Abstract: A power supply and control arrangement for a submersible pump and solenoid operated safety valve system. A surface control unit is connected to a downhole control unit by a three conductor cable. A single phase 400 Hz signal from the surface unit is rectified downhole and operates the solenoid to open the safety valve but is too high a frequency to affect the pump motor. A downhole detector senses full open condition of the safety valve and sends a signal to the surface where it is received by a monitor. The monitor interrupts the 400 Hz signal and applies a three phase 60 Hz signal to all three conductors of the cable to operate the pump motor and be rectified downhole to hold the solenoid and safety valve open. Loss of the valve open signal by the monitor interrupts the 60 Hz signal and disables the system until it is reset.

Abstract: A subsurface safety valve. During normal well flowing conditions, the valve is spring biased to its open position. If the difference in fluid pressure flowing through the valve as compared to fluid pressure exterior to the valve exceeds a preselected value, a pressure sensitive bellows will be actuated to close the valve. A latch mechanism is provided to prevent undesired closure of the safety valve by acceptable pressure transients resulting from normal changes in well operating conditions. An alternative embodiment of the valve responds to an electromagnetic signal from the well surface.

Abstract: A direct acting subsurface safety valve. During normal well flowing conditions, an operator sleeve is spring biased to hold the valve closure mechanism in its open position. If the rate of change of fluid pressure flowing through the valve exceeds a preselected value, a pressure sensitive piston will shift the operator sleeve to close the valve. A latch mechanism is provided to prevent undesired closure of the safety valve by acceptable pressure transients resulting from normal changes in well operating conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a safety and kill valve device useful in tubing above a packer set above a producing formation in a well, operable to shut off tubing flow and open wall flow passages to the well annulus through which heavy formation killing fluid may be pumped into the tubing. A lower ball valve is used to shut off tubing flow and an upper sleeve valve, cooperable with the ball valve, controls flow through the wall flow passage. An operating tube moves downwardly, opening the ball valve and closing the sleeve valve while compressing a spring. The compressed spring furnishes operating force to move the operating tube upwardly, closing the ball valve and opening the sleeve valve. Two embodiments operate automatically in response to higher well annulus pressures. Another embodiment may be controlled through conduit from the surface or operate automatically in response to higher annulus pressures. All embodiments may operate repeatedly without retrieving from a well.

Abstract: Disclosed is a safety and kill valve device useful in tubing above a packer set above a producing formation in a well, operable to shut off tubing flow and open wall flow passages to the well annulus through which heavy formation killing fluid may be pumped into the tubing. A lower ball valve is used to shut off tubing flow and an upper sleeve valve, cooperable with the ball valve, controls flow through the wall flow passage. An operating tube moves downwardly, opening the ball valve and closing the sleeve valve while compressing a spring. The compressed spring furnishes operating force to move the operating tube upwardly, closing the ball valve and opening the sleeve valve. Two embodiments operate automatically in response to higher well annulus pressures. Another embodiment may be controlled through conduit from the surface or operate automatically in response to higher annulus pressures. All embodiments may operate repeatedly without retrieving from a well.

Abstract: A mechanical safety switch for closing electrical contacts in a well tool. The mechanical switch has several safety requirements which must be satisfied before the electrical contacts will close including upward pull on a wireline and a preselected value of fluid pressure exterior to the switch. The safety switch can be incorporated into a well perforating gun to provide safe, reliable operation of an electrically powered perforating gun by a conventional wireline. Preferably, the electrical circuits of the well perforating gun should include a motion sensor and a timer for increased safety.

Abstract: A well safety system comprising a tubing retrievable safety valve adaptable for being connected in a well tubing string with means therein, responsive to pressure, for opening and closing the valve. The tubing retrievable safety valve is to be connected, in the tubing string, below a landing nipple for receiving a secondary safety valve. The safety valve and landing nipple are connected by a common conduit for conducting a suitable pressure fluid for control and balance of the safety valve and a secondary valve landed in the landing nipple. Means are provided on the landing nipple for selectively flushing pressure fluid into the tubing bore. This abstract of the disclosure is neither intended to define the scope of the invention which, of course, is measured by the claims nor is it intended to limit the invention in any way.

Abstract: A subsurface safety valve assembly for connection in a well pipe, including a valve member disposed in a valve body having a bore or passageway therethrough, a pair of spaced apart and oppositely facing valve seats in surrounding relation to an intermediate portion of the passageway, the valve positioned thereat and operable to open and close said passageway, a space within the valve body outwardly of the passageway therethrough, a control frame guidably movable within the space and having a piston associated therewith adapted to define first and second variable capacity pressure chambers within the space, means for moving the control frame in opposite longitudinal directions to open and close the valve, the means for moving the control frame including first and second ports, the first port providing fluid communication between the first variable capacity pressure chamber and an external source of pressure fluid, the second port providing fluid communication between the second variable capacity pressure chamb

Abstract: Disclosed is a tubing retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve having provisions for blocking communication of control fluid to the valve's pressure responsive operator and for locking the valve open in the event of valve failure. This abstract of the disclosure is neither intended to define the scope of the invention which, of course, is measured by the claims nor is it intended to limit the invention in any way.

Abstract: Disclosed is a well latch for locking well tools in a well flow conductor. The latch housing has a pressure equalizing passage extending through its wall. A valve controls flow through the equalizing passage. Keys, carried by the latch housing, are expanded outwardly into a locking groove of a well flow conductor to lock the well latch therein. A fishing neck, associated with the latch, permits retrieval of the latch. This abstract is neither intended to define the scope of the invention, which, of course, is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting in any way.

Abstract: Disclosed is a surface controlled subsurface safety valve wherein the greater of well pressure and balance pressure assists in closing the safety valve. Well pressure assist for valve closure is obtained without creating additional depth sensitive limitations as the balance pressure approaches zero. Balance pressure assist for valve closure is obtained without well pressure tending to maintain the valve open. This abstract is neither intended to define the scope of the invention, which, of course, is measured by the claims, nor is it intending to be limiting in any way.

Abstract: A surface controlled subsurface safety valve having a main valve and an equalizing valve. The equalizing valve is opened prior to the opening of the main valve. An extra control pressure force is provided to open the equalizing valve against the resistive force present due to high shut-in formation pressures. On the other hand, the safety valve can close when low subsurface pressure conditions exist at the valve. This abstract is neither intended to define the scope of the invention, which, of course, is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting in any way.