Importance

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Abstract

A system and method for a valve system for downhole use with downhole tools such as packers is disclosed. The valve system includes an opening piston and a closing piston which preferably utilize any suitable means to control erosion such as, for example only, carbide inserts that define the various inlets and outlets of the opening and closing piston. Preferably a carbide baffle is used to produce a slower and smoother fluid pressure flow through the valve system. Pressure from the casing bore above a selected value causes opening piston to shift and permit fluid flow past the valve stem of the closing piston and into the filling port of the packer. When pressure inside the inflatable packer produces a force on the closing piston above a selected amount, the closing piston shifts to the closed position whereby fluid flow into or out of the inflatable packer is prevented. Once pressure is bled off the casing bore, the return spring of the opening piston pushes the piston back to seal off the port. A non-elastomeric seal such as a TEFLON seal and/or an elastomeric seal may be bonded to the closing piston is provided to resist forces that could otherwise damage the seal as the closing piston is shifted to the closed position. An equalizer valve is preferably built into the opening piston equalize hydrostatic pressure to the casing bore.

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First Claim