Abstract: An inadvertent actuation block valve includes inlet and outlet orifices being in selective fluid communication via a chamber. A disc is disposed within the chamber and a bellows is configured to contract at a predetermined pressure differential between reactor fluid entering a reference pressure orifice and control fluid entering the inlet orifice. When the bellows contracts, the disc engages the outlet orifice and isolates fluid communication between the inlet and outlet orifices. The inadvertent actuation block valve prevents inadvertent opening of an emergency core cooling valve when a reactor is at operating pressure that is above the predetermined set pressure range. The inadvertent actuation block valve permits the emergency cooling valves to open and to remain open when reactor pressure is below the predetermined set pressure range. The inadvertent actuation block valve does not impede long term emergency cooling that occurs when the reactor is at low pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an annular barrier to be expanded in an annulus between a well tubular metal structure and a wall of a borehole or another well tubular metal structure in a well in order to provide zone isolation between a first zone having a first pressure and a second zone having a second pressure of the borehole, the annular barrier comprising a tubular metal part adapted to be mounted as part of the well tubular metal structure, an expandable metal sleeve surrounding the tubular metal part, each end of the expandable metal sleeve being connected with the tubular metal part defining an annular space between the expandable metal sleeve and the tubular metal part. The annular barrier further comprises a valve unit having an initial position and an end position, the valve unit comprising a first aperture in fluid communication with the inside, a second aperture in fluid communication with the annular space, a third aperture in fluid communication with the annulus.

Abstract: A completion string can have an outer surface and an inner surface, a first fluid passageway being defined between the outer surface and the inner surface. The inner surface can define an inner region of the completion string and can have a recess that is sized to receive a sleeve that is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The inner region can be sized to receive a work string at a position at which a surface of the work string cooperates with the sleeve and the inner surface of the completion string to define a first chamber on a side of the sleeve, the first chamber being hydraulically sealed by a plurality of sealing elements. The work string can define a second fluid passageway to provide fluid communication with the first chamber.

Abstract: An actuation ball for a downhole tool, the actuation ball includes an outer annular body encircling a bore; and a core releasably installed in the bore, such that the core can be removed to permit back flow through the bore.

Abstract: A buckling pin valve and associated methods are disclosed. More specifically, a buckling pin valve is disclosed with a valve body having an inlet and an outlet, a valve seat at the valve body inlet, a valve plug configured to sealingly engage with the valve seat, a pin cage attached to the valve body and configured to mount a buckling pin, and a shaft configured to transfer forces from the valve plug to the buckling pin. A buckling pin valve also is disclosed with a pin cage being made of a rigid all-in-one construction. A method of manufacturing a pin cage for a buckling pin actuated valve is disclosed, wherein the method comprises fabricating a pin cage from a single piece of metal. A method of manufacturing a buckling pin actuated valve also is disclosed.

Abstract: A system for use in a wellbore that penetrates a subterranean formation, the system comprising: a wellbore; and a ball, wherein the ball performs one or more wellbore operations, and wherein the ball breaks apart into two or more pieces when a pressure is applied to the ball. A method of performing an operation in a wellbore, the method comprising: introducing a ball into the wellbore; causing or allowing the ball to perform at least one wellbore operation; and causing the ball to break into two or more pieces after performing the at least one wellbore operation. The ball can also perform more than one wellbore operation. The ball can also contain a core.

Abstract: A valve arrangement comprises a rotatable part 32 rotatable relative to a stationary part 12, wherein one of the rotatable part 32 and the stationary part 12 includes an abutment surface 36a, 36b engageable with a stop associated with the other of the rotatable part 32 and the stationary part 12, wherein the stop comprises a stop pin 40 of hollow, substantially cylindrical form.

Abstract: A check valve assembly (100, 200) is provided for subsea applications. The check valve assembly comprises a housing (102, 202), having an inlet port (106, 206) and an outlet port (108, 208) forming an internal fluid passageway through the housing; a valve member (112, 212), moveable within the internal fluid passageway between a first position, where fluid flow through the internal fluid passageway is prevented, and a second position, where fluid flow through the internal fluid passageway is permitted; a biasing member (110, 210), adapted to urge the valve member into the first position at a predetermined cracking force, and a pressure interface (116, 216). The pressure interface operatively links the valve member and an external fluid of a region exterior of the check valve assembly so as to provide a supplemental force, proportional to the ambient pressure of the external fluid, adapted to urge the valve member towards the first position.

