Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
~6(~9~,1
S~ GISII~ ?s~ P .I~ T~L:LATr{~N
This application is a division of copending Canadian
patent application Serial No. 382,054, ~iled July 20, 1981.
Abstract of the Disclosure
A submergible pump installation for wells comprising a
submergible pump assembly adapted to be landed in position
within the well bore for pumping well fluids to the surface,
together with a safety system for the well including a sub-
surface valve or valves for maintaining the well under control
as the pump is run into and removed from the well. At least
one subsurface valve of the system is hydraulically actuated
by the discharge pressure of the pump with the pressure fluid
being conducted to the valve by a conducting means located
exteriorly of the pump housing. The invention also contem-
plates the use of a novel poppet-type subsurface valve which
may be suitably pressure balanced so that it is capable of
being actuated by relatively low hydraulic control pressure
supplied by the pump.
This invention relates to new and useful improvements in
submergible pump installations for wells and more particu-
larly, to a safety system which maintains the well under
control as such installations are run into or removed from the
well. The invention also relates to a novel poppet-type
safety valve used in said safety system.
Background of the Invention
In the production of fluids from oil wells, it is general
practice to utilize submergible pumping equipment when the
subsurface formation pressure has fallen to a level at which
some flow of well liquids to the surface occurs but said
pressure is insufficient to bring the well liquids to the
surface at the desired product rate. One type of pumping unit
now in use is the submergible pump which is lowered into the
well and which operates beneath the surface of the liquid,
being powered by an electric motor.
Since formation pressure is adequate to produce some flow
to the surface without the pumping unit, it is necessary to
control the well and protect against blowout during the run-
ning in and removal of the pumping unit from the well. Such
control and protection of the well is accomplished with safety
systems which include various types of subsurface safety
valves. Most subsurface safety valves are designed to control
the fluid flow through a tubing string but in some instances
the safety valve controls fluid flow in the annulus formed
between the usual well casing and well tubing. This latter
type is frequently referred to as an "annular" or poppet~type
safety valve and one example of such valve is shown in U.S.
Patent 4,049,052.
Examples of nrior art submergible pump installations
inçluding safety systems which utilize subsurface safety
valves are disclosed in many prior patents and of particular
interest are the installations and safety systems shown in
prior U.S. Patent Nos. 3,853,430, 4,121,659, 4,128,127 and
4,134,453.
In certain of such prior systems, the main subsurface
safety valve is hydraulically controlled by the pump discharge
pressure so that when the pump is operating, the valve is
open; when pump operation ceases, the safety valve automati-
cally closes. Pressure communication between the pump and the
safety valve has heretofore been accomplished through the
housing or jacket of the pump and this has made it necessary
to physically connect the safety valve directly with the pump.
As a result, removal of the pump from the well also removes
the valve with the result that the well is left unprotected
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V9Sl
with no safety valve. Patents ~,13~,45~ and ~,128,1~7 illus-
trate this type of arrangement.
In order to provide some means of shutting the well in so
that the pumping equipment and safety valve may be removed,
the prior Patent 4,121,659 adds a second valve which is inde-
pendently mounted in the well tubing below the pump and the
hydraulically controlled safety valve. Although not phy-
sicaliy connected to the pump, this second or foot valve must
be opened during the pumping operation and opening is accom-
plished mechanically by means of a prong which extends down-
wardly from the pump-safety valve asser~ly. When such pump-
safety valve assembly is removed from the well, the prong
disengages the foot valve to permit its closure by spring
force. In this type of installation, the second or foot valve
is essential and since it is mechanically controlled, it must
be located relatively close to the pump unit.
Also in those prior systems which utilize the pump dis-
charge pressure for actuating the safety valve, the internal
passages which establish communication between the pump unit
and the safety valve are relatively small in volume and,
therefore, it becomes necessary to employ an accumulator in
order to provide sufficient liquid volume for developing
immediate pressure to open said safety valve. Such accumu-
lator, together with the structure required to conduct the
pressure from the pump, then through a swivel or articulated
joint, and finally to the safety valve, results in a complex
and expensive assembly.
Summary of the Invention
It is, therefore, one object of this invention to provide
a submergible pump installation having a safety system in-
cluding a subsurface safety valve which is not physically and
directly connected to the pumping unit and which is controlled
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by a hydraulic actuating pressure, wherebv the disadvantages
inherent in physically and directlv connecting the safety
valve with the pumping unit are eliminated.
Another object of the invention is to provide a submerg-
ible pump installation including a hydraulically controlled
subsurface safetv valve whe~ein the hydraulic pressure whicn
controls the valve is conducted to the valve from the exterior
of the well pipe or tubing in which the pump is installed to
thereby eliminate the complexity of conducting pressure to
said valve through the interior of the pump unit housing.
A further object is to provide a subsurface safety valve
for a submergible pump installation which is hydraulically
actuated, either by the discharge pressure of the pump or by a
pressure from some other source so that mechanical means is
not depended upon to operate the valve, thereby making it
possible to locate the valve at a substantial distance from
the pump unit.
