Abstract: An oil well downhole safety valve is operated using annulus pressure. The device includes a tool body having a continuous wall defining a flow bore for conveying liquid, the tool body being adapted to travel through a well annulus as part of a work string. A valve body is slidably mounted within the tool body bore. Annular seals carried on the external surface of the valve body form a seal between the valve body and the continuous wall of the tool body. At least one opening is provided through the tool body for allowing annulus pressure to communicate with the flow bore. A valving member is carried by the valve body and is movable between open flow and closed flow positions for valving the flow of fluid through the flow bore. Piston drives, operated by annulus pressure, move the valving member between open flow and closed flow positions. The apparatus can include a spring carried by the tool body for biasing the valving member to an open flow position.

Abstract: A down-hole blow-out preventer has a housing (10) which is engageable in a drill string and which has a ball-valve (13) pivotally mounted in the bore (11) of the housing. The ball-valve is rotated from an open to a closed position by means of a cooperating cam sleeve (20) which is moved downwardly when mud pressure in the borehole is exposed to the flanged end (22) of the cam sleeve, which occurs when a solenoid valve (26) opens up a passage (27) upon a signal being received by a down-hole unit (39).

Abstract: A multi-mode testing tool operable as a drill pipe tester, formation tester, nitrogen displacement valve or circulation valve. Tool mode is changed responsive to pressure cycling in the well bore. A ball valve in the tool bore may also be operated by pressure cycling when the tool is in its formation tester mode. Also disclosed is a pressure responsive double-acting piston power mechanism, and a ball and slot ratchet assembly.

Abstract: A multi-function valve assembly for controlling fluid flow through a single cavity, the valve assembly being particularly suited for use with an inflatable packer in a well bore. The valve assembly includes a control valve sliding piston in one end of a cavity such as a cavity in an inflatable packer, the cavity communicating between the interior of a tubular (such as well casing) and an annulus between the tubular and a wellbore in which the tubular is positioned. The control valve sliding piston isolates the packer until a certain predetermined pressure is reached, at which point it moves in response to the pressure of the fluid in the casing, thereby permitting flow of fluid from the casing into an inflatable bladder in the packer. An over-pressure piston disposed in the same cavity senses the packer inflation pressure and moves the control valve piston to close the valve, halting further inflation.

Abstract: A downhole flow controller for use in recharge, injection and aquifer storage recovery (ASR) wells to prevent the free cascading of water and thereby eliminate the entrainment of air which may cause plugging of an aquifer wherein the controller includes a fixed tubular member which is selectively mounted to the lower end of a pump column of a well and in which an inner upwardly biased flow regulating tubular member is axially movable so as to automatically adjust the flow through vertically alignable openings through each of the fixed and movable tubular members dependent upon the direction of fluid flow, pressures and operating conditions within the well pump column and aquifer. In some embodiments, an adjustable flow regulating sleeve may be provided exteriorly of the fixed tubular member in order to vary the flow of fluid through the openings therein.

Abstract: An annulus pressure responsive downhole tool includes a housing with an operating element disposed in the housing. The operating element is movable from a first element position to a second element position relative to the housing. A hydrostatic well annulus pressure referenced annulus pressure responsive first power piston is disposed in the housing and movable from a first to a second position thereof relative to the housing in response to an increase in well annulus pressure. A lower than hydrostatic well annulus pressure referenced annulus pressure responsive second power piston is disposed in the housing and is operatively associated with the operating element for permitting the operating element to move from its first element position to its second element position in response to movement of the second power piston from a first position to a second position thereof relative to the housing.

Abstract: Apparatus for pressure charging pressure accumulators in apparatus downhole in a well, wherein a first valve system admits pressured fluid into an accumulator from a well tubing such as a drill string in response to well tubing-accumulator differential pressure and a second valve system releases pressured fluid from the accumulator to the well tubing in response to accumulator-well tubing differential pressure. The apparatus utilizes valve assemblies called "fuses", which can be used for accumulator pressure adjustments in lower well tubing pressure ranges and which close in response to higher fluid pressures in the well tubing so that well tubing pressure can be used to do work in the well such as to operate a piston actuator, or the like.

