Abstract: A method for temporarily locking open a safety valve, including displacing a flow tube comprising a shape memory material into interfering relationship with a flapper of the safety valve, thereby opening the flapper, disposing a dimpling tool in the flow tube, dimpling the flow tube, and applying a change signature to the shape memory material to remove the dimple, and return function to the flow tube. A safety valve with temporary lock open construction including a housing, a flapper articulated to the housing, and a flow tube including a shape memory material disposed in the housing and movable to a position where the flapper is closable and a position where the flapper is open. A wellbore system, including a borehole in a subsurface formation, a string in the borehole, and a safety valve disposed within or as a part of the string.

Abstract: A mechanism for setting a packer comprises a piston disposed within a port of a packer mandrel, wherein the port comprises a seat operable to receive the piston. The mechanism further comprises a first chamber disposed at a first end of the piston, wherein the first chamber is sealed and comprises atmospheric pressure. The mechanism further comprises a spring disposed at a second end of the piston. The mechanism further comprises a second chamber disposed at the second end of the piston, wherein the second chamber comprises atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A fully electric downhole safety tool comprising a valve for flow blockage in oil and gas wells completion operations under emergency conditions is described. Valve comprises an actuation array constituted by a hollow shaft motor, nut, spindle and sliding sleeve, so that upon starting, the opening movement of said array compresses a valve closure spring and places the flapper sealing in the open position, enabling communication to occur between zones and fluid to flow. To close the valve, as soon as the electrical supply is ceased, the string relaxes, the sliding sleeve, under spring force, returns as is the case for the whole of the actuation array, and flapper sealing is exposed to the flow so that valve returns to the closed position, physically blocking the flow.

Abstract: A safety valve may include: an outer housing comprising a central bore extending axially through the outer housing; a flow tube including: a translating sleeve; and a flow tube main body disposed within the translating sleeve, wherein the flow tube main body has an upper end and a lower end; a piston operable to transmit a force to the translating sleeve; a flapper valve disposed on a distal end of the outer housing; and an electromagnet assembly operable to maintain the safety valve in an open state.

Abstract: A valve-type electric tool for downhole flow control using a holo-shaft motor. Said valve comprises: a housing provided with an infinitely variable choke where in seals work as gaskets both the outside and inside of the valve; a hollow-shaft servomotor inside said housing attached to a nut, and, additionally, when said motor is activated, the motor directly moves a sliding sleeve provided with an infinitely variable choke axis-wise said valve; and in which the movement of said motor is generated by of a spindle, created on the very same said sliding sleeve, and in which said valve is operated from the surface by a single electric cable.

Abstract: The present disclosure belongs to the field of petroleum engineering, in particular to a fully-electrically driven downhole safety valve. The fully-electrically driven downhole safety valve comprises a downhole safety valve mechanism and a downhole safety valve control system; wherein the downhole safety valve mechanism includes an electronic cabin module, a transmission control module, a motion conversion module, a magnetic coupling and spring module. and a valve module; the downhole safety valve control system includes a downhole comprehensive unit and an uphole comprehensive unit.

Abstract: A surface-controlled wireline-retrievable safety valve includes a seat housing having a plurality of flow ports that is configured to house a hard seat. A closure device has a plurality of equalization ports, is disposed within the seat housing, and is configured to controllably move off the hard seat and expose the plurality of flow ports to a central lumen of the safety valve under hydraulic actuation. A power piston having a shoulder portion includes a top end that is attached to the closure device and the shoulder portion is disposed within a hydraulic chamber housing forming a differential area. A hydraulic actuation port may be configured to receive hydraulic actuation fluid from a surface pump. A hydraulic passage may be configured to convey the hydraulic actuation fluid from the hydraulic actuation port to the differential area via a hydraulic access port.

Abstract: A subsurface safety valve system for a wellbore is described. The system can include a tubular housing disposed within the wellbore having a cavity running in a longitudinal direction therethrough. The system can also include an electromagnetic device configured to receive electric power to create a magnetic field, and a flapper operative to open and close the cavity in response to the electric power received by the electromagnetic device. The flapper may open in response to the electric power exceeding a first electric power value and remain open in response to the electric power exceeding a second electric power value which is lower than the first electric power value.