Still another object is to provide a submergible pump in-
stallation including an improved "annular" or poppet-type sub-
surface safety valve (as distinguished from the usual ball or
flapper type valve) which is hydraulically actuated by suit-
able pressure either from the discharge side of the pump or
from an outside source, with said valve being capable of being
pressure-balanced to assure smooth and positive movement of
said valve upon the application of actuating pressures; the
valve being particularly adaptable for use where flow volumes
are relatively low.
A particular object is to provide an improved annular or
poppet-type subsurface safety valve for controlling the flow
of fluid being pumped by a submergible pump assembly, which
valve has means for equalizing pressures across said assembly
g~
to thereby facilitate running in and removal of the assembly
from the well.
A further object is to provide an improved poppet-type
valve whicn may be combined with the usual ball-type safety
valve, said poppet valve being so constructed that it func-
tions as an equali2ing means to equalize pressures across the
ball valve to facilitate operation o~ the ball valve with
lower control pressures.
An important ohject is to provide a safety system of ~he
character described, which permits a selection of primary and
secondary safety valves for use in the system and in accord-
ance with the particular well conditions, whereby only a
single safety valve or a number of safety valves, some hy-
draulically actuated and some mechanically operated, may be
used in the system.
Statement of the Invention
In accordance with this invention there is provided
in a safety system for a well, a subsurface safety valve
including, an elongate tubular valve body having an internal
annular valve seat in its bore, a tubular valve element within
the bore of the body, means for mounting said valve element
for sliding movement within the bore of the body from a first
position to a second position, said valve element having an
annular external valve seat adapted to engage and seal with
the internal valve seat in the body when the valve element is
: in said first position to close flow through the valve,
movement of the valve element to its second position disengag-
ing said valve seats of the valve element and the body and
permitting flow through the valve, resilient means urging the
valve element toward its first position, means for applying
hydraulic pressure to the valve element to urge the valve
element to its second position to permit flow through said
valve, means for supporting and loc`~in~ the val~e within a
well tubin~ in said well, and means on the valve body for
connecting a wireiine running tool theretQ whereby said safetv
valve may be lowered into a well pipe by said running tool,
and said last-named means also being engageable by a wireline
retrieving tool so that the safety valve may be removed from
the well pipe by said retrieving tool, and equalizing means
mounted in the tubular valve element for equalizing the
pressures interiorly and exteriorly of the valve body and
valve element when the subsurface valve is being run into and
removed from the well.
In accordance with this invention there is further
provided in a safety system for a well, a subsurface safety
valve including, an elongate tubular valve body having an
internal annular valve seat in its bore, a tubular valve
element within the bore of the body, means for mounting said
valve element for sliding movement within the bore of the body
from a first position to a second position, said valve element
having an annular external valve seat adapted to engage and
seal with the internal valve seat in th~ body when the valve
element is in said first position to close flow through the
valve, movement of the valve element to its second position
disengaging said valve seats of the valve element and the body
and permitting flow through the valve, resilient means urging
the valve element toward its first position, means for apply-
ing hydraulic pressure to the valve element to urge the valve
element to its second position to permit flow through said
valve, means for supporting and locking the valve within a
well tubing in said well, and means on the valve body for
connecting a wireline running tool thereto whereby said safety
valve may be lowered into a well pipe by said running tool,
and said last-named means also being engageable by a wireline
~g~
retrie~ing tool so that the safety valve may be removed from
~he well pipe by ~aid retrieving tool, a downwardly extending
val~e ho~lsing secured to the lower end of said first valve
body, a safety valve member carried by said housins and having
a straight-througn, flow passage adapted to be aligned with
the bore of said well tubing, and an actuating member slidable
in said housing and coacting with the valve member to open and
close the same.
In accordance with this invention there is further
provided in a safety system for a well, a subsurface safety
valve including, an elongate tubular valve body having an
internal annular valve seat in its bore, a tubular valve
element within the bore of the body, means for mounting said
valve element for sliding movement within the bore of the body
from a first position to a second position, said valve element
having an annular external valve seat adapted to engage and
seal with the internal valve seat in the body when the valve
element is in said first position to.close flow through the
valve, movement of the valve element to its second position
disengaging said valve seats of the valve element and the body
and permitting flow through the valve, resilient means urging
the valve element toward its first position, means for apply-
ing hydraulic pressure to the valve element to urge th,e valve
element to its second position to permit flow through said
valve, means for supporting and locking the valve within a
well tubing in said well, and means on the valve body for
connecting a wireline running tool thereto whereby said safety
valve may be lowered into a well pipe by said running tool,
and said last-named means also being engageable by a wireline
retrieving tool so that the safety valve may be removed from
the w~ll pipe by said retrieving tool, a downwardly extending
valve housing secured to the lower end of said first valve
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g~1
~dy, a ro,~table ~all-type valve mounted in said valve
hcusing, ~n ~-~nnl1lar ac~ua~ing member slidable in said housing
and ~oactinq with said ball-type valve to open and close the
same, and means on tlle tubular valve element adapted to engage
the upPer end of said actuating member after said valve
element moves from its first position, whereby movement of the
valve element to open position also moves the rotatable ball
valve to open position.