Abstract: A subsurface safety valve for controlling the fluid flow through a well conduit having an improved fluid actuator with a ceramic piston connected to and actuating the valve and movable in a ceramic sleeve. The actuator metal valve seats and metal valve elements for seating on the valve seats for providing positive seals.

Abstract: An annulus pressure responsive tester valve includes a tool housing having a flow passage disposed therethrough. A ball valve is disposed in the flow passage and rotatable between closed and open positions. An actuating mandrel is operably connected to the ball valve. An annular power piston is disposed within the housing and reciprocates relative to the housing in response to changes in well annulus pressure. A lug and slot ratchet assembly operably connects the ball valve with the power piston for moving the ball valve between its closed and open positions in response to movement of the power piston within the housing.

Abstract: An annulus pressure responsive downhole tool includes a housing having a power piston slidably disposed therein. First and second pressure conducting passages communicate a well annulus exterior of the housing with first and second sides of the power piston. A metering cartridge is disposed in the second pressure conducting passage for delaying communication of relatively rapid changes in well annulus pressure to a second side of the power piston to thereby operate the power piston, and for communicating relatively slow changes in well annulus pressure to the second side of the power piston so that hydrostatic well annulus pressure is substantially balanced across the power piston as the apparatus is run into a well. A gas energized compressible liquid spring is contained in a first portion of the second pressure conducting passage between the second side of the power piston and the metering cartridge.

Abstract: A downhole tool such as a tester valve originally constructed to operate with a compressible gas spring may be modified to operate with a compressible liquid spring. The volume of a spring chamber is increased. A differential area of a power piston is decreased. A flow restriction in a metering cartridge associated with the spring chamber is increased. Also, a relief valve is provided to allow fluid to be relieved from the tool into the well annulus upon expansion of the compressible liquid due to heating as the tool is lowered into a well if the expansion of liquid exceeds the available volume in the tool.

Abstract: A subsurface well safety valve having a flow tube telescopically movable in a housing for controlling the movement of a valve closure member. A piston and cylinder assembly actuates the flow tube and is in communication with hydraulic control fluid from the well surface on one side and a gas biasing chamber on the second side and includes a spring acting on the flow tube to close the valve. An equalizing system equalizes fluid pressure on opposite sides of the piston and cylinder assembly in the event of a failure in the seal between the piston and cylinder thereby allowing the spring to close the valve.

Abstract: Pressure operated circulation valve and method for using the same. A cylindrical housing has an open longitudinal passageway therethrough and a circulation port disposed through a wall thereof. A valve mandrel is slidably received in the housing and is moveable between a position in which fluid may be circulated only between the passageway and the exterior of the housing, a position in which fluid may be circulated only between the exterior of the housing and the passageway, and a position in which fluid may not be circulated in either direction. An annular piston is operatively connected to the valve mandrel and has a first side exposed to pressure exterior of the housing and a second side expose to pressure interior of the housing to permit movement of the valve mandrel to its various positions by application of pressure to the interior and exterior of the housing.

Abstract: Assembly for reducing the force applied to a guide lug received in a slot. An outer telescoping member includes a guide lug extending from the radially inner surface thereof which is received in a groove formed on the radially outer surface of an inner tubular member with the lug and groove controlling relative axial movement between the inner and outer tubular members. The inner tubular member includes a load lug on the radially outer surface thereof for abutting against an annular shoulder disposed about the radially inner circumference of the outer tubular member to prevent the guide lug from exerting significant axial forces on the groove.

Abstract: An annulus pressure responsive tester valve has a housing with a flow passage disposed therethrough. A full opening ball valve is disposed in the housing. A differential pressure responsive power piston is slidably disposed in the housing and operatively connected to the ball valve. A resilient spring retaining assembly is operatively associated with the power piston ad the housing for releasably retaining the power piston in a position corresponding to an open position of the ball valve until a force urging the power piston toward a position corresponding to a closed position of the ball valve exceeds a retaining force provided by the resilient spring retaining assembly. This, combined with an appropriate selection of flow restrictors in a metering cartridge associated with a compressed nitrogen chamber located below the power piston, allows the tester valve to have its ball valve left in an open position by bleeding off well annulus pressure at a sufficiently low rate.

