Abstract: A safety valve apparatus has a housing with a bore and a projection disposed in the bore. A locking dog disposed on the housing is movable to engage an inner conduit wall surrounding the housing, and a flapper rotatably disposed on the housing is movable between opened and closed positions. A first sleeve disposed within the bore above the projection is mechanically movable between locked positions. In one locked position, the sleeve moves the locking dog to engage the wall. A piston disposed in the housing hydraulically communicates with a port in the projection and couples to a second sleeve disposed within the bore below the projection. The second sleeve conceals the piston and is hydraulically movable to open and close the flapper.

Abstract: A multi-functional completion tool which may be lowered into a wellbore coupled to a length of tubing, and then utilized to test various lengths of the tubing at pressure. The tool may also function as a positive plug, may be used to set a packer, and is also useable as a tubing self-filling tool. Various retention elements are disposed within the tool and configured to release at predetermined pressures, or within predetermined ranges of pressure, thereby transforming the tool from a first configuration to a second configuration depending on the desired function. The tool may use a flapper mechanism to regulate passage of fluids through the housing, and a piston and/or flow tube may also be utilized to lock the flapper in an open or closed orientation within the housing.

Abstract: A flapper for use as a component of a safety valve designed for deployment in a well bore having well bore fluids. The flapper includes a flapper body forming a flapper valve bore therethrough. The flapper body further forms a groove proximate to the flapper bore. The flapper also includes a plunger member sized and configured to be received in the flapper valve bore. The plunger member includes a first end portion and a second end portion. Additionally, the flapper includes a leaf spring including a primary end portion and a secondary end portion, the primary end portion of the leaf spring detachably attached to the second end portion of the plunger member and unattached to the flapper body and the secondary end portion of the leaf spring being sized and configured to be received and retained in the groove and to bias the plunger member into the flapper valve bore.

Abstract: A flapper valve assembly is provided, of the type preventing downward fluid flow when the flapper is closed, which is sized, shaped and configured to provide a smaller maximum outer diameter to minimum internal diameter ratio, thus allowing a larger minimum ID for a given maximum outside diameter, when compared to currently available flapper valve assemblies. An insert assembly is used in the modular saddle flapper valve assembly which has a flapper seat, flapper valve and sleeve. The insert assembly is secured within a tubular housing and enclosed by standard top and bottom subs, either sub being easily removed and replaced with a sub having a different thread size or type, the removal being easily accomplished without disassembly of the insert assembly.

Abstract: A control system for a subsurface safety valve references the surrounding annulus to put the operating piston in pressure balance. Depending on the configuration and which seal in the system fails, the various embodiments can differ in their failure modes. With the lower end of the piston exposed to annulus pressure all failure modes close the flapper. With the lower end of the piston exposed to tubing pressure, failure of any of the seals except one will result in flapper closure.

Abstract: A technique enables control over flow in a wellbore with a flow control system. In some cases, the flow control system may comprise a flapper device, an isolation assembly, and an actuation assembly. The flapper device may be configured to rotate within an approximate angular range from 15° to 75° when shifting between an open and closed state. In some situations, the engaging member may contain a profiled end configured to increase the moment applied to the flapper device during opening and control the rate of closure of the flapper device. The limitation to the angular range of the flapper device may reduce the loading forces that would otherwise act against the flow control system upon closure of the flapper device.

Abstract: A combination penetration tool for access to the control system of a subsurface safety valve also has a lockout for the flapper that operates by latching into a nipple profile near its upper end as a series of collet fingers pass through a sleeve that is held in the locked position on the valve housing. One or more dogs on the collet fingers line up with the flapper already pushed open by the advancing collet fingers to push the flapper further back. A second series of dogs get past the sleeve after moving through it. With a jar up force the second series of dogs overcomes a lock on the sleeve and shifts the sleeve to overlap the open flapper and allow the lock ring that moves with the sleeve to latch into the housing. The second series of dogs is sheared off but retained by the tool for removal from the well. The penetrator portion of the tool is a known device that preferably works by jarring up.

Abstract: Downhole tools and methods for producing hydrocarbons from a wellbore. A downhole tool can include a body having a bore formed therethrough and at least one end adapted to threadably engage one or more tubulars. A sliding sleeve, adapted to move between a first position and a second position within the body, can be at least partially disposed within the body. A valve assembly including a valve member having an arcuate cross section wherein the valve member is adapted to pivot between an open and closed position within the body can be disposed within the body. A valve seat, having an arcuate cross-section adapted to provide a fluid tight seal with the valve member assembly can be disposed within the body.

