초록 ▼

A downhole safety valve for a subterranean well comprises an axially shiftable valve head which is movable between open and closed positions by an actuating member. The actuating member is axially shifted by a device mechanism which is manipulated by an electric motor. The electric motor is preferab

A downhole safety valve for a subterranean well comprises an axially shiftable valve head which is movable between open and closed positions by an actuating member. The actuating member is axially shifted by a device mechanism which is manipulated by an electric motor. The electric motor is preferably actuated by downhole batteries and the energization and de-energization of the electric motor is preferably controlled from the well surface by electromagnetic waves. A locking mechanism engages the actuating member of the safety valve in its open position through the energization of an electric solenoid, also preferably controlled from the well surface by electromagnetic waves.

대표청구항 ▼

Apparatus for shifting a downhole tool axially shiftably mounted in a subterranean well conduit for movement between an initial and a second position comprising, in combination: an axially extending actuator connected at one end to said downhole tool; resilient means opposing axial movement of said

Apparatus for shifting a downhole tool axially shiftably mounted in a subterranean well conduit for movement between an initial and a second position comprising, in combination: an axially extending actuator connected at one end to said downhole tool; resilient means opposing axial movement of said actuator in the direction away from said initial position; peripheral abutment means on said actuator; shifting means disposed adjacent said actuator; an axial force transmitting member in operative engagement with said shifting means; means for mounting said force transmitting member for non-rotatable axial movement relative to said conduit; an electric motor fixedly mounted in said conduit; and threaded means rotatable by said electric motor and threadably engagable with said force transmitting member to axially shift said shifting means and said actuator in the direction opposed by said resilient means and thereby position the downhole tool in said second position. The method of axially shifting a downhole tool in a subterranean well from an initial position to a second position against the bias of a spring comprising the steps of: axially shifting the downhole tool to the second position by an electric motor driven gearing mechanism; supplying power to said electric motor from a downhole battery; latching the downhole tool in said second position by a solenoid shiftable latch energized by said downhole battery, whereby said downhole tool remains in said second position without energization of said electric motor; and selectively controlling the energization of said electric motor and said solenoid by electromagnetic wave signals transmitted through the earth.