Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and program code, and methods for monitoring the health and other conditions of the valve, are provided. An exemplary system for monitoring the condition of the gate valve includes a logic module configured to perform the operations of receiving sensor data providing an acoustic emission, vibration, and/or stream level signature and determining the level of lubricity, level of friction, level of surface degradation, and leakage rate at a gate-valve seat interface. An exemplary method for monitoring the condition of the gate valve includes receiving sensor data providing an acoustic emission, vibration, and/or stream level signature and determining the level of lubricity, level of friction, level of surface degradation, and leakage rate at a gate-valve seat interface.

Abstract: A gate valve includes a body with a flow passage intersected by a gate cavity and a gate with an axis, the gate being axially movable in the gate cavity between a gate closed position and a gate open position. A lifting device is in engagement with a stem of the gate to move the gate to the gate open position. A port extends from a first external surface of the gate to a second external surface of the gate. A seal member is mechanically connected to the lifting device, the seal member being moveable in response to axial movement of the lifting device between a seal open position where fluids can flow through the port and a seal closed position where the seal member blocks fluids from flowing through the port.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting an actuator to close a valve has a cylindrical booster housing with a central axis. The booster housing includes an upward facing piston cavity and a downward facing lower cavity with internal threads for selectively coupling with external threads of a piston head of a valve actuator. A bulkhead is formed between the piston cavity and the lower cavity. The bulkhead has an opening for selectively accepting an actuator stem of the valve actuator therethrough. A booster piston is located within the piston cavity. The booster piston has a piston mounting means located on its bottom side for selectively securing a top end of the actuator stem of the valve actuator to the booster piston. The booster piston is moveable upwards in an axial direction to move the valve from a lower open position to an upper closed position.

Abstract: A gate valve includes a body with a flow passage intersected by a gate cavity and a gate with an axis, the gate being axially movable in the gate cavity between a gate closed position and a gate open position. A lifting device is in engagement with a stein of the gate to move the gate to the gate open position. A port extends from a first external surface of the gate to a second external surface of the gate. A seal member is mechanically connected to the filling device, the seal member being moveable in response to axial movement of the lifting device between a seal open position where fluids can flow through the port and a seal closed position where the seal member blocks fluids from flowing through the port.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting an actuator to close a valve has a cylindrical booster housing with a central axis. The booster housing includes an upward facing piston cavity and a downward facing lower cavity with internal threads for selectively coupling with external threads of a piston head of a valve actuator. A bulkhead is formed between the piston cavity and the lower cavity. The bulkhead has an opening for selectively accepting an actuator stem of the valve actuator therethrough. A booster piston is located within the piston cavity. The booster piston has a piston mounting means located on its bottom side for selectively securing a top end of the actuator stem of the valve actuator to the booster piston. The booster piston is moveable upwards in an axial direction to move the valve from a lower open position to an upper closed position.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and program code, and methods for monitoring the health and other conditions of the valve, are provided. An exemplary system for monitoring the condition of the gate valve includes a logic module configured to perform the operations of receiving sensor data providing an acoustic emission, vibration, and/or stream level signature and determining the level of lubricity, level of friction, level of surface degradation, and leakage rate at a gate-valve seat interface. An exemplary method for monitoring the condition of the gate valve includes receiving sensor data providing an acoustic emission, vibration, and/or stream level signature and determining the level of lubricity, level of friction, level of surface degradation, and leakage rate at a gate-valve seat interface.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for connecting a linear actuating mechanism of an actuator to a valve stem of a linearly actuated valve, are provided. An example of an apparatus can include an elongate valve stem member of a valve, an extension member of a linear actuating mechanism, a locking cap member, and a locking member insertable into the locking cap member for locking the valve stem member with the extension member through employment of the locking cap member.

Abstract: A seal assembly for use in a valve that maintains a seal during operational excursions of high temperature, such as during a fire. The seal assembly includes a eutectic material that retains an energizing element in place during normal conditions, which in turn keeps a secondary seal spaced axially away from a sealing position. During high temperature excursions, the eutectic material degrades and releases the energizing element. When released, the energizing element energizes a secondary seal that is in an annular space between a valve stem and valve housing.

