second valve portion 28 of a telescopic pipe, which can be moved axially in the first valve portion 26 in order thereby to close or open to the flow of fluid.

    [0033] By closing to the flow of fluid through the valve 24, the fluid pressure can be increased upstream of the closure and thereby in the hydraulic jack 14. The fluid pressure will act on the actuator not shown to pull the telescopic element 16 in the direction of the pipe string 4 and thereby pull the end length 6 loose from the cement 12 and away from the rest of the casing 8. When the end length 6 has been removed, the operation is repeated by making a new cut 10 so that a new end length 6 and a new rest of the casing 8 are formed. The downhole tool 1 is brought into a position corresponding to the one shown in figure 1 in order to pull the new end length 6 loose. In this way, the casing 8 is removed length by length until the last remainder of the casing 8 can be pulled out in one piece.

    [0034] The valve 24 is shown in more detail in figure 2 and figure 4, and parts of the device appear best from figures 3, 5, 6.

    [0035] The cylindrical first valve portion 26 includes an end piece 30 which, at one end, is arranged to be connected via the hydraulic jack 14 to the pipe string 4 and which, at the other end, has been screwed together with one end of a grooved sleeve 34 by means of a threaded connection 32. At its other end, the grooved sleeve 34 is connected to one end of a spring housing 36 by means of a threaded connection 38. The other end of the spring housing 36 is connected to an end wall 40 by means of a threaded connection 42. In the exemplary embodiment, first valve portion 26 in figure 1 thus comprises the end piece 30, the grooved sleeve 34, the spring housing 36 and the end wall 40 as shown in figure 2 and in figure 4.

    [0036] The second valve portion 28 includes a telescope pipe 44 extended through a bore 46 at the centre of the end wall 40 into the spring housing 36 where the telescope pipe 44 is attached to one end of a slider 48 which is arranged to be displaced axially in the spring housing 36, the slider 48 centring the end of the telescope pipe 44 in the spring housing 36 at the same time. A bore 50 through the slider 48 forms an extension of a passage 52 in the telescope pipe 44.

    [0037] A gasket 54 is arranged to provide a sliding seal between the end wall 40 and the telescope pipe 44. A main spring 56 in the spring housing 36, shown here as made from several disc springs, acts between the end wall 40 and the slider 48, and the spring force works to push the slider 48 away from the end wall 40 and thus to move the telescope pipe 44 into the spring housing 36. Disc springs are suitable for providing great spring force with little motion, and by stacking a varying number of disc springs the desired length of stroke can be achieved. It will be understood that disc springs are to fill up the space between the end wall 40 and the slider 48 completely even though the drawing shows only a few disc springs between these elements.

    [0038] A grooved shaft 58 is arranged to be displaced axially in the grooved sleeve 34.

    [0039] One end of the grooved shaft 58 is attached to the slider 48. The grooved shaft 58 thereby follows the movements of the slider 48 and the telescope pipe 44 in the longitudinal direction. A bore 60 through the grooved shaft 58 forms a continuous channel with the bore 50 of the slider 48 and the passage 52 of the telescope pipe 44. Floating keys 62 are arranged to fill grooves 64 in the grooved sleeve 34 and in the grooved shaft 58. Said grooves 64 and the floating keys 62 have the effect of making the grooved shaft 58 displaceable in the longitudinal direction inside the grooved sleeve 34, but non-rotatable relative to the grooved sleeve 34. See figure 3.

    [0040] At the other end of the grooved shaft 58, the grooved shaft 58 is stepped down to a supporting portion 66 of a smaller diameter. A shoulder 68 facing in the direction of the end piece 30 is thereby formed. The supporting portion 66 is arranged to be axially displaceable in a complementary bore 70 in the end piece 30. When the grooved shaft 58 is displaced in the grooved sleeve 34, the supporting portion 66 is displaced in the bore 70. A gasket 72 is arranged to provide a sliding seal between the supporting portion 66 and the bore 70.

    [0041] An actuating sleeve 74, which is sealingly attached to the grooved shaft 58, extends displaceably on into the end piece 30 through a centric, axial hole 76 in the end piece 30.

    [0042] The second valve portion 28 thus comprises the telescope pipe 44, the slider 48, the grooved shaft 58 and the actuating sleeve 74.

    [0043] An opening and closing mechanism 78 includes a valve body 80, which is arranged to be moved axially in a valve sleeve 82 and seal against a valve seat 84 in the valve sleeve 82. One end of a pre-tensioned valve spring 86 acts on the valve boy 80 and is arranged to push the valve body 80 towards the valve seat 84, the other end of the valve spring 86 acting against an end plug 88 at one end of the valve sleeve 82. The valve sleeve 82 and the end plug 88 are provided with complementary threads 90 so that the end plug 88 can be screwed into the end of the valve sleeve 82 after the valve body 80 and the valve spring 86 are in place in the valve sleeve 82.

    [0044] The other end of the valve sleeve 82 is open, so that fluid may flow into or out of the valve sleeve 82 if the valve body 80 is displaced against the force of the valve spring 86 and away from the valve seat 84. An internal sliding portion 92 at the open end of the valve sleeve 82 is arranged to receive the actuating sleeve 74 so that the actuating sleeve 74 may be moved axially in the sliding portion 92 and so that the end face 94 of the actuating sleeve 74 may come into contact with the valve body 80 to displace it against the force from the valve spring 86 and away from the valve seat 84.

