초록 ▼

This invention comprises the use of a variable orifice valve as a flow controller and flow meter. Pressure measurements are taken upstream and downstream of the variable orifice valve by way of a differential pressure measurement mechanism. The differential pressure measurement mechanism may compris

This invention comprises the use of a variable orifice valve as a flow controller and flow meter. Pressure measurements are taken upstream and downstream of the variable orifice valve by way of a differential pressure measurement mechanism. The differential pressure measurement mechanism may comprise two separate absolute pressure measurement devices or a single differential pressure measurement device. Flow rate through the valve is determined from the pressure drop across the valve. In wellbores having multiple zones, a variable orifice valve together with a differential pressure measurement mechanism may be deployed for each zone. The flow rate through each of the zones and at the surface can then be monitored and controlled.

대표청구항 ▼

This invention comprises the use of a variable orifice valve as a flow controller and flow meter. Pressure measurements are taken upstream and downstream of the variable orifice valve by way of a differential pressure measurement mechanism. The differential pressure measurement mechanism may compris

This invention comprises the use of a variable orifice valve as a flow controller and flow meter. Pressure measurements are taken upstream and downstream of the variable orifice valve by way of a differential pressure measurement mechanism. The differential pressure measurement mechanism may comprise two separate absolute pressure measurement devices or a single differential pressure measurement device. Flow rate through the valve is determined from the pressure drop across the valve. In wellbores having multiple zones, a variable orifice valve together with a differential pressure measurement mechanism may be deployed for each zone. The flow rate through each of the zones and at the surface can then be monitored and controlled. 4. The mechanism of claim 3, wherein: said actuation surface is disposed flush with respect to at least one of said first and said second sleeves. 5. The mechanism of claim 3, wherein: said actuation surface is disposed in a recessed manner with respect to said passage and at least one of said first and said second sleeves. 6. The mechanism of claim 3, wherein: said releasing ring is moveable outwardly by a releasing tool inserted into said passage, said releasing tool radially displacing said releasing ring until it is no longer engaged to said first and said second sleeves. 7. The mechanism of claim 6, wherein: said releasing tool further comprises an inclined surface and at least one collet displaceable radially into said releasing ring due to relative longitudinal movement between said collet and said inclined surface. 8. The mechanism of claim 2, further comprising: a mating engagement pattern on said releasing ring to engage a mating engagement pattern on at least one of said first and said second sleeves to prevent relative longitudinal movement therebetween, when said mating engagement patterns are selectively engaged. 9. The mechanism of claim 8, wherein said mating engagement pattern further comprises: an upper and a lower engagement pattern near opposed ends of said releasing ring respectively selectively engageable with said mating engagement pattern on at least one of said first and said second sleeves. 10. The mechanism of claim 9, wherein: said releasing ring is a one piece cylindrical shape further comprising a plurality of notches and is so configured so as to posses a radial bias away from said first and said second sleeves when fitted against them, said releasing ring further comprising a retainer to selectively overcome said radial bias to hold said first and said second sleeves to said releasing ring through said mating engagement patterns. 11. The mechanism of claim 10, further comprising: a clearance space on the opposite side of said releasing ring from said passage to allow said releasing ring to be radially displaced from said passage into said clearance space to disengage said engagement patterns on said releasing ring from the respective mating engagement pattern on at least one of said first and second sleeves. 12. The mechanism of claim 11, wherein: said retainer is flexibly expanded in response to a force moving said releasing ring radially into said clearance space, said retainer biasing said releasing ring toward said passage upon removal of a radially outward force on said releasing ring. 13. The mechanism of claim 12, wherein: said releasing ring is moveable outwardly by a releasing tool inserted into said passage, said releasing tool radially displacing said releasing ring until it is no longer engaged to said first and said second sleeves. 14. The mechanism of claim 13, wherein: said releasing tool further comprises an inclined surface and at least one collet displaceable radially into said releasing ring due to relative longitudinal movement between said collet and said inclined surface. 15. The mechanism of claim 9, wherein: said releasing ring comprises a plurality of distinct components initially held to said first and said second sleeves by at least one removable member. 16. The mechanism of claim 15, comprising: a clearance space on the opposite side of said releasing ring from said passage to allow said releasing ring to be radially displaced from said passage into said clearance space, thereby disabling said removable member, and disengaging said engagement patterns on said releasing ring from the respective mating engagement pattern on at least one of said first and second sleeves. 17. The mechanism of claim 16, further comprising: a tab on said releasing ring components which remains engaged in a groove in one of said first and second sleeves, despite movement of said components into said clearance space. 18. A packer release mechanism for slips and a sealing element for a packer set by one of a hydraulic mechanism and a mechanical mechanism, comprising: a mandrel defining a passage therethrough and further comprising a first and a second sleeve selectively retained to each other by a releasing ring which is radially displaceable. 19. The mechanism of claim 18, wherein: said releasing ring is disposed at least in part behind said first and second sleeves. 20. The mechanism of claim 19, wherein: said release ring has an actuation surface exposed to said passage in said mandrel between said first and said second sleeves; and a mating engagement pattern on said releasing ring to engage a mating engagement pattern on at least one of said first and said second sleeves to prevent relative longitudinal movement therebetween, when said mating engagement patterns are selectively engaged. 21. The mechanism of claim 20, wherein said mating engagement pattern further comprises: an upper and a lower engagement pattern near opposed ends of said releasing ring respectively selectively engageable with mating engagement pattern on at least one of said first and said second sleeves; and said releasing ring is a one piece cylindrical shape further comprising a plurality of notches and is so configured so as to posses a radial bias away from said first and said second sleeves when fitted against them, said releasing ring further comprising a retainer to selectively overcome said radial bias to hold said first and said second sleeves to said releasing ring through said mating engagement patterns. 22. The mechanism of claim 21, wherein: a clearance space on the opposite side of said releasing ring from said passage to allow said releasing ring to be radially displaced from said passage into said clearance space to disengage said engagement patterns on said releasing ring from the respective mating engagement pattern on at least one of said first and second sleeves; and said retainer is flexibly expanded in response to a force moving said releasing ring radially into said clearance space, said retainer biasing said releasing ring toward said passage upon removal of a radially outward force on said releasing ring. 23. The mechanism of claim 18, wherein: said releasing ring is moveable outwardly by a releasing tool inserted into said passage, said releasing tool radially displacing said releasing ring until it no longer retains said first and said second sleeves; and said releasing tool further comprises an inclined surface and at least one collet displaceable radially into said releasing ring due to relative longitudinal movement between said collet and said inclined surface. 24. A release mechanism for a downhole tool, comprising: a first and second tubular members, mounted in a body having a passage therethrough, each having a longitudinal axis and a passage therethrough; a release member operably connected to said first and second tubular members and exposed in said passage in said body to keep said first and second tubular members in a locked position until said release member is moved radially by direct contact from said passage in a direction away from said longitudinal axis. 25. A release mechanism for a downhole tool, comprising: a first and second tubular members, mounted in a body having a passage therethrough, each having a longitudinal axis and a passage therethrough; a release member operably connected to said first and second tubular members and exposed in said passage in said body to keep said first and second tubular members in a locked position until said release member is moved radially by direct contact from said passage in said body with respect to at least one said longitudinal axis; said release member comprises a releasing ring, which is disposed at least in part behind said first and second tubular members. 26. The mechanism of claim 25, wherein: said releasing ring has an actuation