Abstract: Installed in the tubing string portion of an offshore well rig are a vertically spaced pair of tubular well line protective devices. The upper device extends vertically through the openings in the rig floor and the rotary table thereon, and the lower device is positioned between a pair of sealing rams within an open upper end portion of the riser through which the tubing downwardly extends. Each protective device has a main body portion which is radially enlarged relative to the balance of the tubing string, and a removable side insert portion. Well lines, such as control, chemical and balancing lines, are extended through axial openings combinatively defined by each body and associated insert, with the insert shielding the lines from damage at the protective device location. The removable insert is illustrated in an all metal construction, used in the upper device, and an all elastomeric material construction or an elastomer-faced metal construction used in the lower device.

Abstract: A retainer valve provides increased safety in wellsite operations. In a preferred embodiment, operation of the retainer valve may be responsive to control line pressure or to tubing pressure. The retainer valve response is controlled by several factors, among which are relative tubing and balance line pressures, and axial positions of a number of pistons relative to a tubular J-slot member. If the control and balance lines are disconnected, or otherwise unavailable for operation of the valve, it may still be operated by manipulation of the tubing pressure at the earth's surface. Thus, the valve may be opened in emergency situations in which the control and balance lines are unavailable, but operation of the valve is still needed in order to safely relieve trapped pressure in the tubing string and/or to kill the well, unlatch a subsea test tree, etc. The retainer valve is also useful as a lubricator valve.