Abstract: A flapper type downhole valve is opened by flow against the flapper. The flapper and the housing contain magnets that hold the flapper open after it has been opened by flow to keep the flapper from chattering from the flow going past it. The strength of the force is not sufficient to hold the flapper open against a torsion spring on a pivot pin, when there is no flow through the valve. The valve can still be held in the locked open position with no flow through the housing by pressurizing the surrounding annulus to position another magnet to increase the holding force to a level greater than the force of the torsion spring. The additional magnet is spring biased so that upon removal of annulus pressure it shifts to allow the flapper to close. Alternative designs with and without a flow tube are possible. Fixed or movable restrictions can be associated with the flow tube to create a force to shift it to open a flapper with flow into the well.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for utilizing a downhole deployment valve (DDV) to isolate a pressure in a portion of a bore are disclosed. The DDV system can include fail safe features such as selectively extendable attenuation members for decreasing a falling object's impact, a normally open back-up valve member for actuation upon failure of a primary valve member, or a locking member to lock a valve member closed and enable disposal of a shock attenuating material on the valve member. Actuation of the DDV system can be electrically operated and can be self contained to operate automatically downhole without requiring control lines to the surface. Additionally, the actuation of the DDV can be based on a pressure supplied to an annulus.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a wellbore tool for selectively isolating a portion of a wellbore from another portion of the wellbore. In one aspect, a method of selectively isolating a zone in a wellbore is provided. The method includes the step of positioning a downhole tool in the wellbore. The downhole tool includes a bore with a first flapper member and a second flapper member disposed therein, whereby each flapper member is initially in an open position. The method also includes the step of moving the first flapper member to a closed position by rotating the first flapper member in one direction. Further, the method includes the step of moving the second flapper member to a closed position by rotating the second flapper member in an opposite direction, whereby each flapper member is movable between the open position and the closed position multiple times. In another aspect, an apparatus for isolating a zone in a wellbore is provided.

Abstract: In general, a system and valve is provided to prevent the cross flow between formations during the shut-in period of a well intersecting at least two formations, with flow from at least one of the formations being controlled by a multi-position valve. In one embodiment, the system comprises a cross-flow prevention valve that automatically closes and then opens during each cycle of the multi-position valve. In another embodiment, the cross-flow prevention valve is activated by the same control line used to activate the multi-position valve.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a method and apparatus for selectively sealing a bore. The tubular valve generally includes a closing member for seating in and closing the bore, and a pressure-actuated, retention member having first and second opposed piston surfaces opening and closing the valve. The tubular valve prevents sudden loss of pressure in the tubular and is controllable from the surface.

Abstract: A combination penetration tool for access to the control system of a subsurface safety valve also has a lockout for the flapper that operates by latching into a nipple profile near its upper end as a series of collet fingers pass through a sleeve that is held in the locked position on the valve housing. One or more dogs on the collet fingers line up with the flapper already pushed open by the advancing collet fingers to push the flapper further back. A second series of dogs get past the sleeve after moving through it. With a jar up force the second series of dogs overcomes a lock on the sleeve and shifts the sleeve to overlap the open flapper and allow the lock ring that moves with the sleeve to latch into the housing. The second series of dogs is sheared off but retained by the tool for removal from the well. The penetrator portion of the tool is a known device that preferably works by jarring up.

Abstract: A safety valve with a flapper/flow tube friction reducer. A safety valve for use in a subterranean well includes a closure assembly, an operating member which engages the closure assembly, and at least one of the closure assembly and the operating member including a friction reducing device which provides rolling contact between the closure assembly and the operating member. Another safety valve includes a flapper which rotates about a pivot relative to a seat, a flow tube which engages the flapper to rotate the flapper, and a friction reducing device which with rolling contact biases the flow tube toward the pivot when the flow tube engages the flapper. Yet another safety valve is described in which at least one of the flapper, the seat and the flow tube has a friction reducing device attached thereto which provides rolling contact between the flapper and the flow tube, or between the flow tube and the seat.