~rief Description of the Drawings
These and other objects and advantages of the present
invention are hereinafter set forth and explained with refer-
ence to the drawings wherein:
Figure 1 is a schematic view of a pump installation with
a hydraulically actuated ball type safety valve spaced below
the pump and actuated by pump discharge pressure through a
conductor located exteriorly of the well tubing in which the
pump is mounted;
Figure 2 is a similar view in which the annulus between
the well casing and the well tubing is utilized for conducting
pressure to the safety valve;
Figure 3 is a view, similar to Figure 1, wherein the
operating pressure is conducted to the safety valve from the
surface;
Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 1, and showing a
mechanically operated safety valve interposed between the pump
and the ball type valve;
Figure 5 is a schematic view substantially the same as
Figure 1, excepting that a poppet-type valve is substituted
for the ball type valve, with pump discharge pressure actuat-
ing said valve;
Figure 6 is a view substantially the same as Figure 5 but
showing the poppet-type valve combined with a ball type valve;
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~as~l
~ igure 7A is a quarter-section sectional view of the
upper portion of the poppet-type safety valve with said valve
in closed position;
Figure 7B is a continuation of Figure ?A showing the
lower portion of the valve with the valve in a c~osed posl-
tion;
Figure 7C is a view, similar to 7B, and illustrating the
valve in open position;
Figure 8 is a view, partlv in section and partly in ele-
1~ vation of the hydraulically actuated ball type valve which is
adapted to be connected to the lower portion of the poppet-
type valve sho~Jn in Figures 7A-7C;
Figure 9 is a quarter-section sectional view illustrating
the connection of a pressure balancing line to the poppet-type
valve of Figures 7A-7C;
Figure 10 is an enlarged sectional view of the valve
seats which seal off flow through the poppet valve when it is
in closed position;
Figure 11 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the com-
2 bination of the poppet valve of Figures 7A and 7B with the
ball tvpe valve shown in Figure 8, with specific details of
structure omitted for the sake of clarity; and
Figure 12 is a view similar to Figure 11 with the poppet
valve open to equalize pressures across the ball valve prior
to opening of the latter.
Description of the Preferred Embodiments
In the drawings (Figure 1) a pump installation and safety
system, constructed in accordance with the present invention
i5 schematically illustrated. The usual well tubing 10 ex- -
3 tends axially within the well casing 11 and conducts fluids
from the producing formation 12 upwardly to the surface. The
usual well packer 13 seals off the annular space between the
_g_
lo.~er portion Or the tubing and the well casing while a sur-
~ace control valve 14 controls flow ~rom the casing through a
side outlet 15. A similar side outlet 1~ extends from the
upper portion of the tubing and flow therethrough is con-
trolled by a surface valve 17. At the upper end of the
tubing, the usual blowout preventer 18 is mounted and arranged
to close off the upper end of the tubing.
The pump installation which is schematically shown in
Figure 1 includes an electric pump P which is suspended on a
cable C extending downwardly within the well tubing. The
electric pump may be of any construction and includes a pump
motor 20 which is directly connected with the cable C; the
cable is a suspenqion cable which has both weight supporting
and electrical power conducting capabilities.
For mounting the pump, motor and associated parts within
the tubing, a pump shoe 21 is connected in the tubing string
and is adapted to receive a lock and seal assemblv L. The
assembly L lands and locks within the shoe and both suspends
and seals the pump in position. The particular submergible
pump, the pump shoe 21 and the assembly L are all units which
are available on the market and are distributed b~ the REDA
Pump Division of TRW of Bartlesville, Oklahoma. The lower end
of the pump P is connected through a ball or flex joint 22
; with an accumulator chamber 23. The pump inlet 24 is at the
lower end of the pump and its outlet 25 is just above the pump
shoe. When the pump is operated, the well fluids are drawn
upwardly into the intake 24 and discharged through the dis-
charge ports 25 so that the liquid is pumped upwardly through
the tubing string in the usual manner. The accumulator 23 is
provided for the purpose of assuring that as soon as the pump
starts its operation, there is a sufficient liquid volume to
create a pressure at the discharge openings 25 of the pump.
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As will be e~plained, i~ is de~irable with the installation of
Figure 1 to provide such immediate pressure upon the pump
starting in operation.
Connected within the tubing string lQ a~ a Doint below
the pump P is a conventional landing nipple 26. Such conven-
tional nipple is well known in the art, one example of which
is a "Type R Otis Landing Nipple" manufactured by the Otis
Engineering Corporation of Dallas, Te~as. The particular
landing nipple illustrated has an internal pro-ile or groove
27 which is adapted to coact with locking dogs 28 provided on
a locking mandrel 29. The locklng mandrel may be of the types
identified as Types ~ and R, manufactured ~y the Otis Engi-
neering Corporation and are modified to the extent of provid-
ing an upper sealing ring 30 and a lower sealing ring 31.
When the locking mandrel is in position within the landing
nipple, the seals 30 and 31 are disposed above and below a
radial port 32 which extends through the wall of the landing
nipple 26. The lower end of an external conductor 33 has
connection with the port 32 and extends through the annular
space between the tubing 10 and casing 11 with its upper end
terminating in a connection with a port 34 formed in a collar
35 which is connected into the tubing string. The port 34 is
located adjacent and ~ust above the discharge end 25 of the
pump P so that when the pump is operating, the discharge
- pressure of said pump is conducted downwardly through line 33
and through port 32 to the locking mandrel 29.