    [0045] The valve sleeve 82 is screwed into the end piece 30 by means of a threaded connection 96. A seal 98 is arranged to seal between the valve sleeve 82 and the end piece 30.

    [0046] In a portion between the valve seat 84 and the threads in which the end plug 88 is screwed to the valve sleeve 82, the wall of the valve sleeve 82 is provided with at least one opening 100 in which fluid may flow between the interior of the valve sleeve 82 and a chamber 102 having its mouth at the free open end of the end piece 30.

    [0047] The wall of the actuating sleeve 74 is provided with at least one opening 104 for fluid connection between the outside of the actuating sleeve 74 and the bore 60 of the grooved shaft 58. The components 80, 82, 84, 86 and 36 thus constitute a seat valve When the main spring 56 pushes the slider 48 and thereby the actuating sleeve 74 towards the opening and closing mechanism 78, the end face 94 of the actuating sleeve 74 hits the valve body 80 and pushes it away from the valve seat 84. At the same time, the openings 104 in the wall of the actuating sleeve 74 are moved past the valve seat 84 and further into the valve sleeve 82, whereby fluid may flow into the end piece 30 to the chamber 102, through the openings 100 in the wall of the valve sleeve 82 and further through the openings 104 in the wall of the actuating sleeve 74, the bore 60 of the grooved shaft 58, through the bore 50 of the slider 48 to the passage 52 in the telescope pipe 44 and out of the open end of the telescope pipe 44, where a coupling piece 108 is arranged, which is arranged to be connected to equipment such as a fishing device 20, see figure 1.

    [0048] In the initial position, see figure 2, the pre-tensioned main spring 56 pushes the slider 48 and thereby the grooved shaft 58 with the actuating sleeve 74 in the direction of the opening and closing mechanism 78. The telescope pipe 44 is attached to the slider 48 and is pulled into the spring housing 36, and the end face 94 of the actuating sleeve 74 pushes the valve body 80 towards the valve spring 86 and away from the valve seat 84. The shoulder 68 of the grooved shaft 58 comes into abutment against the end piece 30 which thereby forms an end stop for the axial movement of the grooved shaft 58 in the direction of the end piece 30. In this initial position there is thus a through-going fluid channel from the end piece 30 via the chamber 102, the opening 100 in the valve sleeve 82, the openings 104 in the actuating sleeve 74, the bore 60 of the grooved shaft 58, the bore 50 of the slider 48, the passage 52 of the telescope pipe 44 and a bore 110 in the coupling piece 108.

    [0049] In the activated state, see figure 6, a sufficient tensile force has been applied between the end piece 30 and the coupling piece 108 to overcome the force of the pre- tensioned main spring 56 and thereby pull the telescope pipe 44 and the slider 48 in the direction against the spring 56. The grooved shaft 58 and the actuating sleeve 74 follows the movement of the slider 48 and the valve spring 86 moves the valve body 80 towards the valve seat 84. The opening and closing mechanism 78 closes as the valve body 80 lands on the valve seat 84, and fluid cannot flow in at the end piece 30 and out at the coupling piece 108.

    [0050] When fluid is pumped through the valve 24 and the opening and closing mechanism 78 is closed by the application of an outer tensile force that exceeds the force of the main spring 56 to the valve 24, the fluid pressure may be increased upstream of the opening and closing mechanism 78 to operate equipment such as the hydraulic jack 14 of figure 1.

    [0051] In an alternative embodiment, see figure 7, the opening and closing mechanism 78 consists of a slide valve 112. The actuating sleeve 74 in the preceding figures has been replaced with a slide-valve sleeve 114 which is formed like the actuating sleeve 74, but which has a relatively fine clearance to a valve ring 116. A fixed plug 118 is sealingly arranged in the end portion of the slide-valve sleeve 114 facing the end piece 30.

    [0052] In figure 7, the opening and closing mechanism 78 is shown in an open position in which fluid may flow through the openings 104 of the slide-valve sleeve 114. When the valve 24 is extended, the openings 104 of the slide-valve sleeve 114 are moved into the valve ring 116 and seal against flow.

    [0053] A passage 120 in the valve 24 comprises the passage 52, the bore 50, the bore 60, the actuating sleeve 74, the valve sleeve 82 and the chamber 102, or the passage 52, the bore 50, the bore 60, the slide-valve sleeve 114 and the chamber 102.


    Claims

    1. A downhole valve (24) for use in downhole operations in which a hydraulic actuator is driven by a liquid through a pipe string (4) which includes a downhole tool, the hydraulic actuator being connected for fluid to flow out of a port in the pipe string (4) and into the hydraulic actuator, and pressure being created for driving the hydraulic actuator in the downhole tool by closing the flow of fluid by means of the downhole valve (24) which is placed below the port so that fluid flow through the pipe string (4) can be blocked, the valve (24) having a passage (120) for fluid, comprising:

    a first valve portion (26) including:

    a tubular housing including an end piece (30) arranged to be connected to the

    pipe string (4);

    a second valve portion (28) including:

    a telescopic pipe (44), which can be moved axially in the first valve portion (26),

    and being arranged to be connected to a downhole object (20);

    and a spring (56) arranged between the first valve portion (26) and the second valve portion (28) to displace the first valve portion (26) and the second valve portion (28) to an initial contracted position in which the passage (120) for fluid through the valve is open and wherein a displacement between the first valve portion (26) and the second valve portion (28) by pulling of the pipe string (4) and overcoming a force of the spring (56) bringing the closing of the passage (120) for fluid through the valve (24);

