Abstract: A reverse cementing apparatus having a reverse cementing body with an internal bore, the reverse cementing body being coupleable to the downhole end of a casing pipe. The apparatus may further have a valve actuable from a closed to an open configuration, the closed configuration obstructing flow of fluid through the internal bore of the reverse cementing body. The valve may be configured to obstruct flow in an uphole direction during deployment but permit flow in the downhole direction. The apparatus further includes a port provided extending through a wall of the reverse cementing valve body from the internal bore to external the reverse cementing body, a fluid communication channel extending from the port to the internal bore. An actuable barrier member may be provided which is actuable to a closed position obstructing flow of fluid through the port upon actuation.

Abstract: An assembly includes a housing of a production tubing including one or more housing ports around a housing circumference of the housing. The assembly also includes a sleeve including one or more sleeve ports around a sleeve circumference of the sleeve. The sleeve is moveable between a closed configuration in which at least a portion of the sleeve is positionable to cover the housing ports of the production tubing and an open configuration in which the sleeve is positionable such that the sleeve ports provide fluid communication between the production tubing and an annulus in a wellbore. Further, the assembly includes a shoulder positioned at an uphole edge of the sleeve to apply an opening force to the sleeve to change the sleeve from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

Abstract: A downhole component has a body including a first end portion, a second end portion and an intermediate portion extending therebetween. The intermediate portion includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface defines a flow path. An axial passage extends radially outwardly of the flow path between the outer surface and the inner surface. A piston is arranged in the axial passage. The piston includes a first end, a second end, an intermediate section extending therebetween and a frangible element arranged adjacent at least one of the first end, the second end, and along the intermediate portion.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a sampling while drilling tool includes a drill collar having a first end, a second end, an outer wall extending between the first and second ends, and at least one opening extending through the outer wall to a cavity within the drill collar. The sampling while drilling tool also includes a sample chamber positionable in the cavity through the opening in the outer wall and a passage for conducting a drilling fluid through the drill collar.

Abstract: A downhole tool has a housing with a communication path extending from a first to a second part of a bore. An indexer disposed in the communication path is movably responsive to applied pressure at the first part. The indexer counts a number of applications of the applied pressure and permits fluid communication of the applied pressure from the first part to the second part in response to the counted number. An insert in the housing bore sealably encloses the second part of the communication path and is movable from a first position covering to a second position uncovering a port in the housing. At least a portion of the insert acted upon by the applied fluid pressure in the second part initiates movement of the insert from the first to the second position. A kit having a modular housing portion and the indexer can adapt the downhole tool for use.

Abstract: A fracturing system includes a fracturing sleeve having an opening sleeve and a closing sleeve. The closing sleeve has a collapsible seat. The system also includes a sand screen spaced from the fracturing sleeve and disposed in a same zone as the frac sleeve. The screen includes a screen sleeve having a collapsible seat, the screen seat being complementary to a plug that is complementary to the closing sleeve collapsible seat.

Abstract: An apparatus having a shock-absorbing sleeve is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a housing, an axially moveable sleeve received in the housing and a sealed annular space having a fixed volume axially between the housing and the sleeve. A barrier axially moveable with the sleeve divides the annular space into a first and a second chambers. The first and second chambers are filled with uncompressible dampening fluid. One or more metering passages across the barrier fluidly connect the first and chambers. During the axial movement of the sleeve, the volume of the first chamber is reduced and that of the second chamber is increased, forcing the fluid in the first chamber to flow into the second chamber in a controlled manner to dampen the movement of the sleeve.

Abstract: A tubular assembly includes a turbular member having at least one opening, and a sleeve slidingly mounted relative to the tubular member. The sleeve is shiftable between an open configuration in which the at least one opening is exposed and a closed configuration in which the at least one opening is covered by the sleeve. A degradable locking member is mounted relative to one of the turbular and the sleeve. The degradable locking member selectively retains the sleeve in the open configuration. The degradable locking member is configured to degrade when exposed to a downhole fluid allowing the sleeve to be shifted to the closed configuration.

