초록 ▼

Disclosed is a method of utilizing an apparatus for effecting operation of valve closure element in a subsurface safety valve. Preferably, a ball-type closure element is at least partially spaced from sealing engagement with a valve seat for equalizing well pressure about the ball closure element an

Disclosed is a method of utilizing an apparatus for effecting operation of valve closure element in a subsurface safety valve. Preferably, a ball-type closure element is at least partially spaced from sealing engagement with a valve seat for equalizing well pressure about the ball closure element and minimizing frictional resistance of the ball element to operating rotation prior to effecting rotation of the ball element about a pair of substantial fixed ball element support members concentrically engaging the ball element on opposite sides thereof. Rotating cams move a lower seat from the ball element in response to initial reciprocating movement of the valve operator prior to effecting partial spacing and rotating open the ball element.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of operating open a closed subsurface safety valve having a shiftable flow closure element disposed within a valve housing and engageable with a first and second seat carried by the valve housing for controlling flow of well fluids through a well tubing at a subsurface location in a well, i

A method of operating open a closed subsurface safety valve having a shiftable flow closure element disposed within a valve housing and engageable with a first and second seat carried by the valve housing for controlling flow of well fluids through a well tubing at a subsurface location in a well, including the steps of: spacing a first seat from engagement with the flow closure element; moving the flow closure element sufficiently to effect partially disengagement of the second seat to enable flow of well fluids between the second seat and flow closure element; equalizing the well fluid pressure about the flow closure element sufficiently by flowing well fluids about the closure element between the spaced seats to minimize any differential in well fluid pressure across the flow closure element; and shifting the flow closure element about a substantially fixed axis relative to the valve housing to enable flow of well fluids through the safety valve and well tubing. A subsurface safety valve apparatus for controlling flow of well fluids through a well tubing at a subsurface location in a well, including: a valve housing adapted to be mounted with the well tubing, said valve housing having a passageway formed therethrough for enabling flow of well fluids through said valve housing; a flow closure element mounted with said valve housing disposed in said passageway for movement to and from an open position for enabling flow of well fluids through said passageway and a closed position for blocking flow of well fluids; through said passageway; seat means adjacent said flow closure element for sealing with said flow closure element to block passage of well fluids therebetween when in sealing engagement with said flow closure element and for enabling passage of well fluids therebetween when said flow closure element and said seat means are out of sealing engagement therewiith; and operator means movably disposed in said passageway and operably connected with said flow closure element for effecting operation of said flow closure element to and from the open and closed position; said operator means partially spacing said seat means and said flow closure element to enable equalization of well fluid pressure about said flow closure element when moving said flow closure element from the closed position to the open position wherein any differential in well fluid pressure across the flow closure element is eliminated.