Multi-cycle circulation valve activated by balls
Multi-cycle circulation valve activated by balls is provided including a unified tubular tool that integrates an upper sub, an upper housing, a mobile mandrel assembly, a ball activation system, a lower sub, a lower mandrel with machined J-slots consisting of two helical channels of different lengths, where guide pins transversely mounted through a synchronizing sleeve are channeled into the slots during axial movement of the piston. The lower mandrel extension incorporates elastomeric rings that provide dynamic sealing with the perforated housing, while radial circulation ports selectively align with housing ports to establish controlled hydraulic communication. The ball receiver features stepped internal geometry with seven evenly distributed millings for multi-cycle capture. The graphite-filled Teflon deformable balls of 11/16 inch activate the system, generating controlled rotations of 95.6° and 84.4°, producing a total angular displacement of 180° after two complete cycles, enabling automatic switching between direct flow mode and annular circulation without requiring well retrieval.
1 . A multi-cycle circulation valve activated by balls, comprising:
a unified tubular tool for flow control operations in oil, gas, or geothermal wells, enabling automatic switching between direct flow mode and annular circulation mode through single-size deformable balls, generating controlled rotation that produces a total angular displacement of 180° after two complete activation cycles without requiring well retrieval;
a lower mandrel configured as a cylindrical tubular element with machined J-slots on its outer surface, consisting of two helical channels of different lengths;
guide pins configured as cylindrical elements transversely mounted through a synchronizing sleeve, distributed at 180°, which are channeled into the J-slots during axial movement of the lower mandrel;
a lower mandrel extension configured as a threaded tubular extension mechanically connected to the lower mandrel and provided with machined grooves for housing sealing elements;
a perforated housing configured as a stationary cylindrical housing with circumferentially distributed calibrated radial ports;
elastomeric rings, specification 2-223, housed in the grooves of the lower mandrel extension, providing dynamic sealing with the perforated housing;
radial circulation ports configured as perforations distributed at 180° on the lower mandrel extension, selectively aligning with the ports of the perforated housing to establish controlled hydraulic communication; and
a ball receiver configured as a cylindrical chamber with stepped internal geometry of progressive diameters and seven identical evenly distributed radial millings positioned at a lower end.
2 . The multi-cycle circulation valve activated by balls, according to claim 1 , wherein the machined J-slots comprise a long channel extending 164 mm with specific angles of 28.3°, 35.1°, 49.3°, and 67.3°, and a short channel with differentiated angular development inducing rotations of 95.6° and 84.4°, respectively.
3 . The multi-cycle circulation valve activated by balls, according to claim 1 , wherein the guide pins are channeled into the J-slots, alternately following long and short channels during axial movement of the mobile assembly, wherein the guide pins have a diameter of Ø8 mm and are transversely mounted through holes in a synchronizing sleeve positioned in an intermediate mandrel.
4 . The multi-cycle circulation valve activated by balls, according to claim 1 , wherein the ball receiver facilitates capture and retention of the deformable balls, and wherein the ball receiver is configured as a cylindrical chamber of 200 mm length with stepped internal geometry of progressive diameters, featuring seven identical radial millings evenly distributed at angular intervals of 51.4°.
5 . The multi-cycle circulation valve activated by balls, according to claim 1 , wherein the multi-cycle circulation valve provides return force for upward movement of a mobile assembly, and further comprises a calibrated compression spring positioned between an upper thrust bearing and a lower thrust bearing.
6 . The multi-cycle circulation valve activated by balls, according to claim 1 , wherein the multi-cycle circulation valve allows controlled passage through a ball seat, wherein the deformable balls have a dimension of 11/16 inch and are made of graphite-filled Teflon.