Abstract: A tubular assembly includes a tubular having at least one opening. A slidable sleeve is slidingly mounted relative to the tubular. The slidable sleeve is shiftable between a first position, and a second position. A biasing member selectively biases the slidable sleeve in one of the first position and the second position. A degradable locking member is mounted relative to one of the tubular and the slidable sleeve. The degradable locking member selectively retains the slidable sleeve in the other of the first position and the second position. The degradable locking member is configured to degrade when exposed to a downhole fluid allowing the biasing member to shift the slidable sleeve back to the one of the first position and the second position.

Abstract: There is provided a flow control apparatus comprising: a housing; a port extending through the housing; a housing passage defined within the housing and configured for fluidly communicating via the port; a flow control member displaceable relative to the port for effecting opening and closing of the port; a retainer housing space, disposed between the housing and the flow control member, and co-operating with the flow control member such that, at least while the flow control member is disposed in the closed position, a sealing interface is disposed between the retainer housing space and the housing passage; and a resilient retainer member, extending from the housing and into the retainer housing space, and configured to releasably engage the flow control member for resisting displacement of the flow control member.

Abstract: A valve can include a closure device which selectively permits and prevents fluid communication between an interior and an exterior of the valve, an incremental displacement device which incrementally displaces the closure device in response to pressure differentials between the interior and the exterior of the valve, and an accelerator device which accelerates displacement of the closure device in response to a predetermined pattern of the pressure differentials. A method of operating a valve in a well can include applying a predetermined pattern of pressure differentials between an interior and an exterior of a tubular string in which the valve is connected, thereby incrementally displacing a closure device of the valve, and accelerating displacement of the closure device in response to the predetermined pattern of pressure differentials, thereby displacing the closure device to a selected one of an open and a closed position.

Abstract: A safety valve can be disposed in a wellbore that is through a fluid-producing formation. The safety valve can include a flow tube that is allowed to move at least partially independent, or free, from a piston assembly to avoid negative effects from forces on the flow tube from a closing assembly, such as one including a flapper. For example, the flow tube may not be required to be rigidly connected to a piston assembly such that the flow tube can move more than the piston assembly moves.

Abstract: A safety valve includes a housing, a flapper coupled to the housing and movable between open and closed positions, and a flow tube movably disposed within the housing to retain the flapper in the open position. A lockout rod is coupled to the housing and movable between deployed and stored positions. The lockout rod is configured to retain the flow tube in an extended position when in the deployed position. A lockout ratchet element is arranged within the housing and coupled to the lockout rod. The lockout ratchet element is configured to retain the lockout rod in the deployed position.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a lockout tool including a cam housing configured to fit within a flow tube of a safety valve that is coupled to production tubing and has a longitudinal up-down axis. The lockout tool further includes a piston disposed within the cam housing and configured to move within the cam housing parallel to the longitudinal up-down axis and form a plurality of dimples in the flow tube upon provision within the production tubing of a pressurized fluid.

Abstract: A device for controlling fluid flow from a subsurface fluid reservoir into a production tubing siring includes a tubular member defining a central bore. At least one nozzle extends through a side wall of the tubular member. A popper is moveable between an open position where fluids can flow into the central bore through the nozzle, and a closed position where the nozzle is fluidly sealed. A circumferential external bead profile is located on the stem and a circumferential groove is located in the nozzle for mating with the head profile of the stem and maintaining the popper in a closed position. The device can also have a shear member disposed between the stem of the popper and an inner surface of the nozzle for supporting the popper in an open position before the popper is moved to the closed position.

Abstract: A lock assembly for a mechanically set packer for deep deployments is described. The lock housing wall has at least one bore for a rod piston that is selectively actuated when wellbore hydrostatic is allowed to reach on side of the piston. Movement of the piston, after breaking a shear pin, allows a c-ring to spring outwardly and out of a locking groove in the mandrel so that the mandrel can be string manipulated with respect to the housing to set the packer. Once unlocked the lock assembly remains defeated. The piston can be optionally exposed to hydrostatic and will unlock at a given depth without manipulation of the wellbore annulus pressure. Other mechanisms to admit wellbore hydrostatic to move the piston or to move the piston in general by other techniques are described.

Abstract: A circulation sub is provided that has a ball seat and a circulation port that is closed when a ball is landed on the seat. An axial passage directs the pressure surge created with the landing of the ball on the seat to the port with the actuation piston for the tool. The surge in pressure operates the actuation piston to set the tool, which is preferably a packer. Raising the circulation rate through a constriction in a circulation sub breaks a shear device and allows the restriction to shift to cover a circulation port. The pressure surge that ensues continues through the restriction to the actuating piston for the tool to set the tool.

