Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for actuation of downhole tools. In one example, a deep set safety valve uses a magnetic coupling which permits a portion of the safety valve at control line pressure to be isolated from tubing string internal pressure, without requiring the use of a dynamic seal therebetween. A piston of the safety valve may be displaced in response to a differential between control line pressure and pressure in an annulus surrounding the tubing string, pressure in another control line, or pressure in the tubing string. Other types of well tools may benefit from actuation using principles of the invention.

Abstract: A tubing retrievable safety valve (50) having a non annular hydraulic chamber (60) in a sidewall portion thereof is operable to received a communication tool (100) therein such that relative rotation between at least a portion of the communication tool (100) and the tubing retrievable safety valve (50) is substantially prevented. The communication tool (100) is operable to create a fluid passageway (150) between the non annular hydraulic chamber (60) and the interior of the tubing retrievable safety valve (50) by penetrating through the sidewall portion and into the non annular hydraulic chamber (60). Thereafter, when a wireline retrievable safety valve (44) is positioned within the tubing retrievable safety valve (50), hydraulic fluid is communicatable thereto through the fluid passageway (150).

Abstract: A system for communicating hydraulic fluid to a wireline retrievable safety valve (44) comprises a tubing retrievable safety valve (50) having a non annular hydraulic chamber (60) in a sidewall portion thereof and a communication tool (100) that is selectively locatable within the tubing retrievable safety valve (50). The communication tool (100) creates a fluid passageway (150) between the non annular hydraulic chamber (60) and the interior of the tubing retrievable safety valve (50) by penetrating through the sidewall portion and into the non annular hydraulic chamber (60). Thereafter, when the wireline retrievable safety valve (44) is positioned within the tubing retrievable safety valve (50), hydraulic fluid is communicatable thereto through the fluid passageway (150).

Abstract: An improved control system, particularly useful for SSVs, is disclosed. It is responsive to a rupture of the tubing and control line to equalize pressure on an operating piston to allow the SSV to go to its failsafe position. The annulus pressure-sensing feature can be employed with a variety of control systems, a particular one is used as an example.

Abstract: In a hydrocarbon production well, a control processor 32 selectively sends light to each of one or more gas lift valves 28 to cause injection of an injection fluid (such as nitrogen gas) from a pressurised annulus 22 into a production fluid (hydrocarbon) in production 18 tubing, and/or to each of one or more inlet valves 60, to control the rate of flow of the hydrocarbon (oil). The control processor 32 receives feedback data from sensors 48 54 50 66 near to each gas lift 28 or inlet 60 valve and otherwise provided in the well bore which measure pressure, temperature or flow rate. The sensors communicate by sensor fibre optic lines 42 which run in the well bore 10. The control processor 32 sends control signals by operating a laser light source to selectively to send laser light to each valve 28 60 through valve operating light fibres 36 which also run through the well bore 10.

Abstract: A communication tool (100) for communicating hydraulic fluid through a tubing retrievable safety valve (50) is disclosed. The tool (100) has a first section (102) and a second section (132) that are initially coupled together. A set of axial locating keys (112) is operably attached to the first section (102) and is engagably positionable within a profile (62). A radial cutting device (148) is radially extendable through a window (152) of the second section (132). A circumferential locating key (140) is operably attached to the second section (132) and is engagably positionable within a pocket (66) of the safety valve (50) when the first and second sections (102, 132) are decoupled, thereby circumferentially aligning the radial cutting device (148) with the non annular hydraulic chamber (60).

Abstract: A system and methods for proportionally controlling hydraulically actuated downhole flow control devices using derived feedback control. The system comprises a downhole flow control device with a moveable element in a stationary housing. The moveable element is actuated by a balanced hydraulic piston. Hydraulic lines are fed to either side of the piston to effect actuation in either direction. A processor controlled, surface mounted hydraulic system supplies fluid to the piston. A pressure sensor measures supply pressure to the piston and a cycle counter indicates pump cycles and both sensors generate outputs to the processor. The downhole moveable element is cycled between end stops until successive moveable element breakout pressures are within a predetermined value as measured by the surface pressure sensor. A relationship is then derived between moveable element movement and pumped fluid volume and the relationship is used to move the moveable element to a predetermined position to control flow.

