Automatic tubing filler

摘要

Methods and apparatus for filling a tubing string as it is lowered into a subterranean hydrocarbon well. In one embodiment, an apparatus to fill a tubular with fluid in a wellbore comprises a housing defining a central bore. An aperture formed in the housing provides fluid communication between the central bore and the ambient environment of the tubing string. A piston valve slidingly disposed in the housing is selectively pressure actuatable relative to the housing to control fluid communication between the central bore and the ambient environment.