Abstract: Electrically operated well tools. A well system includes a well tool positioned in a wellbore. The well tool includes an actuator and an operating member displaceable to operate the well tool. The actuator includes a series of longitudinally distributed electromagnets, in which current is controllable in a predetermined pattern to thereby variably control longitudinal displacement of the operating member. In another well system, the operating member is displaceable between opposite maximum limits of displacement to operate the well tool, and an electromagnet is operative to displace the operating member to at least one position between the opposite maximum limits of displacement. In a method of operating a well tool, the well tool is operated by controlling current in a series of longitudinally distributed electromagnets of an actuator in a predetermined pattern, thereby causing corresponding longitudinal displacement of an operating member.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for actuation of downhole tools. In one example, a deep set safety valve uses a magnetic coupling which permits a portion of the safety valve at control line pressure to be isolated from tubing string internal pressure, without requiring the use of a dynamic seal therebetween. A piston of the safety valve may be displaced in response to a differential between control line pressure and pressure in an annulus surrounding the tubing string, pressure in another control line, or pressure in the tubing string. Other types of well tools may benefit from actuation using principles of the invention.

Abstract: A safety valve system includes a safety valve having an actuator and a line connected to the actuator. The safety valve is operable by opening the line in the well, with the line being free of any connection to a surface control system. Another safety valve system includes multiple safety valves. An actuator of each safety valve is connected to an actuator of another safety valve via a line. A biasing force in each of the actuators is operative to close the respective one of the safety valves in response to opening of the line. The biasing force is produced at least in part by hydrostatic pressure in a well.

Abstract: One or more flapper valve assemblies are placed in a casing string extending through one or more hydrocarbon bearing intervals. The flapper valve assemblies are placed between some of the hydrocarbon bearing intervals. In an open or inoperative position, the flapper valve assemblies are full opening compared to the casing string. The hydrocarbon bearing intervals are stimulated, typically by fracing, starting with the bottom zone. The flapper valve assembly immediately above the stimulated interval is manipulated to allow it to close, preventing downward flow in the well and thereby isolating the lower stimulated interval so an upper interval can be stimulated. The well is easy to put on production because the flapper valves will normally open simply by opening the well at the surface.

Abstract: A method having the following steps: running a circulation valve comprising a reactive material into the well bore on the casing; reverse-circulating an activator material in the well bore until the activator material contacts the reactive material of the circulation valve; reconfiguring the circulation valve by contact of the activator material with the reactive material; and reverse-circulating a cement composition in the well bore until the reconfigured circulation valve decreases flow of the cement composition. A circulation valve for cementing casing in a well bore, the valve having: a valve housing connected to the casing and comprising a reactive material; a plurality of holes in the housing, wherein the plurality of holes allow fluid communication between an inner diameter of the housing and an exterior of the housing, wherein the reactive material is expandable to close the plurality of holes.

Abstract: A method having the following steps: running a circulation valve comprising a reactive material into the well bore on the casing; reverse-circulating an activator material in the well bore until the activator material contacts the reactive material of the circulation valve; reconfiguring the circulation valve by contact of the activator material with the reactive material; and reverse-circulating a cement composition in the well bore until the reconfigured circulation valve decreases flow of the cement composition. A circulation valve for cementing casing in a well bore, the valve having: a valve housing connected to the casing and comprising a reactive material; a plurality of holes in the housing, wherein the plurality of holes allow fluid communication between an inner diameter of the housing and an exterior of the housing, wherein the reactive material is expandable to close the plurality of holes.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for selectively and safely reversing flow in coiled tubing used for wellbore cleanouts are disclosed. One apparatus includes a section of coiled tubing having a main flow channel, at least two flow-preventing valves in the section of coiled tubing, each adapted to close the main flow channel upon attempted flow reversal; and at least one actuator adapted to deter closing of the flow-preventing valves. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A technique enables control over flow in a wellbore with a flow control system. The flow control system combines a flow reduction mechanism with a flow control device, such as a valve. The flow reduction mechanism comprises a closure member which can be selectively moved between an unactuated and actuated position, allowing relatively greater flow through the flow control device in the unactuated position. The flow reduction mechanism actuates prior to or in conjunction with the flow control device to reduce flow and thus reduce the loading forces that would otherwise act against the flow control mechanism upon closure of the flow control device.