The locking mandrel has the conventional safety valve S
secured thereto and depending therefrom. This safety valve,
as shown in Figure 4, includes a standard rotatable ball type
valve 36 which is actuated through a piston controlled by the
pressure in line 33. Since safety valves of this type are
well known, reference is made to the Otis wireline-retrievable
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safety val~res which are identified on page 5323 o~ the CO~IPOS-
ITE CATALOG, 1~ 1979 edition. The hydraulic pressure
generated on the discharge side of the pump P is transmitted
to the control piston OL safety valve 36 and functions to
aintain this valve in an open position as inaicated in Figure
1. When the pump discontinues operating, the pressure in line
33, conducted to the control piston of the valve 36, is
reduced so that a spring schematically shown at 37 in Figure 1
may rotate the valve to a closed position.
In the operation of the installation and the use of the
safety system, the pump shoe 21, the landing nipple 26 and the
ported collar 34 are connected in the tubing string. The con-
ductor 33 extending from the discharge side of the pump to the
landing nipple 26 is also connected to parts 32 and 34. The
tubing string is then run in the hole in the usual manner and
the packer 13 is properly set.
Thereafter, the locking mandrel having the hydraulically
actuated safety valve 36 connected therewith is landed and
locked in the landing- nipple 26 in the conventional manner.
The valve S is a normally closed ball safetv valve which is
opened by hydraulic pressure when such pressure is applied
through the conductor 33 which, as has been noted, is located
exteriorly of the well tubing.
The pump P and its associated parts are then lowered
downwardly within the well tubing until the lock and seal
assembly L enters and locks in and seals with the pump shoe
21. At this time, the safety valve S remains in its closed
position. After the pump P is in the position illustrated in
Figure 1, its operation may begin and its discharge pressure
will immediately act upon the safety valve S to open the ball
type valve 36. The ball valve thus responds to the discharge
pressure of the pump and so long as the pump is operating the
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~ ~65~g~1
valve will remain in its open position. When the pump is si~ut
down for any reason, the ball valve 3~, due ~o its design will
automatically clcse. Thus r the pump a~ld its associated parts
may be readily withdrawn from the well and the safety valve 36
will close to maintain the well in a s~u-t-in condition until
the pump is returned to its landed position in the pump shoe
and is again operated.
In prior installations the hydraulically actuated safety
valve was connec~ed physically and ~irectly to the lower end
of the pump assembly and the pressure necessary to open the
valve was conducted downwardlv through internal passages in
said assembly. This provided for a complex arrangement
because the pressure had to be conducted through the pump
housing as well as downwardly past the flex joint 22. Other
structures, such as that shown in Patent 4,121,659 separated
the landing nlpple and the safety valve from the pump but
required an actual, direct physical contact between the pump
assembly and the valve in order to open it. In this latter
case, the valve was mechanically operated by a depending prong
which, of course, limited the distance between the pump
assembly and the safety valve.
As will be readily seen from the foregoing description of
Figure 1, the distance between the safety valve S and the pump
P is subject to considerable variation. There are no passages
through the pump h~using or through any of the other parts of
the assembly for the purpose of conducting fluid pressure to
the safety valve S. Instead, the pressure fluid is conducted
downwardly to said safety valve through the conductor 33 which
is located exteriorly of the well tubing. It is therefore
possible to provide a hydraulically actuated safety valve
which responds to pump operation without providing a direct
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~9J~
ph~-sical conneclion be~we~n tlle salCety va}vP and the pump
assembly.
Referring next to Figure ~, this Figure illustrates a
slight modification to the assembly shown ir Figure 1. In-
stead of providing the exterior conductor 33 of Figure 1, the
structure is modified to omit the conductor 33 and the ported
collar 35. In place thereof, a second packer 13a is set
between the tubing 10 and the casing 11 at a polnt above the
discharge end 25 of the pump P. A collar 3~a having a plur-
ality of ports 35a establish a communication between the
interior of the tubing and the casing. The discharge pressure
from the pump may pass through these ports 35a and into the
annulus between the tubing and the casing and in the area
between the packers 13 and 13a. Obviously, this annular space
substitutes for the conduc~or 33 and transmits discharge
pressure from the pump to the port 32 in the landing nipple 26
of the safety valve S.
The operation of the form illustrated in Figure 2 will be
identical to that previously described with the only differ-
ence being that the annulus provides the communication betwee~
the pump discharge and the safety valve instead of the con-
ductor 33 shown in Figure 1. The safety valve S may be
located at any distance below the pump assembly and there is
no requirement that there be any type of direct physical
connection or contact between said valve and said pump assem-
bly.
There may be instances where it becomes desirable to
control the safety valve from the surface of the well and
Figure 3 illustrates such an installation. A surface con-
trolled manifold M is located at the surface and a conductor
33a extends from said manifold downwardly through the annulus
between tubing 10 and casing 11 to the port 31 which is
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39~
located in the landing nipple 26. In this instance, the
ported collar 34 is omitted since there is no need to conduct
pump discharge pressure to the safety valve S. The operation
of this installation is similar to that of 'he installations
in Figures 1 and ~ with the exception that the safety valve is
responsive, not to the discharge pressure of the pump, but to
the control pressure at the surface.
