US2186488A - Means of regulating flow of fluid within a well - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 9, 1940. M. o. JoHNsTON Er Al. 2,186,488

MEANS 0F REGULATING FLOW OF FLUID WITHIN A WELL Filed April 15, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 y//A/a Jam; 9, 1940.V

M. O JOHNSTON ET AL Filed April l5, 1937 2 sheets-sheet 2 66 I f /65 fO i i 95V 7a l i l 97, z g l /00 34 i nw s ITI A /l 1 W -K9\\ I 97 #50 INVENToRs 5w MORPQ Q JVHNYUN Patented Jan. 9, 1940 I UNITED' sTATEs PATENT OFFICE y MEANS F FILQW 0F Mordica 0. Johnston and Wilbur F. Bettis, Glendtale, Calif.; said Bettis anignor to said Johns on Application April l5, 1937, Serial No. 137,058 8 Claims. (Cl. 16S-1) This invention relates to well equipment, and posed between joints of a drill string. or at other particularly pertains to means of regulating flow points between tools or appliances carried by of fluid within a well. v the drill string, and which device may be manip- In the operation of various well tools designed ulated from the top of the well to be opened,

to establish control or measure the production closed and set to any desired degree.` 5

of oil wells it is often necessary to provide ade- The invention is illustrated by Way 0f example vice by which the fluid flow within the well may in the accompanying drawings, in which:

be maintained or controlled. This is especially Fig.'1 is a view in elevation showing a method true in connection with the operation of devices of use of the iiow device with which the present for testing the formation yield of a well. In invention is concerned.

such cases a formation tester 'carrying a packer Fig. 2 is an enlarged view showing the upper is lowered into a well on a drill string. The portion of the preferred form of the flowdevice packer is then set and a valve is suddenly with which the present invention is concerned. opened, such as by the action of the go-devil. Fig. 3 is an enlarged view similar to Fig. 2

As a result the fluid pressure within the well showing the lower portion of the preferred form 15 surges upwardly through the anchor pipe, the of the adjustable ow device. packer, and the testing tool into the supporting Fig. 4 isa view in transverse section through drill string. At this time the packer has exthe flow device as seen on the line 4--4 of Fig. 3. cluded the pressure ofthe head of liquid stand- Fig. 5 `-is al schematic view vshowing the de- 2" ing above the packer within the wellirom the veloped circumference of the interlocking means 20 area being tested beneath the packer, and when within the ilow device as seen on the line a of the valve is opened there is a possibility that Fig. 4. y the surge of iiuid, both oil and gas, will be such Fig. 6 is a fragmentary view in section showas to relieve the supporting pressure within the ing the upper end of anothervform of the invenarea below the packer and cause it to -cave in. tion. 25 It is therefore desirable to gradually increase `Vthe Fig. 'l is a view in transverse section through flow of fluid from the area below the packer and the device as seen on the line 1-1 of Fig. 6. into-the drill string by controlled means where- Fig. 8 is a view in transverse section through v by any sudden evacuation of the tested areawill the flow device as seen on the line 8-8 of Fig. 6.

be eliminated, and Vthe iiow of fluid may be Fig.`9 is a-view in section and elevation show- 30 progressively increased in volume. ins another form of flow device.

It is the principal object ofthe present inven- Fig. 10 is a view in transverse section as seen tion therefor to provide a method of controlling on the line Ill-i0 'of Fig. 9 and showing the fluid flow by a flow device adapted to be interfluid passageways.