Abstract: A technique provides an actuation system employed to actuate a tool, such as a downhole tool. The tool is actuated by an actuator element, e.g. a ball, which is selectively releasable from a remote location for interaction with the tool. A carrier is used to hold the actuator element at the remote location until its desired release for interaction with the tool. The carrier may comprise an electro-mechanical actuator mechanism positioned to control release of the actuator element upon receipt of an appropriate control signal.

Abstract: A completion apparatus for completing a wellbore includes a tool to alternatively open and close a throughbore; a tool to alternatively open and close an annulus between the outer surface of the completion and the inner surface of the wellbore; a tool to alternatively provide and prevent a fluid circulation route from the throughbore of the completion to the annulus; and at least one signal receiver and processing tool capable of decoding signals received. The apparatus is run into the well bore, the throughbore is closed and the fluid pressure in the tubing is increased to pressure test the completion; the annulus is closed and a fluid circulation route is provided from the throughbore to the annulus and fluid is circulated through the production tubing into the annulus and back to surface. The fluid circulation route is then closed and the throughbore is opened.

Abstract: Certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention are directed to a subsurface safety valve disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The subsurface safety valve can include a closure mechanism. In some embodiments, the subsurface safety valve can be coupled with an electric submersible pump. The subsurface safety valve coupled to the electric submersible pump can be positioned in a passageway defined by a tubing string via a power cable coupled to the electric submersible pump. In some embodiments, the subsurface safety valve can include at least one terminal. The at least one terminal can form an electrical connection between the subsurface safety valve and the electric submersible pump. The subsurface safety valve can receive power from the electric submersible pump via the electrical connection.

Abstract: A remote actuation tool equipped with an intermediate volumetric mechanism for enhanced tool durability in high pressure differential downhole environments. Valve segments of the tool are actuated by power available due to a pressure differential between atmospheric and hydrostatic chambers of the tool. Yet, the intermediate volumetric mechanism, whether in the form of a discrete chamber or a hydraulic line system, minimizes stresses of the differential pressure on tool hydraulics. Thus, failure rates are substantially reduced. So, for example, the tool may be reliably employed in downhole environments which present differential pressures in excess of about 30,000 PSI.

Abstract: A production sleeve assembly for use in a wellbore comprises a wellbore tubular, a plurality of fluid pathways configured to provide fluid communication within the downhole component, a plurality of electronic actuators configured to selectively provide fluid communication through one or more of the plurality of fluid pathways, and at least one sensor coupled to the plurality of electronic actuators. One or more of the plurality of electronic actuators are configured to selectively actuate to allow or prevent fluid flow through a corresponding fluid pathway of the plurality of fluid pathways in response to the at least one sensor receiving a suitable signal.

Abstract: Complete drive system, called motor-drive unit, for use in remote locations with limited radial space like downhole, narrow tunnels, pipelines and other applications with similar conditions. Given the spatial limitations the unit must have elongated shape. It includes a number of motors connected mechanically in series and a lower number of inverters, driving groups of the motors so that load is equally distributed along axis of the unit. Motors within each group can be electrically connected in series or in parallel. The motor-drive unit is supposed to be fed by DC voltage via a cable with length up to several km; therefore, it includes a buck converter for stabilization of voltage inside the unit and a power-line communication module to be controllable from the surface.

Abstract: A thermo-hydraulically actuated valve including a housing; a closure member capable of preventing and permitting fluid flow through the housing. An actuation fluid chamber disposed at the housing and sealed from an external environment. A motive force transmitter in force transmissive communication with the closure member. The transmitter being in fluid communication with the actuation fluid chamber; and a heating element in thermal communication with the actuation fluid chamber. The valve being devoid of a dynamic seal between an area of the valve to be contacted by a managed fluid within the valve and an environment outside of the valve.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting mud pulse signals in a downhole environment may utilize a shape memory alloy. In one embodiment, a mud pulser system includes a valve; a wire comprising shape memory alloy (SMA), and operable to have a first shape at a first temperature and a second shape at a second temperature; a thermal energy source to heat the wire from the first temperature to the second temperature; and a valve poppet coupled to the wire, wherein the valve poppet is extended to close the valve when the wire is in the first shape and wherein the valve poppet is retracted to open the valve when the wire is in the second shape.

