Abstract: A well safety valve for controlling the fluid flow through a well conduit having a tubular housing and valve closure member moving between open and closed positions by a longitudinally tubular member telescopically movable in the housing. A piston and cylinder assembly is positioned in the housing, connected to the tubular member, and actuated by hydraulic fluid from the well surface for moving the valve to an open position. The valve prevents pressure in the well conduit from affecting the opening or closing of the valve by providing first and second spaced seal means between the tubular member and the housing for preventing fluid pressure in the tubular member from communicating with the piston and cylinder assembly. The outside diameter of the tubular member on which the first and second seals engage are of the same diameter whereby the tubular member is pressure balanced.

Abstract: A dynamic seal for use between reciprocal concentric tubular members is disclosed herein and is especially adaptable for use in providing a dynamic seal between a movable piston and a sleeve in a downhole oil or gas well tool, such as a safety valve, a hydraulically actuated packer or a sliding sleeve. Each dynamic seal assembly comprises an elastomeric T-seal with cylindrical backup members positioned on either side of the central tip section of the seal member. The elastomeric T-seal is received within a central annular groove and a seal receptacle and the backup members are positioned within recessed ledges on opposite sides of the central groove. The backup members provide extrusion resistance for the tip section of the dynamic T-seal and overlap the T-seal to hold the seal in place.

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.

Abstract: A device for temporarily sealing a pipe; for example production tubing of an oil well comprises a body (8) defining a cylindrical chamber (8') and a piston (15) arranged to move in the chamber (8'). The chamber (8') has an outlet (14) at one end thereof, an inlet (12) axially spaced from the outlet (14), the chamber (8') providing a passageway from the inlet (12) to the outlet (14) for fluid flow through the chamber (8'). This piston (15) is movable from a first position to a second position. The piston (15) is resiliently biased towards its first position by means of a spring (21) and, on reaching the second position, is locked in that position. The piston (15) has mounted thereon, a collet (16) which seals the passageway, and which is movable relative to the piston (15), when the latter is locked in its second position, so as to open the passageway.

Abstract: A valving apparatus supplies increased fluid pressure to a downhole tool having fluid pressure actuated expandable packing elements. The valving apparatus includes upper and lower annular sealing surfaces and a shuttle valve which, in its normal spring biased position, engages the upper sealing surface and maintains a connection between the bore of the downhole tool and the casing annulus, thereby equalizing pressure therebetween. When pressure in the work string is increased through dropping of a ball on a seat contained in the valving apparatus, the increased fluid pressure is bypassed around the ball valve to impinge upon a piston surface incorporated on the shuttle valve, moving the shuttle valve downwardly into sealing engagement with the lower annular sealing surface and thus transmitting increased pressure to the downhole tool.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a system for separate injection of a plurality of chemicals into the production string of a well at substantially the same depth or level includes upper and lower side pocket mandrels having pressure responsive control valves seated in their respective side pockets, a first chemical supply conduit extending from the top of the well to the side pocket of said upper mandrel and then continuing to and through said lower mandrel to an injection point adjacent the lower end of the side pocket in said lower mandrel, and a second chemical supply conduit leading from the top of the well to and through said upper mandrel and then to the side pocket of said lower mandrel, whereby chemicals supplied under pressure to said conduits can flow past said control valves and be injected into the tubing in a manner to treat substantially the entire length thereof above said injection point.

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: In a hydrocarbon production well in which the effluent is activated by an activation pump removably installed in a production pipe in the well, a safety valve is removably mounted in the production pipe below the activation pump. The safety valve comprises, in a lower part of the valve body, a foot valve and thereabove an obturator which is moved to its open position by an operating member which is provided with a piston slideably mounted in the valve body and separating first and second chambers. The first chamber is pressurized to open the valve, and the second chamber, which acts in opposition to the first chamber, is in communication with the bottom of the well below the foot valve, and is thus isolated from the interior of the safety valve when the foot valve is closed.