posed at some point between the packer and the Referring more particularly to the drawings, 35 top of the well, and which device may be actuil indicates a --drill stern to which a trip valve ated from the top of the well to control and l2 is connected. This valve is preferably of the vary the flow of fluid therethroug n type within which a valve element is held nor- It also often occurs thatV the fluid within the mally in a closed and locked position, and is re- 40 well is nlled with silt and sand which might clog leased and opened by the dropping o f a go-devil 40 the fluid passageways of a -control device and it from the top of the well and through the drill is another object of the present invention to pro-y stem until it ,strikes the valve mechanism and vide a method and means of uid control whereopens the valve, the said trip valve being thereby the possibility of clogging will be eliminated after locked in its opened position. Carried at thus insuring accurate controland regulation of the lower end of the trip valve housing is a suitflow. y, able length of drill string i3 to which an adjust- It is another object of the present invention able ilowrdevice I4 is connected and with which to provide a fluid flow control device which may device the present invention is particularly conbe opened, regulated and closed a plurality of cerned. Suitably connected below the flow de- ;,0 times by rotation in one direction only, thus vice' is the main valve structure oi a well testing 50 eliminating the necessity of -withdrawing and retool I5, the tool being of the general type shown sealing' the valve or rotating in a counter direcin Patent No. 2,073,107 issued to M. O. Johnston, tion. co-inventor of the instant application entitled The present invention contemplates the pro- Well testing method and apparatus therefor. vision of a fluid flow device which may be` inter- Interposed between the ow device Il and the 5 main valve structure of the testing tool 5 is a drill string section I6V which serves as a fluid chamber for a purpose to be hereinafter described. There is usually assembled with the main valve structure ofthe testing tool I5 an equalizer valve structure I1 which carries a packer I8 at its lower end. The packer |8 in turn carries a perforated anchor pipe I3 by which fluid may be directed through the packer andthen upwardly through the equalizer valve structure |1, and successively through the various tools previously described. 'I'he .valve of the equalizer valve structure I1 has the usual function of being closed when the packer is seated so that iiuid from the column of fluid within the well bore will be sealed of! completely by the packer and is opened when the drill string is lifted prior to pulling the packer from its seat. This action will equalize the pressure within the well above and below the packer and will make it possible to more readily withdraw the packer from the hole.

The form of the flow device |4 shown in Figs. 2 and 3 include an upper sleeve portion 20, a coupling element 2| having a. threaded pin 22 extending into the sleeve portion 20, and a pin 23 extending into a body member 24. The sleeve portion 20 at its upper end is interiorly threaded for the reception of the upper threaded'end of the section of the drill string 3. The lower end of the body member 24 is formed with a pin 25 which is threaded into the upper end of a packing sleeve 26. The packing sleeve 26 slidably re- -ceives a tubular mandrel 21 which extends downwardly and is threaded into a coupling 28 by which it may be attached to various oil well tools as illustrated at I5 in Fig. 3. A packing gland is formed in the member 26 and receives packing 29 which is held in position by a packing nut 30. Th upper end of the mandrel 21 is formed with an enlarged head 3| cut away at diametrically opposite sides as indicated at 32 and 33 to form keyways in Fig. 4 of the drawings. Thus. as shown in Fig. 5 the head provides two keyway guides 34 and 35 which cooperate with lugs 36 and 31 and with lugs 38 and 39, both of which sets of lugs are carried upon the inner wall of the body member 24 to facilitate in locking the tubular mandrel 21 in position, and for a purpose to be hereinafter described. 'I'he upper end of the tubular mandrel 21 is formed with clutch Jaws 40 extending diametrically across the end wall of the mandrel and adapted under some circumstances to engage Jaws 4| Aprojecting from a, nut 43 carried on the lower end of a tubular shaft 42 which extends downwardly through the members 20, 2| and 24. The nut 43 is exteriorly threaded and vengages a thread 44 formed in the inner wall of the body 2| member 24. The coupling section 2| is formed with a packing gland receiving packing 45 which circumscribes the tubular shaft 42 and forms a fluid packing therearound. A

, packing nut 46 holds the packing 45 in position and is threaded into the pin 2|. The inside diameter of the upper tubular member 20 is relatively large and forms a fluid space 41. Into this space the upperend of the tubular shaft 42 projects. A central passageway 48 extends through the tubular shaft 42 and communicates at its upper end with a valve cage 49 through ducts 50. The valve cage carries a valve ball 5I held upwardly against a seat 52 by va spring 53. 'I'he seat is held in position by a tubular nut 54. VThe lowei end the tubular shaft 42 communicates with a fluid 23 of the coupling above the upper endof thecoupling 2|.