Abstract: A downhole tool comprising a nested sleeve preventing fluid communication between the interior of the tool and the exterior of the tool is provided. The downhole tool is actuated when fluid pressure is communicated from the interior of the tool to a first surface the nested sleeve, moving the nested sleeve such that it no longer prevents fluid communication from the interior to the exterior. Devices and methods for controlling the flow of fluid to the first surface of the nested sleeve are provided including fluid control devices such as burst disks, indexing sleeves and ratchet assemblies. In certain embodiments, the nested sleeve may be engaged with a slot system such that the nested sleeve moves along a path defined by such slot until the tool is actuated.

Abstract: A seat forming apparatus for use in a downhole tool comprising a driving member and a seating restriction. The driving member and the seating restriction are mechanically disposed within an outer housing of the downhole tool. When the driving member drives into the seating restriction, the seating restriction or the driving member bend or buckle inwards to form a seat in the downhole tool. The inner diameter of the seat is configured to allow a restriction element to be seated in the seat.

Abstract: An actuating apparatus for actuating a downhole tool in a wellbore casing comprising an actuating member and a holding device. The actuating member disposed within an outer housing of the downhole tool and the holding device mechanically coupled to the arming member. When a ball deployed into the wellbore casing passes through the downhole tool in a downhole direction and moves back in an uphole direction due to reverse flow, the ball engages on the holding device and functions the actuating member such that a port in the downhole tool is exposed to uphole pressure and actuates the actuating member to travel in an uphole direction.

Abstract: An inflow control assembly can be adjusted subsequent to manufacture and prior to being run downhole in a wellbore. The inflow control assembly can include an outer body and a chamber internal to the outer body. The chamber can define a flow path for fluid flow through the inflow control assembly when the inflow control assembly is in a wellbore traversing a subterranean formation. The flow path is injectable with a pre-determined volume of material from a source external to the outer body for reducing fluid flow through the flow path.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a fire extinguisher actuator assembly for a fire extinguisher is provided. The fire extinguisher includes a fire extinguisher reservoir and a burst disc that forms a discharge barrier between the fire extinguisher reservoir and a discharge head to retain a pressurized fire extinguishing agent within the fire extinguisher reservoir. The fire extinguisher actuator assembly includes a cutter shuttle assembly having a cutter coupled to a shuttle body. The cutter shuttle assembly is detained within the fire extinguisher proximate the burst disc and biased to form a pressure equalization region between the shuttle body and the burst disc. The fire extinguisher actuator assembly also includes an activation device having a piercing member operable to pierce the burst disc and release pressure from the pressure equalization region, thereby driving the cutter through the burst disc to release the pressurized fire extinguishing agent through the discharge head.

Abstract: A catch-and-engage tool conveyed with a well casing for use in a wellbore comprising an outer housing having flow ports therethrough, a functioning apparatus disposed within the outer housing comprising a movable member/sleeve and a holding device, a blocking apparatus disposed within the outer housing comprising a blocking member configured to block one or more flow ports in a first position, a seating apparatus positioned upstream of the blocking apparatus configured to form a seat in the tool. When a ball deployed into the well casing passes through the tool in a downstream direction and moves back in an upstream direction, the restriction element engages onto the holding device and moves the movable member such that a port in exposed to uphole pressure and the blocking member travels to a second position in a reverse direction unblocking flow ports and enabling fluid communication to the wellbore.

Abstract: A motor and rotor catch assembly for preventing loss of broken motor parts downhole. The assembly comprises a motor including a rotor supported inside a stator housing. A rotor bolt is connected to the upper end of the rotor, and is supported for axial movement within a rotor bolt housing from a running position to a deployed position. If the stator housing breaks or backs off, the attached rotor bolt shifts to the deployed position. In the deployed position, the bolt substantially reduces flow to the stator housing and simultaneously opens bypass ports to vent fluid to the annulus instead. In this way, the rotor is prevented from spinning rapidly, the diverted fluid creates a pressure change that alerts the operator to the motor failure, and the diverted fluid allows continued removal of debris and cuttings from the well bore.