Abstract: A multi-mode testing tool operable as a drill pipe tester, formation tester, nitrogen displacement valve or circulation valve. Tool mode is changed responsive to pressure cycling in the well bore. A ball valve in the tool bore may also be operated by pressure cycling when the tool is in its formation tester mode. Also disclosed is a pressure responsive double-acting piston power mechanism, and a ball and slot ratchet assembly.

Abstract: A pump produces through a tubing in a cased well. Gas is vented through the packer and through a valve preferably located in a side pocket mandrel in the tubing. A subsurface safety valve is positioned in the tubing below the side pocket mandrel and preferably below the packer. The safety valve is preferably of the flapper type and when the valve is closed liquid is automatically recirculated to the pump.

Abstract: A well system employs a pump to lift liquid through a primary tubing and subsurface safety valve. The tubing passes through a packer and a vent valve vents gas from the well through the packer. The power transfer means may extend through the vent valve and the vent valve may also control a cross-over in the packer for recirculation of liquid to the pump when the well is shut-in. The vent valve has associated therewith a kill valve permitting pumping of kill fluid into the well. The vent remains closed in the presence of ambient pressure up to a selected value and above this value the kill valve opens thus permitting testing of the packer with annulus pressure below the selected pressure and pump through to kill the well with pressure above the selected pressure.

Abstract: A well safety valve controlling flow through a well tubing using a hydraulic control line extending from the well surface to one side of an actuating piston and cylinder assembly for opening the valve. A balance line extending to the second side of the piston and cylinder assembly for compensating for the hydrostatic pressure in the control line. The piston and cylinder assembly includes a check valve providing communication of hydraulic fluid from the balance line to the control line for purging the balance line of gas. A second piston and cylinder assembly is positioned adjacent to and actuated by the first piston cylinder assembly. The cross-sectional area of the piston of the first assembly is greater than the cross-sectional area of the piston of the second assembly whereby a lower surface operating pressure in the control line on the larger first assembly will open the valve. The closing force acts through the smaller second assembly to close the valve.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bellows control valve with means to pressurize the bellows chamber to very high pressure without creating a significant detrimental differential pressure across the bellows.

Abstract: A downhole tool apparatus has a housing with a compression chamber defined therein. A fill passage is disposed through the housing for placing the compression chamber in open flow fluid communication with a well annulus so that well fluid may flow into the compression chamber as the apparatus is lowered into a well. An isolation valve selectively closes the fill passage to trap well fluid in the compression chamber. An operating element is operated by the actuating piston slidably disposed in the housing. A first side of the actuating piston is in fluid pressure communication with the compression chamber so that a volume of the compression chamber is decreased when the actuating piston moves between a first and second position thereof relative to the housing.

Abstract: In the representative embodiment of the invention disclosed herein, upper and lower valve means including rotatable ball members cooperatively seated on axially-movable annular seats are spatially arranged within a tubular housing and independently controlled by upper and lower valve-actuator means. Pressure-responsive means maintain the valve seats sealingly engaged with the ball members regardless of whether the pressure within the sample chamber is greater than or less than the exterior pressure. Reset means coupled to the valve-actuator means allow the valve means to be manually opened and closed while the new and improved sample-collecting tool is at the surface without having to disassemble the tool.

Abstract: A well cementing valve is shown which includes a tubular mandrel having at least one lateral port and which is adapted to be made in a well tubing string. An external seal ring having a seal region circumscribes the mandrel on one side of the lateral port. An axially movable sleeve valve initially covers the mandrel ports on the mandrel exterior. The sleeve valve has a pressure responsive seal area subject to fluid pressure in the mandrel for moving the sleeve valve. An axially slidable protective sleeve initially surrounds the mandrel and the sleeve valve. A plurality of shear pins connect the protective sleeve to the sleeve valve to restrain the sleeve valve against axial displacement. The pressure responsive seal area on the sleeve valve is operable to apply a shearing load on the pins to permit an axial displacement of the protective sleeve and an opposite axial displacement of the sleeve valve to open the ports.