of the passageway 48 throughy space 55 within the member 24. 'I'his space in turn communicates with a central passageway 211 through the tubular mandrel 21. The wall of the tubular shaft 42 adjacent to its upper end is formed with a plurality of radially disposed threaded openings 56 which receive iiow bean buttons 51 having a central passageway 58 extending therethrough, the passageways progressing in diameter from the outermost part to the innermost'part of members 51. It is understood that as manner to be hereinafter explained the tubular shaft 42 has relatively longitudinal movement with relation to the coupling 2| and the body member 24, this movement acting to project,

is more particuand 5. As heretofore relative longitudinal movement.` This'- stated the head 3| of the mandrerzl is longitudinally cut to form the keyways 32 and 33 which define the opposite edges of lugs 34 and 35, and the body member 24 is formed with a relatively Wide pair of lugs 38 and 39. The lugs 36 and 31 are normally held against the lugs 34 vand 35. The lugs 34 and 35 when in these positions are beneath the relatively long lugs 38 and 39 carried by the member 24, and upon relative rotation they move to space'li occurring between the lugs 38 and 36 after which there may be relatively longitudinal movement ofthe mandrel 21 and the member 24. Attention is'directed to the fact that after the tubular shaft 42 is moved to its uppermost position it is desirableto lock this shaft and the body member24 against rotation or longitudinal movement. This is accomplished'by'a radially disposed lockpin 6| carried in a bore 62 l30 narrow pair of lugs 36 and 31and a relatively nut 43 against movement. The outer end of the recess 64 is preferably closed by a. countersunk nut 65 which makes it possible to reset the pin after use.'

In operation of the form of the invention shown in Figs. 2 to 5 inclusive, it will be understood that the device may be used as vice alone, or that it may be used in combination with testing tools and such structures as are shown in Fig. 1 of theY drawings. operation of the structure shown in Figs. 2 to 5 inclusive is as follows: `When the flow device |4 is placed into the well the tubular mandrel 21 is' in its lowermost position with the 'lugs 34 and 35 held against the lugs A36 and 31 and disposed be'- neath the lugs 38 and 33. Rotation of the drill string to the right will cause the lmembers to be maintained in this position as the tool is lowered into the hole. lAtthis same, time the nut 43 is in its lowermost position'with relation to the thread 44 and the upper Aend of the. tubular shaft 42 is disposed so that the uppermost flow bean 51 is The valve ball 5| which is a part ofqan emergency circulation valve is positioned on its seat 52. When it is desired to open the flow device the drill string is rotated in a counterclockwise direc- The specific:

tion. v 'llhisv causes the spaces 66 to register with the lugs 34 and`35 so that the member 24 may rnove downwardly until the headv 3| clears the` lugs 38 vand 39, after which the body member 24 may rotate freely .with relation to the mandrel 21 and'its head\3|.

. the 4clutch jaws 40 s o that the nut 43 will be held againsty rotation. Continued rotation will cause the body member 24'to move downwardly on. the nut 43 and the upper end of the tubular shaft 42 to project above thecoupling. 2|. This insures that the flow beanbuttons 58' will be uncovered progressively and will create a progressively inv creasing. area through which fiuid may flow from the passageway 48 .to the space 41 in the member 20. Attentionfis .directed to/'the fact that thenormal direction voff fluid l'flow is outwardly through. the opening 58 and into 4the space" 41, and that furthermore there is a considerable distance between the inner face .of the wall of the member 20 and the outlet mouths of the openings 58." This will permit some of the force of -the fluid pressure to be dissipated before the uid jets impinge against the wall yof the member 20.

Thus the 'abrasive action of the fluid will be materially diminished. .It will also be evident that .by this arrangement the wall of the member 29 might'be yreadily patched by welding in the event that' the.'abras'ive1 action o'f the vfluid should cut an opening entirely through this wall.` When the flow devicehas been manipulatedto place all of the'flow. beansv 51 .invcommunication with the space v41.and beyond the upper end of. the member 2| the lock pin 6| carried lbythe nut 43 will move .toa p osition of register, with the recess 64A in the. member 24. This will lock the `nut 43 against. rotationwith relationto the member 24 which requires the circulation of fluid through the' drill string andthe flow device,` this may be accomplished by pumping the uid downwardly with the drill string, to depress the spring 63 and move the'ball 5|7fro'm its seat so that fluid may flow downwardlythrough the cage 49, the passageway 48. in' the tubular shaft 42, andthe tubular mandrel 2 1. l y