Abstract: In carrying out the principles of the present invention, in accordance with an embodiment thereof, an annular choke apparatus, and methods of use, are provided for use within a subterranean well. In broad terms, a choke tool apparatus is provided which includes an outer housing having an outer housing wall with at least one flow port therethrough, and a variable annular flow-area choke disposed within the outer housing, the variable annular flow-area choke having a first generally tubular member sealingly disposed within the outer housing, the first tubular member having a shoulder with a sealing surface, a second generally tubular member slidingly and sealingly disposed within the outer housing, the second tubular member having a shoulder with a sealing surface, the second member movable between a sealed position wherein the sealing surfaces are in sealing abutment and an open position wherein the sealing surfaces are spaced apart. The sealing surfaces preferably provide a metal-to-metal seal.

Abstract: A downhole valve that may be opened and closed by alternatingly pressurizing/bleeding a first control line, which is in fluid communication with a first surface of an activating member, and a second control line, which is in fluid communication with a second surface of the activating member. The fluid within the control lines is the same density as the fluid found in the annulus of the wellbore. The development of a leak in the control lines therefore does not by itself result in the actuation or movement of the activating member or valve member.

Abstract: A valve has a pair of surfaces, such as those of pipes, with an inflatable bladder disposed therebetween. Controlled inflation and deflation of the bladder provides for control of flow through the valve. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A valve assembly to control the intake of fluid. The valve assembly has a valve body and a valve choke disposed therein. The valve choke has a choke bore through the interior of the valve choke. The valve choke has a plurality of orifices to the choke bore spaced at intervals along the valve choke. A seal is disposed between the valve body and valve choke. The valve system is operable to position the valve choke so that the seal is positioned between the valve body and the valve choke at the intervals between the plurality of orifices.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system and associated methods provides selective control of operation of multiple well tool assemblies. In a described embodiment, a hydraulic control system includes a control module which has a member that is displaceable to multiple predetermined positions to thereby select from among multiple well tool assemblies for operation thereof. When the member is in a selected position, an actuator of a corresponding one of the well tool assemblies is placed in fluid communication with a flowpath connected to the control module. When the member is in another selected position, the flowpath is placed in fluid communication with an actuator of another one of the well tool assemblies.

Abstract: In a well an instrumentation line can be introduced down the well bore by a control line having at least a portion outside of intermediate casing and set in cement slurry between the intermediate casing and the surrounding rock and reaching to a zone of interest. A primary member accepts the distal end of the control line at the end of the intermediate casing. A secondary member has a terminal control line (sealed at its far end) attached on its outer surface. When in place, the secondary member extends into and through the zone of interest. When the secondary member is lowered through the primary member, its top end is lowered onto the bottom end of the primary member. Couplings engage and angularly orientate so that the top of the terminal control line couples to and seals with the distal end of the control line to form a conduit through which a fibre optic instrumentation line can be threaded.

Abstract: A communication tool (100) for communicating hydraulic fluid through a tubing retrievable safety valve (50) is disclosed. The tool (100) has a first section (102) and a second section (132) that are initially coupled together. A set of axial locating keys (112) is operably attached to the first section (102) and is engagably positionable within a profile (62). A radial cutting device (148) is radially extendable through a window (152) of the second section (132). A circumferential locating key (140) is operably attached to the second section (132) and is engagably positionable within a pocket (66) of the safety valve (50) when the first and second sections (102, 132) are decoupled, thereby circumferentially aligning the radial cutting device (148) with the non annular hydraulic chamber (60).

Abstract: A multi-line back pressure control system for providing two way hydraulic line movement while maintaining back pressure control. Check valves are integrated in hydraulic fluid control lines extending downhole into a wellbore. Each check valve is pilot operated with pressure from another hydraulic line to selectively open the lines for two way fluid communication. Removal of the pilot pressure closes the check valves to provide passive back pressure control against catastrophic wellbore events. Pilot pressure operation between multiple pressurized lines can be provided with valves such as three-way, three-position piloted valves.

Abstract: The present invention provides a more compensating secondary sealing system for misalignments that inevitably occur in sealing subsurface valves, particularly subsurface safety valves. A sealing system can include a dynamic sealing system and a static sealing system, where the static sealing system establishes one or more line contact surfaces. The line contact surfaces can be leading, in that the forward edge of the seal faces a corresponding engagement portion of the actuator. The actuator can include at least two spherical engagement portions where one of the spherical engagement portions engages resilient and non-resilient seals with line contact surfaces on a downstroke and the other spherical engagement portion engages resilient and non-resilient seals with line contact surfaces on an upstroke. Further, a bearing disposed above seals on a piston of the actuator assists in keeping contaminants out of the seal area of the piston.