Abstract: Fluid actuated chokes include an expandable material that expands due to an undesired fluid coming in contact with the choke. The choke includes one or more passageways through which desired fluids from a well flow unimpeded. The choke is disposed in a downhole tool as part of a downhole completion. When one or more undesired fluids enters a production stream flowing through the downhole completion and, thus, the downhole tool, and contacts the choke, the expandable material expands causing fluid flow through the passageway(s) to be restricted and, in some cases, completely closed off. Thus, the choke automatically detects and reacts, i.e., restricts fluid flow through the choke, when contacted by the undesired fluid(s).

Abstract: A wellbore servicing apparatus, comprising a housing defining an axial flowbore and comprising ports, a first sleeve, a second sleeve movable relative to the housing from (a) a first position in which the second sleeve obstructs fluid communication via the ports of the housing to (b) a second position in which the second sleeve allows fluid communication via the ports of the housing, and wherein the first sleeve is movable relative to the housing from (a) a first position in which the first sleeve does not allow a fluid pressure applied to the axial flowbore to move the second sleeve from the first position to the second position to (b) a second position in which the first sleeve allows a fluid pressure applied to the axial flowbore to move the second sleeve from the first position to the second position, and an expandable seat.

Abstract: A self-contained cut-off device for the use in oil and gas extraction comprises a body, a stop valve, a potential energy accumulator, and a hold-release arrangement. The arrangement, fixed in the body, is equipped with clamping elements. The valve comprises a drum-shaped valve head and a seat. The head outer surface has a conical groove for the clamping elements. On the inside, the head has a through passage for a flow with a conical portion expanding from the inlet to the outlet, and with a cylindrical portion at the outlet. The head comprises a replaceable nipple in the inlet of the passage. The seat comprises circulation passages in its annular part and has a boss made with a cylindrical surface and a spherical surface adapted to mate the cylindrical and conical portions of the passage, respectively. A sealed cavity for a lubricant is formed between the body and outer surface.

Abstract: A wellbore valve assembly including a valve member which is moveable relative to the valve seat, the valve assembly being receivable in a wellbore tubing having a first end and a second end, the valve member being moveable between an open position relative to the valve seat, and a position in which the valve member is seated against the valve seat, the valve assembly including a valve member biasing device for biasing the valve member towards the open position, the valve member being operable to close in the event of a force which exceeds a predetermined value being applied in either direction relative to the direction in which the valve member biasing device acts.

Abstract: A pressure actuated valve is disclosed which includes a plurality of flow openings, and first and second pistons. The first and second pistons are independently actuatable relative to one another, and are releasable coupled to one another by a release sleeve. The pressure actuated valve also includes a closing sleeve that is operatively coupled to the second piston. In an initial position of the second piston, the closing sleeve covers or blocks the plurality of flow openings. The pressure actuated valve includes a ratchet mechanism coupling the release sleeve to the first piston, the ratchet mechanism being adapted to allow movement of the first piston between its initial position and an intermediate position and back to its initial position while allowing the release sleeve to release the second piston after a predetermined number of cycles of movement of the first piston between its initial position and the intermediate position and back to its initial position.

Abstract: Linear clutches for reducing axial loads in a system are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a blowout preventer having a ram coupled to an actuation assembly. A locking assembly is positioned within the system to enable an end of the locking sleeve to engage the actuation assembly and to lock the actuation assembly and the ram into place. In this embodiment, the locking sleeve is segmented and includes at least one groove to engage a complementary surface of the actuation assembly. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pressure-actuated valve fit to a tubing string for alternately closing to communicate fluids from a wellbore to the tubing string and opening to communicate fluids from a wellbore annulus to the tubing string. The valve is particularly useful for lifting liquids which accumulate in the tubing string when the reservoir has a diminished pressure. In this case, gas is accumulated in the wellbore annulus and when the valve is opened the gas enters the valve and is directed to the tubing string for lifting the liquids. The valve is closed by a spring and has a closing-assist which applies an additional force to the spring to ensure the valve is fully closed.