Abstract: A linear actuation apparatus for controlling fluid flow comprises a tubular manifold for conducting fluid through a portion, and a shaft supported for reciprocal axial movement within the manifold. A valve seat is supported within the manifold in substantial alignment with the shaft, and a valve closure element is carried by the shaft for reciprocal axial movement between a closed and an opened position. A magnetic element is also carried by the shaft for reciprocal axial movement therewith. A pair of springs are carried on opposing sides of the magnetic element wherein one spring is compressed and applies an axial force to the shaft when the shaft is moved from a neutral position. A compound magnet, carried by the manifold, applies an axial force to the magnetic element that together with the axial force of the spring(s) and fluid pressure control movement of the shaft and the valve closure.

Abstract: A tool that is usable with a well includes a tool operator and a linear induction motor, which actuates the tool operator.

Abstract: A method of operating a valve can include installing an electrical actuator in a flow passage extending longitudinally through the valve, and operating a closure assembly in response to electrical power being supplied to the electrical actuator. An outer safety valve can include a closure assembly which selectively permits and prevents flow through a longitudinal flow passage, and at least one electrical connector which electrically connects to an insert safety valve positioned in the flow passage. A method of operating an outer safety valve in a subterranean well can include installing an insert safety valve in the safety valve, and operating the insert safety valve with electrical current flowing from the safety valve to the insert safety valve.

Abstract: Surface controlled subsurface control valves for use in wells and methods of controlling the same. In one embodiment, a valve includes a valve body, a bore closure assembly, a mechanical linkage, a drive assembly, and a control assembly. The valve body defines a bore for fluid to flow through when the bore closure assembly is in an open position. When the bore closure assembly is in its closed position, the bore closure assembly prevents fluid from flowing through the bore. The mechanical linkage is operatively connected to the bore closure assembly and to the drive assembly. The primary control assembly determines a force to apply to the mechanical linkage based on a present operating condition of the valve and causes the drive assembly to apply the determined force to the mechanical linkage. As a result, the mechanical linkage drives the bore closure assembly.

Abstract: An actuator and counterbalance system including a nonmobile carrier; a mobile carrier, mobile relative to the non mobile carrier; and a counterbalance system in operable communication with the mobile carrier and configured to counterbalance less than 100 percent of a return force of a tool actuated by the actuator and method.

Abstract: A downhole valve apparatus including a force transmitter configured to move in an axial direction and a valve actuator configured to move in an axial direction. The valve actuator is independently movable relative to the force transmitter and physically isolated from the force transmitter. A first magnetic assembly is disposed at the force transmitter. A second magnetic assembly is disposed at the valve actuator. The first and second magnetic assemblies are configured to repel one another and cause the force transmitter to move the valve actuator when the force transmitter is moved toward the valve actuator.

Abstract: A method of transmitting power and/or data between downhole equipment and a surface through a circuit including an alternating current (AC) powered motor and its associated power cable for powering the downhole equipment is disclosed, where the data is transmitted at frequencies outside the normal operating ranges that are thought acceptable. Associated circuitry and apparatus for performing the method are disclosed.

Abstract: A downhole valve apparatus including a force transmitter configured to move in an axial direction and a valve actuator configured to move in an axial direction. The valve actuator is independently movable relative to the force transmitter and physically isolated from the force transmitter. A first magnetic assembly is disposed at the force transmitter. A second magnetic assembly is disposed at the valve actuator. The first and second magnetic assemblies are configured to repel one another and cause the force transmitter to move the valve actuator when the force transmitter is moved toward the valve actuator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety device for an oil well and to the associated safety installation. The inventive device comprises a valve housing (40) which defines a fluid flow passage (52). The aforementioned housing (40) comprises a valve (48) which is used to seal the passage and which can move between an open position and a closed position and means for permanently biasing the valve towards the closed position thereof. The housing (40) also comprises releasable means (54) for connecting same to a working line with tubing that is intended to move the housing (40) in the conduit. In addition, the device comprises retractable means (42) for supporting the valve (58) in the open position and hydraulic means (44, 46) for actuating the support means (42) in order to activate same upon reception of a valve open control signal. The aforementioned support means (42) and actuation means (44, 46) are solidly connected to the housing (40) such that they can be moved simultaneously under the control of the line.

