Abstract: An actuator of a downhole tool used in oil and gas exploration and production operations is operable to actuate a first implement in a first direction. A biasing device of the downhole tool is operable to actuate the first implement in a second direction, opposite the first direction. A dampener of the downhole tool is operable to slow an actuation speed of the first implement in the first direction, the second direction, or both. Actuating the first implement in the first direction also actuates a second implement of a flow control device (“FCD”) of the downhole tool, to which the first implement is connected, in the first direction, placing the FCD in a first (e.g., open) configuration. Actuating the first implement in the second direction also actuates the second implement of the FCD in the second direction, placing the FCD in a second (e.g., closed) configuration.

Abstract: An actuator of a downhole tool used in oil and gas exploration and production operations is operable to actuate a first implement in a first direction. A biasing device of the downhole tool is operable to actuate the first implement in a second direction, opposite the first direction. A dampener of the downhole tool is operable to slow an actuation speed of the first implement in the first direction, the second direction, or both. Actuating the first implement in the first direction also actuates a second implement of a flow control device (“FCD”) of the downhole tool, to which the first implement is connected, in the first direction, placing the FCD in a first (e.g., open) configuration. Actuating the first implement in the second direction also actuates the second implement of the FCD in the second direction, placing the FCD in a second (e.g., closed) configuration.

Abstract: A pressure equalization apparatus can include separate longitudinal bores which form a continuous flowpath, the flowpath alternating direction between the bores, and the bores being interconnected at opposite ends thereof. A well system can include a well tool with a chamber therein containing an assembly in a dielectric fluid, and a pressure equalization apparatus including a flowpath having one end connected to the chamber, and the other end connected to a source of a another fluid, the flowpath extending in opposite directions between the flowpath ends through multiple separate bores. A method of installing a well tool can include attaching a mandrel to the well tool, then lowering the well tool at least partially into the well suspended from the mandrel, and then securing a pressure equalization apparatus to the mandrel, a flowpath of the apparatus being connected to a chamber of the well tool containing an assembly.

Abstract: Apparatuses for engaging an actuator of a subsurface tool are disclosed, comprising: a valve closure device; a plurality of actuation assemblies, comprising: an actuation device; an actuation rod, wherein the actuation device is configured to axially translate the actuation rod; an actuation platform, wherein the actuation rod engages the actuation platform; a plurality of actuation heads, configured to engage the actuation platform; and wherein the plurality of actuation heads engage an actuation member and are configured to transfer mechanical force to the actuation member, thereby axially translating the actuation member; and wherein axial translation of the actuation member exerts a downward force on the valve closure device to move the valve closure device from a closed position to an open position.

Abstract: A pressure equalization apparatus can include separate longitudinal bores which form a continuous flowpath, the flowpath alternating direction between the bores, and the bores being interconnected at opposite ends thereof. A well system can include a well tool with a chamber therein containing an assembly in a dielectric fluid, and a pressure equalization apparatus including a flowpath having one end connected to the chamber, and the other end connected to a source of a another fluid, the flowpath extending in opposite directions between the flowpath ends through multiple separate bores. A method of installing a well tool can include attaching a mandrel to the well tool, then lowering the well tool at least partially into the well suspended from the mandrel, and then securing a pressure equalization apparatus to the mandrel, a flowpath of the apparatus being connected to a chamber of the well tool containing an assembly.

Abstract: A method of actuating multiple valves in a well can include applying a pressure cycle to the valves without causing actuation of any of the valves, and then simultaneously reducing pressure applied to the valves, thereby actuating the valves. Another method can include releasing a locking device of each valve which prevents actuation, and then reducing pressure applied to the valves, thereby actuating the valves. A valve can include a port which provides for fluid communication between an exterior and an interior of the valve, a closure member which selectively permits and prevents fluid flow through the port, the closure member permits flow through the port in response to a decrease in a pressure differential from the interior to the exterior of the valve, and a locking device which prevents displacement of the closure member, the locking device being released in response to mechanical force applied to the locking device.