Abstract: A valve for use in controlling flow in a subterranean well and using an expandable and contractable fluid sealing bellows is disclosed. The valve has a valve closure member such as a ball valve head acutated by an increase in control fluid pressure. Control pressure causes the bellows to expand or contract and a control rod engaging the bellows can be shifted. The control rod is part of an actuating mechanism for shifting the valve closure member between open and closed positions. The bellows can support the difference between control pressure and well pressure which are respectively present on the exterior and interior of each bellows element.

Abstract: A subsurface safety valve for use in subterranean oil and gas well which is actuated by pressure fluctuations in the tubing-casing annulus is disclosed. The safety valve assembly consists of a safety valve mounted in a packer which is actuated by a subsurface control located above the packer. Annulus pressure variations are controlled by a surface unit. The subsurface control utilizes a reference pressure chamber in which the pressure is initially adjustable to compensate for hydrostatic pressure in the annulus. Leakage of the gas in a dome pressure chamber in the subsurface control is impeded by the presence of a barrier fluid impervious to the passage of gas therethrough, with the barrier fluid being maintained at a higher pressure than the reference pressure in the dome charged chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for annulus flow systems in which a safety valve controls flow adjacent the packer and the safety valve is operated by control of tubing pressure exerting an upward force on the valve operator and an urging device such as a weight string of tubing exerting a downward force on the operator. In one form the control valve is a foot valve below the packer which is automatically closed by removal of the actuator. In other forms the control valve is removable with the tubing string and a separate foot valve may be provided below the packer, if desired. The system may be designed to close the safety valve in direct response to a reduction in pressure in the well annulus, or it may be designed to reduce or increase tubing pressure and close the safety valve in response to any well condition sensed at the surface which would include a reduction in annulus flow pressure.

Abstract: A dynamic metal-to-metal seal for use in a double acting piston and cylinder for use in high pressures and temperatures. First and second metal cup seals engage the piston and face in opposite directions for sealing against the cylinder wall whereby the higher pressure in the cylinder acting against the first or second seal will move the piston. In order to prevent high differential pressures across the seals when the piston is actuated, means are provided for transmitting fluid pressure from the lower pressure in the cylinder to the cylinder between the cup seal. The piston includes first and second oppositely directed seats with first and second metal seals telescopically movable on the piston adjacent one of the seats and each metal seal includes a sealing surface adapted to mate with one of the seats. Each metal seal also includes an outwardly directed cup seal extending away from their seats and sealingly engaging the cylinder.

Abstract: Hanger apparatus for suporting pipe in a well, the apparatus including both an annulus check valve, via which communication is established with the annulus between the suspended pipe and surrounding casing, and a pressure fluid by-pass, via which communication with a down-hole device such as a safety valve is established. Opening of the check valve and establishment of communication via the by-pass are accomplished by a simple stabbing operation with, e.g., a handling tool or a production upper body. Alternately, the check valve is opened by hydraulic pressure delivered via the production upper body.

Abstract: A flow tester valve apparatus includes a housing having a flow passage disposed therethrough with a flow valve disposed therein for opening and closing the flow passage. A power mandrel is disposed in the housing and includes a power piston. The power mandrel is operatively associated with the flow valve for moving the flow valve from its closed position to its open position. A power port transmits pressure from a well annulus to a first side of the power piston. A first chamber is disposed in the housing and filled at least partially with a compressible liquid and a second side of the power piston is in fluid communication with the first chamber. A second chamber is disposed in the housing and includes a floating piston which divides the second chamber into a first zone and a second zone. An equalizing port is disposed in the housing for transmitting pressure from the well annulus to the second zone of the second chamber.

Abstract: A well safety valve for controlling the fluid flow through a well tubing in which at least one piston having a small cross-sectional area for reducing the effect of high hydrostatic forces controls the opening and closing of the valve. The piston has a piston rod extending upwardly from the piston for connection to the tubular member controlling the valve whereby the piston and piston rod are acted on in tension by hydraulic control fluid and avoids subjecting the small piston to compression loads. A stop is provided on the piston on the side remote from the upwardly extending piston rod for preventing compression loading on the piston in the event the tubing pressure is greater than the control fluid pressure. The connection between the piston rod and the tubular member includes at least one telescopically movable elongate member having a greater cross-sectional area than the piston rod and is connected between the piston rod and the tubular member.

