Abstract: A fail-safe valve actuator includes a hydraulic piston (17) and cylinder (15) for driving the valve stem (9) and gate member (35) of a gate valve into a first flow control state responsive to sufficient pressure delivered by a fluid or gas supply line (92). Upon failure or other loss of sufficient control line pressure, a volute spring (7) drives the cylinder (15), and hence the stem (9) and gate member (35), axially outward resulting in the valve being moved into a second flow control state.

Abstract: A valve cladding method and associated system for implementation including the steps of preforming solid insert-members (22,24) of a vitreous material (having a rheological state that varys with temperature), to generally conform in shape to the cavity walls (12, 14) that are to be clad. The insert-member is fixtured (32) within the cavity to provide a generally concentric, annular space (28) of predetermined thickness and length between the insert-member and the adjacent walls to be clad, thereby defining an activation volume. This volume (28) is filled with loose metal powder (48) and vibrated to achieve tap density for a given powder blend. The activation volume is degassed, evacuated and sealed. The valve body (10') a thus loaded, is heated to a temperature at which the insert members becomes pliable, in the range from one-half to full melting temperature of the powder.

Abstract: A gate valve for cutting a wire line (20) and closing in a well has a gate assembly (24) formed of an upper gate (32) and a lower gate (34). The lower gate (34) closes first shearing the wire line. Upper gate (32) closes second and seals against upper valve seat (42).

Abstract: An actuator for imparting a series of stepwise rotational movements to a valve shaft (2) or the like is provided. A bidirectional actuator, comprised of two opposing unidirectional actuators, includes a central drive wheel (6) secured to the shaft (2) and a pair of drive pistons (8, 10) axially reciprocable along the shaft (2). During reciprocation of the drive pistons (8, 10) protruding follower pins (30, 32) move within cam races (44, 46) disposed in the fixed housing (4). The cam races (44, 46) are so configured to allow the drive pistons (8, 10) to move into engagement with the drive wheel (6), before imparting a stepwise rotational movement thereto. During the return motion of the drive pistons (8, 10) the cam races (44, 46) are so configured to allow the pistons to disengage the drive wheel (6) before returning to their starting positions. A detent (54) for holding the drive wheel (6) and shaft (2) in any one of a preferred plurality of index positions is also disclosed.

Abstract: A normally non-rising stem valve with a stem backseat (67,70) normally maintained in unseated position by a eutectic element (62). A spring (76) urges the backseat into seating position and is placed inwardly of a replaceable stem packing (34) so that upon melting of the eutectic (62) and positive seating of the backseat (67,70), the packing (34) can be replaced.

Abstract: An actuator for moving the stem (9) of a gate valve or the like is provided with hydraulic means (15,17) for driving the stem (9) axially inward and a volute spring (7) for returning the stem axially outward upon loss or other removal of the control hydraulic pressure. A ball screw (49) and ball nut (54) assembly rotatable by a disengageable drive shaft (63) is operable to manually drive the stem (9) inward during periods of insufficient control pressure.

Abstract: The method of the present invention improves the density, strength and bonding of coatings which have previously been applied to substrates by prior art methods such as chemical deposition, electrochemical processed, thermal deposition, and mechanical coating. The method of the present invention subjects the coated substrate to a thermal mechanical process in the form of a compressive stress which is applied to the coating at a temperature greater than about 0.5 T.sub.i and less than T.sub.i where T.sub.i is the incipient melting temperature. The compressive stress is preferably applied through a pressure transfer medium and should be greater in magnitude than about 30 ksi. The dwell time under maximum compressive stress can be from about 0.1 second to about 10 seconds depending on the temperature of the coating, the substrate and the magnitude of the compressive stress.

Abstract: A normally non-rising stem valve having a valve stem (30) journaled between bearings (38, 40) is equipped with an energized drive spring (56) for positively engaging backseat seal surfaces (64, 66) upon melting of a fusible ring (52). The spring (56) is compressed axially against the retainer (46) by the cooperative action of the compression nut (58) and the tubular spacer (50), thereby normally avoiding undesirable axial thrust on the bearings (38, 40).

Abstract: The existance of fire at or near an oil field wellhead is sensed by a eutectic body which holds a valve system in a cocked position. When the eutectic is melted, the valves are positioned to terminate communication of a hydraulic fluid pressure source with a downhole safety valve and open a bleed conduit connected with the conduit to the downhole valve. A second eutectic body will melt at a different temperature than the first, providing a second position for the valve system which closes the conduit to the downhole valve and atmosphere to give positive isolation from the oil well fluid.

Abstract: A stem sealing apparatus having a plurality of inserts (40, 42, 44, 46) for accepting a flowable sealant (52, 54) between deformable seal rings (60, 62). The inserts are loosely stacked (100), and maintained in compression between a packing gland (50) and a shoulder 32. Expansion of the flowable sealant at high temperature cannot shear the inserts apart.

Abstract: A valve having a normally non-rising stem (30a,b) journaled between bearings (38a,b 40a,b) is equipped with an energized drive spring (56a,b) for positively engaging backseat seal surfaces (64a,b, 66a,b) upon melting of a fusible ring (52a,b). The spring (56a,b) is compressed axially against the retainer (46a,b) by the cooperative action of the compression nut (58a,b) and the tubular spacer (49b, 50a,b), thereby normally avoiding undesirable axial thrust on the bearings (38a,b, 40a,b).

