Importance

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Abstract

A casing fill and circulator assembly is disclosed. The fill valve is constructed so that the valve member moves out of the main flowpath when the valve is in the open position. The valve is constructed so that flow opens it and the majority of the pressure drop is taken in an area other than the interface between the valve member and the seat. For circulation, the apparatus is advanced further into the casing until a cup seal closes off the top of the casing. Once flow is initiated in that condition, internal pressure in the casing, at very low applied pressures, opens a circulation valve and closes the fill valve so that circulation through the casing is accomplished through the circulation valve while bypassing the fill valve. Erosive effects from flow on the fill valve are thus eliminated during circulation. An alternative dual-function valve in a circulator/filling apparatus is also disclosed where a control system senses applied pressure in the apparatus and opens the valve. If the apparatus has been inserted into the casing such that the top of the casing is closed with the cup seal, the same valve is then used to circulate.

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First Claim