Abstract: In a hydrocarbon production well in which effluent is activated by an activation pump installed in a production pipe in the well, a safety valve is disposed in the production pipe beneath the pump and is controlled for opening purposes by a control chamber which is provided with pressurized fluid present at the level of the pump. To this end an annular passage is provided inside the production pipe along a wall connecting the pump to the valve, the annular passage communicating at its ends with means for bringing it into communication with the pressurized fluid present at the level of the pump and the control chamber respectively.

Abstract: A flow tester valve apparatus includes a housing having a flow passage disposed therethrough with a flow valve disposed therein for opening and closing the flow passage. A power mandrel is disposed in the housing and includes a power piston. The power mandrel is operatively associated with the flow valve for moving the flow valve from its closed position to its open position. A power port transmits pressure from a well annulus to a first side of the power piston. A first chamber is disposed in the housing and filled at least partially with a compressible liquid and a second side of the power piston is in fluid communication with the first chamber. A second chamber is disposed in the housing and includes a floating piston which divides the second chamber into a first zone and a second zone. An equalizing port is disposed in the housing for transmitting pressure from the well annulus to the second zone of the second chamber.

Abstract: A well system in which a dual annular type valve with wall flow ports, operable by ambient pressures, is utilized as part of the well tool string to provide an unrestricted flow path for production through and prevent excess back pressure on the producing formation. The valve has outside seals and internal valves above and below the wall ports controlling flow therethrough. Higher pressure outside the valve will open the biased closed lower sleeve valve to production flow through the wall ports into the flow path through the well production tubing. If pressure in the flow path through increases, both valves close preventing flow out through the wall ports. Increasing flow path pressure to a predetermined value shears lower valve seat positioning pins to open wall flow ports to high volume flow pumped into the formation to kill the well and to two-way flow afterward.

Abstract: A submergible pump installation for wells comprising a submergible pump assembly adapted to be landed in position within the well bore for pumping well fluids to the surface, together with a safety system for the well including a subsurface valve or valves for maintaining the well under control as the pump is run into and removed from the well. At least one subsurface valve of the system is hydraulically actuated by the discharge pressure of the pump with the pressure fluid being conducted to the valve by a conducting means located exteriorly of the pump housing. The invention also contemplates the use of a novel poppet-type subsurface valve which may be suitably pressure balanced so that it is capable of being actuated by relatively low hydraulic control pressure supplied by the pump.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a pressure controlled well tester apparatus having a full-bore ball valve closure element includes valve actuator means responsive to changes in the pressure of fluids in the well annulus for moving the ball valve between its open and closed positions, and bias means responsive to the hydrostatic pressure of fluids in the well bore for assisting in moving the ball valve to its fully closed position.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for controlling flow through both a tubing string suspended within a well bore and the space within the well bore about the tubing string. The illustrated embodiment of the apparatus comprises a body made up of a pair of mandrels and having a first bore therethrough adapted to be connected as part of the tubing string, whereby it may be lowered with the string into the well bore, a second bore therethrough parallel to the first bore for connection at its upper and lower ends with the space about the tubing string, and closure members mounted on the body for opening and closing the first and second bores. The body has first and second pockets therein each having one end opening to the first bore, a first tool is adapted to be run on a wire line through the tubing string and first bore into and out of the first pocket, and a second tool is adapted to be run on a wire line through the tubing string and first bore into and out of the second pocket.

Abstract: A ported sliding sleeve valve for use in a well tubing to provide a lateral flow path for transfer of fluids between the tubing and the annulus exterior thereof, the lateral ports of the device being initially closed by a port closure sleeve which is movable to port-opening position by increasing the annulus pressure to a level exceeding tubing pressure by a predetermined value, the port closure sleeve moving to fully open position upon being released and afterwards remaining in this position while the lateral ports of the device are thereafter opened and closed by shifting a built-in sliding sleeve valve through use of a shifting tool run and operated via wireline or pumpdown tools in a manner well known in the industry.