Abstract: A downhole tool and system are provided. In at least one specific embodiment, the downhole tool can include a tubular housing having an inner bore and a valve seat. A sleeve can be disposed in the inner bore and can be configured to move between a first position and a second position within the tubular housing. A flapper valve can be coupled to the tubular housing, such that the flapper valve is stationary when the sleeve is in the first position. The flapper valve can be pivotable between an open position and a closed position when the sleeve is in the second position. A biasing member can be coupled to the flapper valve and to the tubular housing. The biasing member can be configured to bias the flapper valve toward the valve seat.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an isolation valve with debris control. In one aspect, an isolation valve for use as part of a casing string is provided. The isolation valve includes a housing having a bore and a valve cavity. The isolation valve further includes a valve member movable between a first position in which the valve member obstructs the bore of the housing and a second position in which the valve member is disposed in the valve cavity. Further, the isolation valve includes a flow tube configured to allow movement of the valve member between the first and second positions. Additionally, the isolation valve includes an engagement assembly adapted to engage the flow tube to substantially prevent debris from entering the valve cavity when the valve member is in the second position. In another aspect, a method of operating an isolation valve in a wellbore is provided.

Abstract: A flow control device comprising a flapper retention device electrically activated to a hold position to retain the flapper in an open position in response to the operator being in a first position and the retention device electrically deactivated to a released position permitting movement of the flapper in response to the operator being in a second position. When the operator is in the first position, an end of the operator is located in the closure path of the flapper and in the second position the end of the operator is located out of the closure path.

Abstract: An energy storage device a first member and a second member that is slidably engaged with the first member. There are at least two seals that slidably seal the first member to the second member and define a cavity therebetween that varies in volume with relative movement between the first member and the second member. The first member is biased toward the second member in a direction that resisted increases in volume of the cavity.

Abstract: Method and drill string valve for closing a conduit through which a high pressure fluid flows.

Abstract: Systems and methods for locking a sliding sleeve valve in an open position and/or a closed position to prevent inadvertent operation of the sleeve valve during other operations. A sliding sleeve valve locking assembly includes an outer housing defining a locking bore portion with a first locking groove formed therein, a sliding sleeve collet member having a collet finger with a tab shaped and sized to reside within the first locking groove. The sliding sleeve valve locking assembly also includes a collet locking member that is moveably disposed within the sliding sleeve collet member to selectively lock the sliding sleeve collet member within the locking bore portion.

Abstract: A wellbore valve assembly including a valve member which is moveable relative to the valve seat, the valve assembly being receivable in a wellbore tubing having a first end and a second end, the valve member being moveable between an open position relative to the valve seat, and a position in which the valve member is seated against the valve seat, the valve assembly including a valve member biasing device for biasing the valve member towards the open position, the valve member being operable to close in the event of a force which exceeds a predetermined value being applied in either direction relative to the direction in which the valve member biasing device acts.

Abstract: Systems and processes are provided for removing fluid from a subterranean well and enhancing the production of oil and/or gas are herein disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes an injection conduit, an injection valve, a relief valve, a container, a container valve, a return conduit valve, and a return conduit, all arranged within a subterranean well for removing at least one fluid from the well. The removal of at least one fluid from the well is controlled by the flow of gas into the injection conduit.

Abstract: The present invention regards a device designed for injection of fluids in a well bore, typically an offshore well bore for petroleum production and gas injection/gas lift system for fluid injection. The device comprises a outer hollow housing with an internal body moveable within the outer housing which in a first closed position is closed with a metal to metal seal system between the outer housing and the internal body, which internal body is operated by pressure differential across the internal body. The internal movable body is connected to the outer hollow housing by means of a retainer key. The retainer key comprises a shear arrangement and is arranged to keep the valve in a fixed closed position, where fluid pressure is to overcome the pretension of the retainer key in order to open the device. When the device is shear opened, it can be kept in this open position as the retainer key is locked to the outer hollow housing.

Abstract: A pressure-actuated valve fit to a tubing string for alternately closing to communicate fluids from a wellbore to the tubing string and opening to communicate fluids from a wellbore annulus to the tubing string. The valve is particularly useful for lifting liquids which accumulate in the tubing string when the reservoir has a diminished pressure. In this case, gas is accumulated in the wellbore annulus and when the valve is opened the gas enters the valve and is directed to the tubing string for lifting the liquids. The valve is closed by a spring and has a closing-assist which applies an additional force to the spring to ensure the valve is fully closed.