` Referring more particularly to Figures 6, 7

and 8 of the drawings the adjustable flow device is shown comprising a tubular mandrel 66 which. is threaded into the lower end of the housing 6 6' .of the trip valve |2.v This mandrel is enlarged at its lower end to forma cylinder head 61 carrying threads 6 8. Themandrel extends into a sleeve l69 having interior threads. 10 .to receive the threads 66 of .thefhead 61. Adjacent theupper endof the sleeve 69 an annular shoulder .1| is" formed within the bore ofV the sleeve and when' in its upper position the head 61 abuts against and lies beneath this shoulder. A counterbore 12 is formed above the shoulder containthe gland and packing and is thereby held leakproof.'VY 1The mandrel head 61 is formed with a v .extends downwardly through the sleeve 69 andv central luid'circulatingv passageway 14 therethroughwhich terminates at its low'erend in a threaded counterbore 15. The threaded counterbore receives a tubularvalve stem. 16 which the coupling `1,1. The upper end `of the coupling 11 is threaded into the sleeve 69 at 18. The low- When.- in thisv position the f jaws 4I on nut 43 may'move into register with l place by Van expansion spring'S.

er end of coupling 11 is threaded at 19 and extends into a tubular housing 8 0 forming a part of the fluid chamber The coupling 11 is formed with a central bore 8| 4 at'its upper end which ts snugly around the valve stem 16 while permitting the valve stem to reciprocate therethrough. The bore 8| is enlarged as indicated at 82 throughout its lower length to receive suitable packing 83A and has a threaded mouth 84 within which a packing nut 85 is secured. 'I'he packing nut is formed 'with a central bore which also fits snugly around the valve stem 16, and cooperates therewith in 'providing a reciprocating valve structure. The valve action is obtainedby forming a plurality of radial perforations or passageways 86 through the wall of the valve stem 16 so that communication may be established between the space outside of the valve stem and the longitudinal passageway 61 within the valve stem 16. These passageways are 'progressively increased in size and may be successively moved to points below the valve bushing 85 in order to uncover them and to permit uid which may be within the tubular housing 89 to iiow into the passageway 81 of the valve stem 16 and then upwardly through the tubular mandrel 66 and into the testing tool I5, or

Attention is directed to the fact that an end f wall is formed at'the lower end of the valve stem 16 having a ,passageway 86 extending downwardly therethrough. This passageway is normally closed by a ball valve 89 which is held in This spring rests at its lower end upon an adjusting disc 9| and an adjusting screw 92 abuts against it. The screw 92 and the spring 90 are carried within a valve cage 93 which has openings 94 in its side vto permit fluid flow when required. The valve 891s an emergencyvalve which permits free circulation of fluid to take place downwardly; irrespective yof. the adjusted Vposition ofthe fluid control structure, when the pump is operated at the top of the well and an emergency operation is required tore-establish circulation. through the tool at a time where there is a possibility that the tool and. its packer might become stuck in the well. l

In order to hold the-tubular mandrel 66 and the sleeve 69 against longitudinal movement f with relation to each other when the shoulder 1| of the head 61 is in its uppermost and abutting position against the shear pin 96, or other temporary locking means known to those skilled in the art, is provided. This pin as shown in Figs. 6 and 7 of the drawings, is threaded through the wall of the sleeve 69 and has an extending portion which ro ect i t ing packing which is heldin position by a packing. p j s n o a' cavity 96 Wlthm the nut 13. The tubular'mandrel-66 moves. throughA mandrel 66. The strength of this extending portion will be determined in order to resist any normal twisting action to which the drill string and again establish flow. Due to the fact that the,

supporting string carrying the fiowdevice is connected by threaded joints it is desirable that the flow device shall be rotated ,in one direction only, and with that in mind the structure shown in Figures 9 and 10 has been provided to succes' sively increase and decrease the flow by rotation of the flow device and its supporting string in one direction. In this particular structure the lower end of the tubular mandrel 66 may successively pass through a central bore 91 which is formed within thc lower part of tubular housing.,80 which is also formed with longitudinal passageways 98. A central bore 81 through the upper part of housing 80 and longitudinal passageways 99 are likewise provided in said housing. The bore 91 receives the downwardly extending end of the mandrel 66 and the valve cage 93. A space 99 occurs between the upper end of the housing 80 and the lower end of the packing nut 85 so that but one of the perforations or ports 86 will be in a position to permit a flow of fluid therethrough at a time. A space is provided between the upper and lower parts of housing 80 for .the same purpose as is provided bythe space 99. Thus it win be evident that by continuing to rotate the mandrel 66 it will successively pass through bores 91' and 91 and will make it possible to control the flow of fluid due to placing one of the ports 86 into register with the space 99 or |00.