Abstract: A method of producing fluids from a wellbore that has therein n adjustable flow control device for controlling flow of fluid between a formation and the wellbore may include: providing a tool having a sensor configured to provide measurements relating to a downhole property of interest, wherein the tool is configured to adjust flow from the flow control device; conveying the tool into the wellbore; determining the property of interest using the tool; and adjusting the flow through the flow control device with the tool at least in part in response to the determined parameter of interest. An apparatus for controlling fluid flow between a formation and a wellbore, according to one embodiment may include: a tool configured to be conveyed into a wellbore that contains at least one sensor for estimating a property of interest downhole and a latching device configured to couple to a flow control device in the wellbore to alter flow of the fluid through the flow control device.

Abstract: A tubing pressure insensitive actuator system includes a housing having a bore therein. A force transmitter is sealingly moveable within the bore, the force transmitter defining with the bore two fluid chambers. One of the fluid chambers is at each longitudinal end of the force transmitter. At least two seals are sealingly positioned between the housing and the force transmitter, with one of the seals isolating one end of the force transmitter from tubing pressure and another of the seals isolating another end of the force transmitter from tubing pressure. A method is also included.

Abstract: A technique is provided to facilitate fluid flow and pressure control in a well with an interventionless flow valve system. The valve system is coupled to a well component string deployed downhole in a wellbore. The valve system controls flow and pressure between an interior and exterior of the string and comprises a valve controlled by an activation device. The activation device is responsive to a unique pressure and time signal transmitted downhole.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for actuating a wellbore tool includes a body having a chamber in which a movable member is disposed. The movable member may connect to a selected wellbore tool. Within the chamber is a controllable fluid that substantially prevents relative movement between the body and the movable member when exposed to an applied magnetic field. A generator applies the magnetic field to the fluid and may change the applied magnetic field in response to a first control signal to release the movable member from the body. A driver displaces the movable member relative to the body once the movable member is released from the body.

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: A device for use in actuating a valve to control the flow of fluids through a flow tube comprises a stationary ring surrounding the flow tube, the ring having an inner diameter greater than an outer diameter of the flow tube. An interior of the ring and an exterior of the flow tube have complementary screw threads. At least three actuators are equally circumferentially spaced along an exterior of the ring. When activated an actuator induces a screw thread on the interior of the ring to engage a screw thread on the exterior of the flow tube such that the flow tube is moved in an axial direction relative to the ring.

Abstract: Methods and devices for utilizing an electrically-actuated wireline insert safety valve (WLSV) within a wellbore. Power is delivered to an electrically actuated WLSV to actuate the WLSV via inductive charging and without the use of wired contact.

Abstract: A downhole valve apparatus includes: a force transmitter configured to move in an axial direction; a valve actuator configured to move in an axial direction, the valve actuator independently movable relative to the force transmitter and physically isolated from the force transmitter; a first magnetic assembly disposed at the force transmitter; and a second magnetic assembly disposed at the valve actuator, the first and second magnetic assemblies configured to repel one another and cause the force transmitter to move the valve actuator when the force transmitter is moved toward the valve actuator.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating a downhole valve includes: a force transmitter configured to move in an axial direction and including at least one first magnetic assembly; a housing including at least one axially elongated passageway formed therein, the at least one first magnetic assembly configured to be disposed within the at least one axially elongated passageway; and a valve actuator configured to move in an axial direction and including at least one second magnetic assembly disposed at the valve actuator, the first and second magnetic assemblies configured to interact so that movement of the force transmitter in the axial direction causes movement of the valve actuator in the axial direction.