    characterised in that:

    the end piece (30) enclosing a chamber (102) accessed by a first valve portion bore (70), the first valve portion bore (70) providing a centric axial hole (76) through the first valve portion (26), with a valve seat (84) formed on a valve sleeve (82) in the hole (76) at the chamber (102);

    the second valve portion (28) including: a sleeve (74,114) attached at an end of a bore (60) of the second valve portion (28); at least one opening (104) in a wall of the sleeve (74,114); the sleeve (74,114) being moveable in the first valve portion bore (70) through the centric axial hole (76) to position the at least one opening (104) in the chamber (102) or in the valve sleeve (82); and a valve body (80) or a plug (118) positioned at an end of the sleeve (74,114);

    wherein, when the valve (24) is open fluid flows through the passage (120) via the pipe string (4); the end piece (30); chamber 102; into the sleeve (74,114) by the at least one opening (104); through the second valve portion bore (60); and out of an open end of the telescopic pipe (44);

    displacement between the first valve portion (26) and the second valve portion (28) by pulling of the pipe string (4), extends the valve so that the sleeve (74,114) and the openings (104) are moved back through the centric axial hole (76) out of the chamber (102), and the valve body (80) or the plug (118) prevent fluid flowing in at the end piece (30) from the pipe string (4) to the chamber (102) from entering the second valve portion bore (60) and the valve is closed.


     
    2. A downhole valve (24) according to claim 1 wherein the tubular housing further includes a grooved sleeve (34), the second valve portion (28) further includes a grooved shaft (58), floating keys (62) are arranged to fill grooves (64) in the grooved sleeve (34) and the grooved shaft (58) so that the grooved shaft (58) is displaceable axially in a longitudinal direction inside the grooved sleeve (34) and is non-rotatable relative to the grooved sleeve (34).
     
    3. A downhole valve (24) according to any preceding claim wherein the tubular housing further includes a spring housing (36) including the spring (56) and an end wall (40), the telescopic pipe extending through an end bore (46) at a centre of the end wall (40) and the second valve portion (28) including a slider (48) arranged to be axially displaced in the spring housing (36) wherein the force of the spring (56) acts to push the slider (48) away from the end wall (40).
     
    4. A downhole valve (24) according to any preceding claim wherein the spring (56) is formed from a stack of disc springs.
     
    5. A downhole valve (24) according to any preceding claim wherein the valve seat (84) formed on the valve sleeve (82) is screwed into the end piece (30) by means of a threaded connection (96); the valve body (80) is arranged to be moved axially in the valve sleeve (82) and seal against the valve seat (84); and the valve further includes: a valve spring (86) with a first end acting on the valve body (80) to push it towards the valve seat (84) and a second end acting against a plugged end (88) which is screwed to an end of the valve sleeve (82); an internal sliding portion (92) at an open end of the valve sleeve (82) arranged to receive the sleeve (74) so that an end face (94) of the sleeve (74) can contact the valve body (80) to displace it against a force of the valve spring (86) away from the valve seat (84); and at least one valve sleeve opening (100) in a wall of the valve sleeve (82) between the plugged end (88) and the valve seat (84) so that fluid may flow between an interior of the valve sleeve (82) and the chamber (102).
     
    6. A downhole valve (24) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the sleeve (74,114) is a slide-valve sleeve (114); the end plug (118) is a fixed plug sealingly arranged in an end portion of the slide-valve sleeve (114) facing the end piece (30); the valve seat (84) formed on the valve sleeve (82) is screwed into the end piece (30) by means of a threaded connection (96); and the valve sleeve (82) is a valve ring (116), the sleeve (114) has a fine clearance to the valve ring (116) so that when the valve (24) is extended, the openings (104) are moved into the valve ring (116) and seal against flow.
     
    7. A method of closing a downhole valve (24), the downhole valve (4) being used in downhole operations in which a hydraulic actuator is driven by a liquid through a pipe string (4) which includes a downhole tool, the hydraulic actuator being connected for fluid to flow out of a port in the pipe string (4) and into the hydraulic actuator, and pressure being created for driving the hydraulic actuator in the downhole tool by closing the flow of fluid by means of the downhole valve (24) which is placed below the port so that fluid flow through the pipe string (4) can be blocked, the downhole valve (24) being according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the method including the steps of:

    (a) connecting the end piece (30) of the first valve portion (26) to a pipe string (4);

    (b) connecting the telescopic pipe (44) to a downhole object (20);

    (c) using the spring (56) to displace the first valve portion (26) and the second valve portion (28) to an initial contracted position in which the passage for fluid through the downhole valve (24) is open;

    (d) pulling on the pipe string to overcome the force on the spring (28) and extending the downhole valve (24); and

    (e) closing the passage for fluid flow through the downhole valve (24);

    characterised in that:

    at step (c), when the downhole valve (24) is open flowing fluid through the downhole valve (24) via the pipe string (4); the end piece (30); chamber (102); into the sleeve (74,114) by the at least one opening (104); through the second valve portion bore (60); and out of an open end of the telescopic pipe (44); and

    at step (e), closing the downhole valve (24) by moving the sleeve (74,114) and the openings (104) back through the centric axial hole (76) out of the chamber (102), and positioning the valve body (80) or the plug (118) to prevent fluid flowing in at the end piece (30) from the pipe string (4) to the chamber (102) from entering the second valve portion bore (60).


