Multi-Rotational Indexer

Abstract

An indexing device for flow control includes a first cylinder having a plurality of slots disposed thereon along a path that changes rotational direction at least once before the path completes a circle around the first cylinder; and a second cylindrical member forming a concentric assembly with the first cylinder, such that an index pin disposed on the second cylindrical member is configured to move in the plurality of slots on the first cylinder when the first cylinder and the second cylindrical member move relative to each other.

1 . An indexing device for flow control, comprising:
 a first cylinder having a plurality of slots disposed thereon along a path that changes rotational direction at least once before the path completes a circle around the first cylinder; and   a second cylindrical member forming a concentric assembly with the first cylinder, such that an index pin disposed on the second cylindrical member is configured to move in the plurality of slots on the first cylinder when the first cylinder and the second cylindrical member move relative to each other.   
     
     
         2 . The indexing device of  claim 1 , wherein the second cylindrical member forms an outer cylinder of the concentric assembly. 
     
     
         3 . The indexing device of  claim 1 , wherein the second cylindrical member forms an inner member of the concentric assembly. 
     
     
         4 . The indexing device of  claim 1 , wherein the indexing device is connected to a control line that controls relative movement between the first cylinder and the second cylindrical member. 
     
     
         5 . The indexing device of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of slots are J-shaped slots. 
     
     
         6 . A flow control valve having an indexing device, wherein
 the indexing device comprises:
 changes rotational direction at least once before the path completes a circle around the first cylinder; and 
 a second cylindrical member forming a concentric assembly with the first cylinder, such that an index pin disposed on the second cylindrical member is configured to move in the plurality of slots on the first cylinder when the first cylinder and the second cylindrical member move relative to each other, 
 wherein the plurality of the slots correspond to a plurality of opening conditions of the flow control valve. 
   
     
     
         7 . The flow control valve of  claim 6 , wherein the flow control valve is at least one selected from a pressure-actuated circulation valve, a flow-actuated circulation value, and a differential valve. 
     
     
         8 . The flow control valve of  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of slots are J-shaped slots. 
     
     
         9 . The flow control valve of  claim 6 , further comprising a control line configured to control the indexing device. 
     
     
         10 . The flow control valve of  claim 6 , wherein the second cylindrical member forms an outer cylinder of the concentric assembly. 
     
     
         11 . The flow control valve of  claim 6 , wherein the second cylindrical member forms an inner member of the concentric assembly. 
     
     
         12 . A method for controlling fluid flow downhole, comprising:
 disposing a flow control valve in a wellbore, wherein the flow control valve is equipped with an indexing device comprising:
 a first cylinder having a plurality of slots disposed thereon along a path that changes rotational direction at least once before the path completes a circle around the first cylinder; and 
 a second cylindrical member forming a concentric assembly with the first cylinder, such that an index pin disposed on the second cylindrical member is configured to move in the plurality of slots on the first cylinder when the first cylinder and the second cylindrical member move relative to each other, 
 wherein the plurality of slots correspond to a plurality of opening conditions of the flow control valve; and 
   moving the index pin to one of the plurality of slots to change an opening condition of the flow control valve.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the moving the index pin is performed through a control line connected to the flow control valve. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the plurality of slots are J-shaped slots. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the flow control valve is at least one selected from a pressure-actuated circulation valve, a flow-actuated circulation valve, and a differential valve. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the second cylindrical member forms an outer cylinder of the concentric assembly. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the second cylindrical member forms an inner member of the concentric assembly.