Abstract: An annular sealing element to seal between metal surfaces for use in flanges, joints, packers and the like, located in oil and gas exploration and production equipment. The sealing element has inner and outer metal deformable surfaces joined at ends, defining an interior volume which is entirely filled with a plastic deformable material. The surfaces are arranged such that on compression of the element from the ends, the element will deform in a controlled manner on a cantilever principle. The volume of filler and the interior volume remain substantially equal during compression so that delamination does not occur. Thus the sealing element provides a seal combining the flexibility of elastomer seals with the integrity of a metal to metal seal.

Abstract: A safety valve for use in well bore operations, for example, in cooperation with a progressive cavity pump or rodpump. One version of a safety valve (1) is designed for use with upper and lower conduits in the form of upper and lower pump rod strings (16, 18) located in wellbore production tubing (50). The safety valve comprises a housing (2) having a longitudinal bore (3) extending therethrough; a coupling member (14) for coupling the upper rod string to the lower rod string, the coupling member sealably mounted within the longitudinal bore; an annular flow passage (8) bypassing the coupling member; and a valve sleeve (23) located in the annular flow passage. In use, the valve sleeve is utilised to control flow of fluid through the flow passage bypassing the coupling member.

Abstract: An actuator device for downhole tools comprising: indexing means for progressively moving a rupturing member (12A, 16A); a pressure activated actuating member in fluid communication with a chamber; and a frangible member (HA) interposing the indexing means and the chamber, wherein the actuator device is adapted such that, upon a predetermined movement of the rupturing member, the rupturing member ruptures the frangible member to allow high pressure fluid to enter the chamber and activate the actuating member.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus for a downhole tool having a movable member (11) which moves relative to a housing, the sealing apparatus comprising: at least one sealing member having (10A) a first position in which the sealing member is spaced from the movable member and a second position in which the sealing member (10B) is in contact with the movable member (IB) to provide a sealing barrier; and switching means for switching the sealing member between the first and second positions.