Abstract: A pressure equalization apparatus can include separate longitudinal bores which form a continuous flowpath, the flowpath alternating direction between the bores, and the bores being interconnected at opposite ends thereof. A well system can include a well tool with a chamber therein containing an assembly in a dielectric fluid, and a pressure equalization apparatus including a flowpath having one end connected to the chamber, and the other end connected to a source of a another fluid, the flowpath extending in opposite directions between the flowpath ends through multiple separate bores. A method of installing a well tool can include attaching a mandrel to the well tool, then lowering the well tool at least partially into the well suspended from the mandrel, and then securing a pressure equalization apparatus to the mandrel, a flowpath of the apparatus being connected to a chamber of the well tool containing an assembly.

Abstract: A safety valve system for use in a subterranean well can include a safety valve protector connected downstream of a safety valve, whereby when closed the safety valve protector reduces a flow rate through the safety valve and prevents displacement of an object through the safety valve protector to the safety valve. Another safety valve system can include a safety valve protector which, when closed, reduces a flow rate through a safety valve, and the safety valve protector closes in response to the flow rate through the safety valve being above a predetermined level. In another safety valve system, each of the safety valve protector and the safety valve comprises an actuator, the actuators being connected by a line, and a signal transmitted by the line causes the safety valve protector actuator to close the safety valve protector, and then causes the safety valve actuator to close the safety valve.

Abstract: Disclosed is a safety valve with redundant operators or systems. One safety valve includes a piston bore in fluid communication with a first control line via first control line port and a second control line via a second control line port, the first and second control lines conveying hydraulic fluid pressure to the piston bore. First and second piston assemblies are movably arranged within the piston bore and the second piston assembly includes a transition member coupled thereto. A flow tube is arranged adjacent the transition member and moves axially within a flow passage defined in the safety valve in response to the movement of the transition member. A valve closure device moves between an open position and a closed position restricts fluid flow through the flow passage when in the closed position, the flow tube being adapted to shift the valve closure device between open and closed positions.

Abstract: Apparatuses for engaging an actuator of a subsurface tool are disclosed, comprising: a valve closure device; a plurality of actuation assemblies, comprising: an actuation device; an actuation rod, wherein the actuation device is configured to axially translate the actuation rod; an actuation platform, wherein the actuation rod engages the actuation platform; a plurality of actuation heads, configured to engage the actuation platform; and wherein the plurality of actuation heads engage an actuation member and are configured to transfer mechanical force to the actuation member, thereby axially translating the actuation member; and wherein axial translation of the actuation member exerts a downward force on the valve closure device to move the valve closure device from a closed position to an open position.

Abstract: Apparatuses for engaging an actuator of a subsurface tool are disclosed, comprising: a valve closure device; a plurality of actuation assemblies, comprising: an actuation device; an actuation rod, wherein the actuation device is configured to axially translate the actuation rod; an actuation platform, wherein the actuation rod engages the actuation platform; a plurality of actuation heads, configured to engage the actuation platform; and wherein the plurality of actuation heads engage an actuation member and are configured to transfer mechanical force to the actuation member, thereby axially translating the actuation member; and wherein axial translation of the actuation member exerts a downward force on the valve closure device to move the valve closure device from a closed position to an open position.

Abstract: A method of actuating multiple valves in a well can include applying a pressure cycle to the valves without causing actuation of any of the valves, and then simultaneously reducing pressure applied to the valves, thereby actuating the valves. Another method can include releasing a locking device of each valve which prevents actuation, and then reducing pressure applied to the valves, thereby actuating the valves. A valve can include a port which provides for fluid communication between an exterior and an interior of the valve, a closure member which selectively permits and prevents fluid flow through the port, the closure member permits flow through the port in response to a decrease in a pressure differential from the interior to the exterior of the valve, and a locking device which prevents displacement of the closure member, the locking device being released in response to mechanical force applied to the locking device.

Abstract: A method of actuating multiple valves in a well can include applying a pressure cycle to the valves without causing actuation of any of the valves, and then simultaneously reducing pressure applied to the valves, thereby actuating the valves. Another method can include releasing a locking device of each valve which prevents actuation, and then reducing pressure applied to the valves, thereby actuating the valves. A valve can include a port which provides for fluid communication between an exterior and an interior of the valve, a closure member which selectively permits and prevents fluid flow through the port, the closure member permits flow through the port in response to a decrease in a pressure differential from the interior to the exterior of the valve, and a locking device which prevents displacement of the closure member, the locking device being released in response to mechanical force applied to the locking device.