In one manner of operation of the present invention the adjustable flow device may be mounted-'as indicated in Fig. 6 of the drawings at a point between the trip valve I2, and the testing tool I or at some point between the testing tool v I5. and the equalizer valve I1. The flow device is adjusted so that the threaded head 61 of the mandrel 66 abuts against the shoulder 1| in the sleeve 96. When in this position the shear pin 96 is properly placed to hold the tubular mandrel 66 against movement with relation to the sleeve 69. Attention is directed to the fact that when so positioned the tubular valve stem 16 had been drawn upwardly into the coupling 11 so that all or a relatively. large number of the ports 86 in the tubular valve stem 16 are above the valve bushing 85. Thus there is only possibility for slight flow of fluid from the lower housing 80 into the longitudinal passageway 81 of the valve stem 16. After the packer I8 has been set in the hole on a proper shoulder it is common practice to allow the weight of the drill string Il to move downwardly closing the parts of the equalizer valve I1 and opening the main valve within the testing tool I5. Thus the testing tool and the equalizer valve will be prepared for taking a sample. When the two valves are thus prepared it is usual practice then to open the trip valve I2 suddenly by dropping the godevil through the drill pipe.

In some types of tools a trip valve is not used and the opening of the main valve in the test tool will suddenly admit an upward flow of fluid from the area below the packer and under the pressure there existing. It will be recognized that under such conditions the Well is full of drilling fluid and that the hydrostatic head of the drilling fluid is considerable, averaging approximately one-half pound per square inch to the running foot of drilled hole. When the packer is seated the' fluid within the rathole willfbe entrapped by thepacker under the pressure of the complete hydrostatic head of the well and will be confined at this pressure until it is relieved by establishing communication between the area below the rathole and the drill stem carrying the testing tools. It is understood that within the drill stem normal atmospheric pressure prevails. Under either condition when the main valve of the testing tool or the trip valve is suddenly opened it will be evident that the pressure within the rathole will be instantly relieved to atmospheric pressure within the drillv stem. This will cause a sudden evacuation of the area below the packer and may result in a` collapse or caving in of the formation being penetrated. Under such circumstances the perthe packer and the valve which finally controls the flow of fluid into the drill stem, it is possible first to prepare for taking the sample by opening the valve through the tester and the trip valve and thereafter opening the flow device I4 progressively. This is done by rotating the drill string, and subsequently the mandrel 66 with a force sufficient to shear ofi the end of the shear pin 96 so that the threaded head 61 of the tubular mandrel 66 may be rotated and screwed downwardly within the sleeve ,69. This in the structure shown in Fig. 6 causes the ports 86 lwithin the valve stem 16 to be gradually and progressively moved to a point of clearance below the packing nut 85. As a large number of ports 86 are thus lowered to a flow position the volume of fluid passing upwardly will progressively increase. This will gradually relieve the existing pressure within the formation and will thereby tend to prevent a cave-l in or a surge which would fill the.perforations in the anchor pipe. The result will be that an accurate quantity test can be made and will be determined by the amount of fluid entrapped within the drill string. In the form of device shown in Fig. 9 only one port 86 is involved at a time, but due to the variation in sizes the flow will be regulated and controlled.

As has been previously explained the fluid which passes upwardly through the packer and the tools associated with it contains suspended solid matter which may clog the perforations in the anchor pipe I9 and may also clog the perforations or ports 86 in the control device. In either event the flow of fluid constituting the incoming sample may be so resisted as to cause the similar entrapped sample to give misleadying information. In order to insure against such a contingency a method has been devised, as a part of the present invention, in which the length of pipe or fluid passageway occurring between the main valve I2 and the fluid control device Il may be filled with clear water, oil or other suitable liquid. Thus as the apparatus is lowered into the well the closed main valve will prevent the-leakage ofa column of liquid extending up to the fluid flow device. When the main valve is opened after setting the packer this column of clear fluid will be supported upon the upwardly moving column of fluid within the'well, and when the trip valve is opened the clear fluid will pass upwardly through the ports 86 in the control device I4 as displaced by the upwardly moving samplen of iluid from the bushing and progressively move the radial portsy formation. The result will be that there will not be a tendency for a clogging of the ports 8l in the fluid control device il since an entire-column of clear liquid will be forced through these ports before the ports are reached by the native iiuid of the formation which might contain solids. Thus the initial inrush of vnative fluids to the apparatus here described will not be accomplished by a large amount of suspended solids and a more accurate and certain sample will be maintained under contro In the event that an emergency arises which makes it necessary for well to be re-established themud pumps at the `top of the well may be attached to the drill string and may force fluid downwardly through the drill string into the various openedy valves, and

