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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Equalizing means for well tools

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6432329
Pressure equalizing means is disclosed for well tools having a tubular housing and an operator tube movable longitudinally therewithin. A valved bypass passage is provided in the housing and a shoulder on the operator tube for engaging and opening the valve of the valved bypass passage upon longitudinal movement of the operator tube in the housing. The equalizing mechanism further includes a pair of seal rings sealing between the housing and the operator tube above and below the valved bypass passage in the housing and a lateral passage in the wall of the operator tube normally above the pair of seals but movable under no-flow conditions with the operator tube to a position between the pair of seals prior to the operator tube shoulder contacting the valve of the bypass passage, thus avoiding damage to or flow cutting of the seals which normally form a secondary seal to provide bubble-tight integrity even if the valve in the bypass passage does not seal bubble tight.
Assignee:
Otis Engineering Corp.
Patent Number(s):
US 4452311
OSTI ID:
6432329
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English