Abstract: A chemical injection system for controlling injection of an injection fluid from an injection fluid supply at a surface location into a production tubing assembly having an upper flow path, a first flow zone, and a second flow zone. The chemical injection system comprises a first fluid injection line configured to inject the injection fluid into the first flow zone and a second fluid injection line configured to inject the injection fluid into the second flow zone. A main fluid supply line is configured to fluidly connect both the first fluid injection line and the second fluid injection line to the injection fluid supply.

Abstract: A safety valve for use in well bore operations, for example, in cooperation with a progressive cavity pump or rodpump. One version of a safety valve (1) is designed for use with upper and lower conduits in the form of upper and lower pump rod strings (16, 18) located in wellbore production tubing (50). The safety valve comprises a housing (2) having a longitudinal bore (3) extending therethrough; a coupling member (14) for coupling the upper rod string to the lower rod string, the coupling member sealably mounted within the longitudinal bore; an annular flow passage (8) bypassing the coupling member; and a valve sleeve (23) located in the annular flow passage. In use, the valve sleeve is utilised to control flow of fluid through the flow passage bypassing the coupling member.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a flow of fluid in a well includes a flow control device and a generator that generates electrical energy in response to a flow of an electrically conductive fluid. The flow control device may include an actuator receiving electrical energy from the generator, and a valve operably coupled to the actuator. The actuator may be configured to operate after a preset value for induced voltage is generated by the generator. The generator may use a pair of electrodes positioned along a flow path of the electrically conductive fluid to generate electrical energy. In one arrangement, one or more elements positioned proximate to the electrodes generate a magnetic field along the flow path of the electrically conductive fluid that causes the electrodes to generate a voltage. In another arrangement, the electrodes create an electrochemical potential in response to contact with the electrically conductive fluid.

Abstract: A modular valve body includes, a tubular defining an inner bore extending longitudinally therethrough and the tubular has standardized fittings at both ends that are connectable to a drillstring or tubing. The body further has a first surface disposed at the tubular that is in fluidic communication with the inner bore by at least one port, the first surface is receptive to any one of a plurality of selectable modular valves mountable thereat, and a second surface disposed at the tubular is receptive to a circuit configurable to control the selected one of the plurality of selectable modular valves.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for conveying an electrically energized hydraulic pump into a wellbore surrounded by steel casing and thereafter using that hydraulic pump to pump oil, water and gas to the surface of the earth. The apparatus may be used as a well tractor conveyance system to service a perforated steel cased wellbore located in a geological formation that incorporates means to prevent any reverse fluid flow into the geological formation through any perforations in the steel cased wellbore during movement within the wellbore of the tractor conveyance means.

Abstract: A well tool for applying a pulling or a pushing force to an object in an interior of a well bore comprising: a) an inner member comprising a first elongated member, a second elongated member and an actuation means axially interconnecting the first elongated member and the second elongated member; b) an outer elongated member longitudinally moveably engaged with the inner member; c) a first seal defined between the first elongated member and the outer elongated member; d) a second seal defined between the second elongated member and the outer elongated member; e) a first piston area defined at a first end portion of the outer elongated member between an outer diameter of the outer elongated member and a sealed outer diameter of the first elongated member; f) a second piston area defined at a second end portion of the outer elongated member between the outer diameter of the outer elongated member and a sealed outer diameter of the second elongated member; and g) a sealed chamber defined between the first seal a

Abstract: A remotely-operated selective fracing system and valve. The valve comprises a casing with at least one casing hole; an inner sleeve nested within the casing and having at least one sleeve hole alignable with the at least one casing hole; actuator means engagable with the inner sleeve for moving the inner sleeve relative to the casing to selectively align the at least one sleeve hole with the at least one casing hole; and receiver means electrically connected to the actuator means and having a sensor for detecting a seismic or electromagnetic signal generated by a remote source. The system further includes source means for generating an acoustical signal receivable by the receiver means.

Abstract: A hydraulic control and actuation system for downhole tools. In a described embodiment, a hydraulic control and actuation system includes an internal chamber serving as a low pressure region and a well annulus serving as an energy source. A valve assembly provides selective fluid communication between alternating opposite sides of a piston and each of the energy source and low pressure region. Displacement of the piston operates a well tool. Operation of the valve assembly is controlled via telemetry between a remote location and an electronic circuit of the system.