In certain installations, it may be desirable to provide
a second or back-up valve, commonly referred to as a foot
valve, in addition to the safety valve S. This would assure
that when the pumping assembly is out of the tubing and the
safety valve S is closed, any leak developed by such safety
valve would be prevented by the use of such foot valve. Such
installation is illustrated in Figure 4. As shown in this
Figure 4, the landing nipple 26 which coacts with the locking
mandrel 27 and ball valve 36 is spaced a greater distance
below the pump shoe 21 in which the pump P is landed. By
providing this additional space, it is possible to locate a
foot valve designated S-2 between the pump assembly P and the
first safety valve S. The foot valve includes a landing
nipple 38 which is connected in the tubing string 10. The
landing nipple 38 is adapted to receive a safety valve locking
mandrel 39 which provides a valve body and the foot valve of
this unit is a pivoted flapper valve 40. Flapper type safety
valves are in common use and are offered by several companies
including the Otis Engineering Corporation, with one example
of such valve being the Type QO valve which Otis offers to
industry. Since the flapper valve is spring closing, it is
constantly in a closed position and requires an actual mechan-
ical motion to move it to an open position.
The pumping unit assembly of Figure 4 is modified as com-
pared to the asse~bly of Figure 1 by adding a second flex
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9~
joint 22a below the accumulator ~3. ~elow said second fle~
joint is a perforated pipe 41 from which projects a depending
tubular prong 42 having inlet openings 43 at its lower end.
The spacing of the parts and particularly of the depend-
ing prong 42 on the pump assembly is such that when th~ pump
is landed and sealed in the pump shoe 21, said prong extends
downwardly through the bore of the valve body 39, engages the
pivoted flapper valve 40 and swings it to an open position as
shown in Figure 4. Thus, the positioning of the pump assemhly
within the pump shoe will properl~ locate the prong 42 and
swing the flapper valve to its open position.
The operation of the installation of Figure 4 is believed
to be obvious. Landing of the pump assembly in proper posi-
tion within the pump shoe swings the flapper 40 of the foot
valve to an open position and at this time the hydraulically
actuated safet~ valve S is in its closed position. However,
as soon as pump P begins to operate, the discharge pressure of
the pump is conducted downwardly through the line 33 and acts
upon safety valve S open the valve 36. Therefore, positioning
of the pump opens th~ flapper 40 of the foot valve S-2 and
pump operation develops the necessary pressure to open the
ball valve 36 so that liquids can be pumped to the surface.
When the pump stops operating, pressure on the lower safety
valve S is relieved and the ball valve 36 is returned to a
closed position. Removal of the pump assembly will remove the
depending prong 42 from the foot valve assembly S-2 and allow
the flapper 40 of the said valve to be swung by spring force
to its closed position. Thus when the pump is removed from
the well, the two valves close to assure that the well is
maintained under control.
It might be noted in connection with the assembly of
Figure 4 that two flex joints are shown and these are provided
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9~1
or ~he purpose o~ assuring that the pump assembly, which has
increased length because of the prong, can move downwardlv
through various cur~Jes or bends in the tubing.
In Figures 1 through 3, the particular sa'ety valve which
is schematically iliustrated is well known and in general use
and involves a rotating ball valve member. The rotating ball
safety valve is particularly adaptable for use under high flow
volume conditions and will he preferable in such environment.
However, flapper type or other type safety valves, such as
those described in U.S. Patent 3,273,588 may be substituted
for the ball type and will operate effectively without re-
quiring any direct physical connection with the pumping unit.
In some instances, as where flow volumes are low, an
annulus or poppet-type valve may be more desirable and one
such type of safety valve, SA, is shown in Figures 5, 7A, 7B,
7C and 10. As used herein, the terms "poppet-type valve~ or
"annulus valve" means a valve in which the closure is effected
by relative longitudinal movement of two tubular members, each
of which has a sealing surface engageable with the seaIing
surface of the other member.
The poppet-type valve is easily pressure kalanced so that
reduced control pressure is required to open the valve, as
compared to the ball type valve. Also, poppet valves are
particularly adaptable for use with an elastomeric to metal
seal because the engaging surfaces forming the seal move
longitudinally or axially with respect to each other to open
and close the valve. In the ball type valve, elastomeric
seals are subject to damage because of the rotative movement
of the ball as it moves from one position to the other.
Referring specifically to Figure 5, the pressure is con-
ducted to the poppet-type safety valve SA through the con-
ductor 33 whereby said valve is responsive to the discharge
9~1
~ressure de~eloped by pump P. As will appear more clearly
from the detailed description, the operation of the poppet
type safety valve has substantially the same basic operation
as all safety valves. It is open so long as there is pressure
applied to its piston element and it automatically closes when
such pressure is relieved.
In Figure 6, the annular valve SA is shown combined with
the rotatable ball type safety valve S-l to provide dual
safety valves when the pump assembly is removed. This com-
bination is capable o~ accommodating high flow rates which are
possible with a submergible pump~
In Figures 7A, 7B, 7C and 9, the poppet-type valve SA is
illustrated in detail. Referring to Figures 7A and 7B, the
usual type of landing nipple 50 comprises an elongate tubular
body which is connected by couplings 51 in the tubing string
10. Within the upper portion the bore of said landing nipple,
the usual profile of annular grooves 52 is formed for receiv-
ing the keys 52a of a locking mandrel LM. A suitable packing
assembly 52b is carried by the body of the locking mandrel and
seals with the bore of the landing nipple. Spaced below the
grooves 52, the bore of the landing nipple is formed-with an
internal annular shoulder 53 which reduces said bore as indi-
cated at 54. A second smaller shoulder 55 is formed in the
bore 54 and functions as a stop shoulder to properly locate
the valve and its locking mandrel within the landing nipple.