Abstract: In a well an instrumentation line can be introduced down the well bore by a control line having at least a portion outside of intermediate casing and set in cement slurry between the intermediate casing and the surrounding rock and reaching to a zone of interest. A primary member accepts the distal end of the control line at the end of the intermediate casing. A secondary member has a terminal control line (sealed at its far end) attached on its outer surface. When in place, the secondary member extends into and through the zone of interest. When the secondary member is lowered through the primary member, its top end is lowered onto the bottom end of the primary member. Couplings engage and angularly orientate so that the top of the terminal control line couples to and seals with the distal end of the control line to form a conduit through which a fibre optic instrumentation line can be threaded.

Abstract: A valve has a pair of surfaces, such as those of pipes, with an inflatable bladder disposed therebetween. Controlled inflation and deflation of the bladder provides for control of flow through the valve. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: In carrying out the principles of the present invention, in accordance with an embodiment thereof, an annular choke apparatus, and methods of use, are provided for use within a subterranean well. In broad terms, a choke tool apparatus is provided which includes an outer housing having an outer housing wall with at least one flow port therethrough, and a variable annular flow-area choke disposed within the outer housing, the variable annular flow-area choke having a first generally tubular member sealingly disposed within the outer housing, the first tubular member having a shoulder with a sealing surface, a second generally tubular member slidingly and sealingly disposed within the outer housing, the second tubular member having a shoulder with a sealing surface, the second member movable between a sealed position wherein the sealing surfaces are in sealing abutment and an open position wherein the sealing surfaces are spaced apart. The sealing surfaces preferably provide a metal-to-metal seal.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for actuation of downhole tools. In one example, a deep set safety valve uses a magnetic coupling which permits a portion of the safety valve at control line pressure to be isolated from tubing string internal pressure, without requiring the use of a dynamic seal therebetween. A piston of the safety valve may be displaced in response to a differential between control line pressure and pressure in an annulus surrounding the tubing string, pressure in another control line, or pressure in the tubing string. Other types of well tools may benefit from actuation using principles of the invention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with two or more hydraulic conduits deployed downhole reduces a number of penetrations required through a well bulkhead for a given number of fluid paths extending therethrough. In a described embodiment, a fluid conductor includes multiple fluid paths extending therein. The fluid conductor is installed in an aperture formed through a bulkhead. Couplings are connected on opposite sides of the bulkhead to opposite ends of the fluid conductor. Multiple hydraulic lines are connected to each of the couplings.

Abstract: Hydraulic control assemblies for controlling the operation of one or more downhole tools. In one embodiment of the invention, a hydraulic control assembly (10) includes a tubular member in the form of tubing (12), which carries axial chambers (14), each coupled to a downhole tool and carrying a flow controlling shuttle valve (24) and a gear rod (34). Tool control fluids inlets and outlets (18, 16) are provided in communication with each chamber (14), and flow through the chamber (14) to a downhole tool to control the tool. The shuttle valve (24) is movable by the gear rod (34) to selectively allow flow of control fluid to the tool. The gear rod (34) is movable in response to applied fluid pressure.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for controlling production operations using fiber optic devices. An optical fiber carrying fiber-optic sensors is deployed downhole to provide information about downhole conditions. Parameters related to the chemicals being used for surface treatments are measured in real time and on-line, and these measured parameters are used to control the dosage of chemicals into the surface treatment system. The information is also used to control downhole devices that may be a packer, choke, sliding sleeve, perforating, device, flow control valve, completion device, an anchor or any other device. Provision is also made for control of secondary recovery operations online using the downhole sensors to monitor the reservoir conditions. The present invention also provides a method of generating motive power in a wellbore utilizing optical energy. This can be done directly or indirectly, e.g., by first producing electrical energy that is then converted to another form of energy.

Abstract: A system for transmitting hydraulic control signals and hydraulic power to downhole well tools while reducing the number of hydraulic lines installed in the wellbore. Hydraulic control signals can be furnished at relatively lower pressures, and the hydraulic pressure within the line can be selectively increased over a threshold level to provide hydraulic actuation power. The system can provide multiple control paths through a few number of hydraulic lines to provide flexibility and verification of well tool operation. Closed loop hydraulic operation monitors well tool operation, and a combination of pressurized hydraulic lines can provide an operating code for selective downhole well tool control. Four hydraulic lines can provide independent control and actuation of seven well tools, and additional combinations can be constructed.

