Abstract: A flapper base provides a flapper base body with a hinge portion unitarily formed thereupon and a flapper seat surface formed within the flowbore of the body. The flapper base may be formed from a single section of tubular metallic stock. In a method of forming a base, the stock is gripped by a rotary clamp, and a five-axis milling machine is used to cut away portions of the stock section and to form the seat surface.

Abstract: A flapper base provides a flapper base body with a hinge portion unitarily formed thereupon and a flapper seat surface formed within the flowbore of the body. The flapper base may be formed from a single section of tubular metallic stock. In a method of forming a base, the stock is gripped by a rotary clamp, and a five-axis milling machine is used to cut away portions of the stock section and to form the seat surface.

Abstract: A system is provided for switching between redundant control systems for a subsurface safety valve (SSV) while being able to isolate the closure spring from hydrostatic pressure in the control line of the system that is not being used. There are two control lines that connect to discrete operating pistons that are both coupled to the flow tube. Each operating piston is connected to a control rod with the control rods terminating near opposed ends of a pivoting member. Pushing down on one rod pushes up on the other rod so that the other rod is held supported and the hydrostatic pressure in its associated control line doesn't affect the force needed by the closure spring to close the SSV. Releasing control line pressure puts the system in neutral to allow either of the systems to be reselected.

Abstract: A closure device that is useful as a safety valve within a tubular member, such as production tubing and pipelines. The closure device includes an inflatable bladder that is disposed within a cavity in the wall of the tubular member. A fluid conduit interconnects a fluid source with the inflatable bladder, and a pump is associated with the fluid conduit to flow fluid between the fluid source and the bladder.

Abstract: A system is provided for switching between redundant control systems for a subsurface safety valve (SSV) while being able to isolate the closure spring from hydrostatic pressure in the control line of the system that is not being used. There are two control lines that connect to discrete operating pistons that are both coupled to the flow tube. Each operating piston is connected to a control rod with the control rods terminating near opposed ends of a pivoting member. Pushing down on one rod pushes up on the other rod so that the other rod is held supported and the hydrostatic pressure in its associated control line doesn't affect the force needed by the closure spring to close the SSV. Releasing control line pressure puts the system in neutral to allow either of the systems to be reselected.

Abstract: A closure device that is useful as a safety valve within a tubular member, such as production tubing and pipelines. The closure device includes an inflatable bladder that is disposed within a cavity in the wall of the tubular member. A fluid conduit interconnects a fluid source with the inflatable bladder, and a pump is associated with the fluid conduit to flow fluid between the fluid source and the bladder.