Patent attributes
An alignment device for a sliding sleeve in a housing in a tubular string features a patterned alignment ring that remains stationary. The sliding sleeve in one of its end positions has a mating profile such that profile misalignment results in profile alignment as the sliding sleeve is axially advanced toward the alignment ring. In a choke application the fully closed position of the choke brings the profiles together to induce relative rotation into an aligned configuration of the ports on the sliding sleeve with the ports on the surrounding housing. Misalignment can occur when tools are run through the sliding sleeve for other downhole operations and the design parameters for the choke prevent the use of alignment lugs in axial slots. The mating profiles do not reduce the drift dimension through the sliding sleeve and allow higher housing pressure ratings for deep set applications with large operating differential pressures.
