Full Bore Valve for Downhole Use

Abstract

Downhole tools and methods for producing hydrocarbons from a wellbore. A downhole tool can include a body having a bore formed therethrough and at least one end adapted to threadably engage one or more tubulars. A sliding sleeve, adapted to move between a first position and a second position within the body, can be at least partially disposed within the body. A valve assembly including a valve member having an arcuate cross section wherein the valve member is adapted to pivot between an open and closed position within the body can be disposed within the body. A valve seat, having an arcuate cross-section adapted to provide a fluid tight seal with the valve member assembly can be disposed within the body.

1 . A downhole tool comprising:
 a housing comprising two or more interconnected sections, wherein each section has a longitudinal bore formed therethrough;   a sleeve concentrically disposed within the housing, the sleeve adapted to move between a first position and a second position within the housing;   a valve member having an arcuate cross section, wherein the valve member is located between the sleeve and the housing when the sleeve is located in its first position; and   a valve seat having a complementary arcuate cross-section adapted to provide a fluid tight seal with the valve member when the sleeve is located in its second position, wherein an interface between the valve member and the valve scat is angled about 1 degree to about 89 degrees relative to a longitudinal centerline of the housing, such that, proceeding radially outward, the interface extends away from a vertex of the arcuate cross section of the valve member.   
   
   
       2 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the sleeve in the first position maintains the valve member in an open position. 
   
   
       3 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the sleeve in the second position permits the valve member to pivot from an open position against the housing to a closed position on the valve seat. 
   
   
       4 . The tool of  claim 2 , wherein at least a portion of the sleeve is disposed concentrically within the valve seat. 
   
   
       5 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the valve membrane is constructed of a frangible material. 
   
   
       6 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the valve member is constructed of a material selected from the group consisting or cast iron, east aluminum, and ceramic. 
   
   
       7 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the valve member is constructed of a material soluble in a solvent selected from the group consisting of water, organic acids, inorganic acids, organic bases, inorganic bases, and organic solvents. 
   
   
       8 . The tool of  claim 1 , further comprising a helical extension spring, wherein the helical extension spring urges the valve member from an open position against the housing to a closed position on the valve seat. 
   
   
       9 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein at least one section of the housing is constructed of a composite material. 
   
   
       10 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the valve seat is constructed of a composite material. 
   
   
       11 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the valve member pivots along an arc or from about 85 degrees to about 95 degrees between the open and closed positions. 
   
   
       12 . A downhole tool comprising:
 a body having a longitudinal bore formed therethrough;   a sleeve located in the body, the sleeve adapted to move between a first position and a second position within the body;   a valve member having an arcuate cross section, wherein the valve member is located between the sleeve and the body when the sleeve is located in its first position;   a valve holder located in the body, wherein the valve member is pivotally disposed on a first end of the valve holder; and   a valve seat assembly at least partially disposed in the valve holder, wherein a first end of the valve seat assembly has a complementary arcuate cross-section adapted to provide a fluid tight seal with the valve member,   wherein an interface between the valve member and the valve seat is angled about 1 degree to about 89 degrees relative to the longitudinal centerline of the body, such that, proceeding radially outward, the interface extends away from a vertex of the arcuate cross section of the valve member.   
   
   
       13 . The tool of  claim 12 , wherein the valve member is constructed of a frangible material. 
   
   
       14 . The tool of  claim 13 , wherein the frangible material is a material selected from the group consisting of cast iron, cast aluminum, and ceramic. 
   
   
       15 . The tool of  claim 12 , wherein the valve member is constructed of a compound soluble in a solvent selected from the group consisting of water, organic acids, inorganic acid, organic bases, inorganic bases, and organic solvents. 
   
   
       16 . The tool of  claim 12 , wherein the valve seat and the body are constructed of a composite material. 
   
   
       17 . The tool of  claim 12 , wherein the valve member pivots along an arc of from about 85 degrees to about 95 degrees between the open and closed positions. 
   
   
       18 . A downhole tool comprising:
 a valve body connected to an upper section and a lower section;   a sleeve concentrically disposed within the body, the sleeve adapted to move between a first position and a second position within the body;   a valve member having an arcuate cross section, wherein the valve member is located between the sleeve and the body when the sleeve is located in its first position;   an annular valve holder disposed in the body and located on an upper end or the lower section;   a valve seat at least partially disposed within the annular valve holder, the valve seat having a complement arcuate cross-section adapted to provide a fluid tight seal with the valve member when the sleeve is located in its second position; and   a hinge extension disposed on the annular valve holder, wherein the valve member is pivotally coupled to the hinge extension, wherein an interface between the valve member and the valve scat is angled about 1 degree to about 89 degrees relative to the longitudinal centerline of the body, such that proceeding radially outward, the interface extends away from a vertex of the arcuate cross section of the valve member, and wherein the valve seat and at least one section of the body are constructed of a composite material.   
   
   
       19 . The tool of  claim 18 , wherein an upper end of the lower section comprises a peripheral groove formed in an inner diameter thereof to receive the valve seat. 
   
   
       20 . The tool of  claim 18 , wherein the valve body his a smaller wall thickness than the adjoining upper and lower sections.