also will force downwardly upon the vvalve ball` 89 to establish communication between the center passageway 81 in the valve stem, .1I and the lower passageway 88 communicating therewith. This can take place irrespective of whether or not there has been an opportunity to adjust the flow device so thatA circulation could be established through the ports 8 6 in the valve stem 16.

It will thus be seen that the method and means for regulating and controlling the flow of a well, particularly when used in conjunction with formation and casing shoe testing operations, are

both simple and effective, and' insure greater hazard which might accuracy of tests and less and which might inbe produced by a cave-in volve the loss of a tool or parts thereof.

While we have shown the preferred form of our method and means of regulating the flow of fluid within a well, it will be understood that various changes might be made in the steps of the method, and in the construction ot the device embodying the invention, by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed.

Having thus described our invention, what we claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. A flow device comprising a sleeve, a passageway therethrough, a valve bushing disposed at a point within said passageway, a tubular mandrel mounted within the sleeve and slidable through the valve bushing, threads formed at a point within said sleeve, a head formed on one end of said tubular mandrel, said head being threaded and engaging the threaded portion of said tubular sleeve, said mandrel being closed at its inner end and formed for a distance in its length adjacent the closed end with a plurality of axially spaced radial ports normally closed by the valve bushing and adapted to be progressively opened in sequential order as the threaded head of the mandrel moves along the threaded portion of the tubular sleeve. y

2. A flow device comprising a tubular sleeve, a central passageway formed therethrough, a valve bushing disposed at a point within said passageway, a tubular mandrel mounted for longitudinal movement within the sleeve and slidable through the valve bushing, said mandrel carrying an externally threaded head at one end there'- of, said mandrel being closed atthe other end and formed for a distance in its length adjacent said closed end with a plurality of axially spaced radial ports normally closed by the valve bushing, threads formed for a distance within the passageway ci said tubular sleeve and 'engaging the threaded head of the mandrel whereby relathe mandrel and the valve tive movement between sleeve will move the mandrel through the circulation within the l in sequential order to an unobstructed position within the sleeve.

3. A flow device comprising a tubular,y sleeve, a central passageway formed therethrough, a valve bushing disposed at a point within said gitudinal movement within the sleeve and slidable through the valve bushing, said mandrel carrying an externally threaded head at one end thereof, said mandrel being closed at fthe other end and formed for a distance 'in its length adjacent-said closed end with a plurality'of axially spaced radial Vports normally closed by the valve bushing, threads formed for adistance within the passageway of said tubular sleeve and engagi'ng-the threaded head of the mandrel where- .by relative movement between the mandrel and ythe sleeve will move the mandrel through the valve bushing and vprogressively move the radial ports in sequential order to an unobstructed position within the sleeve. and means temporarily locking the `mandrel and the sleeve-ina nonrotating position.

4. A ilow device comprising a sleeve, a central passageway therethrough, a valve bushing disposed at a point within said passageway forming a fluid space within the sleeve above 'said bushing and a fluid space within said sleeve below said bushing, a tubular mandrel mounted for longitudinal movement 'within-the sleeve and slidableA through the valve bushing. being closed at its upper end by an emergency valve adapted to establish flow of iluid therethrough when pressure is exerted within the fluid space, the .other end of said mandrel carrying a threaded head thereon, said tubular sleeve being threaded for a distance below said valve bushing and engaging the threaded head of said mandrel, said mandrel being formed with a plurality of axially spaced radial ports normally closed by the valve bushing, said radial ports being adapted to .be progressively moved in sequential order to anunobstructed position within the fluid space formed within the sleeve and above the valve bushing through relative rotational movement'between the mandrel and the sleeve through their threaded connection.

