AP Bypass Pressure Test Valve
Full-bore pressure test valve and bypass valve in one tool
Description
The AP bypass pressure test valve is a full-bore, annulus pressure-operated tool that can be used as a pressure test valve or as a bypass valve. As a pressure test valve, it allows the working string to be pressure tested repeatedly while tripping in. As a bypass valve, it transmits pressure below the packer through the bypass hole while the ball valve is closed.
The tool is operated by applying annulus pressure to burst the rupture disc, which closes the bypass hole and opens the ball valve, leaving the tool in the full-bore condition.
Features
- Shear pin in the operating mandrel keeps the ball valve closed and the bypass hole open while tripping in
- The working string can be pressure tested repeatedly above the closed ball valve
- When perforating by annulus pressure, the firing pressure is transmitted through the bypass hole to the perforating gun
- Once the ball valve opens and the bypass hole closes, the valve remains full bore
Operation
As a tubing pressure test valve, the operating pressure is usually set 1,000 psi above the hydrostatic column pressure (the first annulus pressure level). If perforating pressure must be transmitted through the bypass hole, the operating pressure should be set at a safe margin above the perforating pressure.
After the packer is set, annulus pressure is applied up to the burst pressure of the rupture disc. The shear pin is sheared and the operating mandrel moves upward to open the ball valve and close the bypass hole. The tool then remains in the full-bore condition.
