A flow control valve includes a body having a fluid passageway therethrough and first and second openings each adapted for receiving or discharging fluid from the passageway. A piston is slidably disposed in the passageway between the first and second openings of the body. The piston has a conduit portion that defines a bore therethrough for conducting fluid through a portion of the passageway. The bore has a reduced flow area. A plug is carried within the body and is equipped with one or more annular seals for sealably engaging the reduced flow area of piston bore so as to close the bore upon translatory movement of the piston, the plug, or a combination thereof. The flow control valve has particular application in downhole tools for communicating fluid into, out of, or through the downhole tool when disposed in a subsurface borehole.
