초록 ▼

In a broad aspect, the present invention is a downhole hydraulic multiplexer, which is comprised of one or more piloted shuttle valves, and method of using. The invention takes one or more input signals from a surface control panel or computer, said signals may be electric or hydraulic, and converts

In a broad aspect, the present invention is a downhole hydraulic multiplexer, which is comprised of one or more piloted shuttle valves, and method of using. The invention takes one or more input signals from a surface control panel or computer, said signals may be electric or hydraulic, and converts said signals into a plurality of pressurized hydraulic output channels. The invention is shown in a variety of preferred embodiments, including a tubing deployed version, a wireline retrievable version, and a version residing in the wall of a downhole completion tool. Also disclosed is the use of multiple shuttle valves used in parallel or in series to embody a downhole hydraulic fluid multiplexer, controllable by and reporting positions of said shuttle valves to said surface control panel or computer.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A downhole valve comprising:a valve body having a first fluid inlet port, a second fluid inlet port, a plurality of fluid outlet ports, and a retaining member, the first and second fluid inlet ports being connected to a fluid supply line, the fluid supply line being con

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A downhole valve comprising:a valve body having a first fluid inlet port, a second fluid inlet port, a plurality of fluid outlet ports, and a retaining member, the first and second fluid inlet ports being connected to a fluid supply line, the fluid supply line being connected to at least one source of pressurized fluid;a piston movably disposed within the valve body, a first end of the piston being in fluid communication with the fluid supply line and moveable in response to pressurized fluid therein;position holder movably disposed within the valve body, connected to the piston, and engaged with the retaining member;a fluid transfer member movably disposed within the valve body and having at least one fluid passageway, the fluid transfer member being connected to the piston and the position holder, the position holder and the retaining member cooperating to maintain the fluid transfer member in a plurality of discrete positions, the at least one fluid passageway establishing fluid communication between the fluid supply line and one of the plurality of fluid outlet ports for at least one of the plurality of discrete fluid-transfer-member positions; and,a mechanism adapted to bias the piston against the pressurized fluid in the fluid supply line. [32.]32. A method of controlling a plurality of pressure-actuated downhole well tools comprising the steps of:connecting a first fluid supply line from at least one source of pressurized fluid to a downhole valve;connecting a second fluid supply line from the at least one source of pressurized fluid to the downhole valve; and,applying pressure through the first fluid supply line to the downhole valve to selectively establish fluid communication between the second fluid supply line and a plurality of downhole well tools.