Abstract: A valve assembly for a pressure vessel is disclosed that includes a valve housing operatively associated with an outlet of the pressure vessel, a frangible hermetic disc sealing the outlet of the pressure vessel, and a poppet valve mounted for movement within the valve housing between a first position supporting the frangible hermetic disc within the outlet of the pressure vessel and a second position spaced apart from the frangible hermetic disc to permit the frangible disc to burst under pressure and permit the egress of pressurized material from the pressure vessel through the outlet.

Abstract: A relief valve assembly to relieve overpressure of a pressurized fluid. In accordance with some embodiments, the assembly comprises a housing with an inlet and an outlet to form a conduit for a pressurized fluid. A normally closed valve member is axially displaceable within the housing to engage a valve seat to prevent a flow of the pressurized fluid along the conduit. A biasing member applies a bias force to the valve member to retain the valve member against the valve seat. A piston within the valve member contactingly engages the pressurized fluid. A mechanically collapsible member resists axial movement of the piston responsive to said contacting engagement of the pressurized fluid. The piston and collapsible member decouple the bias force supplied by the biasing spring member upon the valve member from a force upon the valve member applied by the pressurized fluid, thereby maintaining a bubble-tight seal.

Abstract: A buckling pin valve and associated methods are disclosed. More specifically, a buckling pin valve is disclosed with a valve body having an inlet and an outlet, a valve seat at the valve body inlet, a valve plug configured to sealingly engage with the valve seat, a pin cage attached to the valve body and configured to mount a buckling pin, and a shaft configured to transfer forces from the valve plug to the buckling pin. A buckling pin valve also is disclosed with a pin cage being made of a rigid all-in-one construction. A method of manufacturing a pin cage for a buckling pin actuated valve is disclosed, wherein the method comprises fabricating a pin cage from a single piece of metal. A method of manufacturing a buckling pin actuated valve also is disclosed.

Abstract: A spool valve is formed from a spool having two adjacent lands of equal cross-sectional dimensions, and a third land having greater cross-sectional dimensions than the other two. The spool reciprocably moves through a bore formed in a housing, so as to open and close fluid communication between selected pairs of ports formed in the housing. The bore includes a first chamber which receives the third land of the spool and has no externally communicating port formed in its walls. The spool valve may be used as a control valve for the actuator of a system valve. As the spool valve begins to actuate, the third land becomes exposed to actuator pressure. The greater area of the third land serves to increase the force applied to the spool valve by the actuator pressure source, enhancing protection from unintended or malicious resetting of the spool.

Abstract: A fluid control assembly configured to isolate a pressurized fluid, including an under pressure abatement assembly having a collapsible member and an energy storage member for exerting a collapsing force on the collapsible member while contactingly engaging a pivotal valve member. A conduit path directs pressurized fluid to exert a force in opposition to the collapsing force so that when the fluid pressure falls below a low pressure threshold, the collapsing force will collapse the collapsible member and release the valve member. An over pressure abatement assembly can be included having a second collapsible member and a second valve member, a conduit path directing pressurized fluid to exert a force in a direction to collapse the second collapsible member and release the second valve member when the fluid pressure exceeds an upper pressure threshold.

Abstract: A relief system for process fluids under pressure. The system includes a normally open isolation valve in fluid communication with a process system under pressure through an upstream conduit. A buckling pin actuator is in fluid communication with the upstream conduit through a sensing line. A spring activated actuator is engaged with the isolation relief valve in order to retain the isolation valve in a closed position. A buckling actuator bypass valve is supplied with non process fluid pressure to an input port and the buckling actuator bypass valve also includes a first output port to the spring activated actuator and a second output port to a vent whereby pressure in the process system above a predetermined level will actuate the buckling pin actuator, moving said buckling actuator bypass valve to said second outlet port to vent and thereby moving the spring activated actuator in order to open the isolation valve.

Abstract: A pressure relief device is disclosed that is designed to open in response to a pre-determined pressure differential. The pressure relief device includes a panel member, and at least one release mechanism. The release mechanism has a first end, a failure portion configured to fail upon experiencing a predetermined load, and a second end. The at least one release mechanism is configured to hold the panel member against a frame prior to experiencing the predetermined pressure differential.