Abstract: A system can include at least one check valve which prevents outward flow through a wall of a tubular string in a well, the wall surrounding a longitudinally extending flow passage of the tubular string. The check valve can include a ball or poppet which sealingly engages a seat. Another system can include multiple redundant check valves which prevent outward flow through a wall of a tubular string in a well. A well tool can include multiple redundant check valves which prevent flow in one direction through the wall, and which permit flow in an opposite direction through the wall. Each of the multiple redundant check valves can include a ball or poppet which sealingly engages a seat.

Abstract: A safety valve system for downhole use in a wellbore comprises a safety valve comprising a sealable flow path; an annulus safety valve configured to provide fluid communication between a central flow path and an annular flow path; a landing nipple, wherein the landing nipple comprises ports configured to provide fluid communication between the annular flow path and the central flow path; and a cable passing through the sealable flow path, wherein the cable comprises a sealing mechanism and latch mechanism configured to engage the landing nipple.

Abstract: Apparatuses for engaging an actuator of a subsurface tool are disclosed, comprising: a valve closure device; a plurality of actuation assemblies, comprising: an actuation device; an actuation rod, wherein the actuation device is configured to axially translate the actuation rod; an actuation platform, wherein the actuation rod engages the actuation platform; a plurality of actuation heads, configured to engage the actuation platform; and wherein the plurality of actuation heads engage an actuation member and are configured to transfer mechanical force to the actuation member, thereby axially translating the actuation member; and wherein axial translation of the actuation member exerts a downward force on the valve closure device to move the valve closure device from a closed position to an open position.

Abstract: A pressure equalization apparatus can include separate longitudinal bores which form a continuous flowpath, the flowpath alternating direction between the bores, and the bores being interconnected at opposite ends thereof. A well system can include a well tool with a chamber therein containing an assembly in a dielectric fluid, and a pressure equalization apparatus including a flowpath having one end connected to the chamber, and the other end connected to a source of a another fluid, the flowpath extending in opposite directions between the flowpath ends through multiple separate bores. A method of installing a well tool can include attaching a mandrel to the well tool, then lowering the well tool at least partially into the well suspended from the mandrel, and then securing a pressure equalization apparatus to the mandrel, a flowpath of the apparatus being connected to a chamber of the well tool containing an assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a safety valve with redundant operators or systems. One safety valve includes a piston bore in fluid communication with a first control line via first control line port and a second control line via a second control line port, the first and second control lines conveying hydraulic fluid pressure to the piston bore. First and second piston assemblies are movably arranged within the piston bore and the second piston assembly includes a transition member coupled thereto. A flow tube is arranged adjacent the transition member and moves axially within a flow passage defined in the safety valve in response to the movement of the transition member. A valve closure device moves between an open position and a closed position restricts fluid flow through the flow passage when in the closed position, the flow tube being adapted to shift the valve closure device between open and closed positions.

Abstract: A pressure equalization apparatus can include separate longitudinal bores which form a continuous flowpath, the flowpath alternating direction between the bores, and the bores being interconnected at opposite ends thereof. A well system can include a well tool with a chamber therein containing an assembly in a dielectric fluid, and a pressure equalization apparatus including a flowpath having one end connected to the chamber, and the other end connected to a source of a another fluid, the flowpath extending in opposite directions between the flowpath ends through multiple separate bores. A method of installing a well tool can include attaching a mandrel to the well tool, then lowering the well tool at least partially into the well suspended from the mandrel, and then securing a pressure equalization apparatus to the mandrel, a flowpath of the apparatus being connected to a chamber of the well tool containing an assembly.

Abstract: A system can include at least one check valve which prevents outward flow through a wall of a tubular string in a well, the wall surrounding a longitudinally extending flow passage of the tubular string. The check valve can include a ball or poppet which sealingly engages a seat. Another system can include multiple redundant check valves which prevent outward flow through a wall of a tubular string in a well. A well tool can include multiple redundant check valves which prevent flow in one direction through the wall, and which permit flow in an opposite direction through the wall. Each of the multiple redundant check valves can include a ball or poppet which sealingly engages a seat.