The body 50 of the landing nipple is formed with an
angular inlet port 56 which communicates with the bore of the
body at a point above the upper shoulder 53. The outer por-
tion of the port 56 has connection with the conductor 33 which
conducts the pressure into the bore of the landing nipple and
as will be explained, into the valve for actuation of said
valve.
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T.l~ e is o ~h~ ponpet type, as ~is~inguished frc~ a
~otating ball t~e and is adap~ed to be lowered into t~e well
and re~oved therefrom by the locking mandrel L21. The upper
end of the valve is connected to tne lower por~ion of the
tubuiar body of the locking mandrel by a coupling C-l. The
mandrel is run on the usual wireline equipment which is com-
monly used and well known in the well industry.
As shown in Figures 7A, 7B, and 7C, the valve comprises
an outer main valve section V-l and an inner valve section
V-2. The outer valve section includes a tubular body having a
cylinder 57 at is upper end, with the bore of the cylinder
being enlarged with respect to the bore through the upper
portion of the valve body to provide an upwardly facing shoul-
der 58. The upper end of the cylinder 57 is connected through
the coupling C-1 with the body of the locking mandrel LM and
has a radial port 62 (Figure 7A) which communicates through
the angular port 56 with the conductor 33, whereby actuating
pressure may be introduced into the upper end of said cylin-
der. A suitable sealing assembly 63 (Figure 7B) surrounds the
exterior of the body of the valve section V-1 and provides a
seal between said body and the bore of the landing nipple when
the valve is in position within the said nipple.
Below the seal 63 the bore of the body of the valve
section V-1 is formed with a downwardly facing internal
annular seating surface 65 which is preferably a hard faced
weld which resists corrosion (Figure 10). Below the seating
surface 65, a plurality of inclined flow openings 66 are
formed in the wall of the body V-l and communicate with the
interior of the tubing 10. The outer valve section V-1
extends some distance downwardly below the flow openings 66
and an internal annular shoulder 67 is provided at a point
spaced above the lower end of this section (Figure 7B). For
--19--
w~
purposes of assembly, the outer valve section V-l is made up
of several members which are threaded together and the lower
portion of said section includes a tubular element or end
piece 68, the upper end of which forms the shoulder 67. T~e
lower end of the bore 68a of ~he element 68 is closed by a
plug 69 which is held in place by a frangible pin 70 which may
be sheared when it is desired to remove said plug.
The inner valve section V-2 comprises an elongate sleeve
or tube 71 which has a piston 72 secured to its upper end
(Figure 7A). The piston 72 has an O-ring 72a sealing with and
movable within the cylinder 57 of th~ outer valve section V-l
and has an upwardly extending tubular extension 73 which not
only functions as a guide during movement of the inner valve
sleeve V-2, but also has a sliding seal with an O-ring 73a
mounted within an annular groove in the bore of the coupling
C-l. The space between the upper end of piston 72 and the
lower end of coupling C-l, sealed off by O-rings 72a and 73a,
communicates with the pressure port 62 and forms a variable
volume chamber 72b. The wall of the sleeve of the the inner
valve section is provided with a plurality of flow openings 74
spaced downwardly from the piston 72 (Figures 7B and 7C) and
said openings are similar to the flow openings 66 formed in
the body of the outer valve section. With the piston 72 in
its upper position, the flow openings 66 and 74 are mis-
aligned, as shown in Figure 7B.
Below the sleeve of the inner valve section V-2 is a
valve seat assembly 75 which has an upwardly facing, external
annular shoulder 77 (Figure 10). This shoulder or surface
preferably has an annular elastomeric sealing element 76
mounted thereon and said element is adapted to engage the
seating surface 65 of the outer section V-l of the valve.
-20-
This arrangement forms a poppet-type valve which assures a
positive seal when the valve is closed.
The seat assembly of the tubular valve section V-2 is
formed with an enlarged counterbore 78 within which an equal-
izing valve collar 80 is slidable. Normally, the collar 80 is
in the position shown in Figure 7B, abutting the upper end of
the counterbore and held so by flexible finger elements 81
which engage an internal shoulder 81a of a downwardly project-
ing extension 86 threaded onto the lower end of the valve
assembly 75. The equalizinq collar &0 has spaced external
seal rings 82 which are disposed on each side of a radial port
83 extending through the wall of the valve assembly 75. When
the collar 80 is in the positlon shown in Figure 7B, the port
83 is closed but when said collar is moved downwardly, the
bore o the outer valve section V-l may communicate with the
bore of the inner valve section V-2 and interior and exterior
pressures across the valve are equalized.