Abstract: A subsurface well safety valve having a housing with a valve closure member which is controlled by a flow tube which includes an improved hydraulic actuating mechanism. The housing includes a cylinder with a straight portion and a curved portion which is adapted to receive hydraulic fluid from the surface and a piston is movable in the cylinder and connected to the flow tube for moving the flow tube to an open position. The piston includes a metal seal and a flexible portion connected to the top of the metal seal and the flexible portion is adapted to move through the curved portion of the cylinder. A valve and a valve seat are provided in the cylinder above the piston for sealing the hydraulic fluid from the well surface when the valve is open and for engaging and holding the flexible portion and the piston in the open position.

Abstract: A well safety valve having a piston and cylinder assembly which is connected to and actuated by a hydraulic control line extending to the well surface for moving the valve to an open position in which the hydrostatic head in the control line is balanced by a fluid column exposed to the opposite side of the assembly acting to close the valve. The fluid column has a greater density than the hydraulic fluid in the control line for biasing the valve to the closed position. The volume of fluid in the fluid column is greater than the volume of fluid in the control line whereby exposure of the fluid column to gas will not substantially change its density. The housing includes a container in communication between the other side of the assembly and the fluid column and contains a grease for protecting the assembly. The grease has a density less than the density of the fluid column and is of a volume greater than the volume displaced in the assembly upon actuation of the piston and cylinder.

Abstract: A downhole tool apparatus has a housing with a compression chamber defined therein. A fill passage is disposed through the housing for placing the compression chamber in open flow fluid communication with a well annulus exterior of the housing so that well fluid may flow into the compression chamber as the apparatus is lowered into a well. An isolation valve is provided for selectively closing the fill passage and thereby trapping well fluid in the compression chamber. An operating element is disposed in the housing. An actuating piston is slidably disposed in the housing and is operably associated with the operating element for operating the same in response to movement of the actuating piston relative to the housing. The actuating piston and housing are so arranged and constructed that movement of the actuating piston relative to the housing changes the volume of the compression chamber and of any well fluid trapped therein.

Abstract: A well production system in which a submersible pump is utilized in producing the well and gas produced by the well is bypassed through a packer with a special control valve which is constructed and arranged to permit ready passage of sound waves through the valve to facilitate determining the fluid depth in the well.

Abstract: A pressure operated test valve for use in a well test string in a well bore is shown. The test string has a packer arranged for sealing the well bore to isolate the annulus between the well bore and the test string above the packer from that portion of the well bore below the packer. The test valve includes a rotating ball valve which is movable between open and closed positions relative to the interior of the test string. A ball piston shifts the rotating ball between the open and closed positions. A coil spring normally urges the ball piston to its valve closing position. A power fluid reservoir contains a power fluid and an axially shiftable power valve is located within a power chamber which communicates with the power fluid reservoir. An axially slidable control valve is located within a control chamber and has a pressure responsive annular area which is exposed to the power fluid for shifting the control valve.

Abstract: A downhole relief valve connected to a tubing string in a producing well above the packer for controlling the well to prevent excess pressure built up in the annulus and casing damage following a tubing rupture at a point where the flowbore pressure exceeds the annulus pressure. The valve has a housing, fluid communication means between the flowbore and the annulus and a piston mounted within the housing for reciprocating between an open position and a closed position to allow flow in the fluid communication means between the flowbore and the annulus. The piston is biased to the closed position by compressed gas and/or a shear pin and to the open position by the hydraulic force exerted by the fluids from the casing annulus. If the hydraulic force exerted by the fluids from the casing annulus exceeds the forces biasing the piston to the closed position, the piston moves to the open position and fluid from the casing annulus flows into the flow bore and kills the well.

