Abstract: Method and apparatus for creating a fluid communication line in a downhole environment between an annular chamber and a throughbore of a tool. The tubular wall therebetween is provided with circumferentially arranged recesses extending into the wall to provide selected thin-walled sections for perforation by a communication tool. The communication tool has two oppositely arranged punch heads, one aligned with a recess and the other between neighbouring recesses giving an orientationless configuration in operation. An embodiment for creating a fluid communication line through a tubing retrievable safety valve for operation of a wireline retrievable safety valve located therein is described.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for creating a fluid communication line in a downhole environment between an annular chamber and a throughbore of a tool. The tubular wall therebetween is provided with circumferentially arranged recesses extending into the wall to provide selected thin-walled sections for perforation by a communication tool. The communication tool has two oppositely arranged punch heads, one aligned with a recess and the other between neighbouring recesses giving an orientationless configuration in operation. An embodiment for creating a fluid communication line through a tubing retrievable safety valve for operation of a wireline retrievable safety valve located therein is described.

Abstract: A downhole ball valve includes a housing that includes a tubular member; a ball seat positioned in the tubular member, the ball seat including a sealing surface; and a ball that includes a first hemispherical portion, a second hemispherical portion, and a bore that extends through the ball between the first and second hemispherical portions. The ball is adjustable between a closed position with the first hemispherical portion sealingly engaged with the sealing surface of the ball seat to close the bore to fluid communication with the tubular member, and an open position with the bore at least partially in fluid communication with the tubular member. The first hemispherical portion includes a first material, and at least a portion of the second hemispherical portion that extends from a surface of the ball towards the bore of the ball includes a second material different than the first material.

Abstract: A downhole ball valve includes a housing that includes a tubular member; a ball seat positioned in the tubular member, the ball seat including a sealing surface; and a ball that includes a first hemispherical portion, a second hemispherical portion, and a bore that extends through the ball between the first and second hemispherical portions. The ball is adjustable between a closed position with the first hemispherical portion sealingly engaged with the sealing surface of the ball seat to close the bore to fluid communication with the tubular member, and an open position with the bore at least partially in fluid communication with the tubular member. The first hemispherical portion includes a first material, and at least a portion of the second hemispherical portion that extends from a surface of the ball towards the bore of the ball includes a second material different than the first material.

Abstract: A ball valve comprising a housing, a ball seat disposed within the housing, and a ball rotatably movable within the housing, and engageable with the ball seat in order to provide a seal within the ball valve and the ball seat, wherein the ball seat comprises multiple seat surfaces independently capable of engaging the ball, a first seat surface engaging the ball to form a first seal, and being arranged such that pressure acting from above pushes the first seat surface against the ball; a second seat surface being movable relative to the first seat surface and engaging the ball to form a second seal, the second seat surface being arranged such that pressure acting from below causes the second seat surface to move relative to the first seat surface and pushes the second seat surface into contact with the ball.