Abstract: A system is disclosed which may alternatively be used as a diverter or as a blowout preventer for a drilling rig. The system comprises a blowout preventer attached above a spool having a hydraulically driven sleeve/piston. An outlet flow passage in the spool, which may be connected to a vent line, is closed off by the sleeve wall when the spool piston is at rest.Hydraulic ports are connected above and below the blowout preventer annular piston and above and below the spool annular piston. The ports below the blowout preventer piston and above the spool piston are in fluid communication with each other. A hydraulic circuit is provided having two valves between a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid and a drain.

Abstract: In accordance with illustrative embodiments disclosed herein, a formation testing tool suspended in a well on a pipe string includes a valve actuator control system which responds to a command signal having a certain signature. The command signal is applied at the surface to the well annulus, and includes a series of two or more low level pressure pulses which are detected at the downhole tool, each pressure pulse having, for example, a certain peak value which lasts for a certain time. On detection of the command signal, a control system within the testing tool permits selective application of hydrostatic pressure which forces the valve actuator to shift from one position to another, thereby to open or close an associated valve element.

Abstract: The tubing tester valve of the present invention comprises a tubular housing assembly having a downwardly closing, spring biased flapper valve disposed therein near the top thereof. A tubular mandrel assembly is disposed within the housing assembly below the flapper valve, and is secured to the housing assembly with shear pins. The tubing tester valve may be permanently opened through the application of annulus pressure from the rig floor to the annulus surrounding the pipe string, which pressure moves the mandrel assembly upward to rotate the flapper valve to an open position. In order to assure that the mandrel assembly does not retract downwardly, thus permitting the flapper valve to reclose, a spring biased locking means is provided to hold the mandrel assembly in its "up" position.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for periodically and automatically introducing fluid into a producing well through a tubing drain valve in the production tubing. The apparatus and method of the present invention employ a tubing drain valve actuated to its open position by pressurizing the interior of the production string. The system further includes apparatus for introducing a fluid, e.g., a paraffin solvent or formation treating chemical, into the production tubing and into the formation through the opened tubing drain valve. After completion of this operation, the tubing drain valve is closed and production resumed by a mechanical actuator, preferably an actuator carried by the sucker rods for operating the downhole pump. A control device, including optional monitoring devices, provides a system for introducing such fluids at periodic intervals.

Abstract: In accordance with illustrative embodiments of the present invention, a new and improved subsea test tree includes a hydraulically operable control unit and shut-in valve unit that are releasably latched together. The control unit includes an integral retainer valve system at the upper end thereof. The main shut-in valve, which is a ball valve, is a fail-close device under the influence of a spring and nitrogen pressure. Additional assistance in closing the valve may be provided if needed by hydraulic pressure applied to a surface control line. Internal pressure may be vented prior to unlatching the control unit in case of an emergency.

Abstract: Pressure operated circulation valve with releasable safety and method for operating the same. A valve mandrel slidably received within a housing is frangibly restrained in a lower position blocking a circulation port through the housing. An upper power mandrel is frangibly restrained in a lower position beneath the valve mandrel for moving the valve mandrel upwardly responsive to an increase in internal housing pressure. A safety mandrel is frangibly restrained beneath the upper power mandrel and blocks communication of internal housing pressure to the lower end of the upper power mandrel until the safety mandrel is moved upwardly responsive to an increase in annulus pressure. Thus, the circulation valve is opened by first raising the annulus pressure by a pre-determined amount and thereafter increasing internal housing pressure.

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: A lost-motion valve actuator which provides the ability to run a tool bore closure valve in a testing string into a well in an open mode, apply pressure to the well annulus surrounding the string without cycling the valve, thereafter reduce pressure, closing the valve subsequent to the initial pressure increase, and subsequently opening the valve with pressure increases and closing it with pressure decreases, thus permitting the tool bore closure valve to subsequently respond in a normal manner (open on pressure increase, close on pressure decrease) to pressure changes in the annulus subsequent to the first pressure increase/decrease cycle.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a valve housing adapted to be supported on a tubular member having a bore therein and a passage in the tubular member and the valve housing for communicating fluid from the interior of the tubular member to an inflatable element supported externally on the tubular member to inflate it. Disposed in the bore is a valve for controlling fluid flow from the interior of the tubular member through the bore to the inflatable element. The valve is restrained from moving responsive to a pressure differential between a higher pressure in an annulus surrounding the tubular member and a lower pressure in the bore, and the apparatus releases the valve for movement responsive to a lower pressure differential from a higher pressure from the interior of the tubular member and a lower pressure in the annulus for further movement to a further configuration responsive to a pressure differential between a higher pressure in the annulus and a lower pressure from the interior of the tubular member.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a tubing drain valve suitable for use in a borehole and a method for operating the disclosed valve. This device is particularly useful in a production pipe string where it provides a convenient apparatus and method for draining production fluid from the string in order to facilitate a variety of activities. More particularly, the present invention relates to a tubing drain valve actuated to its open position by a force developed across the working surfaces of a movable piston by the pressure in the interior of the production string and actuated to its closed position by a mechanical device. Preferably, the tubing drain valve of the present invention further comprises structure to bias the valve to its closed position and structure to bias the valve in its open position. The valve of the present invention is actuated by overcoming the appropriate biassing forces.