Abstract: A valving apparatus for use in controlling the fluid pressure in a subterranean well conduit and in the annulus surrounding the conduit is disclosed. The valving apparatus is of the shuttle type and is shiftable between a closed position and an open position allowing flow within the tubing by the application of fluid pressure in the tubing above the valve. Pressure equalization below the valve is provided when the valve is in the closed position thus permitting the apparatus to be used with well tools in which annulus and tubing pressure must be equalized. A plug selectively inserted within the valve apparatus prevents the flow of fluids through the conduit in one direction and permits the build up of said fluid pressure. An annular fluid bypass does permit flow around the plug when the valve is shifted to the open position. An annular elastomeric sealing mass cooperates with a relatively movable annular ridge to provide sealing action for the valving apparatus.

Abstract: An annulus pressure responsive tester valve which includes a pressure-assisted isolation valve including a pressure differential metering cartridge utilizes a sleeve-type valve section having a ported sleeve mandrel and a ported outer valve sleeve member and also having a choke associated therewith for controlling the flow of fluids through the sleeve-type valve.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an actuating mechanism for a rotatable ball valve unit wherein several axially extending pistons and cylinder units or bellows elements are mounted in the wall of the outer housing of the ball valve in angularly spaced relationship. Two diametrically opposed piston or bellows elements actuate the mechanism for axially shifting and then rotating the ball valve, while the remaining piston or bellows elements effect a displacement of the flow tube to maintain a seal carried by the flow tube in sealing engagement with the ball after its rotational movement has been accomplished. The desired delay of movement of the flow tube is accomplished through either varying the size of the bellows element or the spring constants of the springs opposing the actuating movement of the pistons, bellows elements or a combination of these.

Abstract: A safety valve having a flow tube telescopically movable in the housing for controlling the opening and closing of the valve in which the housing has a fluid chamber with a piston connected to the flow tube and a fluid passageway connected to the chamber adapted to be in communication with the fluid pressure at the well surface. A valve element and valve seat in the passageway seals off fluid flow through the seat and holds the flow tube in the open position when pressure is applied to the fluid passageway. Spaced minimum leak seals may be provided to form the fluid chamber. An antiburst communication line may be provided between the chamber and the bore of the safety valve having a check valve for equalizing pressure in the chamber. A valve mechanism operable by the flow tube shuts off the flow of fluid in the passageway to the fluid chamber when the valve closure member is in the open position.

Abstract: A spherical valve member type having a drill pipe tester valve and a moving apparatus to provide for moving the spherical valve member axially relative to the housing between its said open and closed positions, thereby permitting downward forces exerted upon the spherical valve member in its said closed position due to fluid pressure in the well test string above the spherical valve member, to be transmitted substantially entirely to the housing through the engagement of the downward facing surface of the lower valve seat structure and the upward facing surface of the housing. A latch device is provided for latching the spherical valve member in its closed position as the well test string is lowered into the well and for subsequently releasing the spherical valve member and allowing it to move to its open position when the well test string is finally positioned within the well.

Abstract: An annulus pressure responsive downhole tool includes a housing having a power piston slidably disposed therein. First and second pressure conducting passages communicate a well annulus with first and second sides of the power piston. A retarding device is disposed in the second pressure conducting passage for delaying communication of a sufficient portion of an increase in well annulus pressure to the second side of the power piston for a sufficient time to allow a pressure differential across the power piston to move the power piston from a first position to a second position relative to the housing. A pressure relief valve is communicated with the second pressure conducting passage between the power piston and the retarding device for relieving from the second pressure conducting passage a volume of fluid sufficient to permit the power piston to travel to its second position. The pressure relief valve is opened by mechanical action when the power piston starts to move toward its second position.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a full-bore sampler and safety valve apparatus includes a housing having an actuator mandrel slidably arranged therein, axially spaced normally open ball valve elements mounted on the mandrel assembly and cooperable with fixed eccentric pins on the housing for simultaneously closing a flow passage extending through the housing when the mandrel assembly is shifted from one axial position to another, a hydraulically operable piston on the mandrel assembly normally subject to balanced pressures, and means responsive to a predetermined pressure of fluids in the well annulus for exposing the hydraulically operable means to well pressure to cause shifting of the actuator mandrel assembly and simultaneous closing of the ball valve elements.