Abstract: A housing has a passageway containing a valve seat. A valve element seals against the valve seat to maintain the valve in the closed position. A release rod extends from the valve body and a shell surrounds the release rod, preventing its movement. The shell is formed in several sections, maintained together by a wire. The wire is connected to a frangible initiator which, upon failure, releases the wire from the shell, allowing these sections to move away from one another. When this occurs, the release rod and valve body are able to move, opening the valve, allowing fluid flow between the inlet and outlet of the valve.

Abstract: A single-action discharge valve for discharging a vessel's contents. The valve has a valve body with a passage therethrough through which the contents are discharged, a frangible seal held within the valve body and sealing the passage while the seal is intact, and a solenoid including an armature moveable from a first to a second position. As the armature moves, pins or teeth impact and break the frangible seal. Magnets hold the armature in the first position until the solenoid is actuated. The armature is substantially exterior of the passage so that discharge is unimpeded. In one embodiment, the pins reciprocate radially when cammed by the armature and impact the sidewall of a frangible dome seal. In other embodiments, teeth on the armature, or pins in the armature's path, reciprocate parallel to the armature's movement and impact a frangible disk.

Abstract: An overpressure rotary valve assembly for detecting and abating an overpressure condition. A valve member is configured for movement between a closed position and an open position. A locking pin contactingly retains the valve member in a selected one of the open and closed positions. A piston is coupled to the locking pin, and a collapsible member is coupled to the piston. When a fluidic pressure upon the piston reaches a predetermined threshold, the piston mechanically collapses the collapsible member and pulls the pin from the valve member, thereby freeing the valve member to move to the remaining one of the open and closed positions. The locking pin is preferably decoupled from the piston so that the pin remains in place during initial stages of piston movement. Differential pressure across the valve member does not alter the setpoint since only upstream inlet fluid is applied to the piston.

Abstract: A valve activation assembly which mechanically collapses a collapsible member, such as a buckling pin, in response to both overpressure and underpressure conditions of a pressurized fluid. A retention member retains the valve member in a selected position with respect to the fluid, such as an open or closed position. A piston assembly is configured to mechanically collapse the collapsible member both when a fluidic pressure upon the piston assembly exceeds a first level, and when a fluidic pressure upon the piston assembly falls below a second level. Upon collapse of the collapsible member, the valve member releases the valve member, allowing the valve member to move to a different selected position (such as closed or open, respectively). A third piston member and a biasing member thereon can also be utilized. In some embodiments, a fluid is preferably held in compression between selected piston members.

Abstract: A pressure relief system is provided to detect and abate an overpressure condition in a pressurized fluid disposed in a conduit. The system includes a valve assembly and an actuator configured to actuate the valve assembly to establish an overpressure path for the pressurized fluid. The system further includes a piston assembly coupled to the conduit, a pressure responsive member (preferably a collapsible buckling pin) configured to mechanically fail when an axially directed compressive force exceeds a threshold level, and a multi-port, two-position valve disposed between the piston assembly and the pressure responsive member. The multi-port, two-position valve includes a spool that moves from a first position to a second position upon failure of the pressure responsive member, thereby directing control fluid through the spool to the actuator assembly.

Abstract: A pressure relief system for detecting and abating an overpressure in a pressurized fluid. The system includes a pressure response assembly that has a pressure responsive member, such as a buckling pin, configured to buckle when a predetermined force is applied to the member. When the buckling pin buckles, a piston slides to expose an inlet to a communication path to an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly includes a pair of sliders that move from a retracted position to an extended position when pressurized fluid enters an actuator assembly housing. The sliders have a rack that turns a pinion when the sliders move from the retracted position to the extended position. The pinion is rigidly attached to a rotatable actuator shaft. Rotation of the actuator shaft causes a valve assembly to open or close to direct the pressurized fluid through an overpressure path.