Abstract: A system for use in a wellbore that includes a string comprising a housing. The housing comprises a valve including a valve seat having an inner channel and a flapper configured to pivot relative to the valve seat between a first position and a second position in which the inner channel is obstructed. A valve actuating device may be provided for selectively opening the valve and comprising a first hydraulic device. In addition, a retention device including a second hydraulic device may be provided and configured to selectively retain the flapper in the first position. In some cases, the first hydraulic device and the second hydraulic device may be driven by the same fluid source.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a downhole valve. The downhole valve includes, a flapper seat, a flapper sealable against the flapper seat, a spring housing in axial alignment with the flapper seat and a metal-to-metal seal disposed between the flapper seat and the spring housing. The metal-to-metal seal is sealable to both the flapper seat and the spring housing when in an energized position. Additionally, the metal-to-metal seal is a separate component from both the flapper seat and the spring housing.

Abstract: A selectively operable downhole valve for use with core sampling apparatus, the valve comprising a throughbore through which a first body may pass, and an obstructing member which is capable of selectively obturating the throughbore, the obstructing member being arranged to open or close the throughbore by movement of the first body with respect to the valve. A core sample of the formation may then be obtained and retrieved from the bore under pressure since the valve seals the bore downhole. Retrieving the sample under pressure maintains the integrity of the core sample so that subsequent analysis of the sample will more closely reflect the true characteristics of the formation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in a subterranean well is described. The apparatus typically includes a mandrel and a packing element. The mandrel may have an outer surface and a non-circular cross-section and the packing element may be arranged about the mandrel, the packing element having a non-circular inner surface matching the mandrel outer surface such that concentric rotation between the mandrel and the packing element is precluded. The apparatus may include slips having cavities to facilitate removal of the apparatus. The apparatus also may include a valve for controlling upward fluid flow through a hollow mandrel. The valve may include a flapper having at least one tab to engage at least one recession in the mandrel such that rotation between the mandrel and the valve is precluded when the valve is in a closed position. The apparatus may further include a central member which is releaseably attached to the mandrel by a release mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of moving a shiftable valve member into a closed position, the shiftable valve member mounted in a valve housing having a bore and being moveable between at least one open and at least one closed position relative to the bore, includes at least one elastically deformable member that extends at least partially around the circumference of the bore and is disposed at least partially in a cavity in the valve housing. Each elastically deformable member is elongated, has first and second ends and is connected to the shiftable valve member at one location and to the valve housing at least one other location. Each elastically deformable member is torsionally loaded to provide biasing, closing force to the shiftable valve member to assist in moving the shiftable valve member into a closed position and retaining it in the closed position.

Abstract: A safety valve with extension springs. In a described embodiment, a valve for use in a subterranean well includes a closure member having open and closed positions. A structure displaces to cause the closure member to displace between the open and closed positions. A biasing device has a length which decreases as the structure displaces to cause the closure member to displace toward the closed position.

Abstract: A safety valve assembly comprises a valve body, a flapper mount, flapper and a hinge used to rotate the flapper in an opened or closed position. Torsional pins are mounted adjacent the flapper mount, each having ends which extend into the hinge and terminating adjacent each other at a location along the hinge. Torsional springs are circumferentially mounted around the torsional pins. Tabs extend from the torsional springs and contact an actuation member extending over the top of the flapper. As such, the torque created by the torsional springs is transferred to the actuation member via the tabs, thereby reducing the stress on the torsional springs.

Abstract: A system for completing a well bore, comprises, a string having a housing, a valve having a valve seat positioned within the housing, the valve seat having an inner channel, a flapper pivotally coupled to the valve seat in which the flapper is configured to move from a first open position to a second closed position such that the inner channel is at least partially obstructed. An energy dampening device is coupled to the valve seat, such that the energy dampening device is configured to at least partially absorb an impact of the flapper on the valve seat.

Abstract: A downhole tool actuator includes a shape memory material; a pulley system engaged with the shape memory material and fixed in position; and a downhole tool component operatively connected to the shape memory material and moveable in response to a phase change of the shape memory material from a martensitic phase to an austenitic phase and method.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a non-elastomeric cement through tubing retrievable safety valve configured to control fluid flow through a production tubing string. In one aspect, a valve for use in a wellbore is provided. The valve includes a tubular body. The valve further includes a flow tube having a bore therethrough, wherein the flow tube is disposed in the tubular body to form an annular area therebetween. The valve further includes a flapper movable between an open position and a closed position in response to the movement of the flow tube. Additionally, the valve includes a sealing system constructed and arranged to substantially isolate the annular area from the bore, thereby substantially eliminating the potential of contaminants in the bore from entering into the annular area. In another aspect, a method of controlling fluid in a wellbore is provided.