Abstract: A hanger and valve assembly which can be employed as a safety valve assembly to close both the production tubing and the tubing-casing annulus in a subterranean well is disclosed. The assembly includes a hydraulically activated, mechanically locked hanger which has slip anchoring members engaging the casing or, exterior conduit for preventing movement in both longitudinal directions. The hanger also has annular packing elements to seal the tubing-casing annulus. An annulus safety valve member employing a longitudinally recessed resilient seal member can be mounted in a landing nipple mounted in the hanger. By recessing the seal it is protected from the turbulent flow through the valve. A second shuttle located in the landing nipple is employed in conjunction with the first annulus safety valve to permit flow in one direction while metering flow in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A remotely operated valve, typically for use as a downhole safety valve, adapted to be connected in-line between two pieces of well pipe or other fluid-conducting members, the valve being rack-and-pinion operated and characterized by including a combined piston and rack member with the piston concentric with a through bore of the valve and with the rack eccentric with respect to the through bore, the eccentric disposition of the rack and associated support members making it possible to achieve a dependably operable valve of minimum transverse dimensions without increased complexity or cost of manufacture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for operating a two position flow valve disposed in a subterranean well, for example a safety valve located near the bottom of a subterranean well, through the application of cyclic pressure applied to fluid confined in the annulus between conduits, such as well casing and a production string. Valving apparatus is provided adjacent to the flow valve to be controlled which derives a pressure signal from the cyclic pressure of the fluid annulus which is effective to maintain the valve in one of its two positions so long as the cyclic pressure exists, but permits the valve to shift to its other position upon termination or significant reduction of the cyclic pressure. In this manner, reliable operation of a flow valve, such as a safety valve, may be achieved without the necessity of running any auxiliary hydraulic control lines to such valve.

Abstract: A tool (10) is disclosed which permits clean-out of a bore hole in either a hydrostatic or hydraulic operation. In addition, the tool (10) may be used to drill a formation within the bore hole without the need for circulation of fluid to the surface to remove cuttings from the formation. The tool (10) includes an upper assembly (12) and a lower assembly (14). 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 to prevent fluid entry into the spaces above the assembly in the tool and drill or tubing string assembly until the tool reaches the debris in the bore hole. Downward motion of a seal, guide and swab piston assembly (102) opens the valve assembly to drive the debris and fluid into the debris chamber. In hydraulic operation, the lower valve assembly (126) is removed and an upper valve assembly (40) is positioned within the upper assembly.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a valve for an annulus defined between a tubular work string or other conduit and a surrounding annular portion of an operative element disposed on production string, such as a safety valve. The annulus valve comprises an annular valve body, which may comprise an elastomeric mass, which is urged by resilient means into sealing engagement with the exterior of the tubular work string and is shiftable out of such sealing engagement, such as by an annular piston which is responsive to control fluid pressure. The same control fluid pressure may be utilized to operate the safety valve to its open position.

Abstract: Accumulator recharging valve wherein a valve is opened to drain the accumulator, and then the accumulator is recharged through another valve, the valves being operated by pipe string pressure after blanking off the flow passage therethrough by a wireline tool, the valve operations being controlled by a barrel cam whereby the drain valve and recharging valve are alternately opened by pressure cycles in the pipe string.

Abstract: There is disclosed a subsurface well completion system comprising body means having a bore therethrough adapted to be connected in axial alignment with a tubing string suspended within a well bore, and a packer carried by the body means for closing off the annulus above a production zone of the well. Flow through each of the bore of the body means and a passageway within the body means which bypasses the packer to connect the annulus above and below the packer is controlled by safety valves having pressure responsive operators for moving such valves from normally closed to open positions by means of control fluid which is supplied thereto through a control line from a remote source. Upon loss of control fluid, as, for example, due to loss of the control line, the valves automatically close.