Abstract: In an electric actuator having inner component parts thereof inclusive of a motor 1 covered with a cover main body 10, the cover main body 10 having a coating (protection) function serves as a manually operating part and is equipped with a mechanism for switching between electrical and manual operations. A fixing structure for connecting and fixing an electric actuator 40 and a rotary valve 23 includes an annular one-way clutch structure 25 at one of opposite fixing positions, and includes an annular face part 6 disposed at the other of the opposite fixing positions. The annular face part 6 is inserted into the one-way clutch structure 25, thereby restraining the actuator and valve from being rotated in one circumferential direction.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve including a valve seat and a valve seat retainer abutting the valve seat. The valve seat has a central channel whereas the valve seat retainer has a number of peripheral channels. A deformable plug is positioned between the valve seat and the valve seat retainer. The deformable plug has a head abutting the valve seat and normally blocking the central channel and a tail abutting the valve seat retainer at a location between the peripheral channels. The tail deforms upon receiving a predetermined load from the head thereby permitting the head to unblock the central channel and open the pressure relief valve.

Abstract: A pressure relief system is provided to detect and abate an overpressure condition in a pressurized fluid. An actuator assembly establishes an overpressure path for the pressurized fluid when a pressure of the pressurized fluid reaches a predetermined level, and includes an extension sleeve which extends into a housing interior chamber along a selected axis. A pressure response assembly includes a pressure responsive member which mechanically fails when the pressure reaches the predetermined level and a trigger member which extends into the extension sleeve. Retention members (preferably ball bearings) are recessed within cavities formed in the housing to prevent axial movement of the extension sleeve prior to mechanical failure of the pressure responsive member, and thereafter allow axial movement of the extension sleeve upon failure of the pressure responsive member. Movement of the extension sleeve allows the actuator assembly to rotate a quarter-turn valve to an open or closed position.

Abstract: This valve actuator is formed by a pair of pistons in a sleeve valve body fluid pressure or vacuum moved away from each other for angularly rotating a shaft, transversely journaled by the body, in a predetermined direction and opening or closing a fluid control valve to protect a fluid system.

Abstract: A pressure relief system for detecting and correcting an overpressure situation in a pressurized fluid. The system includes a pressure responsive member such as a buckling pin configured to mechanically collapse when a predetermined force is applied to the member. An actuator assembly axially compresses the member in response to the pressure of the fluid and rotates a first shaft upon mechanical collapse of the member. A bypass valve assembly establishes a bypass path for the fluid upon rotation of a second shaft. A clutch mechanism decouples the first and second shafts prior to and during initial stages of mechanical collapse of the member and subsequently couples the first and second shafts during remaining stages of mechanical collapse of the member. In this way, forces associated with the bypass valve assembly are isolated from the actuator assembly during steady state operation and during the initial stages of mechanical collapse.

Abstract: An actuator system for a system valve exposable to a source of system pressure. A piston within a sensing vessel is caused to move longitudinally from a first position to a second position in response to a designated system pressure. A first piston stem carried by the piston is mechanically coupled to an actuator control valve, which is interposed in a fluid path between an actuator and a source of actuator pressure. Movement of the piston from its first to second position causes the coupled actuator control valve to block the fluid path linking the actuator and its pressure source, thereby causing a predetermined change in pressure at the actuator. As a result, the actuator shifts from its unactuated to its actuated state, thereby causing the system valve to shift from a first system valve position to a second system valve position.

Abstract: A contamination-free pyrovalve having first tubing section and a second tubing section. The first and second tubing sections are disposed in spaced-apart relation such that a conveying path between the first and second tubing section is established. An opening is disposed between the first and second tubing sections. A valve body is fixedly attached to the first and second tubing sections. The valve body has a bore. A ram is disposed inside the bore of the valve body. A slug is disposed in the opening between the first tubing section and the second tubing section. The slug is held in position by a frictional fit. A combustion chamber is disposed in operative relation to the ram such that when an explosive material is ignited the pressure inside the chamber causes the ram to move through the bore to strike the slug and to displace it from the opening between the first and second tubing sections such that the valve is opened.

Abstract: A pressure relief apparatus includes a valve having a body. A shaft is rotatably disposed in the body and has an exterior end extending through the body. A plug, which may contain an internal passageway, is mounted on the shaft and is disposed in the fluid flowpath. The body is engageable with the system to expose the plug to the pressurized fluid so that the pressurized fluid acts on the plug to exert a torque on the shaft which is offset from the center line of the plug. The apparatus further includes a linkage assembly configured to translate the torque exerted on the shaft into an output force. A release device, such as a buckling pin or a magnet, is connected to the linkage assembly and is configured to release the shaft when the output force exceeds a predetermined limit. Preferably, the linkage assembly is adjustable to vary the magnitude of the output force corresponding to a given torque.

