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Title: Drilling system and flow control apparatus for downhole drilling motors

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6821590

This patent describes an apparatus for controlling a flow of fluid through a downhole drilling motor which includes a first flow passage and a second flow passage communicating with the first flow passage extending through an unsealed bearing section of the downhole drilling motor. It comprises: variable flow channel means for providing a variable flow channel, having a selectable effect cross-sectional area, in communication with the first flow passage of the downhole drilling motor, including a valve, comprising a valve seat body having an opening defined therethrough; and a valve member disposed in said seat body so that said valve member is movable between said first position relative to said opening and control means for controlling said variable flow channel means so that said variable flow channel has a selected effective cross-sectional area characterized to cause at least a predetermined minimum flow of the fluid to occur through the second flow passage. The control means includes a snap ring connected to said valve seat body for holding said valve member at said first position until a fluid is flowed above a predetermined flow rate through the first flow passage of the downhole drilling motor and said opening defined in said valve seat body.

Assignee:
Amoco Corp., Chicago, IL
Patent Number(s):
US 4905775; A
Application Number:
PPN: US 7-244775A
OSTI ID:
6821590
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: 15 Sep 1988
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English