     
    8. The method of closing a downhole valve (24) according to claim 7 wherein in steps (d) and (e) the second valve portion (28) is displaced axially in a longitudinal direction being prevented from rotating relative to the tubular housing.
     
    9. The method of closing a downhole valve (24) according to claim 7 or claim 8 wherein in step (c) the spring (56) pushes a slider (48) and thereby a grooved shaft (58) with the sleeve (74,114) of the second valve portion (28) in the direction of the end piece (30).
     
    10. The method of closing a downhole valve (24) according to claim 9 wherein in step (c) the slider (48) is pulled into a spring housing (36) and an end face (94) of the sleeve (74) acts on the valve body (80) to push it towards a valve spring (86) away from the valve seat (84) to bring the openings (104) into the chamber (102) for fluid flow through the valve (24).
     
    11. The method of closing a downhole valve (24) according to claim 10 wherein in step (e) the slider (48) of the second valve portion (28) is pulled in the direction against the spring (56), the grooved shaft (58) and sleeve (74) follow the movement of the slider (48) and the valve spring (86) moves the valve body (80) towards and lands on the valve seat (84).
     
    12. The method of closing a downhole valve (24) according to claim 9 wherein in step (c) the slider (48) is pulled into a spring housing (36) and the sleeve (114) of the second valve portion (28) is pushed through the centric axial hole (76) to bring the openings (104) into the chamber (102) for fluid flow through the valve (24).
     
    13. The method of closing a downhole valve (24) according to claim 12 wherein in step (e) the slider (48) of the second valve portion (28) is pulled in the direction against the spring (56), the grooved shaft (58) and sleeve (114) follow the movement of the slider (48), the openings (104) are moved out of the chamber (102) into the valve sleeve (82) providing a valve ring (116) with a fine clearance, and the plug (118) is arranged in the end portion of the sleeve (114) sealing against flow.
     


    Ansprüche

    1. Bohrlochventil (24) zur Verwendung bei Bohrlochvorgängen, bei denen ein hydraulischer Aktuator durch eine Flüssigkeit durch einen Rohrstrang (4) getrieben wird, der ein Bohrlochwerkzeug beinhaltet, wobei der hydraulische Aktuator verbunden ist, damit Fluid aus einer Öffnung in dem Rohrstrang (4) und in den hydraulischen Aktuator strömt, und ein Druck zum Antreiben des hydraulischen Aktuators in dem Bohrlochwerkzeug erzeugt wird, indem der Fluidstrom mittels des Bohrlochventils (24) geschlossen wird, das unterhalb der Öffnung platziert ist, sodass ein Fluidstrom durch den Rohrstrang (4) blockiert werden kann, wobei das Ventil (24) einen Durchgang (120) für Fluid aufweist, umfassend:
    einen ersten Ventilabschnitt (26), der Folgendes beinhaltet:

    ein rohrförmiges Gehäuse, das ein Endstück (30) beinhaltet, das angeordnet ist, um mit dem Rohrstrang (4) verbunden zu werden;

    einen zweiten Ventilabschnitt (28), der Folgendes beinhaltet:

    ein Teleskoprohr (44), das axial in dem ersten Ventilabschnitt (26) bewegt werden kann und angeordnet ist, um mit einem Bohrlochobjekt (20) verbunden zu werden;

    und eine Feder (56), die zwischen dem ersten Ventilabschnitt (26) und dem zweiten Ventilabschnitt (28) angeordnet ist, um den ersten Ventilabschnitt (26) und den zweiten Ventilabschnitt (28) in eine kontrahierte Ausgangsposition zu verschieben, in der der Durchgang (120) für Fluid durch das Ventil offen ist, und wobei eine Verschiebung zwischen dem ersten Ventilabschnitt (26) und dem zweiten Ventilabschnitt (28) durch Ziehen des Rohrstrangs (4) und Überwinden einer Kraft der Feder (56) das Schließen des Durchgangs (120) für Fluid durch das Ventil (24) bewirkt;

    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass:

    das Endstück (30) eine Kammer (102) umschließt, die durch eine erste Ventilabschnittbohrung (70) zugänglich ist, wobei die erste Ventilabschnittbohrung (70) ein mittiges axiales Loch (76) durch den ersten Ventilabschnitt (26) bereitstellt, wobei ein Ventilsitz (84) an einer Ventilhülse (82) in dem Loch (76) an der Kammer (102) gebildet ist;

    der zweite Ventilabschnitt (28) Folgendes beinhaltet: eine Hülse (74,114), die an einem Ende einer Bohrung (60) des zweiten Ventilabschnitts (28) angebracht ist; mindestens eine Öffnung (104) in einer Wand der Hülse (74,114); wobei die Hülse (74,114) in der ersten Ventilabschnittbohrung (70) durch das mittige axiale Loch (76) beweglich ist, um die mindestens eine Öffnung (104) in der Kammer (102) oder in der Ventilhülse (82) zu positionieren; und einen Ventilkörper (80) oder einen Stopfen (118), der an einem Ende der Hülse (74,114) angeordnet ist;

    wobei, wenn das Ventil (24) geöffnet ist, Fluid über den Rohrstrang (4); das Endstück (30); die Kammer 102; in die Hülse (74,114) durch die mindestens eine Öffnung (104); durch die zweite Ventilabschnittbohrung (60); und aus einem offenen Ende des Teleskoprohrs (44) durch den Durchgang (120) strömt;

    eine Verschiebung zwischen dem ersten Ventilabschnitt (26) und dem zweiten Ventilabschnitt (28) durch Ziehen des Rohrstrangs (4) das Ventil ausfährt, sodass die Hülse (74,114) und die Öffnungen (104) durch das mittige axiale Loch (76) aus der Kammer (102) zurückbewegt werden, und der Ventilkörper (80) oder der Stopfen (118) verhindern, dass Fluid, das an dem Endstück (30) von dem Rohrstrang (4) in die Kammer (102) einströmt, in die zweite Ventilabschnittbohrung (60) eintritt, und das Ventil geschlossen wird.