Abstract: Drill string stabilizer apparatus, controllable to expand and retract entirely from the surface by control of drill string pressure, wherein increase of drill string pressure from the surface closes a valve to create a piston means which is moved down by drill string pressure to expand the stabilizer blades, said valve being opened and the piston moving upward upon reduction of drill string pressure to retract the stabilizer blades. Upward and downward movements of the piston and an actuator sleeve therebelow are controlled by a barrel cam acting between the housing and the actuator sleeve.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a pressure controlled reversing valve for use in drill stem testing includes a housing having reversing ports that normally are closed by a valve sleeve that is mounted on a spring-loaded actuator mandrel, stop means for preventing opening movement of said actuator mandrel, a mechanical counter for disabling said stop means and enabling such opening movement only after a predetermined minimum number of pressure increases have been applied to the fluids standing in the pipe string in which the reversing valve is connected, and means responsive to a subsequent pressure increase for reclosing the valve sleeve and reactivating the stop means.

Abstract: A combination well flow control device having a passage therethrough for conducting fluids from the exterior to the interior of the tubing, this device having pressure responsive valve means therein for controlling flow of fluids such as well treating chemicals through the flow passage at very low rates and also having a bypass passage which is initially closed by a sleeve valve but which is openable to permit high injection rates therethrough as for injecting water or the like fluid into the tubing at a very high rate as for killing the well. When the sleeve valve has been moved to bypass opening position, the valve flow passage is short-circuited through the bypass, and in one embodiment that portion upstream of the sleeve valve is shut off. After the sleeve valve has been moved to open position, it will remain at that position. The device also includes a check valve for preventing backflow therethrough regardless of whether the bypass is open or closed.

Abstract: A multi position safety valve retainable within an internal portion of a drill string casing (s) and responsive to the greater differential pressure in an internal fluid passage to displace a valve head (32) relative to a valve seat (VS) from its normal partially open position to either a wide open or a closed position. The valve head (32) is attached to a valve stem (30) that extends through a valve chamber and slideably mounted in opposite closed ends of a valve body and returnable to and maintained in the partially open position by opposing compression springs (34) (36) situated between opposite ends (22) of the valve body (VB) and one side of an intermediate abutment (30c) of the valve stem (30) and an intervening disc (38) on the opposite side thereof. The disc 38 is moveable into and out of seating engagement with an intermediate stop (20a) by one spring (34) and the intermediate abutment (30c) of the valve stem respectively.

Abstract: A hydraulic fluid supply apparatus for a downhole tool includes a first annular zone adapted to be filled with hydraulic oil and a second annular zone adapted to be filled with a pressurized second fluid. The first and second zones are separated by a floating annular piston for transmitting fluid pressure from the second zone to the first zone. A control valve is connected between the first zone and a hydraulically powered component of the downhole tool for directing hydraulic fluid under pressure from the first zone to the hydraulically powered component of the downhole tool.

Abstract: This invention relates to a self-contained circulation sub which may be operated upon control from the surface. It may be in the shape of a short section of drill collar and utilizes a sleeve valve to cover the circulation ports. Upon reception of an acoustic signal from the surface, a control valve directs fluid from the pipe bore onto a pressure face on the sleeve valve. The sleeve valve then moves down and exposes the circulation ports thereby allowing drilling fluids to pass from its interior to its exterior.

Abstract: Well apparatus, in which a pressured fluid accumulator is used to perform a function when the apparatus is disposed downhole in a well, such as to operate a valve to control fluid flow through a tubing string in which the apparatus is disposed. The accumulator is pressure-charged after the apparatus is run into the well by exposing the accumulator to casing pressure, so that the accumulator will thereafter be at a constant pressure. Performance of functions is accomplished by varying the casing pressure to above or below accumulator pressure, and using the pressure differential between the casing and accumulator to operate an actuator, such as a piston, to perform the function. The accumulator pressure may be made as desired by adjustment of the casing pressure at the time the accumulator is charged with pressure after the apparatus has been run into the well.

Abstract: A wire line removable well safety valve in an oil and gas well completion design including a tubing string, a well packer around the tubing string sealing with the well casing, and a submergible well pump on the tubing string below the packer. The safety valve controls flow of pumped well fluids through the tubing string, directs separated gas into the casing annulus around the tubing string above the packer, and shuts off the flow of pumped fluids and separated gas to the surface while permitting recirculation of pumped well fluids between the annulus and tubing string below the packer.