Abstract: A fiber optic instrumentation line is introduced down a hydrocarbon (oil) well bore 12 by control line 16 formed by pressure tubing conduit fixed on the outside of intermediate casing 14 and set in cement slurry 21 between casing 14 and surrounding rock 13 and reaching to the hydrocarbon production zone 15. Hollow primary member 18 accepts distal end of control line 16 at the end of casing 14. Secondary member 22 having sealed terminal control line 27 on its outer surface is lowered through primary member 18 to zone 15, automatically angularly aligning and engaging respective top and bottom end couplings 24 and 20, sealing together a respective top and end of terminal control lines 27, 16 forming a continuous, high pressure, fiber optic receiving tube, from well head 10 to well bottom. Alternatively, two lines 16 linked by loop 26 provide a continuous control line returning to the surface.

Abstract: A well control system and associated method of controlling well tools provides downhole well tool control without requiring the use of electricity or complex pressure pulse decoding mechanisms. In a described embodiment, a digital hydraulic well control system includes multiple well tool assemblies, with each assembly including a well tool, an actuator and an addressable actuation control device. Multiple hydraulic lines are interconnected to each control device. The hydraulic lines transmit addresses or codes to respective selected ones of the control devices, thereby selecting corresponding respective ones of the well tools for actuation thereof. Hydraulic lines are also used to actuate the selected well tools.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for downhole tools enables convenient selection and actuation of a well tool assembly from among multiple well tool assemblies installed in a well. Each well tool assembly includes a control module having a selecting device and a fluid metering device. A predetermined range of pressure levels on one of multiple hydraulic lines causes the well tool assembly to be selected for actuation, a differential between pressure on that hydraulic line and pressure on another hydraulic line determines a manner of actuating the selected well tool assembly, and pressure fluctuations on one of the hydraulic lines causes fluid to be transferred from another hydraulic line to an actuator of the well tool assembly.

Abstract: A system for use with a subsea well that includes a BOP includes a fluid line and a tool that is not connected to the fluid line. The fluid line is connected to the BOP to communicate a pressure encoding a command, and the tool is adapted to decode and respond to the command when the tool is inside the BOP.

Abstract: A communication tool (100) for communicating hydraulic fluid through a tubing retrievable safety valve (50) is disclosed. The tool (100) has a first section (102) and a second section (132) that are initially coupled together. A set of axial locating keys (112) is operably attached to the first section (102) and is engagably positionable within a profile (62). A radial cutting device (148) is radially extendable through a window (152) of the second section (132). A circumferential locating key (140) is operably attached to the second section (132) and is engagably positionable within a pocket (66) of the safety valve (50) when the first and second sections (102, 132) are decoupled, thereby circumferentially aligning the radial cutting device (148) with the non annular hydraulic chamber (60).

Abstract: A device for mutually independent control of regulating devices for controlling fluid flow between a hydrocarbon reservoir and a well includes a flow controller and a hydraulic actuator. The actuator is flow-relatedly arranged in series with at least two associated control valves in a path between two hydraulic pipes. The control valves are controlled to open for the flow of hydraulic liquid to the actuator by the pressure in the two hydraulic pipes, and the combination of two hydraulic pipes which are connected to an actuator is different for independently controllable regulating devices.

Abstract: In a broad aspect, the invention may include a subsurface safety valve for controlling a fluid flow through a well conduit. The valve may include a housing that has a bore and is disposed within an annulus defined by the space between the well conduit and the housing. The valve may also have a valve closure member that is movable between an open position and a closed position, and adapted to restrict the fluid flow through the bore when in the closed position. The valve may also include a flow tube that is moveably disposed within the housing and adapted to shift the valve closure member between its open and closed positions. The valve may also include a piston that is moveably disposed within a cylinder in the housing and in mechanical communication with the flow tube. The piston may have a first seal disposed adjacent an upper end of the piston, a second seal disposed adjacent a lower end of the piston, and a third seal disposed between the first and second seals.

