Suction retainer for a check valve

A method for using a check valve, the method comprises:

• introducing a check valve into a wellbore;
• the check valve comprising:
• a valve housing comprising a flow path through the valve housing for the flow of a fluid;
• wherein the flow path has a diameter,
• a restriction in the flow path that narrows the diameter of the flow path,
• a blocking member disposed in the flow path and configured to move in the flow path to block the restriction and at least partially seal the flow path,
• a suction retainer having a longitudinal axis;
• wherein the suction retainer is disposed in the flow path;
• wherein the suction retainer comprises a central component disposed on the longitudinal axis and having a throughbore along the longitudinal axis;
• wherein the central component has a retaining end and a low-pressure end;
• wherein the retaining end has a larger diameter than the low-pressure end;
• wherein the retaining end faces the restriction;
• wherein a plurality of supports extends radially from the central component;
• flowing a fluid through the flow path and around an exterior of the central component such that the fluid flows around the central component and over the low-pressure end,
• reducing pressure in the throughbore, and
• retaining the blocking member on the retaining end.

A system for using a check valve, the system comprises:

• a check valve comprising:
• a valve housing comprising a flow path through the valve housing for the flow of a fluid;
• wherein the flow path has a diameter,
• a restriction in the flow path that narrows the diameter of the flow path,
• a blocking member disposed in the flow path and configured to move in the flow path to block the restriction and at least partially seal the flow path, and
• a suction retainer having a longitudinal axis;
• wherein the suction retainer is disposed in the flow path;
• wherein the suction retainer comprises a central component disposed on the longitudinal axis and having a throughbore along the longitudinal axis;
• wherein the central component has a retaining end and a low-pressure end;
• wherein the retaining end has a larger diameter than the low-pressure end;
• wherein the retaining end faces the restriction;
• wherein a plurality of supports extends radially from the central component;
• wherein the suction retainer is configured to divert flow to an exterior of the central component such that the fluid flows around the central component and over the low-pressure end to reduce pressure in the throughbore;
• wherein the reduction in pressure retains the blocking member on the retaining end, and
• a wellbore tool or conduit having the check valve disposed therein.