Abstract: A positioning tool engages a profile with retaining members such as dogs so that a pulling force can be applied for a predetermined time as a signal that the tool is at the proper location. The time delay is a fluid system that drives fluid through a narrow restriction. The restriction is variable to allow unloading of the resistance from the fluid system while the dogs are still adequately supported. As a result the dogs are released from the profile without regional overstressing. A lock can prevent the tool from resetting to limit its use to locating at a single location. The lock holds the hydraulic system in a defeated position so that even if the dogs engage another profile when locked they will immediately exit that profile.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism for use in a tool such as a plug used in oil and gas wells. The mechanism being operable under pressure in the well bore to set the plug in a first natural closed state for a pressure under a predetermined pressure range; a second closed state wherein the plug is locked closed regardless of the pressure; and a third open state by increasing the pressure to the predetermined pressure range and holding the pressure in the range for a predetermined time. Electronic and mechanical, dual piston, actuating mechanisms are described as is a method of controlling fluid flow in a well bore using the plug and performing a pressure test against the plug.

Abstract: In an aspect, method for stimulating fluid flow in a wellbore is provided, the method including placing a fluid jetting valve in a tubular, conveying the tubular in a wellbore with the fluid jetting valve in a closed position and changing a pressure within the tubular to move the fluid jetting valve to an open position. In addition, the method includes directing a stimulation fluid through the open fluid jetting valve into a wall of the wellbore and moving the fluid jetting valve to a permanently closed position via a passive control device.

Abstract: A hydraulic disconnect is disclosed comprising: a downhole housing; an uphole housing; an inner mandrel at least partially disposed telescopically within the downhole housing, the inner mandrel having a latch extendable in a radially outward direction to latch against an inner shoulder of the downhole housing to restrict the downhole housing from relative downhole movement, the inner mandrel being connected for transmission of torque to the downhole housing; a piston at least partially disposed telescopically within the inner mandrel and having a latched position in which an outer surface of the piston is radially inward of the latch to maintain latching against the inner shoulder, and an unlatched position in which a groove in the outer surface is radially inward of the latch to allow radial contraction of the latch into the groove for release of the inner shoulder, the piston having a valve seat; and a lock for maintaining the piston in the latched position, the lock being adapted to unlock in use upon rece

Abstract: A ball type downhole barrier valve capable of bidirectional sealing features a ball rotating on its axis to open or close with control line pressure to an actuating rod piston assembly. The ball is also shiftable to a locked open position. A cage surrounds the ball and retains opposed seats to it. The cage is made from one piece and tangential holes are drilled and tapped before the piece is longitudinally split with a wire EDM cutting technique. Fasteners to rejoin the cut halves properly space them to the original one piece internal dimension. Auxiliary tools allow determination of spacing of internal components so that a desired spring preload on the seats against the ball can be achieved. Seals on the sleeves that form ball seats help prevent leakage due to ball distortion at high differential pressures when the valve is closed.

Abstract: A valve includes a housing, a valve element that is located in the housing, an operator, a locking device and an interference device. The housing includes an interior surface that has a profile. The operator may be configured to transition the valve element between open and closed states. The locking device is adapted to be selectively extended into the profile. The interference device may be adapted to be selectively extended radially inside the locking device to retain the locking device in the profile, thereby locking the valve element in the open or closed state.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling a downhole device such as a choke, the apparatus comprising a housing, a mandrel connected to the downhole device and moveable within the housing to move the device between different positions, and a detent mechanism to selectively lock the mandrel in one of the positions within the housing. The first and second positions are typically defined by physical stops on the apparatus such as shoulders, or dogs and grooves etc, and are typically placed at set positions that define the different configurations of the device. Thus, the movement of the downhole device is governed by the detent mechanism, rather than by variable factors such as pressure changes.

