Abstract: A valve system for use in a subterranean well, the valve having multiple closure devices, or a closure device and a device for protecting the closure device. A valve system includes a valve with a closure assembly. The closure assembly has a closure device and a protective device which alters fluid flow through a flow passage of the valve prior to closure of the closure device to thereby protect the closure device. A safety valve system includes a safety valve with a closure assembly having at least two closure devices arranged in series for controlling flow through a flow passage of the safety valve. Another safety valve system includes a safety valve assembly including multiple safety valves arranged in parallel. One portion of fluid from a fluid source flows through one of the safety valves, while another portion of fluid from the fluid source flows through another safety valve.

Abstract: A valve system for use in a subterranean well, the valve having multiple closure devices, or a closure device and a device for protecting the closure device. A valve system includes a valve with a closure assembly. The closure assembly has a closure device and a protective device which alters fluid flow through a flow passage of the valve prior to closure of the closure device to thereby protect the closure device. A safety valve system includes a safety valve with a closure assembly having at least two closure devices arranged in series for controlling flow through a flow passage of the safety valve. Another safety valve system includes a safety valve assembly including multiple safety valves arranged in parallel. One portion of fluid from a fluid source flows through one of the safety valves, while another portion of fluid from the fluid source flows through another safety valve.

Abstract: A surface controlled subsurface safety valve for use in a well tubing string including a valve closure member, an operator tube for opening the valve closure member, an annular piston on the operator tube responsive to control fluid pressure conducted from the well surface, and a spring biasing the operator tube to a position closing the valve. A lockout sleeve mounted in tandem with the operator tube for movement to a position in which the lockout sleeve holds the valve open. The operator tube having multiple flow paths and barriers to prevent accumulation of debris from well fluids within the safety valve. One flow path including a plurality of small ports extending through the upper portion of the operator tube. Another flow path defined in part by a reduced outside diameter portion of the operator tube near its lower end and multiple channels in the valve housing adjacent thereto.

Abstract: A surface controlled subsurface safety valve for use in a well tubing string including a valve closure member, an operator tube for opening the valve closure member and holding it open, an annular piston on the operator tube operative in response to control fluid pressure conducted from the well surface, a spring biasing the operator tube to a position at which the valve is closed, and a lockout sleeve mounted in tandem with the operator tube for movement simultaneously with the operator tube to a position at which the lockout sleeve holds the valve open. The operator tube and lockout sleeve are engageable by a shifting tool to operate the operator tube and lockout sleeve simultaneously. The lockout sleeve can be returned to an inoperative position by control fluid pressure moving the operator tube to a position which opens the valve closure member. The safety valve is also operable by a modified shifting tool engaging the operator tube.

Abstract: A well controlled by two hydraulically operated subsurface safety valves made up in the tubing string. A first valve is mechanically locked in open position and the second valve is utilized to control flow through the string. Upon malfunction of the second valve it is locked in open position and the first valve is released from its locked open position and is utilized to control flow through the string.

Abstract: A retrievable well safety valve in a cased well system including a tubing string, a dual packer downhole around the tubing sealing with the casing and submersible pump in the tubing string below the packer.The safety valve controls flow of pumped fluids through the tubing to surface and directs gas flow into the casing annulus above the packer. When the safety valve is landed in cooperating tubing nipples above the packer, separated central annular flow passages are formed for pumped fluids and gas respectively.A ball valve in the central flow passage controls pumped fluid flow therethrough and an annular valve coupled to the ball valve controls gas flow from below the packer through the annular flow passage around and by the ball valve.When the ball valve is in the down and open position, the valve ball member engages a lower seat, which maintains the central and annular flow passages separate and prevents comingling flow of fluids and gas.

Abstract: Pressure equalizing means for well tools having a tubular housing and an operator tube movable longitudinally therewithin, there being provided a valved bypass passage in the housing and a shoulder on the operator tube for engaging and opening the valve of the valved bypass passage upon longitudinal movement of the operator tube in the housing, the equalizing mechanism further including a pair of seal rings sealing between the housing and the operator tube above and below the valved bypass passage in the housing and a lateral passage in the wall of the operator tube normally above the pair of seals but movable under no-flow conditions with the operator tube to a position between the pair of seals prior to the operator tube shoulder contacting the valve of the bypass passage, thus avoiding damage to or flow cutting of the seals which normally form a secondary seal to provide bubble-tight integrity even if the valve in the bypass passage does not seal bubble tight.

Abstract: A surface controlled subsurface safety valve having a ball type valve closure. The ball member and its associated components are protected from damage by preventing excessive control fluid pressure from applying force to the ball member. Also, rotation of the ball member is prevented until any difference in pressure across the ball member and its seating surface has decreased below a preselected safe value.

Abstract: A retrievable well safety valve in a cased well system including a tubing string, a dual packer downhole around the tubing sealing with the casing and submersible pump in the tubing string below the packer.The safety valve controls flow of pumped fluids through the tubing to surface and directs gas flow into the casing annulus above the packer. When the safety valve is landed in cooperating tubing nipples above the packer, separated central annular flow passages are formed for pumped fluids and gas respectively.A ball valve in the central flow passage controls pumped fluid flow therethrough and an annular valve coupled to the ball valve controls gas flow from below the packer through the annular flow passage around and by the ball valve.When the ball valve is in the down and open position, the valve ball member engages a lower seat, which maintains the central and annular flow passages separate and prevents comingling flow of fluids and gas.