Abstract: A tubing retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve having a rotatable ball-type flow closure element is disclosed. The ball element is rotationally operated and guided by a pair of guide members fixed in the valve by a stop ring. The guide members co-act with the ball to provide the desired rotational movement as well as providing a movement limit stop to prevent rotational overtravel of the ball. The tubular operator means imparts longitudinal movement to the ball greater than the predetermined movement required to effect the desired ball rotation prior to engaging the stop ring.A locking sleeve having a longitudinal locking movement greater than the predetermined movement to rotate the ball open is provided. Operating movement of the locking sleeve uncovers a control fluid port for operating a supplemental subsurface valve operably secured with the valve. Prior to activating the locking sleeve to install the supplemental valve, the valve may be controlled through either of two conduits.

Abstract: A valving apparatus for use in controlling the fluid pressure in a subterranean well conduit and in the annulus surrounding the conduit is disclosed. The valving apparatus is shiftable between a closed position and an open position allowing flow within the tubing by the application of fluid pressure in the tubing above the valve. Pressure equalization below the valve is provided when the valve is in the closed position thus permitting the tool to be used with well tools in which annulus and tubing pressure must be equalized. A plug located within the valve prevents the flow of fluids through the conduit in either direction. An annular fluid bypass does permit flow around the plug when the valve is in the open position.

Abstract: A pressure operated safety valve adapted to be mounted in a well tubing for normally being movable to an open position by control fluid supplied from the surface, and which valve is automatically closed when the well pressure reaches a predetermined amount, whereby blowouts of the well are automatically prevented. The valve has locking means therewith which is operable by fluid pressure supplied through the well tubing from the surface for locking the valve open in the event the valve is malfunctioning in its normal operation and a "Storm" choke or other type of safety valve is to be added in the well tubing, or it is desired to temporarily or permanently lock the valve open for any other purpose. Means are also provided for releasing the locking means to return the valve to its normal operating condition if desired.

Abstract: An annulus subsurface safety valve for installation between inner and outer concentric members and controlling a fluid passageway therein in which the safety valve is locked to the outer member when the fluid passageway is closed. The outer member is provided with a threaded section and the safety valve housing includes a plurality of segments carried for inward and outward movement in which the segments include threads on the outside for coacting with the threaded section. A lock is provided upon the valve closure of the safety valve and positioned to be out of engagement with the segments when the valve is in the open position but is in engagement with and locks the segments outwardly in engagement with the threaded section when the valve is in the closed position. Springs urge the segments outwardly whereby the valve may be ratcheted downwardly into the threaded section and can be released from the threaded section by opening the passageway or can be released by rotation.

Abstract: A tool for use downhole in a borehole for carrying out a backsurging method whereby existing open perforations are cleaned. The tool comprises an annular body having spaced cylindrical walls, each of which reciprocatingly receives spaced pistons which move individually relative to one another. A port is formed through each of the walls of each of the cylinders with the first port being normally closed by a first piston and the second port being normally open. The second piston is moved to close the second port. The tool is placed on the end of a tubing string or within a tool string and run downhole into the borehole. A packer device enables the pressure between the lower annulus, the upper annulus, and the tubing to be adjusted relative to one another. A bar is then dropped down the tubing string, contacts the second piston and moves the second piston to cover the second port. The tubing pressure is reduced to provide a pressure differential between the lower annulus and the interior of the tubing.

Abstract: The improvement in a hydraulic actuator for actuating a subsurface safety valve having a metal piston connected to and actuating the valve and movable in a cylinder in which the cylinder is connected at one end to a hydraulic control fluid passageway and on the second end to pressure in the safety valve. The cylinder includes metal valve seats and metal valve elements are connected to the piston for seating on the valve seats for providing positive seals. A universal connection may be provided between the pistons and the valve elements. The piston seal may be opposing metal cups or a labyrinth seal.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved pressure differential circulating valve which can be connected to and form a portion of the tubing string disposed in casing for flow of fluid from a formation traversed by the casing and the tubing or for other uses in well bores which has the following improvements: the valve seat is detachable from the main valve body and a seal arrangement is provided so that the valve seat is movable longitudinally and transversely of the body effective to align the valve seat with the valve sleeve seating surface to form a complete 360 degree seat; the detachable valve seat permits the use of different metal alloys or other materials on the main valve seating surface to withstand various conditions of use; the throat area has been opened which increases the hydraulic lifting forces of the valve sleeve thereby permitting lower treating pressures; and a manifold area is provided which uniformly distributes fluid from the ports in the body causing the downhole differential circulating valve to snap

Abstract: A cooperating landing nipple and subsurface safety valve in which the closure springs for the subsurface safety valves are carried by the landing nipple and the actuator and the pressure responsive member for effecting opening and closing of the valve are carried by the subsurface safety valve.