     
    2. Bohrlochventil (24) nach Anspruch 1, wobei das rohrförmige Gehäuse ferner eine genutete Hülse (34) aufweist, der zweite Ventilabschnitt (28) ferner einen genuteten Schaft (58) beinhaltet, schwimmende Keile (62) angeordnet sind, um Nuten (64) in der genuteten Hülse (34) und dem genuteten Schaft (58) zu füllen, sodass der genutete Schaft (58) axial in einer Längsrichtung innerhalb der genuteten Hülse (34) verschiebbar ist und in Bezug auf die genutete Hülse (34) nicht drehbar ist.
     
    3. Bohrlochventil (24) nach einem vorherigen Anspruch, wobei das rohrförmige Gehäuse ferner ein Federgehäuse (36) beinhaltet, das die Feder (56) und eine Endwand (40) beinhaltet, wobei sich das Teleskoprohr durch eine Endbohrung (46) in einer Mitte der Endwand (40) erstreckt und der zweite Ventilabschnitt (28) einen Schieber (48) beinhaltet, der angeordnet ist, um in dem Federgehäuse (36) axial verschoben zu werden, wobei die Kraft der Feder (56) wirkt, um den Schieber (48) von der Endwand (40) weg zu drücken.
     
    4. Bohrlochventil (24) nach einem vorherigen Anspruch, wobei die Feder (56) aus einem Stapel von Tellerfedern gebildet ist.
     
    5. Bohrlochventil (24) nach einem vorherigen Anspruch, wobei der an der Ventilhülse (82) gebildete Ventilsitz (84) mittels einer Gewindeverbindung (96) in das Endstück (30) geschraubt ist; der Ventilkörper (80) angeordnet ist, um axial in der Ventilhülse (82) bewegt zu werden und gegen den Ventilsitz (84) abdichtet; und das Ventil ferner Folgendes beinhaltet: eine Ventilfeder (86) mit einem ersten Ende, das auf den Ventilkörper (80) wirkt, um ihn in Richtung des Ventilsitzes (84) zu drücken, und einem zweiten Ende, das gegen ein verstopftes Ende (88) wirkt, das mit einem Ende der Ventilhülse (82) verschraubt ist; einen inneren Gleitabschnitt (92) an einem offenen Ende der Ventilhülse (82), der angeordnet ist, um die Hülse (74) aufzunehmen, sodass eine Endfläche (94) der Hülse (74) den Ventilkörper (80) berühren kann, um ihn gegen eine Kraft der Ventilfeder (86) von dem Ventilsitz (84) weg zu verschieben; und mindestens eine Ventilhülsenöffnung (100) in einer Wand der Ventilhülse (82) zwischen dem verstopften Ende (88) und dem Ventilsitz (84), sodass Fluid zwischen dem Inneren der Ventilhülse (82) und der Kammer (102) strömen kann.
     
    6. Bohrlochventil (24) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, wobei die Hülse (74,114) eine Schieberventilhülse (114) ist; der Endstopfen (118) ein fester Stopfen ist, der abdichtend in einem dem Endstück (30) zugewandten Endabschnitt der Schieberventilhülse (114) angeordnet ist; der an der Ventilhülse (82) gebildete Ventilsitz (84) mittels einer Gewindeverbindung (96) in das Endstück (30) geschraubt ist; und die Ventilhülse (82) ein Ventilring (116) ist, wobei die Hülse (114) ein feines Spiel zu dem Ventilring (116) aufweist, sodass, wenn das Ventil (24) ausgefahren wird, die Öffnungen (104) in den Ventilring (116) bewegt werden und gegen Strömung abdichten.
     
    7. Verfahren zum Schließen eines Bohrlochventils (24), wobei das Bohrlochventil (4) bei Bohrlochvorgängen verwendet wird, bei denen ein hydraulischer Aktuator durch eine Flüssigkeit durch einen Rohrstrang (4) getrieben wird, der ein Bohrlochwerkzeug beinhaltet, wobei der hydraulische Aktuator verbunden ist, damit Fluid aus einer Öffnung in dem Rohrstrang (4) und in den hydraulischen Aktuator strömt, und ein Druck zum Antreiben des hydraulischen Aktuators in dem Bohrlochwerkzeug erzeugt wird, indem der Fluidstrom mittels des Bohrlochventils (24) geschlossen wird, das unterhalb der Öffnung platziert ist, sodass ein Fluidstrom durch den Rohrstrang (4) blockiert werden kann, wobei das Bohrlochventil (24) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6 ist, wobei das Verfahren die folgenden Schritte beinhaltet:

    (a) Verbinden des Endstücks (30) des ersten Ventilabschnitts (26) mit einem Rohrstrang (4);

    (b) Verbinden des Teleskoprohrs (44) mit einem Bohrlochobjekt (20);

    (c) Verwenden der Feder (56), um den ersten Ventilabschnitt (26) und den zweiten Ventilabschnitt (28) in eine kontrahierte Ausgangsposition zu verschieben, in der der Durchgang für Fluid durch das Bohrlochventil (24) offen ist;

    (d) Ziehen an dem Rohrstrang, um die Kraft auf die Feder (28) zu überwinden und das Bohrlochventil (24) auszufahren; und

    (e) Schließen des Durchgangs für Fluidstrom durch das Bohrlochventil (24);

    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass:
    wenn bei Schritt (c) das Bohrlochventil (24) geöffnet ist, Fluid durch das Bohrlochventil (24) über den Rohrstrang (4); das Endstück (30); die Kammer (102); in die Hülse (74,114) durch die mindestens eine Öffnung (104); durch die zweite Ventilabschnittbohrung (60); und aus einem offenen Ende des Teleskoprohrs (44) strömt; und bei Schritt (e) Schließen des Bohrlochventils (24) durch Zurückbewegen der Hülse (74,114) und der Öffnungen (104) durch das mittige axiale Loch (76) aus der Kammer (102) und Positionieren des Ventilkörpers (80) oder des Stopfens (118), um zu verhindern, dass Fluid, das an dem Endstück (30) von dem Rohrstrang (4) in die Kammer (102) einströmt, in die zweite Ventilabschnittbohrung (60) eintritt.
     
    8. Verfahren zum Schließen eines Bohrlochventils (24) nach Anspruch 7, wobei in Schritt (d) und (e) der zweite Ventilabschnitt (28) axial in Längsrichtung verschoben und an einer Drehung in Bezug auf das rohrförmige Gehäuse gehindert wird.
     
    9. Verfahren zum Schließen eines Bohrlochventils (24) nach Anspruch 7 oder Anspruch 8, wobei in Schritt (c) die Feder (56) einen Schieber (48) und damit einen gerillten Schaft (58) mit der Hülse (74,114) des zweiten Ventilabschnitts (28) in Richtung des Endstücks (30) schiebt.
     
    10. Verfahren zum Schließen eines Bohrlochventils (24) nach Anspruch 9, wobei in Schritt (c) der Schieber (48) in ein Federgehäuse (36) gezogen wird und eine Endfläche (94) der Hülse (74) auf den Ventilkörper (80) wirkt, um ihn in Richtung einer Ventilfeder (86) von dem Ventilsitz (84) weg zu drücken, um die Öffnungen (104) in die Kammer (102) zu bringen, damit Fluid durch das Ventil (24) strömt.
     
    11. Verfahren zum Schließen eines Bohrlochventils (24) nach Anspruch 10, wobei in Schritt (e) der Schieber (48) des zweiten Ventilabschnitts (28) in Richtung gegen die Feder (56) gezogen wird, der gerillte Schaft (58) und die Hülse (74) der Bewegung des Schiebers (48) folgen und die Ventilfeder (86) den Ventilkörper (80) in Richtung auf den Ventilsitz (84) bewegt und auf diesem anliegt.
     
    12. Verfahren zum Schließen eines Bohrlochventils (24) nach Anspruch 9, wobei in Schritt (c) der Schieber (48) in ein Federgehäuse (36) gezogen wird und die Hülse (114) des zweiten Ventilabschnitts (28) durch das mittige axiale Loch (76) geschoben wird, um die Öffnungen (104) in die Kammer (102) zu bringen, damit Fluid durch das Ventil (24) strömt.
     
    13. Verfahren zum Schließen eines Bohrlochventils (24) nach Anspruch 12, wobei in Schritt (e) der Schieber (48) des zweiten Ventilabschnitts (28) in Richtung gegen die Feder (56) gezogen wird, der gerillte Schaft (58) und die Hülse (114) der Bewegung des Schiebers (48) folgen, die Öffnungen (104) aus der Kammer (102) in die Ventilhülse (82) bewegt werden, wodurch ein Ventilring (116) mit einem feinen Spiel entsteht, und der Stopfen (118) strömungsdicht in dem Endabschnitt der Hülse (114) angeordnet wird.
     


    Revendications

    1. Vanne de fond de trou (24) destinée à être utilisée dans des opérations de fond de trou dans lesquelles un actionneur hydraulique est entraîné par un liquide à travers un train de tiges (4) qui comprend un outil de fond de trou, l'actionneur hydraulique étant raccordé pour que le fluide s'écoule hors d'un orifice dans le train de tiges (4) et dans l'actionneur hydraulique, et une pression étant créée pour entraîner l'actionneur hydraulique dans l'outil de fond de trou en fermant l'écoulement de fluide au moyen de la vanne de fond de trou (24) qui est placée en dessous de l'orifice de sorte que l'écoulement de fluide à travers le train de tiges (4) puisse être bloqué, la vanne (24) comportant un passage (120) pour le fluide, comprenant :
    une première partie de vanne (26) comprenant :

    un logement tubulaire comprenant un embout (30) agencé pour être raccordé au train de tiges (4) ;

    une seconde partie de vanne (28) comprenant :

    un tuyau télescopique (44), qui peut être déplacé axialement dans la première partie de vanne (26), et étant agencé pour être raccordé à un objet de fond de trou (20) ;

