Technique and apparatus for completing multiple zones

Abstract

An apparatus that is usable with a well includes a string and a plurality of tools that are mounted in the string. The string includes a passageway. The tools are mounted in the string and are adapted to be placed in a state to catch objects (free-falling objects and/or pumped-down objects, as just a few examples) of substantially the same size, which are communicated downhole through the passageway.

1 . A system usable with a well, comprising: 
 a string to be run into the well and comprising a passageway; and    a valve attached to the string, the valve comprising a housing having openings to establish fluid communication between the passageway and a region outside of the string,    wherein at least one of the openings comprises a slot having a longitudinal length at least five times greater than a width of the slot.    
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the valve comprises a sleeve adapted to move to selectively block the openings to control the fluid communication between the passageway and the region.  
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal length is at least ten times greater than the width.  
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal length is at least twenty times greater than the width.  
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the openings extend in a spiral pattern about the longitudinal axis of the valve.