Abstract: An annulus access valve system having a plurality of valves installed in, and forming a part of, a drill string in a well bore whereby fluid may be pumped into the annulus through the valves individually or in combination as desired. Each valve has a valve body connected to the drill string in which defines a longitudinal opening therethrough and a transverse port therein interconnecting the longitudinal opening with the annulus. A longitudinally slidable valve seats on a replaceable valve seat defining a closed position of the transverse port in the valve. The valve sleeve is biased in the closed position by a spring. An actuator, uniquely sized for a specific valve in the drill string, is utilized to engage the valve sleeve and move it to an open position by hydraulic pressure applied thereabove so that fluids may be pumped down the drill string through the transverse port into the annulus. A flow control valve is positioned in the actuator so that some fluid may be directed therebelow as desired.

Abstract: A mud pulse telemetry system for imparting data pulses to drilling fluids circulating in a drill string including an improved valve arrangment for modulating the pressure of the circulating drilling fluid is disclosed. A rotary acting shear-type valve is arranged in a through conduit configuration so that the seat face of the valve is covered when the valve is in an open position, thus preventing impingement of abrasive fluid particles on the valve seat face during the open flow position of the valve. The rotatable gate is positively driven through an arc in opposite directions by rotary solenoids so that a gate aperture is moved into and out of axial alignment with the opening in the valve seat to generate the pressure pulse. The rotary solenoid valve also permits a tailoring of the force curve of the solenoid for maximum power in actuation of larger flow orifices. The larger flow orifice permits generation of pressure pulses of increased amplitude.

Abstract: A well surging system includes an elongated housing assembly having a central flow bore therethrough. Upper and lower independently operable ball valves are disposed in the housing assembly. Each of the ball valves is movable between a closed position and an open position. When the ball valves are in an initial closed position, a low pressure surge chamber is defined therebetween, which surge chamber is a portion of the flow bore. A packer is connected to the housing assembly for selectively sealing a well annulus between the housing assembly and a well bore so that a well zone below the packer can be surged. The upper and lower ball valves are actuated in response to increases in well annulus pressure through a differential piston arrangement. The lower ball valve is first opened, while the upper ball valve is maintained in a closed position, to allow well fluid from a well zone which is to be surged to surge upward through the flow bore past the opened lower ball valve into the surge chamber.

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 method of controlling the removal of flowable material from a well using a pump in the well which includes a housing having at least one aperture leading to an interior chamber within the housing so that flowable material from the well can enter the chamber and a pressure responsive valve for opening and closing the aperture. Gas is supplied under pressure through a conduit to the pump to close the valve to terminate entry of the flowable material into the chamber and to force the flowable material out of the pump. The flow of gas under pressure is then terminated, and gas from the conduit is vented. The venting is carried out during the time that the gas under pressure is supplied through the conduit to the pump and following the termination of the flow of gas to the pump to bleed gas under pressure from the conduit and the pump so that flowable material from the well can again enter the chamber.

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: 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: 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: A system is disclosed which may alternatively be used as a diverter or as a blowout preventer for a drilling rig. The system comprises a BOP attached above a spool having a hydraulically driven sleeve/piston. An outlet passage in the spool, which may be connected to a vent line, is closed off by the sleeve wall when the spool piston is at rest.Hydraulic ports are connected above and below the BOP annular piston and above and below the spool annular piston. The ports below the BOP piston and above the spool piston are in fluid communication with each other. A hydraulic circuit is provided having two valves between a source and a drain of pressurized hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A method and removable auxiliary lock open apparatus are provided for permanently locking open a flow control device, mounted in a conduit in a subterranean well, having a valve head reciprocally movable between open and closed positions relative to a valve seat, and a driving means mechanism which includes a locking sleeve for manipulating the flow control device into the open and closed positions. The removable apparatus includes a locking wedge, carried by and disengageable from a locking wedge carrier, and piston member which are extendable relative to the locking wedge carrier for forcing the locking wedge from the locking wedge carrier into a lock urging position on the sleeve of the flow control device.

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: 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. The retarding device is an annular floating shoe having a large number of O-rings frictionally engaging inner and outer tubular members of said housing.

