Ball-Operated Circulating Valve

The Thru-Tubing Circulating Valve provides a large area circulation path between the coiled tubing ID and the annulus. The circulation ports are opened by dropping a ball to its seat in the valve and applying pressure in order to shear some shear screws and move a piston downwards. Once the valve has been opened the ball and seat seal in the mandrel ID below the ports effectively blocking off any further fluid bypass to below. This feature allows for the use of the valve for the spotting of fluids above a set inflatable packer with the knowledge that all fluids are being directed out of the circulating valve and not to below the packer. Applications for the circulating valve include chemical treatments above a set packer, cement placement above a permanent bridge plug, debris barrier placement above a retrievable bridge plug, etc.