Pressure Balanced Equalizing Valve

The KTC Pressure Balanced Equalizing Valve is designed to permit certain packers to run as solid element bridge plugs. With this Equalizing Valve attached, a mechanically set, locking packer can be left in the well to serve as a bridge plug during remedial operations. The Pressure Balanced Valve is then opened prior to retrieval, allowing differential pressure to be equalized before releasing the packer.

The Equalizing Valve is attached to the top of an appropriate packer (requiring no compression or tension to remain set)*. The assembly is then latched to the overshot portion of the PPOF Tool and run into the well. During run-in, the Equalizing Valve is closed, utilizing the fluid bypass in the packer.

The packer is set in the normal fashion, with right hand torque and set down weight. Tension can then be applied without torque, to tighten the set of packer. With tubing slacked off, hold left hand torque and pick up tubing. The Overshot will separate from the assembly, leaving the Equalizing Valve closed and locked. At this time, any remedial work requiring a packer type retrievable bridge plug can be accomplished. Pressure differential from above or below will not pump open the Equalizing Valve.

To retrieve the assembly, the Overshot is run on the bottom of the tubing string. While coming onto the Equalizing Valve, fluid can be circulated to wash the valve free of debris. As weight is set onto the packer, the Overshot latches. Pick straight up to insure the tubing is latched. When ready to open the Equalizing Valve, sit down, hold right torque, and pick up. The Valve will open, allowing pressures above and below the packer to equalize, while leaving the packer in the set position.

The packer can now be released in the usual fashion, normally requiring several turns to the right and tension. When the packer is released and latched, the assembly may be moved to another location or removed from the well. While the assembly is pulled, the long stroke of the Overshot helps insure the packer is not inadvertently unlatched.