Abstract: An actuator for use in actuating a valve to control the flow of fluids through the valve, the valve having a valve member movable between positions opening and closing the valve. The actuator comprises one or more shape memory alloy elements each being transformable from a martensitic to an austenitic state by applying heat energy to achieve an austenitic transformation. The one or more shape memory alloy elements are connected to the valve member such that austenitic transformation of the one or more shape memory alloy elements induces movement of the valve member from its closing position to its opening position.

Abstract: An improved flapper valve is disclosed comprising a housing, a flapper pivotally engaged to the housing, and an actuator slidingly engaged in the housing and adapted to make initial contact with the flapper at a seat end. The seat end is an area surrounding a point on a flapper bottom surface that is furthest from the location of pivotal engagement of the flapper and the housing but not in contact with the housing. The flapper closes at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the housing. The actuator is hollow and the interior of the actuator forms a through bore. In the closed position the flapper prevents fluid from the passing through the bore.

Abstract: A regulating valve assembly for regulating fluid flow through a passage, the assembly having: a back-flow valve comprising a seat and a closure element, wherein the closure element engages with the seat in a closed configuration and disengages from the seat in an open configuration; a lock in mechanical communication with the back-flow valve to lock the backflow valve in the open configuration; and a forward-flow valve in mechanical communication with the lock and comprising a seat and a closure element, wherein the closure element engages with the seat in a closed configuration and disengages from the seat in an open configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) and a method to prevent undesired objects (not shown) when communication conduit (not shown) is disposed therethrough. The apparatus (100) and method include a flapper assembly (150) to selectively open and close when objects (not shown) larger than the communications conduit (not shown) are desired to pass therethrough.

Abstract: System and method for cementing through a safety valve. A system includes a flow passage, closure mechanism, opening prong repeatedly displaceable to thereby repeatedly operate the closure mechanism open and closed, and a latching device initially maintaining the opening prong positioned isolating the closure mechanism from the flow passage, and releasing the latching device permits the opening prong to open and close the closure mechanism while it is exposed to the flow passage. A method includes the steps of: latching an opening prong so that a closure mechanism is open and is isolated from a flow passage; releasing the opening prong so that the closure mechanism is closed and is exposed to the flow passage; and displacing the opening prong to a position in which the closure mechanism is open and is exposed to the flow passage.

Abstract: A system for completing a well bore, comprises, a string having a housing having an inner diameter, the housing defining an inner channel, a valve seat having an inner diameter coupled to the housing, a flapper pivotally coupled to the valve seat, the flapper configured to move from a first open position to a second closed position; and a sleeve positioned in the inner channel of the valve seat and configured to retain the flapper in the first open position. The flapper has an arcuate orientation that is generally concentric with the housing when the flapper is in the first open position, the flapper isolates a region of the inner channel of the housing below the flapper from a region of the inner channel of the housing above the flapper when the flapper is in a closed position, and the flapper may move to the second closed position when the sleeve is withdrawn from the inner channel of the valve seat.

Abstract: A gas lift valve has a flow restrictor, a valve part on one side of the flow restrictor, a flow deflector and a tubular member on another side of the flow restrictor, and a flapper valve on the side of the flow restrictor where the tubular member is located, the flapper valve being adjacent to the tubular member. When fluid flows into the gas lift valve at sufficient pressure, the valve part opens, the fluid flows through the flow restrictor and acts on the flow diverter thereby moving the tubular member and opening the flapper valve. The tubular member extends though the opening the flapper valve covered.

Abstract: A wellbore valve includes a valve operator arranged to move axially along an interior of the wellbore, the valve operator arranged to operate a valve. A valve actuator is disposed proximate the valve operator. The valve actuator is arranged to move from one longitudinal position to another. A linear magnetic gear is coupled at an input element thereof to the valve actuator. The gear is coupled at an output element thereof to the valve operator such that motion of the valve actuator is transferred to the valve operator.

Abstract: A subsurface safety valve features no flow tube to operate the flapper and optionally an equalizing valve in the flapper, if used. It relies on magnetic force that is selectively created to draw the flapper to the open position. A torsion spring can close the valve when the field is removed. Optionally, the fields can be set up to pull and push the flapper open or to do either one. The optional equalizer valve can also be operated by a force field, preferably magnetic.