The upper inclined surface 75a of the valve seat assembly
75 is held in engagement with the lower inclined surface 71a
of the inner valve section V-2 by a coil spring 84. The upper
end of the spring engages a downwardly facing external shoul-
der 85 on the tubular extension 86 which forms the lower
portion of the valve seat assembly 75. The lower end of the
spring 84 contacts a bearing ring 87 which is supported upon
the internal shoulder 67 of the tubular end piece 68 at the
lower end of the outer valve section V-l. A pressure balanc-
ing ring 86a is interposed between the exterior of the exten-
sion 86 and the end piece 68 and is sealed therewith by seal-
ing rings 86b. The area of the ring is related to the area of
seating surface 76 and 65 and function to balance the pressure
acting on such surfaces.
-21-
The spring 8~ e~erts i~ force up~a~clly against the valve
seat asse~ly 75 to urge sai~ assembly 7~ and the inner valve
section V-2 up~ardly to maintain the elasto~eric sealing
element 76 in sealing engagement with ihe seating surface 55.
~his is the closed position of the valve an~ is shown in
Figures 7A and 7B. When the valve is closed, the piston 72 on
the inner valve section V-2 is in its upper position within
the cylinder 57 of the valve section V-l.
In the operation of the valve, after the parts are posi-
1~ tioned within the well tubing in the manner shown in Figures
7A and 7B, the pressure is built up within the conductor 33
and is applied to the upper end of the annular piston 72.
~hen the force of control fluid pressure acting on piston 72
exceeds the force of the spring 84, the inner valve section
V-2 and its seating assembly 75 are moved downwardly to the
position shown in Figure 7C. In such position, the elas-
tomeric sealing element 76 and seating surface 65 of the valve
sections V-l and V-2 are disengaged and the poppet-type valve
formed by said element and said surface is in an open posi-
.0 tion. So long as the pressure in the conductor 33 is main-
tained, the parts will be held in the position of Figure 7C
and fluid may flow upwardly from the lower portion of the
tubing through the openings 66 and 74 and then upwardly within
the well tubing. If for any reason pressure is lost in con-
ductor 33, as for example when the pump P is discontinued in
its operation or for other reasons, the spring 84 will return
the parts to the position shown in Figures 7A and 7B to
automatically close the valve.
During normal operation and after the valve is in posi-
tion within the well, the equalizing valve 80 within the
counterbore 78 of the valve assembly 75 prevents flow through
the equalizing port 83 and remains in the position shown in
-22-
Figures 7B and 7C. However, during the time that the valve is
being run into the well or removed from the well it is desir-
able that pressures interiorly and exteriorly of the valve be
equalized and this may be accomplished by said equalizing
valve.
To accomplish this, the equalizing collar 80 is moved
downwardly so that the equalizing port 83 may equalize pres-
sures between the bores of the main valve sections V-l and
V-2. Such movement of collar 80 is effected by providing a
downwardly projecting prong or extension 89 (F'gure 9) on ~he
standard types of running and pulling tools. As is well
known, the standard running and pulling tools engage the
annular recesses 88a in the fishing neck 88 (Figure 7A) which
is provided at the upper end of the locking mandrel LM. As
shown in Figure 9, a running or pulling tool need only have
the prong or extension 89 formed with an external shoulder 90
which will engage the beveled upper end 80a of the equalizing
collar 80 and by properly spacing said external shoulder, the
equalizing collar will be moved downwardly just prior to the
time that the running or pulling tool will engage the recesses
88a of the fishing neck 88 of the assembly. In this way, the
tool can be run intG the well or removed therefrom with pres-
sure around the tool fully equalized.
The particular advantage of the poppet-type valve here-
tofore described (and shown schematically in Figure 5) is that
a larger volume of liquid may move through the poppet valve as
compared to a ball valve sized for the same diameter of
tubing. Also, poppet valves may be operated by a considerably
lower pressure than is required for the normal ball type
safety valve. In the ball type valve, large forces are caused
by a pressure differential across a large unbalanced seal area
of the ball and require higher control fluid opening
-23-
pre~s~^es. ~ e provision o~ the annular seatin~ surface ~5
and the elastomeric sealing element 76 which form a poppet-
type of valve assure a positive seal when ~he valve is closed.
I'he area of the seal defined by 76 and ~5 is balanced b the
area of the outer seal 86a operating in sealing bore 68a.
Seating and unseating of said sealing elements presents little
resistance to movement of valve section V-~.
Experience has shown that although the annular or poppet-
type valve has certain advantages with respect to operating at
the lower pressures, it may not be totally satisfactory where
flow volumes are exceptionally high. However, where flow
volumes increase, the annular or poppet valve disclosed herein
lends itself to a combination with the usual rotating ball
type valve which is shown in Figure 8. Figures 11 and 12
illustrate the poppet valve combined with the ball type.
Referring specifically to Figures 8, 11 and 12, the lower
end piece 68 of the valve heretofore described is replaced by
a coupling lO0 the valve shown in Figures 7A and 7B with the
outer tubular body lOOa of the usual or well known rotating
ball type safety valve. Such valve includes the tubular
actuating piston lOl which is slidable within the bore of the
body and which is urged to the upper position as shown in
Figure 8 by a spring 104. Upon movement of the actuating
piston in a downward direction against the spring force
~; rotation is imparted to the ball valve 102 through the usual
pin and groove connection 102a.
