Multi-actuating seat and drop element

摘要

An apparatus includes a counter for tracking and communicating a number of plug drops through a longitudinal bore; a plug element adapted to be dropped into the longitudinal bore; and a valve defining a plug seat to be disposed within the longitudinal bore to catch the plug element when the plug element is dropped and when the number of plug drops as communicated by the counter exceeds a predetermined number. A method, includes: dropping a plurality of plugs down a longitudinal bore in which a plurality of plug seats are disposed; counting the number of plug drops from within the longitudinal bore; and catching one of the plugs at a preselected one of the plug seats when the number of plug drops exceeds a predetermined number.

主权项

1. An apparatus for restricting flow through a conduit, the apparatus comprising:
a counter for tracking and communicating a number of plug drops through a longitudinal bore; a plug element adapted to be dropped into the longitudinal bore; and a valve defining a plug seat to be disposed within the longitudinal bore to catch the plug element when the plug element is dropped and when the number of plug drops as communicated by the counter exceeds a predetermined number, wherein the counter comprises a pawl and a ratchet comprising a plurality of teeth, the plurality of teeth comprising at least one angled tooth and at least one end tooth, and wherein the pawl is configured to engage one of the plurality of angled teeth prior to the number of plug drops reaching the predetermined number, and to engage the end tooth when the number of plug drops equals or exceeds the predetermined number.