Abstract: A standing valve for controlling fluid flow through a well flow conductor. The standing valve allows formation fluids to enter the flow conductor downhole and to flow in one directin to the well surface. The standing valve functions as a check valve to prevent fluids injected into the flow conductor at the well surface from flowing out the other end of the well flow conductor. The standing valve is operated by changes in the velocity of fluids flowing through the valve. When the pressure of fluid injected into the flow conductor from the well surface exceeds a preselected value, an alternative flow path is opened within the standing valve to allow the injected fluid to flow in the other direction through the valve.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for isolating the producing zone of a well during workover operations, particularly where the well is equipped with a production string and a submersible electric pump suspended thereon. A packer and isolation valve are set in the well above the producing zone, and a hydraulically operable control suspended on the pipe string below the pump is releasably coupled to the valve and arranged to enable remote control of the valve from the surface by adjusting the pressure of fluids in the production string or in the well annulus.

Abstract: A test tool is provided for testing the production capabilities of a preselected formation subsequent to the drilling of a subterranean well. The test tool is part of a testing string which incorporates a packer which may be releasably engaged in the casing string at a depth immediately above a region where formation testing is desired. The test tool includes a rotary ball valve which is normally maintained in a closed position during the insertion of the tool into the well. After setting of the packer, the ball valve is opened by increasing the fluid pressure existing in the annulus between the casing and the testing string. Such annulus pressure is applied to a first reservoir of trapped fluid which may contain water, and supplies fluid at annulus pressure to one side of a valve operating piston to shift the operating piston to actuate the rotary ball valve to its open position and compress a piston return spring.

Abstract: A valve for automatically dumping a load of solids entrained within a fluid transport medium in response to flow interruption is disclosed. The automatic dump valve is particularly well-suited for use in combination with a nodule transport riser in deep ocean mining operations. The automatic dump valve system is combined with a tubular conduit defining a longitudinally extending flow passage having a sidewall opening defining a dump port. The automatic dump valve assembly includes a movable dump port cover plate and a hydraulic actuator coupled to the cover plate. The hydraulic actuator is operably responsive to pressure changes within the flow passage relative to the pressure exerted by a surrounding body of water to open and close the dump port.

Abstract: An actuatable safety valve for the production tubing of wells and/or fluid flowlines includes a valve element having both linear and rotary components of movement within a valve body and is actuated by a lost-motion rack and pinion gear actuating mechanism. The clam-shell pinion gear is moved linearly within the valve body by a hydraulic sleeve piston actuator for causing control valve movement responsive to hydraulic control of the sleeve piston. The sleeve piston is also responsive to upstream pressure for pressure actuation of the valve to its closed position. The valve element is also mechanically movable to its closed position.

Abstract: A subsea test valve system for wells completed at the floor of the sea includes a safety valve and disconnect mechanism mounted in a blowout preventer at the bottom of the sea and having hydraulic fluid pressure operated means for opening the safety valve and controlling a latch in the disconnect mechanism. A tubing test string shut off valve is releasably latched in the disconnect mechanism and has a hydraulic fluid operated shut off valve and a valve for venting the test string to the riser pipe which extends from the blowout preventer to the vessel or platform at the surface of the sea. The subsea hydraulic pressure operated devices are supplied with pressure fluid from a subsea accumulator under the control of subsea pilot valves which are operated by small pressure differences, to accomplish rapid operation at great depth from a control console on the vessel or platform.

Abstract: A subsea test valve system for well completed at the floor of the sea includes a safety valve and disconnect mechanism mounted in a blowout preventer at the bottom of the sea and having hydraulic fluid pressure operated means for opening the safety valve and controlling a latch in the disconnect mechanism. A tubing test string shut off valve is releasably latched in the disconnect mechanism and has a hydraulic fluid operated shut off valve and a valve for venting the test string to the riser pipe which extends from the blowout preventer to the vessel or platform at the surface of the sea. The subsea hydraulic pressure operated devices are supplied with pressure fluid from a subsea accumulator under the control of subsea pilot valves which are operated by small pressure differences, to accomplish rapid operation at great depth from a control console on the vessel or platform.