Abstract: A control system for a subsurface safety valve features a control line from the surface leading to one side of an operating piston. The operating piston is exposed to tubing pressure and is in pressure balance from tubing pressure. The opposite end of the operating piston is exposed to a chamber in the housing of the subsurface safety valve and that chamber is open through a port to the surrounding annulus. The operating piston is coupled to the flow tube and a power spring so that pressure in the control line shifts the operating piston and the flow tube against the power spring to rotate the flapper open. Provisions for fail closed mode if certain seals fail are also made though a passage extending from between seals near the upper end of the operating piston to the chamber open to the annulus.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for injecting lift gas or other fluid into a production conduit of an oil well via one or more wear resistant downhole gas lift flow control devices which each comprise: a tubular valve housing (1) comprising a flow passage (2) having an upstream end (9) which is connected to a lift gas supply conduit and a downstream end (10) which is connected to the interior of the production conduit; a flapper type valve body (3) which is pivotally connected to the valve housing (1) and is arranged in the flow passage (2) such that if the valve body is pivoted in the open position the valve body is oriented substantially parallel to the flow passage and that if the valve body is pivoted in the closed position the valve body is oriented substantially perpendicular to the flow passage and is pressed against a ring shaped valve seat (4), thereby blocking passage of lift gas through the flow passage (2); a valve protection sleeve (5) which is slidably arranged in the flow passage (2) between a first posi

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to controlling the flow of fluids in a wellbore. In one aspect, a valve for selectively closing a flow path through a wellbore in a first direction is provided. The valve includes a body and a piston surface formable across the flow path in the first direction. The piston surface is formed at an end of a shiftable member annularly disposed in the body. The valve further includes a flapper member, the flapper member closable to seal the flow path when the shiftable member moves from a first position to a second position due to fluid flow acting on the piston surface. In another aspect, a valve for selectively closing a flow path through a wellbore in a single direction is provided. In yet another aspect, a method for selectively closing a flow path through a wellbore in a first direction is provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for utilizing a downhole deployment valve (DDV) to isolate a pressure in a portion of a bore are disclosed. The DDV system can include fail safe features such as selectively extendable attenuation members for decreasing a falling object's impact, a normally open back-up valve member for actuation upon failure of a primary valve member, or a locking member to lock a valve member closed and enable disposal of a shock attenuating material on the valve member. Actuation of the DDV system can be electrically operated and can be self contained to operate automatically downhole without requiring control lines to the surface. Additionally, the actuation of the DDV can be based on a pressure supplied to an annulus.

Abstract: The circulation tool 10 for use downhole in a well includes a housing 22 having one or more bypass ports 52 for circulation between a bore 33 in the housing and an annulus surrounding the housing. Sleeve 50 is axially movable within the housing, and axially spaced seals 36, 56 seal between the sleeve and the housing when the sleeve is in the closed position. A flapper 84 is pivotally mounted to the sleeve, and includes a seat about a central bore 85 in the flapper for engagement with the plug. A stop 40 prevents pivoting of the flapper to an open position until the sleeve has moved axially and the seals seal between the sleeve and the housing.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for actuation of downhole tools. In one example, a deep set safety valve uses a magnetic coupling which permits a portion of the safety valve at control line pressure to be isolated from tubing string internal pressure, without requiring the use of a dynamic seal therebetween. A piston of the safety valve may be displaced in response to a differential between control line pressure and pressure in an annulus surrounding the tubing string, pressure in another control line, or pressure in the tubing string. Other types of well tools may benefit from actuation using principles of the invention.

Abstract: A protection system for an artificial lift device including but not limited to electrical submersible pump (ESP) and an electrical submersible progressing cavity pup (ESPCP). The artificial lift device is suspended on a tubing string into a wellbore where the artificial lift device contacts well fluids. The artificial lift device is provided with a barrier such as an intake barrier or output barrier that deters an ingress of well fluids into the artificial lift device. As a result, the artificial lift device may remain idle and submerged within well fluids for an extended period of time without experiencing degradation of the artificial lift device internals. The intake barrier may include a plug, burst disk, dissolvable material, a selectively openable barrier such as a sleeve or a spring biased member or other member that is capable of providing a suitable barrier. The barrier may be removed once the artificial lift device is ready for operation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a downhole valve. The downhole valve includes, a flapper seat, a flapper sealable against the flapper seat, a spring housing in axial alignment with the flapper seat and a metal-to-metal seal disposed between the flapper seat and the spring housing. The metal-to-metal seal is sealable to both the flapper seat and the spring housing when in an energized position. Additionally, the metal-to-metal seal is a separate component from both the flapper seat and the spring housing.