Abstract: A high pressure gate valve apparatus provides an elongated cylindrical valve body providing a fluid conveying linear cylindrical longitudinal bore of substantially uniform configuration. A gate valving member is movable within the valve body entirely within the confines of the valve body and not projecting laterally therebeyond. The valve member is movable at generally right angles to and intersecting the fluid conveying bore with the gate valving member providing a flow opening therethrough, the valving member being movable within the valve body between open flow and closed flow positions. A pair of spaced generally parallel cylindrical drive chamber is provided on the valve body substantially parallel to the central flow conveying bore.

Abstract: A drill string safety valve operator provides a rotatable tubular body having a longitudinal through bore for conveying fluids. A valve member is movably disposed within the body for valving the fluid flow through the bore. A crank arm extends from and is coupled to the valve member at the valve stem for moving the valve member between open flow and closed flow positions responsive to rotation of the crank arm. A bearing is carried at the outboard end of the crank arm for transmitting load to the crank arm. An annular ring is supported about the tubular housing and provides a surface that can engage the bearing. Hydraulic cylinders power the annular ring so that the annular ring engages the bearing. Downward movement of the ring causes a corresponding downward movement of the bearing and a corresponding rotation of the crank arm. The apparatus thus allows quick remote closure of the valve during a blowout condition of the drill pipe bore.

Abstract: In a hydrocarbon production well in which the effluent is activated by an activation pump installed in a production pipe, a safety valve is disposed in the production pipe below the pump, the safety valve being operated by lowering of an operating member by a controlling device. The controlling device comprises a piston and cylinder system, and connection means connecting the piston to the operating member during the downward movement of the piston. The cylinder and piston system is provided at the level of the pump, and is advantageously constituted by the production pipe and pump respectively, so that pressurized fluid present at the level of the pump will cause downward movement of the piston.

Abstract: A tool (10) is disclosed which permits retrieval of an object (201) from within a bore hole having debris (210) surrounding the object. The tool (10) includes an upper assembly (12) and a lower assembly (14). The upper assembly (12) is secured to a drill or tubing string assembly (16) extending to the surface. The lower assembly (14) mounts the wash pipe (200). The lower assembly (14) includes a debris chamber (144) and a trap valve (148) for permitting one-way flow of debris and fluid therein. In hydrostatic operation, a lower valve assembly (126) is provided for opening to expose the upper portions of the tool (10) to the bore hole pressure and drive debris and fluid through the wash pipe and into the debris chamber. This activity permits the tool and wash pipe to move downwardly in the bore hole so that the wash pipe surrounds the object. Settling debris wedges the object within the wash pipe for removal.

Abstract: A subsurface control fluid pressure actuated well safety valve employs one or more spindles attached to the valve housing and spindle sleeves attached to a shiftable actuating flow tube. The spindles and spindle sleeves are positioned between the valve housing and the flow tube and a change in the pressure force acting on the spindle and on the spindle sleeve will result in relative movement of the spindle sleeve with respect to the spindle to cause the flow tube actuator to shift and open a fluid transmission conduit.

Abstract: The improvement in a hydraulic actuator for actuating a subsurface safety valve having a metal piston connected to and actuating the valve and movable in a cylinder in which the cylinder is connected at one end to a hydraulic control fluid passageway and on the second end to pressure in the safety valve. The cylinder includes metal valve seats and metal valve elements are connected to the piston for seating on the valve seats for providing positive seals. A universal connection may be provided between the pistons and the valve elements. The piston seal may be opposing metal cups or a labyrinth seal.