In the position shown in Figure 8, a passage 103 extend-
ing through the ball is misaligned with the bore through the
body lO0 and flow into the tubing above said body cannot
occur. At such time, the valve is closed with the surface of
the ball sealing against the annular seat 103a formed in the
actuating piston. When the actuating piston moves downwardly
-24-
wi~hin the body lona~ the ~all is rotated so that tne passa~e
103 tnrough said valve is aligned with the bore through the
tu~ing to ~nich the valve is connectea. To impart downward
movement to ~he tu~ular actuatins piston, such piston is
aliglled with the extellsion 86 of the ~nnular or poppet valve,
whereby as downward movement of said extension occurs to open
said poppet valve, the ball valve is also opened.
~ hen pressure is applied through the conductor 33 to the
piston 72, both valves are opened and will remain so long as
said pressure is applied. When pressure in the conductor is
reduced, both valves are closed by their respective spring
forces. Thus, a double valve for protection purposes is
provided and a relatively high volume of fluid can be handled.
In Figures 11 and 12, the combination of the poppet-type
valve with the ball-type valve is illustrated diagrammati-
call~. Certain portions and details of the structures, which
are fully shown in Figures 7A, 7B and 8, have been omitted in
order to illustrate the sequential operation which occurs when
the poppet valve is coupled to the ball-type valve through the
coupling 100.
Referring specifically to Figure 11, when both valves are
in a closed position, the piston 72, which is moved downwardly
by control pressure being conducted to its upper surface
through the conductor 33, is at the upper end of its travel.
The total travel of piston 72 is designated by the space
between the lines A-l. At the time that piston 72 of the
poppet valve is in the position of Figure 11, said valve is
closed by the engagement of sealing ring 76 with the sealing
surface 65, and the lower end of the extension 86 of said
poppet valve is spaced upwardly from the actuating piston 101
of the ball valvs. This space between the lines A-2 is con-
siderably less than the total travel of piston 72 and its
-25-
~i(19~1 i
`
aas~cial-ecl ~r;~ e ~r~s. U~cn ~he e~tension 8~ of the poppet
val~e e~a~3~r.~ the actua~ing piston 1~1 and continuing its
dol.nward ~ov_ment, the piston moves sufficiently to rotate the
all valve to its open position. The actuating piston 101 can
~e moved for a distance designated by the space between the
lines A-3. The space, like space A-2, is lesser than the
space between the lines designated A-l.
In operation, with the parts in the position shown in
Figure 11, control pressùre is conducted downwardly through
the linP 33 to the upper end of piston 72 of the poppet valve.
As the valve members V-l and V-2 of the poppet valve move
aownwardly against the force of the spring 84, the lower ~nd
of the extension 86 of said valve engages the upper end of the
actuating piston 101 of the ball-type valve. This position of
the parts is shown in Figure 12, and at this time, the poppet
valve is open, while the ball-type valve is still in a closed
position. By reason of the poppet valve opening, pressure
from below the ball valve may flow upwardly through the tubing
and into the interior of the poppet valve whereby the pres-
2n sures above and below the ball valve are at least partially,
if not completely, equalized. With these pressures equalized
across the ball valve, the force required to open said ball
valve is substantially reduced.
Continued application of pressure to the piston 72 of the
poppet valve rotates the ball valve 102 to align its opening
103 with the bore of the assembly. This sequential opening of
the two valves allows the opening of the lower ball-type valve
with a relatively smaller force than that which would other-
wise be required in this type of valve. The same would be
true if the poppet-type valve were combined with a flapper
valve to effect equalization of pressures across such flapper
valve. It might be noted that ball valves and flapper valves
.
-26-
ar~ rhe ~ost conunon types now used for well tubing safety
valves, primarily because they fit the tubular configuraticn
of the well and permit a straight-through ,-low.
The sequential operation of opening the Doppet valve,
pressure equalization and opening of the ball valve is accom-
plished by controlling the length of travel of the operating
elements. The length of travel of the actuating piston 72 of
the poppet valve ~ust be sufficient to allow the tubular
extension 86 of the poppet valve to travel through the space
A-2, during which pressure equalization occurs and to there-
after travel far enough to move the actuating piston 101
through the space A-3 and assure opening of the ball-type
valve.
In certain instances, it is desirable to locate the pump
as deep as possible and in some cases, the hydrostatic head
present in the well might affect the operation to the extent
that sufficient pressure cannot be applied through the con-
ductor 33 to properly actuate the valve. If this situation is
present, the structure may be modified as shown in Figure 9
wherein a separate balancing line 33b is provided. The pres-
sure conducted through both the operating or control line 33
and the balancing line 33b would necessarily have to extend
from the surface of the well because accurate control of the
pressure in each line would not be possible if both lines were
connected to the pump.
To utilize the balancing line it is necessary to provide
an additional set of packing 63a around the outer valve sec-
tion V-l and such packing is spaced downwardly from the pack-
ing 63 of the first form. A second angular port 56a communi-
cates with the space between the packings 63 and 63a and with
a radial openings 62a and 62b which communicate with the bore
of valve section V-l and then with the underside of the
g~l
actuating piston 72. Thus, by controlling the pressures in
l:ines 33 and 33b, pressures on each side of the actuating
p;iston may be controlled. By so controlling these pressures,
it is possible to properly actuate the valve regardless of the
hydrostatic head pressure.
~ ~
,:
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