Abstract: Methods for staged production from a wellbore include pumps sequentially operated during the life of the well. In described embodiments, production assemblies are used for progressive staged production process in which the production tubing is bifurcated to provide a pair of legs. One of the legs includes a first pump that may be selectively actuated to flow fluid through one of the legs. Means are also provided, including a sliding sleeve and a flapper valve diverter, for blocking production fluid flow through one leg or the other. A second fluid pump is lowered inside of the production tubing to pump fluid after the first pump has failed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydraulic actuator adapted for use in downhole well applications that enables control of several hydraulic devices from a single control line.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydraulic actuator adapted for use in downhole well applications that enables control of several hydraulic devices from a single control line.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling operation of a subsurface hydraulically operated well tool. In a described embodiment, a surface controlled subsurface safety valve is controlled utilizing two control lines. The control lines are hydraulically connected to respective ones of two pistons in the safety valve. Pressure applied to either of the two pistons is capable of independently operating the safety valve. In normal operation, pressure is applied to both of the pistons. However, when a failure occurs in one of the control lines, the other may still be used to operate the safety valve.

Abstract: A subsurface safety valve has a tubular valve housing, a valve closure member movable between an open and a closed position, an axially movable opening flow tube for opening the valve closure member. Hydraulic pressure from a control line is used to move a first piston, which in turn moves the axially movable opening prong through the closure member. A balance line can be used to provide a hydrostatic pressure against a second piston. The first and second pistons are coupled to a sliding member within the valve housing. Thus, the opposed piston arrangement substantially offsets any downward force on the first piston.

Abstract: A system usable with a subterranean well includes a tubing and a lubricator. The tubing is adapted to receive a drill string in a passageway of the tubing, and the lubricator is located downhole and is connected to the tubing. The lubricator is adapted to be remotely operable from a surface of the well to control fluid communication between the passageway located above the lubricator and a formation located beneath the lubricator. The lubricator may include a sleeve and controller. The controller selectively moves the sleeve into a passageway of a valve of the lubricator to protect the valve from a downhole fluid.

Abstract: In a broad aspect, the present invention is a downhole hydraulic multiplexer, which is comprised of one or more piloted shuttle valves, and method of using. The invention takes one or more input signals from a surface control panel or computer, said signals may be electric or hydraulic, and converts said signals into a plurality of pressurized hydraulic output channels. The invention is shown in a variety of preferred embodiments, including a tubing deployed version, a wireline retrievable version, and a version residing in the wall of a downhole completion tool. Also disclosed is the use of multiple shuttle valves used in parallel or in series to embody a downhole hydraulic fluid multiplexer, controllable by and reporting positions of said shuttle valves to said surface control panel or computer.

Abstract: A connector is disclosed to facilitate the testing of a control line or lines adjacent a bottomhole assembly. A running tool is connected to a lower portion of the connector which is, in turn, connected to the bottomhole assembly. The running tool allows testing of the control line adjacent the bottomhole assembly and thereafter, the operation of components of the bottomhole assembly. The running tool is removed and the upper portion of the string, including the mating portion of the connector at its lower end, is inserted into the wellbore. The connector components are self-aligning and lock to each other downhole to complete the production tubing and the control line tubing to the surface. Multiple control lines are envisioned between the surface and the bottomhole assembly. Multiple connectors can be used in a given production string, and provisions can be made for operation of a multiplicity of downhole components from the control line system which extends along the production tubing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydraulic actuator adapted for use in downhole well applications that enables control of several hydraulic devices from a single control line.

Abstract: Modern subsea wells utilise an electrohydraulic control system which switches hydraulic power to various control components in dependence on received control signals. The mounting and interconnection of the control components tends to be complicated. The invention provides a manifold comprising a first manifold body 6 having a number of openings and flow passageways therethrough. The manifold body is selectively configurable by selecting predetermined openings in order to achieve a desired configuration of flow passageways between control devices 1, 2, 13, 4. The manifold simplifies the interconnection of the hydraulic components and provides greater flexibility in the location of the components. Preferably, the manifold body also provides a platform for mounting the control devices.

Abstract: A downhole valve that may be opened and closed by alternatingly pressurizing/bleeding a first control line, which is in fluid communication with a first surface of an activating member, and a second control line, which is in fluid communication with a second surface of the activating member. The fluid within the control lines is the same density as the fluid found in the annulus of the wellbore. The development of a leak in the control lines therefore does not by itself result in the actuation or movement of the activating member or valve member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a space-out compensating apparatus and method for sequentially and simultaneously landing an anchor seal assembly into a previously run downhole packer, and landing a tubing hanger into a wellhead, so that the integrity of the seals in the anchor seal assembly of the tool is not compromised, and the completion can be concluded in a single run.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated fluid metering apparatus provides discharge of a known volume of fluid to an actuator of a well tool. In one described embodiment, the fluid metering apparatus is connected to a hydraulic input of a well tool actuator. Discharge of the known volume of fluid to the actuator input causes a piston of the actuator to displace a known distance, thereby producing a known increment of actuation of the well tool. The discharge of the known volume of fluid may be repeated to produce a desired total degree of actuation of the well tool.