    et un ressort (56) agencé entre la première partie de vanne (26) et la seconde partie de vanne (28) pour déplacer la première partie de vanne (26) et la seconde partie de vanne (28) jusqu'à une position contractée initiale dans laquelle le passage (120) pour le fluide à travers la vanne est ouvert et un déplacement entre la première partie de vanne (26) et la seconde partie de vanne (28) en tirant sur le train de tiges (4) et en surmontant une force du ressort (56) amenant la fermeture du passage (120) pour le fluide à travers la vanne (24) ;

    caractérisé en ce que :

    l'embout (30) renfermant une chambre (102) accessible par un alésage (70) de la première partie de vanne, l'alésage (70) de la première partie de vanne fournissant un trou axial central (76) à travers la première partie de vanne (26), un siège de vanne (84) étant formé sur un manchon de vanne (82) dans le trou (76) au niveau de la chambre (102) ;

    la seconde partie de vanne (28) comprenant : un manchon (74, 114) fixé à une extrémité d'un alésage (60) de la seconde partie de vanne (28) ; au moins une ouverture (104) dans une paroi du manchon (74, 114) ; le manchon (74, 114) étant mobile dans l'alésage (70) de la première partie de vanne à travers le trou axial central (76) pour positionner ladite au moins une ouverture (104) dans la chambre (102) ou dans le manchon de vanne (82) ; et un corps de vanne (80) ou un bouchon (118) positionné au niveau d'une extrémité du manchon (74, 114) ;

    lorsque la vanne (24) est ouverte, ledit fluide s'écoulant à travers le passage (120) par l'intermédiaire du train de tiges (4) ; de l'embout (30) ; de la chambre 102 ; dans le manchon (74, 114) par ladite au moins une ouverture (104) ; à travers l'alésage (60) de la seconde partie de vanne ; et hors d'une extrémité ouverte du tuyau télescopique (44) ;

    le déplacement entre la première partie de vanne (26) et la seconde partie de vanne (28) en tirant sur le train de tiges (4), étendant la vanne de sorte que le manchon (74, 114) et les ouvertures (104) soient reculés à travers le trou axial central (76) hors de la chambre (102), et le corps de vanne (80) ou le bouchon (118) empêche l'écoulement de fluide au niveau de l'embout (30) du train de tiges (4) à la chambre (102) de pénétrer dans l'alésage (60) de la seconde partie de vanne et la vanne est fermée.


     
    2. Vanne de fond de trou (24) selon la revendication 1, ledit logement tubulaire comprenant en outre un manchon rainuré (34), ladite seconde partie de vanne (28) comprenant en outre un arbre rainuré (58), des clavettes flottantes (62) étant agencées pour remplir les rainures (64) dans le manchon rainuré (34) et l'arbre rainuré (58) de sorte que l'arbre rainuré (58) soit déplaçable axialement dans la direction longitudinale à l'intérieur du manchon rainuré (34) et ne puisse pas tourner par rapport au manchon rainuré (34).
     
    3. Vanne de fond de trou (24) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, ledit logement tubulaire comprenant en outre un logement de ressort (36) comprenant le ressort (56) et une paroi d'extrémité (40), le tuyau télescopique s'étendant à travers un alésage d'extrémité (46) au niveau du centre de la paroi d'extrémité (40) et la seconde partie de vanne (28) comprenant un coulisseau (48) agencé pour être déplacé axialement dans le logement de ressort (36) dans lequel la force du ressort (56) agit pour pousser le coulisseau (48) à distance de la paroi d'extrémité (40).
     
    4. Vanne de fond de trou (24) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, ledit ressort (56) étant formé à partir d'un empilement de ressorts à disques.
     
    5. Vanne de fond (24) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, ledit siège de vanne (84) formé sur le manchon de vanne (82) étant vissé dans l'embout (30) au moyen d'un raccord fileté (96) ; ledit corps de vanne (80) étant agencé pour être déplacé axialement dans le manchon de vanne (82) et assurer l'étanchéité contre le siège de vanne (84) ; et la vanne comprenant en outre : un ressort de vanne (86) avec une première extrémité agissant sur le corps de vanne (80) pour le pousser en direction du siège de vanne (84) et une seconde extrémité agissant contre une extrémité obturée (88) qui est vissée à une extrémité du manchon de vanne (82) ; une partie coulissante interne (92) au niveau d'une extrémité ouverte du manchon de vanne (82) agencée pour recevoir le manchon (74) de sorte qu'une face d'extrémité (94) du manchon (74) puisse entrer en contact avec le corps de vanne (80) pour le déplacer contre une force du ressort de vanne (86) à distance du siège de vanne (84) ; et au moins une ouverture de manchon de vanne (100) dans une paroi du manchon de vanne (82) entre l'extrémité obturée (88) et le siège de vanne (84) de sorte que le fluide puisse s'écouler entre l'intérieur du manchon de vanne (82) et la chambre (102).
     
    6. Vanne de fond de trou (24) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, ledit manchon (74, 114) étant un manchon de vanne à tiroir (114) ; ledit bouchon d'extrémité (118) étant un bouchon fixe agencé de manière étanche dans une partie d' extrémité du manchon de vanne à tiroir (114) faisant face à l'embout (30) ; ledit siège de vanne (84) formé sur le manchon de vanne (82) étant vissé dans l'embout (30) au moyen d'un raccord fileté (96) ; et ledit manchon de vanne (82) étant un bague de vanne (116), ledit manchon (114) présentant un jeu fin par rapport à la bague de vanne (116) de sorte que, lorsque la vanne (24) est étendue, les ouvertures (104) soient déplacées dans la bague de vanne (116) et assurent l'étanchéité contre l'écoulement.
     
