Multi-Function Surge Reduction Apparatus

Abstract

A multi-function diverter tool is disclosed that allows positive-indication opening and closing of the tool in a downhole environment. The tool includes a first sleeve adapted to open outlet ports in the exterior surface of the tool body. The tool includes a second sleeve which is movable with respect to the first sleeve and is adapted to close the outlet ports when moved from an initial position to a second position.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 ) A method for diverting fluid flow from the inside of a deployment string to the annular space above a casing string comprising:
 a) positioning a diverter tool in a targeted location while the diverter tool is in an open position, wherein the diverter tool comprises:
 i) a tool body including an interior and exterior for use in downhole operations, the diverter tool having an initial position preventing fluid communication from the interior of the tool to the exterior of the tool, a second position permitting fluid communication from the interior of the tool to the exterior of the tool, and a third position again preventing fluid communication from the interior of the tool to the exterior of the tool, further including one or more ports extending radially outwardly of the tool body; 
 ii) a lower slider assembly axially movable within said tool body, wherein said lower slider assembly is selectively movable between said initial position and an open position, and wherein fluid communication between said interior and exterior of said tool body is precluded in said initial position and possible in said open position; and 
 iii) an upper slider assembly axially movable within said tool body, wherein said upper slider assembly is selectively movable and wherein fluid communication between said interior and exterior of said tool body is possible in said second position and precluded in said third position, said upper slider assembly remaining stationary with respect to said lower slider assembly when said lower slider assembly is moved to the open position, means for selectively moving said lower slide assembly from said closed position to said open position, and means for selectively moving said upper slider assembly from said initial position to said second position; 
   b) closing the diverter tool so that fluid is no longer diverted to the annular space above the casing.   
     
     
         2 ) The method of  claim 1  wherein the diverter tool further includes a means for locking said lower slider assembly in said open position. 
     
     
         3 ) The method of  claim 1  wherein the diverter tool further includes a selectively releasable means for locking said upper slider assembly into position until after said lower slider assembly has been moved from said closed position to said open position. 
     
     
         4 ) The method of  claim 1  wherein said means for selectively moving said lower slider assembly from said closed position to said open position comprises a first yieldable seat connected to said first sleeve, wherein said lower slider assembly yieldable seat can selectively retain a first plugging device in sealing configuration with said first yieldable seat. 
     
     
         5 ) The method of  claim 1  wherein said means for selectively moving said upper slider assembly from said initial position to said second position comprises a second yieldable seat connected to said upper slider assembly, wherein said second yieldable seat can selectively retain a second plugging device in sealing configuration with said second yieldable seat. 
     
     
         6 ) The method of  claim 1  wherein the diverter tool further includes a selectively releasable means for locking said upper slider assembly into position until after said lower slider assembly has been moved from said closed position to said open position. 
     
     
         7 ) The method of  claim 6  wherein the diverter tool further includes a selectively releasable means for locking said upper slider assembly into position until after said lower slider assembly has been moved from said closed position to said open position. 
     
     
         8 ) The method of  claim 1  wherein the diverter tool additionally includes a selectively releasable means for locking said upper slider assembly into positon until after said lower slider assembly has been moved from said closed position to said open position. 
     
     
         9 ) The method of  claim 8  wherein said selectively releasable means for locking said upper slider assembly into position until after said lower slider assembly has been moved from said open position to said closed positon comprises locking dogs, and wherein said locking dogs are held in position by said first sleeve is in said closed position. 
     
     
         10 ) A diverter tool for use in downhole operations, said tool comprising:
 a) a tool body comprising an interior and an exterior, and comprising ports capable of allowing fluid communication between said interior and exterior of said tool body;   b) a first slider assembly interior to said tool body, wherein said first slider assembly is selectively movable between an initial closed position and an open position, and wherein fluid communication between said interior and exterior of said tool body is precluded in said closed position and possible in said open position,   c) a second slider assembly surrounding said first slider assembly and interior to said tool body, wherein said second slider assembly is selectively movable between a first position, and a second position, and wherein fluid communication between said interior and exterior of said tool body is possible in said first position and precluded in said second position,   d) a means for selectively moving said first slider assembly from said closed position to said open position, and   e) means for selectively moving said second slider assembly from said first position to said second position, said first slider assembly being movable to said open position while said second slider assembly remains stationary relative to the tool body.   
     
     
         11 ) The device of  claim 10 , wherein said means for selectively moving said first slider assembly from said closed position to said open position comprises a first yieldable ball seat connected to said first slider assembly, wherein said first yieldable ball seat can selectively retain a first plugging device droppable ball in sealing configuration with said first yieldable ball seat. 
     
     
         12 ) The device of  claim 11 , wherein said means for selectively moving said second slider assembly from said first position to said second position comprises a second yieldable ball seat connected to said second slider assembly, wherein said second yieldable ball seat can selectively retain a second plugging device droppable ball in sealing configuration with said second yieldable ball seat. 
     
     
         13 ) The device of  claim 12 , additionally comprising a third yieldable ball seat capable of selectively retaining said second plugging device droppable ball in sealing configuration with said third yieldable ball seat. 
     
     
         14 ) The device of  claim 10 , additionally comprising a selectively releasable means for locking said second slider assembly into position until after said first slider assembly has been moved from said closed position to said open position. 
     
     
         15 ) The device of  claim 14 , additionally comprising a selectively releasable means for locking said second slider assembly into position until after said first slider assembly has been moved from said closed position to said open position. 
     
     
         16 ) The diverter tool of  claim 11  said first slider assembly including a plurality of ports and a solid portion, and said second slider assembly including a plurality of ports and a solid portion, wherein in said initial closed position the ports of the second slider assembly are in fluid communication with the ports of the tool body and the solid portion of the first slider assembly is in alignment with the ports of the second slider assembly. 
     
     
         17 ) The diverter tool of  claim 16  wherein said second slider assembly is movable to a final closed position wherein the solid portion of the second slider assembly is positioned between the ports of the first slider assembly and the ports of the second slider assembly.