Abstract: A pair (20) of unidirection actuators are opposingly disposed coaxially about an elongated member (1) for controllably imparting a series of stepwise rotary movements thereto. An outer race (5) disposed within a housing (2) is rotationally reciprocated as a result of the axial reciprocation of a coaxial drive member (3) under the influence of reciprocation means (12, 15, 9). An overrunning clutch (6) converts the reciprocal rotary motion of the outer race (5) into a series of uniform unidirectional stepwise angular movements.

Abstract: A multiple tubing hanger tie back arrangement is disclosed in a preferred embodiment associated with a shear ram tubing head system (10). The arrangement includes a lower tubing hanger (44) sealingly secured within a lower tubing head (28) for supporting a tubing string (22). The lower hanger includes a control shoulder (60) at its upper end and a tapered interior surface (62). An upper tubing hanger (70) spaced above the lower hanger is also sealingly secured within an upper tubing head (24). A tie back subassembly (90) connects the upper and lower hangers, and preferably includes a tubing member (94) and a spacer member (92). The spacer member includes a stab nipple (96) in interference engagement with the lower hanger interior surface (62), and a load transfer surface (98) abuting the control shoulder (60). The tubing member (94) is located in the bore of the shear ram (26) so that severance of the tubing member (94) does not disturb the production tubing string (22) supported by the lower hanger (44).

Abstract: A fire resistant connection (28) that embodies a sealing means (36) and that is operable for purposes of effectuating the establishment of a fire resistant seal between mating surfaces (32, 34), and in particular mating surfaces (32, 34) of the type that commonly are found to be present in wellhead and valve equipment (10). The subject fire resistant connection (28) includes mating seal surfaces (32, 34) and the aforementioned sealing means (36). The sealing means (36) comprises a seal ring (36), which includes a plurality of seal lips (38, 40) and a pair of scalloped ribs (42, 44), the latter (42, 44) being formed on the seal ring (36) so as to be located in interposed relation between a pair of adjacent seal lips (38, 40).

Abstract: A fire resistant connection (14) that embodies a sealing means (44) and that is operable for purposes of effectuating the establishment of a fire resistant seal between mating surfaces (52, 54), and in particular mating surfaces (52, 54) of the type that commonly are found to be present in wellhead and valve equipment (10). The subject fire resistant connection (14) includes mating seal surfaces (52, 54) and the aforementioned sealing means (44). The sealing means (44) comprises a seal ring (44), which includes a plurality of seal lips (46, 48) and a dovetail-shaped rib (50), the latter (50) being formed on the seal ring (44) so as to be located in interposed relation between the pair of adjacent seal lips (46, 48).

Abstract: A fire resistant connection (12) that embodies a T-like sealing means (44) and that is operable for purposes of effectuating the establishment of a fire resistant seal between mating surfaces (18, 26), and in particular mating surfaces (18, 26) of the type that commonly are found to be present in wellhead and valve equipment (10). The subject fire resistant connection (12) includes mating seal surfaces (18, 26) and the aforementioned T-like sealing means (44). The T-like sealing means (44) comprises a T-shaped seal ring (44), which includes a plurality of seal lips (46, 48) and a rib (50), the latter (50) being formed on the seal ring (44) so as to be located in interposed relation between a pair of adjacent seal lips (46, 48).

Abstract: A fire resistant connection (16) having heat transfer means (46) cooperatively associated therewith and that embodies a U-like sealing means (44). The fire resistant connection (16) with heat transfer means (46) is operative for purposes of effectuating the establishment of a fire resistant seal between mating surfaces (22, 18). The heat transfer means (46) includes a first heat transfer element (58), and a second heat transfer element (60). The subject fire resistant connection (16) includes the aforementioned U-like sealing means (44) and the aforereference mating surfaces (22, 18).

Abstract: A fire resistant connection (16) that embodies a U-like sealing means (44) and that is operable for purposes of effectuating the establishment of a fire resistant seal between mating surfaces (56, 58), and in particular mating surfaces (56, 58) of the type that commonly are found to be present in wellhead and valve equipment (10). The subject fire resistant connection (16) includes mating seal surfaces (56, 58) and the aforementioned U-like sealing means (44). The U-like sealing means (44) comprises a U-like seal ring (44), which includes a rib (46) from which a pair of legs (48, 50) depend. Each of the pair of legs (48, 50) terminates in a planar seal lip (52, 54). Each of the seal lips (52, 54) is suitably configured so as to be positionable in sealing engagement with a corresponding one of the mating seal surfaces (56, 58), the latter (56, 58) embodying a configuration that is complementary in nature to that of the seal lips (52, 54 ) engaged thereby.

Abstract: A metallic spring member 30 cooperates with grooves 32, 34 disposed in pressure containing members 10, 12. The spring member 30 has an E-shaped cross section and is compressed both horizontally and vertically when the members 10, 12 are fully engaged. The seal is self-energizing under normal operating conditions and able to accommodate small, but significant relative motion between the pressure containing members 10, 12 during conditions of abnormally high and unevenly distributed temperature.

Abstract: A down-hole assembly is provided including particular structure for holding the assembly in place in a tubing hanger or the like. Camming wedges are associated with a cylindrical cage, the camming wedges being movable radially with respect to the cage to hold the cage in place in a tubing hanger. A tubular sleeve having camming portions thereon is concentric with the cage and effects radial movement of the camming wedges. A seal is also provided, and may include a structure that is radially movable from the cage into contact with the tubing hanger in response to axial movement of the sleeve. The sleeve may be locked in place to hold the camming wedges in holding engagement. Locking of the sleeve in place is effected by rotative movement of a locking nut. The sleeve may be released from its locked position either by reverse rotation of the locking nut or by release of an emergency retaining nut.