Abstract: A modulator is disclosed for creating a pressure pulse in a fluid-filled well. The modulator comprises a tool body on which a plurality of extendable arms are mounted. The arms may be retracted into a stowed position substantially adjacent the tool body, or may be extended to meet the wall of the borehole. The arms are preferably resilient bowsprings that may be flexed outwards from the tool by means of an actuator pushing on at least one end of the springs. A flexible valve sleeve or bag is suspended between the arms and cooperates with a valve mounted adjacent the sleeve on the tool body. The valve sleeve creates a fluid-flow path through the valve, and in operation, the valve closes one end of the valve sleeve to create the pressure pulse. Sealing of the valve sleeve against the wall of the well is a result of the fluid pressure inflating the sleeve against the well wall. As a result, sealing takes place over an extended area of the bag and is dynamically responsive to changes in fluid flow or pressure.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a downhole tool string component has a first and second threaded end on a mandrel, the first threaded end attached to a first sleeve and the second threaded end attached to a second sleeve. An intermediate sleeve assembly is disposed circumferentially around the mandrel and intermediate the first and second threaded ends, and the intermediate sleeve assembly is primarily isolated from stress of the first or second sleeve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety device for an oil well and to the associated safety installation. The inventive device comprises a valve housing (40) which defines a fluid flow passage (52). The aforementioned housing (40) comprises a valve (48) which is used to seal the passage and which can move between an open position and a closed position and means for permanently biasing the valve towards the closed position thereof. The housing (40) also comprises releasable means (54) for connecting same to a working line with tubing that is intended to move the housing (40) in the conduit. In addition, the device comprises retractable means (42) for supporting the valve (58) in the open position and hydraulic means (44, 46) for actuating the support means (42) in order to activate same upon reception of a valve open control signal. The aforementioned support means (42) and actuation means (44, 46) are solidly connected to the housing (40) such that they can be moved simultaneously under the control of the line.

Abstract: A valve control system for a wellbore includes a fiber composite actuator functionally coupled to a valve operating member and means for controllably charging an interior of the actuator with fluid under pressure. A valve for a wellbore includes a valve stem and a valve seat associated with a valve body. The valve stem and valve seat are configured to enable fluid flow from an inlet port in the valve body to an outlet port in the valve body when the stem is moved from the seat. An axial contraction fiber composite actuator is functionally coupled to the valve stem. The valve includes means for controllably charging an interior of the actuator with fluid under pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a downhole tool actuation arrangement. The arrangement includes a housing having a chamber, at least one piston in operable communication with the chamber and at least one electrode exposed to the chamber. The electrodes are receptive to a power source. Further disclosed is a method for actuating a downhole tool. The method includes discharging a voltage source through at least one electrode to cause a pressure wave in a fluid surrounding the at least one electrode and moving at least one piston in response to the pressure wave.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a downhole tool. The downhole tool includes, a tubular, a tooth profile on the tubular, at least one first actuatable latch complementary to the tooth profile, at least one second actuatable latch complementary to the tooth profile that prevents movement of the tubular when actuated, and at least one actuator in operable communication with the at least one first actuatable latch such that actuation of the at least one actuator while the at least one first actuatable latch is actuated and the at least one second actuatable latch is nonactuated causes movement of the tubular.

Abstract: A well tool for applying a pulling or a pushing force to an object in an interior of a well bore comprising: a) a inner member comprising an first elongated member, a second elongated member and an actuation means axially interconnecting the first elongated member and the second elongated member; b) an outer elongated member longitudinally moveably engaged with the inner member; c) a first seal defined between the first elongated member and the outer elongated member; d) a second seal defined between the second elongated member and the outer elongated member; e) a first piston area defined at a first end portion of the outer elongated member between an outer diameter of the outer elongated member and a sealed outer diameter of the first elongated member; f) a second piston area defined at a second end portion of the outer elongated member between the outer diameter of the outer elongated member and a sealed outer diameter of the second elongated member; and g) a sealed chamber defined between the first seal a

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.