Abstract: A subsurface safety valve which is used to control the flow of well fluids through well tubings combines (1) the velocity valve principle of differential pressure and (2) a change in well tubing pressure to produce a closing force for the valve. A valve housing is connected into a well production tubing. A movable valve element is connected to the valve housing. In one position of the valve element flow of fluids through the valve housing is permitted and in another position thereof flow of fluids through the valve housing is prevented. The movable valve element forms with the valve housing a pressure chamber and larger and smaller differential areas. An inwardly protruding surface or flow bean is formed on the valve element. Fluids flowing through the valve housing cause a pressure differential across the flow bean. The flow bean is located between the larger and smaller differential pressure areas, the larger being above and the smaller below the flow bean.

Abstract: A one-step method and apparatus for placement of a drilling guide base, running tool, and drill string during offshore drilling operations. The running tool is retrievable from the guide base leaving the drill string in position to commence drilling operations without having to return the drill string to the surface for removal of the running tool.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for remotely measuring the vertical height and/or density of a drilling fluid column in a marine riser. The hydrostatic pressure of the drilling fluid is measured at any point below the surface outlet of the drilling fluid in the marine riser. The distance between the surface outlet or discharge level of the drilling fluid (normally the top of the fluid column) in the riser and the level in the riser at which the presure measurement is made (bottom of the fluid column) is known because of the physical arrangement of the riser permitting conversion of the pressure measurement to density. The height of the fluid column in the riser from the bottom to the top thereof when the top of the fluid column falls below the surface outlet is determinable by using the measured fluid density just prior to the drop in the height of the fluid column.

Abstract: A valve stem system is described for use in submerged oil and/or gas production systems designed to improve the reliability of subsea valves. A remotely rotatable pressure cap is threadedly engagable onto and removable from a valve bonnet which is mounted on a valve. The valve bonnet surrounds one section of the valve stem of the valve and forms a metal-to-metal seal with the cap when the cap is threadedly made up on the valve bonnet. Another section of the valve stem extends into the cap. A spline is arranged on that section of the valve stem. A spline clutch is arranged on the interior of the cap and is engagable with the spline of the valve stem to cause, when engaged, rotation of the valve stem upon rotation of the cap. A coil spring is arranged within the cap to push or urge the spline clutch into engagement with the valve stem spline when the cap is removed from the valve bonnet. Bearings arranged between the valve bonnet and the valve stem permit rotation of the valve stem relative to the valve bonnet.

Abstract: A balanced stem fail-safe valve controls flow of fluids through a submerged pipeline. A closed subsea hydraulic pressure system operates or powers the valve. In the fail-safe mode the operating or reservoir pressure equals ambient sea pressure. A valve housing is arranged on the pipeline and a valve chamber is formed in the valve housing. A valve element is movable in the valve chamber between open and closed positions to control the flow of fluids through the pipeline. A first fluid pressure operable means is connected to the valve element to move the valve element to open position upon application of pump pressure to the first fluid pressure operable means. Electrically operated valves are used to direct the flow of power fluid to and from the valve. A spring is arranged in the valve housing to urge the valve element to its closed position in the event of power failure.