    7. Procédé de fermeture d'une vanne de fond de trou (24), la vanne de fond de trou (4) étant utilisée dans des opérations de fond de trou dans lesquelles un actionneur hydraulique est entraîné par un liquide à travers un train de tiges (4) qui comprend un outil de fond de trou, l'actionneur hydraulique étant raccordé pour que le fluide s'écoule hors d'un orifice dans le train de tiges (4) et dans l'actionneur hydraulique, et une pression étant créée pour entraîner l'actionneur hydraulique dans l'outil de fond de trou en fermant l'écoulement de fluide au moyen de la vanne de fond de trou (24) qui est placée en dessous de l'orifice de sorte que l'écoulement de fluide à travers le train de tiges (4) puisse être bloqué, la vanne de fond de trou (24) étant selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, le procédé comprenant les étapes de :

    (a) raccordement de l'embout (30) de la première partie de vanne (26) à un train de tiges (4) ;

    (b) raccordement du tuyau télescopique (44) à un objet de fond de trou (20) ;

    (c) utilisation du ressort (56) pour déplacer la première partie de vanne (26) et la seconde partie de vanne (28) vers une position contractée initiale dans laquelle le passage pour le fluide à travers la vanne de fond (24) est ouvert ;

    (d) traction sur le train de tiges pour surmonter la force sur le ressort (28) et étendre la vanne de fond de trou (24) ; et

    (e) fermeture du passage pour l'écoulement de fluide à travers la vanne de fond de trou (24) ;

    caractérisé en ce que :

    à l'étape (c), lorsque la vanne de fond de trou (24) est ouverte, l'écoulement du fluide à travers la vanne de fond de trou (24) par l'intermédiaire du train de tiges (4) ; de l'embout (30) ; de la chambre (102) ; dans le manchon (74, 114) par ladite au moins une ouverture (104) ; à travers l'alésage (60) de la seconde partie de vanne ; et hors d'une extrémité ouverte du tuyau télescopique (44) ; et

    à l'étape (e), la fermeture de la vanne de fond de trou (24) en déplaçant le manchon (74, 114) et les ouvertures (104) à travers le trou axial central (76) hors de la chambre (102), et le positionnement du corps de vanne (80) ou du bouchon (118) pour empêcher le fluide s'écoulant au niveau de l'embout (30) du train de tiges (4) à la chambre (102) de pénétrer dans l'alésage (60) de la seconde partie de vanne.


     
    8. Procédé de fermeture d'une vanne de fond de trou (24) selon la revendication 7, aux étapes (d) et (e), ladite seconde partie de vanne (28) étant déplacée axialement dans la direction longitudinale en étant empêchée de tourner par rapport au logement tubulaire.
     
    9. Procédé de fermeture d'une vanne de fond de trou (24) selon la revendication 7 ou la revendication 8, à l'étape (c) ledit ressort (56) poussant un coulisseau (48) et ainsi un arbre rainuré (58) avec le manchon (74, 114) de la seconde partie de vanne (28) en direction de l'embout (30).
     
    10. Procédé de fermeture d'une vanne de fond de trou (24) selon la revendication 9, à l'étape (c) ledit coulisseau (48) étant tiré dans un logement de ressort (36) et une face d'extrémité (94) du manchon (74) agissant sur le corps de vanne (80) pour le pousser en direction d'un ressort de vanne (86) à distance du siège de vanne (84) afin d'amener les ouvertures (104) dans la chambre (102) pour l'écoulement de fluide à travers la vanne (24).
     
    11. Procédé de fermeture d'une vanne de fond de trou (24) selon la revendication 10, à l'étape (e) ledit coulisseau (48) de la seconde partie de vanne (28) étant tiré dans la direction contre le ressort (56), ledit arbre rainuré (58) et ledit manchon (74) suivant le déplacement du coulisseau (48) et ledit ressort de vanne (86) déplaçant le corps de vanne (80) en direction du siège de vanne (84) et se posant sur celui-ci.
     
    12. Procédé de fermeture d'une vanne de fond de trou (24) selon la revendication 9, à l'étape (c) ledit coulisseau (48) étant tiré dans un logement de ressort (36) et ledit manchon (114) de la seconde partie de vanne (28) étant poussé à travers le trou axial central (76) pour amener les ouvertures (104) dans la chambre (102) pour l'écoulement de fluide à travers la vanne (24).
     
    13. Procédé de fermeture d'une vanne de fond de trou (24) selon la revendication 12, à l'étape (e) ledit coulisseau (48) de la seconde partie de vanne (28) étant tiré dans la direction contre le ressort (56), ledit arbre rainuré (58) et ledit manchon (114) suivant le déplacement du coulisseau (48), lesdites ouvertures (104) étant déplacées hors de la chambre (102) dans le manchon de vanne (82) fournissant une bague de vanne (116) avec un jeu fin, et ledit bouchon (118) étant agencé dans la partie d'extrémité du manchon (114) assurant l'étanchéité contre l'écoulement.
     




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    Cited references

    REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



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    Patent documents cited in the description