Abstract: A pressure relief apparatus includes a valve having a body. A shaft is rotatably disposed in the body and has an exterior end extending through the body. A plug, which may contain an internal passageway, is mounted on the shaft and is disposed in the fluid flowpath. The body is engageable with the system to expose the plug to the pressurized fluid so that the pressurized fluid acts on the plug to exert a torque on the shaft which is offset from the center line of the plug. The apparatus further includes a linkage assembly configured to translate the torque exerted on the shaft into an output force. A release device, such as a buckling pin or a magnet, is connected to the linkage assembly and is configured to release the shaft when the output force exceeds a predetermined limit. Preferably, the linkage assembly is adjustable to vary the magnitude of the output force corresponding to a given torque.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly for a valve is disclosed. The cartridge assembly includes a cartridge containing an activation component. The cartridge and activation component are configured to be replaceable as a unit. The activation component prevents the valve from either opening or closing until either a predetermined pressure is exerted on the valve or a predetermined temperature is experienced by the activation component. The cartridge may include any of a variety of activation component types, such as buckling pins, tensile pins, shear pins, springs, or fusible alloys, either individually or in combination to control the valve opening or closing.

Abstract: An inline high pressure fluid release valve is formed by a valve body having a transverse opening forming a fluid passageway interposed in a fluid conductor. A vertically moveable plunger in the valve body includes a disc normally closing the fluid passageway. A pin cage assembly includes a collapsible pin axially connected with a vertically movable valve stem on the plunger is responsive to excess fluid pressure unbalancing a valve stem and collapsing the pin and impact moving the plunger to a fluid passageway open position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure control valve 1 for a tank intended to contain a fluid and comprising at least one flap 5 obturating an aperture linking the inside (I) and the outside (E) of the tank, such flap being held in the obturating position by spring means 7 pressing on a support 9, such valve incorporating means 10, 20 allowing the retraction in whole or in part of the spring support 9 such as to reduce the pressure exerted by the spring 7 on the flap 5. This valve is characterised in that the support 9 has an embrittled part 15 able to be fractured by a mobile piston 20 activated by a pyrotechnic gas generator 27.

Abstract: A pressure relief apparatus includes a valve having a body. A shaft is rotatably disposed in the body and has an exterior end extending through the body. A plug, which may contain an internal passageway, is mounted on the shaft and is disposed in the fluid flowpath. The body is engageable with the system to expose the plug to the pressurized fluid so that the pressurized fluid acts on the plug to exert a torque on the shaft which is offset from the center line of the plug. The apparatus further includes a linkage assembly configured to translate the torque exerted on the shaft into an output force. A release device, such as a buckling pin or a magnet, is connected to the linkage assembly and is configured to release the shaft when the output force exceeds a predetermined limit. Preferably, the linkage assembly is adjustable to vary the magnitude of the output force corresponding to a given torque.

Abstract: A rupture panel for relieving an excess pressure differential between the interior and exterior of a vessel having a wall and an opening through the wall includes a first frame section connected to the vessel wall at the opening and a pair of pressure relief panels mounted to the frame, each panel having a stitched portion, the stitched portions providing opening capability on both vacuum and burst pressure control (or on either vacuum or burst pressure control). A pair of sealing members that sandwich the pair of pressure relief panels there between are provided, one of the sealing members engaging one of the pressure relief panels, the other sealing member engaging the other pressure relief panel. Each of the sealing members has a sealing surface that covers a stitched portion of an adjacent relief panel.