5. A ilow device comprising a tubular sleeve and a tubular body member, a coupling member between said tubular sleeve and body member, a central passageway bers, a valve bushing disposed at a point within said coupling member, a tubular mandrel mounted for longitudinal movement within the tubular sleeve and slidable through said valve bushing, said mandrel carrying head at one end thereof, said mandrel being closed at the opposite end and formed for a distance in its length adjacent said closed end with a plurality of axially spaced radial ports normally closed by the valve for a distance within the passageway of the tubular body member and engaging the threaded head of the mandrel, a second mandrel positioned within the lower end of said-tubular body mem- 'ber and having a central passageway therethrough, Jaws carried on the upper end of said second mandrel adapted to .engage a pair of .jaws formed on" the lower end of the head carried by the first named mandrel whereby relative rotational movement between the tubular sleeve the tubular body member and their coupling and the second named mandrel will cause the ilrst named mandrel to move through the ypassagewaina tubular mandrel mounted for lonsaid mandrel l formed through said meman externally threaded bushing, threads formed valve bushing to progressively end in sequential order position the radial ports of the ilrst named mandrel -to an unobstructed position within the tubular sleeve when the jaws of the mandrels are in engagement.

6. A flow device comprising a tubular sleeve, a central passageway formed therethrough, a valve bushing disposed at a point within said passageway forming a uidx'space within theof axially spaced radial ports normalLv closed by the valve bushing, threads formed for a distance within, the passageway of said tubular sleeve and engaging the threaded head of the mandrel, a second mandrel positioned within ,the lower end of said tubular sleeve and having a plurality of jaws .formed on the upper end thereof whereby when the1 complementary jaws of said mandrels arerin engagement relative rotation between the tubular sleeve and the second named mandrei will move the mandrel through the valve bushing` and progressively move the radial ports in sequential order to an unobstructed position within the sleeve.

'7. A 'flow device comprising a tubular sleeve, a central passageway formed therethrough, a valve `bushing disposed at a point within said passageway forminga iluid space within the sleeve below the valve bushing. a tubular mandrel mounted for longitudinal movement within the sleeve and slidable through the valve bushing, said mandrel carrying an externally threaded head at one end thereof the exposed end of said head having a plurality of jaws formed on the face thereof, said mandrel being closed at the othervend and formed for a distance in its length' adjacent said closed end with a plurality oi axially spaced radial ports normally closedf by the valve bushing, threads formed for a distance within the passageway ot said tubular sleeve and engaging the threaded head of the mandrel.

a second mandrel positioned within the lower end of said tubular sleeve and having a plurality gf jaws formed on the upper end thereof where- .Y

when the complementary jaws of said mandrels are in engagement relative rotation between the tubular sleeve andthe second named mandrel will move the mandrel through the valve bushing and progressively move the radial ports in sequential order to an unobstructed position within the sleeve and means temporarily locking the first named mandrel and the sleeve in non-rotating position when the radial ports are in an unobstructed position within the sleeve.

8. A flow device comprising a tubular sleeve, a l5 central passageway formed therethrough, a valve bushing disposed at a point within said passageway forming a fluid space within'the sleeve below the valve bushing, a tubular mandrel mounted for longitudinal movement within the sleeve and slidable through the valve bushing, said mandrel carrying an externally threaded head at one end thereof the exposed end of said head having a plurality of jaws formed on the face thereof, said mandrel being closed at the other end and lformed for a distance in its length adjacent said closed end with a plurality of axially spaced vradial ports normally closed by the valve bushing, threads formed for a distance within the passageway of said tubular sleeve and engaging the threaded head of the mandrel a second mandrel positioned within the lower end oi' said tubular sleeve and having a plurality of jaws formed on the upper end thereof whereby when the complementary jaws of said mandrels are in engagementvrelative rotation between the tubular sleeve and. the second named mandrel will move the mandrel through the valve bushing and progressively move the radial ports in sequential order to an unobstructed position within the sleeve said mandrelbeing closed at its upper end by an emergency valve adapted to establish flow of fluid therethrough when pressure is exerted within the tubular sleeve.

WIIBUR F. BETTIS.

Images