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: 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: The invention relates to an improved subterranean well safety valve wherein an annular actuator is moved downwardly by applied fluid pressure to effect the opening movement of a valve head of a valve relative to an annular valve seat. The initial downward movement of the actuator effects the displacement of a valve stem which extends through a restricted aperture in the valve head, moving a ball valve segment on the valve stem from a seat in the aperture, thus permitting the bleeding of any fluid pressure differential existing on the lower side of the valve head relative to the upper side and reducing the amount of force required to move the valve to its open position. Additionally, in one embodiment, a locking sleeve is slidably mounted within the shiftable annular actuator and such sleeve is operable by an auxiliary tool to effect the radial shifting of locking elements carried by the actuator into locking engagement with the valve housing to achieve a temporary locking of the valve in an open position.

Abstract: A surface controlled subsurface safety valve having rotatable ball-type closure elements and disclosed the tubular operator assembly is sealed to be substantially pressure balanced with respect to well fluid pressures when the ball-type closure is in either the open or closed position. Such arrangement enables the valve to be opened at a moderate control fluid pressure level with a substantial well pressure differential across the closed ball. In the disclosed tubing retrieval embodiment, an enclosed hydraulic system is used to balance the tubular operation and offset the hydrostatic head of the control fluid to enable greater setting depth.

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 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 seal member of elastomeric material which is shaped to fit sealably within a recess of a flow diverter body. On the inside of the diverter body, a seal is effected against a slidable cylindrical valve sleeve. On the outside of the diverter body, a seal is effected against a permanent housing. The seal is constructed with an outer section having a generally circular opening, an inner section having an oblong opening and a connecting section between the outer and inner section having a bore therein connecting the circular opening with the oblong opening. A rigid support member embedded in the elastomeric material provides rigidity and strength to the seal member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic method and apparatus for the remote hydraulic control of a device connected to a hydraulic fluid source by means of at least one flexible line filled with hydraulic fluid.Hydraulic energy is accumulated in the flexible line by increasing the pressure of the hydraulic fluid in the line so that the line increases in volume. The pressure is maintained in the line so that the hydraulic energy thus accumulated by the expansive deformation of the line may be used rapidly to control the device.The invention finds particular application in the control of an underwater valve in the petroleum industry.

Abstract: A pressure actuated vent assembly for completing a slanted wellbore. The assembly is connected in series relationship within a tubing string at a location below a packer, and the packer elements are located between the casing and the tubing string, thereby dividing the casing annulus into an upper and lower annular area. The vent assembly includes a ported sliding sleeve which is slidably received about a ported main body member. The sleeve is held into position by a shear pin. Guide pins maintain the ports of the sleeve and main body member aligned with one another. When pressure is applied to the inside of the tubing, the sliding sleeve is forced to slide from an upper closed position, in a downward direction, where the sleeve locks into the opened position.

Abstract: An annulus pressure responsive tester valve including a pressure assisted isolation valve which includes a pressure differential metering cartridge to control the rate at which the isolation valve returns to the fluid pressure in the annulus between the wellbore and testing string thereby continuously controlling the rate of expansion the inert gas within the gas chamber and the attendant operation of the tester valve regardless of any temperature effect by cold fluids pumped therethrough.

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: 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 subsea test tree includes a body having a flow passage therethrough. A closure valve is movable between open and closed positions for opening and closing the flow passage. A signal receiver of the subsea test tree receives an acoustic command signal transmitted down a pipe string connecting the subsea test tree to a floating surface structure. An actuator is operably associated with the signal receiver and moves the closure valve to one of its open and closed positions in response to the acoustic command signal. Acoustic couplers are connected between adjacent pipe segments for aiding in the transmission of the acoustic signals across joints between pipe segments. A double sliding sleeve valve hydraulic connector connects fluid passages of an upper portion of the subsea test tree with fluid passages of a lower portion of the subsea test tree. A hydraulically powered latch connects and disconnects the upper and lower portions of the subsea test tree in response to the acoustic command signals.

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 method and apparatus especially adapted for use with an injection well in which a valve controlled H-member interconnects the two tubings of a two tubing installation and landing nipples are attached to the lower legs of the H-member to receive expendable fluid control means, such as standing valves, in which pressure applied to one tubing to create a pressure differential will move the valve controlling the interconnection between the H-members to open position to permit TFL operations to be carried out in the well and thereafter pressure exerted on a ball supported on the valve member of the control valve for the H-member closes the control valve, and the ball passes through the control valve. The fluid control members in the landing nipples may be ejected either before or after closing of the valve in the H-member.

Abstract: A hydraulic connector apparatus includes a first cylindrical tubular member having a first hydraulic port disposed in a radially outer surface thereof, and a second cylindrical tubular member having a second hydraulic port disposed in a radially inner surface thereof. A first cylindrical sliding sleeve valve is disposed about said first tubular member and movable relative to said first tubular member between open and closed positions wherein said first port is open and closed, respectively. A second cylindrical sliding sleeve valve is disposed within said radially inner surface of said second cylindrical tubular member and movable relative to said second tubular member between open and closed positions wherein said second port is open and closed, respectively.