Abstract: A valve device and associated methods of selectively communicating between an interior and an exterior of a tubular string. A valve device includes an openable and closable flowpath for selectively permitting and preventing flow between an interior and exterior of the valve device, and a lock assembly which prevents the flowpath from being opened greater than a predetermined number of times. A method of testing at least one annular seal in an annulus formed between a tubular string and a wellbore wall includes the steps of: sealingly engaging the annular seal to thereby prevent flow through the annulus across the annular seal; and applying a pressure differential across the annular seal to thereby test the annular seal, the pressure differential being applied via a valve device interconnected in the tubular string.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a valve to allow injection of fluids into a well or other subterranean facility. The valve comprises a housing and a flow tube assembly disposed in the housing. A restrictor is joined with the flow tube to restrict flow through the flow tube. A seal element also is positioned to selectively prevent production or upward flow of fluids through the valve upon halting injection operations.

Abstract: A method for positional control of an actuator includes applying pressure to both an input line and an output line connected to the actuator and then releasing a predetermined volume of fluid from the output line, thereby displacing a piston of the actuator a corresponding predetermined distance. A system for positional control of an actuator includes the actuator included in a well tool positioned in a well; the input line connected to the actuator and extending to a remote location; the output line connected to the actuator and extending to the remote location; and a fluid volume measurement device connected to the output line at the remote location. The fluid volume measurement device is operative to meter the predetermined volume of fluid from the output line.

Abstract: A ball type downhole lubricator valve features a ball rotating on its axis to open or close with control line pressure to an actuating piston. The ball is also shiftable to a locked open position. A cage surrounds the ball and retains opposed seats to it. The cage is made from one piece and tangential holes are drilled and tapped before the piece is longitudinally split with a wire EDM cutting technique. Fasteners to rejoin the cut halves properly space them to the original one piece internal dimension. Auxiliary tools allow determination of spacing of internal components so that a desired spring preload on the seats against the ball can be achieved.

Abstract: A downhole tool for use within a well has a body with a first downhole fluid passage provided in the body. The first downhole fluid passage has an upper inlet and a lower outlet. A first sleeve member is slidably mounted to the body such that the first sleeve member is movable between a first position in which the first sleeve member extends from the body and a second position in which the first sleeve member is substantially retracted into the first downhole fluid passage of the body. A guide adapted to guide an object travelling within the first downhole fluid passage to the first sleeve member is provided.

Abstract: A downhole valve comprises a body defining a through bore and a valve member for location in the body and movable between an open position and a closed position. The valve has a first configuration in which the valve member is normally closed, and will hold a pressure differential in a first direction, and a second configuration in which the valve member is closed and will maintain a pressure differential in the first direction and also in an opposite second direction and a third configuration in which the valve member is locked in the open position until it is deliberately closed.

Abstract: A system and method for use in a wellbore that includes a string comprising a housing. The housing comprises a valve including a valve seat having an inner channel and a flapper configured to pivot relative to the valve seat between a first position and a second position in which the inner channel is obstructed. A valve actuating device may be provided for selectively opening the valve and comprising a first hydraulic device. In addition, a retention device including a second hydraulic device may be provided and configured to selectively retain the flapper in the first position. In some cases, the first hydraulic device and the second hydraulic device may be driven by the same fluid source.

Abstract: A series of screens with restrictors to equalize flow through base pipe perforations downstream or upstream of each restrictor features a valve member in the openings so that the screens are closed to flow for run in. Pressure can be developed within the base pipe for operation of downhole equipment below the screens such as a mud motor or in the screen liner such as a packer with no need for an internal string or wash pipe. The openings can be opened selectively when the associated equipment connected to the base pipes has been operated. The valve member can be actuated to open in a variety of ways such as applied pressure, temperature or a change in well fluid condition.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and an apparatus for selectively isolating a portion of a wellbore. In one aspect, an apparatus for isolating a zone in a wellbore is provided. The apparatus includes a body having a bore. The apparatus further includes a first flapper member and a second flapper member, each flapper member selectively rotatable between an open position and a closed position. Additionally, the apparatus includes a flapper latch assembly disposed in the bore, the flapper latch assembly movable between an unlocked position and a locked position, wherein the flapper latch assembly is configured to hold the first flapper member in the closed position when the flapper latch assembly is in the locked position. In another aspect, a method for selectively isolating a zone in a wellbore is provided. In yet a further aspect, a flapper latch assembly for use with a flapper valve is provided.