ACTUATING BALL

摘要

The present invention relates to tools for use in wellbores which are actuated by means of actuating balls. The invention provides a method of actuating a tool located in a wellbore, the method comprising the sequential steps of: (a) locating a frangible actuating ball (2) on a seat, the seat being provided in the tool for receiving the actuating ball (2); (b) pumping fluid down a tubing string attached to the tool so as to apply a force to the seat and thereby actuate the tool, the force being transmitted to the seat through the actuating ball (2); and (c) breaking the actuating ball (2) to permit fluid to flow through the seat. The invention has the advantage over the prior art of providing means for actuating a downhole tool with an actuating ball (2) so that the actuating ball (2) does not form an undesirable obstruction once the tool has been actuated.