Autonomous circulation, fill-up, and equalization valve
View Patent ↗Systems and methods for operating a circulation valve such that the valve will automatically close without the need for a ball to be dropped or other intervention from the surface. The circulation valve is autonomous and will preferably be actuated from an open to a closed position by a motive force such as a power screw. The valve includes an actuator that causes the valve to close in response to particular conditions, such as the passing of a predetermined amount of time, or wellbore conditions, such as pressure, temperature or position.
1. A method of running in and actuating a hydraulically-actuated tool within a wellbore, the method comprising the steps of:
assembling a running string having a hydraulically-actuated tool, and an autonomous circulating valve having open and closed positions;
running the running string into the wellbore with the circulating valve in its open position;
allowing the circulating valve to move from its open position to its closed position autonomously; and
actuating the hydraulically-actuated tool.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of actuating the hydraulically-actuated tool further comprises setting an inflatable bridge plug.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of allowing the circulating valve to move to its closed position further comprises energizing a power screw after the passing of a predetermined amount of time.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of allowing the circulating valve to move to its closed position further comprises energizing a power screw upon detection of a certain wellbore condition.
5. A method of running in and actuating a hydraulically-actuated tool within a wellbore, the method comprising the steps of:
assembling a running string having a hydraulically-actuated bridge plug, and an autonomous circulating valve having open and closed positions;
running the running string into the wellbore with the circulating valve in its open position;
allowing the circulating valve to move from its open position to its closed position autonomously; and
actuating the hydraulically-actuated bridge plug.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein the step of allowing the circulating valve to move to its closed position further comprises energizing a power screw after the passing of a predetermined amount of time.
7. The method of claim 5 wherein the step of allowing the circulating valve to move to its closed position further comprises energizing a power screw upon detection of a certain wellbore condition.
8. The method of claim 5 wherein the step of actuating the hydraulically-actuated bridge plug further comprises inflating the bridge plug.
9. A method of running in and actuating a hydraulically-actuated tool within a wellbore, the method comprising the steps of:
assembling a running string having a hydraulically-actuated inflatable bridge plug, and an autonomous circulating valve having open and closed positions;
running the running string into the wellbore with the circulating valve in its open position;
allowing the circulating valve to move from its open position to its closed position autonomously; and
actuating the hydraulically-actuated inflatable bridge plug.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein the step of allowing the circulating valve to move to its closed position further comprises energizing a power screw after the passing of a predetermined amount of time.
11. The method of claim 9 wherein the step of allowing the circulating valve to move to its closed position further comprises energizing a power screw upon detection of a certain wellbore condition.