Reverse Circulation Cementing Valve

Abstract

A method for reverse cementing may include providing a valve having a sliding sleeve, an outer sleeve situated about at least a portion of the sliding sleeve and connected to a casing string, and a spring configured to position the valve in an open position. The method may also include: running the casing string and valve into a well bore while the valve is in an open position; reverse cementing, while the valve is in an open position; and closing the valve after reverse cementing by allowing the valve to contact the well bore.

1 . A method for reverse cementing, comprising:
 providing a valve comprising a sliding sleeve, an outer sleeve situated about at least a portion of the sliding sleeve and connected to a casing string, and a spring configured to position the valve in an open position;   running the casing string and valve into a well bore while the valve is in an open position;   reverse cementing, while the valve is in an open position; and   closing the valve after reverse cementing by allowing the valve to contact the well bore.   
   
   
       2 . The method for reverse cementing of  claim 1 , wherein closing the valve after reverse cementing comprises allowing the valve to contact the bottom of the well bore. 
   
   
       3 . The method for reverse cementing of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 pumping a tracer fluid ahead of the cement.   
   
   
       4 . The method for reverse cementing of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 allowing the cement to bond to the casing string.   
   
   
       5 . The method for reverse cementing of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 closing the valve prior to reverse cementing by allowing the valve to contact the well bore; and   reopening the valve prior to reverse cementing.   
   
   
       6 . The method for reverse cementing of  claim 5 , wherein closing the valve prior to reverse cementing comprises allowing the valve to contact the bottom of the well bore. 
   
   
       7 . The method for reverse cementing of  claim 5 , wherein the valve further comprises a latch mechanism and wherein reopening the valve comprises applying pressure on the inside of the casing string. 
   
   
       8 . The method for reverse cementing of  claim 5 , wherein reopening the valve comprises removing weight from the casing string. 
   
   
       9 . A valve for reverse cementing, comprising:
 a sliding sleeve having one or more openings;   a nose attached to sliding sleeve;   an outer sleeve situated about at least a portion of the sliding sleeve; and   a spring configured to position the sliding sleeve such that fluid may pass through the openings.   
   
   
       10 . The valve for reverse cementing of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 one or more flow passages in the outer sleeve;   wherein the spring is further configured to align the openings of the sliding sleeve with the flow passages of the outer sleeve such that fluid may pass therethrough.   
   
   
       11 . The valve for reverse cementing of  claim 9 , further comprising one or more centralizers to help prevent premature activation. 
   
   
       12 . The valve for reverse cementing of  claim 9 , wherein the sliding sleeve and the nose are constructed of drillable material. 
   
   
       13 . The valve for reverse cementing of  claim 9 , further comprising a latch mechanism. 
   
   
       14 . The valve for reverse cementing of  claim 13 , wherein the latch mechanism comprises a pin and a groove. 
   
   
       15 . The valve for reverse cementing of  claim 13 , wherein the latch mechanism is constructed such that it can be released without damage. 
   
   
       16 . A method for reverse cementing, comprising:
 providing a valve comprising a sliding sleeve, an outer sleeve situated about at least a portion of the sliding sleeve and connected to a casing string;   running the casing string and valve into a well bore while the valve is in a closed position;   opening the valve after running the casing string by allowing the valve to contact the well bore;   reverse cementing, while the valve is in an open position; and   closing the valve after reverse cementing.   
   
   
       17 . The method for reverse cementing of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 pumping a tracer fluid ahead of the cement.   
   
   
       18 . The method for reverse cementing of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 allowing the cement to bond to the casing string.   
   
   
       19 . The method for reverse cementing of  claim 16 , wherein the valve further comprises a latch mechanism and wherein closing the valve comprises applying pressure on the inside of the casing string. 
   
   
       20 . The method for reverse cementing of  claim 19 , wherein closing the valve comprises removing weight from the casing string.