초록 ▼

A pilot valve system for a subsurface safety valve operated by control fluid pressure from the surface including a pilot valve connected with the control fluid line to the subsurface safety valve and into the well production string immediately above the safety valve to bypass the control fluid press

A pilot valve system for a subsurface safety valve operated by control fluid pressure from the surface including a pilot valve connected with the control fluid line to the subsurface safety valve and into the well production string immediately above the safety valve to bypass the control fluid pressure directly into the tubing string and dump the control fluid pressure from the subsurface safety valve into the tubing string directly above the valve to minimize the time delay between control fluid pressure reduction and the safety valve closure. Three embodiments of the pilot valve are disclosed. One embodiment is operable by electrical energy from the surface. The other embodiments are operable by acoustic energy and radio waves, respectively. Also disclosed is a minimum backlash latch assembly for releasably locking the pilot valve, or other well tools, along a well bore in a receptacle such as a side pocket mandrel.

대표청구항 ▼

A pilot valve for operating a subsurface safety valve installed in a well production string comprising: a pilot valve housing; locking assembly means connected with said housing for releasably locking said housing in a receptacle along said production string near said subsurface safety valve; first

A pilot valve for operating a subsurface safety valve installed in a well production string comprising: a pilot valve housing; locking assembly means connected with said housing for releasably locking said housing in a receptacle along said production string near said subsurface safety valve; first flow passage means in said housing for flow connection with a surface control fluid line extending to said subsurface safety valve; port means in said housing for communication with said production string above said subsurface safety valve; second flow passage means in said housing in communication with said port means; a flow control valve in said housing between said first and second flow passage means; an electrical valve operator in said housing connected with said flow control valve for opening and closing said flow control valve independently of said surface controlled fluid line to said subsurface valve; and electrical conducting means connected with said valve operator for supplying electrical power to said valve operator.