Abstract: A fluid pressure and heat sensitive valve connected with a flow line includes a collapsible pin, normally maintaining the valve closed, which collapses to open the valve in response to fluid pressure above a predetermined limit and includes a fusible plug which melts in the event of a fire, releasing the pin to allow fluid pressure to open the valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, apparatus and system for using sacrificial buckling pin technology for a reliable actuated safety relief valve and for a pilot valve system. The buckling pin fails at a predicted, predetermined system pressure through transfer of force exerted by the system pressure on a sensing piston or diaphragm to the buckling pin. The buckling pin failure triggers the release of a latch mechanism that releases the actuator assembly to slide away from the valve seat to initiate relief flow. The use of the buckling pin as a trigger for release of a latch provides for valves with high flow rates without the use of large, unmanageable buckling pins. The use of a buckling pin valve as a pilot valve to control a single or multiple relief valves operating together as a pressure relief system is preferred as particularly advantageous.

Abstract: A pressure relief apparatus includes a valve having a body. A shaft is rotatably disposed in the body and has an exterior end extending through the body. A plug, which may contain an internal passageway, is mounted on the shaft and is disposed in the fluid flowpath. The body is engageable with the system to expose the plug to the pressurized fluid so that the pressurized fluid acts on the plug to exert a torque on the shaft which is offset from the center line of the plug. The apparatus further includes a linkage assembly configured to translate the torque exerted on the shaft into an output force. A release device, such as a buckling pin or a magnet, is connected to the linkage assembly and is configured to release the shaft when the output force exceeds a predetermined limit. Preferably, the linkage assembly is adjustable to vary the magnitude of the output force corresponding to a given torque.

Abstract: A toxic material pressure relief valve is formed by a valve body having a lateral bore and an inline bore forming a fluid passageway intersected by a valve seat in axial alignment with the lateral bore. A bonnet closes the lateral bore and slidably supports a stop in a fluid leak collection chamber and one end of a valve, with the other end of the valve stem normally closing the valve seat. A pin cage axially supports a collapsible pin normally maintaining the valve stem on seat while the working pressure of the toxic material is within predetermined limits.

Abstract: A well control system having well controlled fluids distributed through pipes includes valves that are opened by a heat softened valve obstruction element. The translation of a fluid flow obstructing gate in a gate valve is driven by a stem element attached to the gate. Without a mechanical or fluid obstacle, fluid pressure in the distribution pipe above about 2 psi will drive the valve gate to a biased position. This internal pressure displacement of the valve gate also displaces the gate stem. In the present invention, the displacement of gate stems for critical valves from a normal maintenance position to an emergency activation position, is obstructed by a fusible barrier that is secured across the gate stem translation path. In the event of a well fire, at a predetermined temperature of fusion, the barrier element will no longer resist the displacement force imposed by the stem.

Abstract: A pressure responsive valve assembly is disclosed as having a frangible burst disk that largely controls actuation of the valve. The valve assembly includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet and a valve seat therein. An actuating unit includes a collapsible fluid chamber and a moveable pressure responsive valve member. The valve member is engageable with the valve seat, positioned to experience the pressure conditions at the inlet, and operably coupled with the mechanism to cause collapsing of the fluid chamber when the valve member moves relative to the valve seat to establish or close communication between the inlet and outlet. The rupture disk normally blocks fluid flow from the chamber and thereby prevents collapsing of the chamber and corresponding movement of the valve member until the valve member experiences a predetermined maximum pressure at the inlet.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for using sacrificial buckling pin technology for a reliable actuated safety relief valve. The buckling pin fails at a predicted system pressure through transfer of force exerted by the system pressure on a sensing piston or diaphragm to the buckling pin. The buckling pin failure triggers the release of a latch mechanism that releases the actuator assembly to slide away from the valve seat to initiate relief flow. The use of the buckling pin as a trigger for release of a latch provides for valves with high flow rates without the use of large, unmanageable buckling pins.

Abstract: Improved burst disk-type pressure responsive valve assemblies (20, 184) of the pressure relief and shutdown variety are provided which utilize frangible burst disks (30, 204) which largely determine the set point pressures for the valves. The assemblies (20, 184) include a housing (22, 186) having an inlet (24, 188), an outlet (26, 190) with a valve seat (28, 192) therein. The housing (22, 186) also supports a frangible burst disk (30, 204). An actuating unit (32, 210) within the housing (22, 186) includes a shiftable, pressure responsive piston (78, 212) supporting a valve stem actuator rod (82, 214); the rod (82, 214) is operatively coupled with a disk actuating element (84, 216) located adjacent a face of the rupture disk (30, 204).