Abstract: There is disclosed a subsurface safety valve having a closure member which is yieldably urged to a position closing a bore through a mandrel connected as a part of a well tubing string, but adapted to be opened by means of a piston carried by a wire line retrievable tool landed within a pocket to one side of the bore and movable in a direction to open the closure member in response to the supply of control fluid to one side thereof from a remote source. The pocket and an intermediate portion of the bore are formed within a thickened wall of an inner body of the mandrel which fits within the inner diameter of an outer body of the mandrel whose opposite ends are connected to the tubing, so that the axis of the inner body is eccentric with respect to the axes of the bore and pocket, and means are provided for threadedly connecting the inner body in a fixed vertical position within the outer body.

Abstract: A reverse circulation valve includes a cylindrical housing having an open longitudinal passageway disposed therethrough and a circulating port and a power port disposed through a wall thereof. A valve mandrel is slidably received in the housing and movable from a closed position closing the circulating port to an open position opening the circulating port. The valve mandrel includes an annular piston received in the housing for moving the valve mandrel from its closed position to its open position. The power port communicates the piston with a pressure exterior of the housing. A frangible restraining structure is located between the valve mandrel and the cylindrical housing for restraining movement of the valve mandrel from its closed position to its open position until the pressure exterior of the housing exceeds a predetermined value, and for frangibly releasing the valve mandrel when said pressure exterior of the housing exceeds said predetermined value.

Abstract: A drill pipe tester valve includes a spherical valve member supported from an upward facing surface of a housing so that downward forces exerted on the valve member in its closed position, due to fluid pressure in a string of pipe above the valve member, are transmitted substantially entirely to said housing. A latching device is provided for latching the spherical valve member in its closed position as the string of pipe and tester valve are lowered into a well and for subsequently releasing the spherical valve member and allowing it to move to its open position when the string of pipe and tester valve are finally positioned within the well.

Abstract: A testing apparatus for use in an oil well includes an improved circulation valve having a cylindrical housing with an open bore therethrough and a circulating port through a wall thereof. A valve mandrel is slidably received in the housing and movable from a closed position closing said circulating portion to an open position opening said circulating port. A shear pin is provided between the valve mandrel and the cylindrical housing and initially retains the valve mandrel in its closed position. The valve mandrel is arranged and constructed for engagement with a power mandrel of the testing apparatus upon movement of the power mandrel in a first direction so that said valve mandrel is forced in said first direction by engagement with said power mandrel and said shear pin is sheared to release the valve mandrel from its closed position. A biasing spring is provided for aiding movement of the valve mandrel to its open position upon shearing of the shear pin.

Abstract: An inside blowout preventer well tool includes an elongated body threaded at both ends and including an axial opening. A flapper is pivotally mounted on a side of the opening and movable between a lower-open position and an upper-closed position. A downwardly-facing valve seat is formed around the opening, the flapper engaging the seat in the upper-closed position. A spring urges the flapper toward the seat and a piston is movable in the opening between an upper position, where the lower end of the piston is above the valve seat, and a lower position, where the piston encases the flapper and holds it in the lower-open position. The piston is normally urged toward its upper position, the piston being shaped so that when the internal pressure of drilling mud normally circulating through the opening is greater by a predetermined amount than pressure outside the body, the pressure differential will overcome the force urging the piston upwardly and move the piston to the lower position.

Abstract: A fluid pressure actuated by-pass valve and relief valve are positioned between a source of fluid under pressure and the hollow interior of a rotor in a fluid pressure actuated downhole drilling motor. The valve includes a hollow mandrel with an inlet opening at one end and an outlet opening at the other end connected to the rotor interior and slidably received in a movable sleeve. Fluid pressure at a first predetermined value moves the mandrel into the sleeve to block the inlet opening such that the fluid by-passes the valve and flows between the stator and the rotor to rotate a bit. Fluid pressure at a higher second predetermined value moves the sleeve relative to the mandrel to expose the inlet opening and relieve the fluid pressure on the rotor and the stator. The movement of the sleeve exposes a greater surface area thereof to the fluid pressure such that a spring moves the sleeve back to block the inlet opening only at an intermediate third predetermined fluid pressure value.