Abstract: A gate valve assembly having a body, a gate, a stem, and a backseat for sealing between the stem and the body. The backseat is an annular member with a complementary surface on its inside that fits over a spherically shaped section of the stem; thus allowing the backseat to rotate and pivot with respect to the stem. An outer surface of the backseat is beveled for sealingly engaging a stem passage formed through the body. A flex member is provided that is for sealing a surface adjacent the backseat. The flex member can form a seal between the backseat member and the stem or between an annular retainer and the backseat.

Abstract: A gate valve includes a floating gate valve seat that effects a seal between a gate of a gate valve and a gate valve body using a metal seal. The gate valve includes a floating gate valve seat interposed between a gate and a gate valve body. The gate valve seat has a spring member with a cylindrical portion secured to the gave valve seat. The spring member has a leg that exerts a spring force against the gate valve body to maintain a seal between the floating gate valve seat and the gate. A metal-to-metal seal seals between the cylindrical portion of the spring member and a cylindrical portion of the gate valve seat.

Abstract: A gate valve assembly having a body, a gate, a stem, and a backseat for sealing between the stem and the body. The backseat is an annular member with a complementary surface on its inside that fits over a spherically shaped section of the stem; thus allowing the backseat to rotate and pivot with respect to the stem. An outer surface of the backseat is beveled for sealingly engaging a stem passage formed through the body. A flex member is provided that is for sealing a surface adjacent the backseat. The flex member can form a seal between the backseat member and the stem or between an annular retainer and the backseat.

Abstract: A system and method for accessing an annulus within a wellhead assembly while the annulus is pressurized. The system includes a tubular body with an attached valve assembly and adapter. The adapter to the wellhead assembly with a sealed annular fitting. The body houses a selectively extendable plunger assembly rotatable by an attached motor. A bit or milling device is provided on the end of the plunger assembly, so that selectively extending the plunger assembly through the valve assembly and adapter contacts the bit against the wellhead assembly. An opening is formed through the wellhead assembly with the rotating bit allowing access to the annulus.

Abstract: A torque limiter for use in an actuating drive stem of a subsea wellhead having a collar with an axial bore and a slot through its side. The slot includes a projection directed towards a lower end of the collar and has an edge oriented oblique to the collar axis. A driven shaft inserts in the bore, and a pin mounted in the driven shaft engages the slot. A spring assembly coupled to the driven shaft pushes the collar to retain the pin in the end of the projection. A driveshaft with a drive pin inserts into the bore on an upper side of the collar. The upper end of the collar includes a shoulder that contacts the drive pin when the collar rotates. The spring compresses when excessive torque is in the driven shaft moving the pin up the projection and disengaging the drive pin and shoulder.

Abstract: A gate valve includes a floating gate valve seat that effects a seal between a gate of a gate valve and a gate valve body using a metal seal. The gate valve includes a floating gate valve seat interposed between a gate and a gate valve body. The gate valve seat has a spring member with a cylindrical portion secured to the gave valve seat. The spring member has a leg that exerts a spring force against the gate valve body to maintain a seal between the floating gate valve seat and the gate. A metal-to-metal seal seals between the cylindrical portion of the spring member and a cylindrical portion of the gate valve seat.

Abstract: A torque limiter for use in an actuating drive stem of a subsea wellhead having a collar with an axial bore and a slot through its side. The slot includes a projection directed towards a lower end of the collar and has an edge oriented oblique to the collar axis. A driven shaft inserts in the bore, and a pin mounted in the driven shaft engages the slot. A spring assembly coupled to the driven shaft pushes the collar to retain the pin in the end of the projection. A driveshaft with a drive pin inserts into the bore on an upper side of the collar. The upper end of the collar includes a shoulder that contacts the drive pin when the collar rotates. The spring compresses when excessive torque is in the driven shaft moving the pin up the projection and disengaging the drive pin and shoulder.

Abstract: A system and method for accessing an annulus within a wellhead assembly while the annulus is pressurized. The system includes a tubular body with an attached valve assembly and adapter. The adapter to the wellhead assembly with a sealed annular fitting. The body houses a selectively extendable plunger assembly rotatable by an attached motor. A bit or milling device is provided on the end of the plunger assembly, so that selectively extending the plunger assembly through the valve assembly and adapter contacts the bit against the wellhead assembly. An opening is formed through the wellhead assembly with the rotating bit allowing access to the annulus.