Abstract: A completion string for use in a wellbore includes a tubing having a bore and a housing providing a main bore communicating with the tubing bore and further defining plural side bores generally parallel to each other. A plurality of valves are positioned proximal respective side bores to control fluid flow. An actuator is coupled to the valves to actuate the valves to at least open and closed positions. The valves may be part of tubular flow elements mounted to the housing, each tubular flow element including a bore that forms part of a respective side bore. Each valve may include a sleeve valve or a disk valve. The housing may include a side pocket mandrel.

Abstract: A flush valve for a multiple line hydraulic system includes a bifurcated manifold, the bifurcation being provided by a piston actuatable hydraulically, mechanically, electrically magnetically or by fiber optic means. The piston or gate is provided with a port extending diametrically therethrough and oriented to become coaxial with an inlet and outlet of the manifold upon actuation of the piston. With the port aligned the hydraulic fluid in the system can be displaced by fresh fluid. The piston is then deactivated which results in the port becoming misaligned with the inlet and outlet of the manifold. In this condition the hydraulic system is again sealed and functions normally.

Abstract: A device for regulating fluid flow in a well is provided. The device may include: a body member having a central bore extending therethrough, at least one flow port, and a first valve seat; a sleeve member movably disposed within the central bore of the body member, and having a second valve seat adapted for cooperable sealing engagement with the first valve seat; means for selectively controlling movement of the sleeve member to regulate fluid flow through the at least one flow port; and conduit means -or transmitting energy to the movement means. The conduit means may include a first and a second hydraulic control line, a single hydraulic control line, or a single electrical conductor. The movement means may include: a piston connected to the sleeve member and movable in response to a combination of hydraulic fluid, pressurized gas, spring force, and/or annulus pressure; or an electric motor connected to the sleeve member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of performing fluid loss, well isolation control, and flow control in a well having multiple zones. A multi-valve system having a plurality of valve assemblies is installed into the well. The multi-valve system provides fluid loss and well isolation control during running of the upper completion and provides flow control during production or other operation of the well. A control line carrying fluid pressure is run from the surface to the plurality of valve assemblies, with the control line capable of selectively actuating more than one valve assembly. In one example arrangement, the control line carries nitrogen gas to the multi-valve system. A fast bleed and slow bleed device at the well surface is connected to the control line. One of the fast bleed and slow bleed devices may be employed to open or close a selected one of the valve assemblies. In another arrangement, the control line and activating mechanism may be used for other types of pressure-actuated devices.

Abstract: A completion string for use in a wellbore includes a main conduit, such as a production tubing, and one or more alternate path conduits, such as shunt tubes, that extend generally in parallel with the main conduit. A flow control device is positioned in each alternate path conduit to control flow through the alternate path conduit. The one or more alternate path conduits may be adapted to carry gravel slurry to perform gravel packing operations. The one or more flow control devices in the one or more alternate path conduits may be actuated to the open position to allow communication of the gravel slurry to multiple zones in the wellbore. Once the gravel packing operation is completed, the one or more flow control devices may be actuated to the closed position to block fluid flow communication between multiple zones through the alternate path conduits during operation of the well. Other types of fluids may be communicated through the one or more alternate path conduits, such as fracturing fluids.

Abstract: A subsurface valve with a pressure-equalizing mechanism is provided to permit pressure above and below a valve closure member to equalize prior to the opening of the valve closure member. The pressure-equalizing mechanism may be installed, for example, in the valve closure member or in an annular housing in the subsurface valve. The mechanism includes a pilot activator disposed for reciprocal movement within a pilot bore. A flow tube that is disposed for longitudinal movement with a longitudinal bore of the subsurface valve is used to shift the pilot activator within the pilot bore from a closed or sealed position to an open or equalizing position. In the open position, fluid pressure below the valve closure member is allowed to flow through a pilot passageway that establishes fluid communication between the pilot bore and a cylinder within which a pilot piston is moveably disposed.