Flow control apparatus and method

This invention pertains to pipe string components used to exercise flow controls primarily, but not in a limiting sense, for use in wells during completion work. The invention reduces surge pressure down hole and surge pressure induced flow from the top of pipe strings being run into wells. A fluid flow control apparatus for use in a mid-string location in a pipe string being run into a well has an open fluid flow route to the annulus above the apparatus to provide more flow area for upwardly moving fluid. Flow up the upper pipe string bore is resisted to reduce fluid overflow from the top of the pipe string. Fluid flow down the pipe string bore closes the fluid channel between the lower pipe string bore and the upper annulus and blows out a pipe bore flow resisting element for free down flow of fluids in the pipe string bore.