Removable subsea production test valve assembly

Claim 2

In a valve assembly adapted to be lowered on the tubular string into position within a blowout preventer stack at the upper end of a well bore underlying a body of fluid: a housing structure adapted to be subjected to the hydrostatic head of the body of fluid and having a fluid flow passage therethrough; a valve member shiftable in said housing structure between positions opening and closing said passage; pressure responsive means for shifting said valve member to open position; means for conducting fluid under pressure to said pressure responsive means to shift said valve member to open position; closing means for shifting said valve member to closed position upon decrease in fluid pressure in said conducting means; anD means for subjecting said pressure responsive means to the hydrostatic head of fluid surrounding said housing structure to offset the hydrostatic head of fluid in said conducting means.

Claim 3

In a valve assembly adapted to be lowered on the tubular string into position within a blowout preventer stack at the upper end of a well bore underlying a body of fluid: a housing structure adapted to be subjected to the hydrostatic head of the body of fluid and having a fluid flow passage therethrough; a valve member shiftable in said housing structure between positions opening and closing said passage; pressure responsive means for shifting said valve member to open position; means for conducting fluid under pressure to said pressure responsive means to shift said valve member to open position; closing means for shifting said valve member to closed position upon decrease in fluid pressure in said conducting means; anD means for subjecting said pressure responsive means to the hydrostatic head of fluid surrounding said housing structure to offset the hydrostatic head of fluid in said conducting means.

Claim 4

In a valve assembly adapted to be lowered on the tubular string into position within a blowout preventer stack at the upper end of a well bore underlying a body of fluid: a housing structure adapted to be subjected to the hydrostatic head of the body of fluid and having a fluid flow passage therethrough; a valve member shiftable in said housing structure between positions opening and closing said passage; pressure responsive means for shifting said valve member to open position; means for conducting fluid under pressure to said pressure responsive means to shift said valve member to open position; closing means for shifting said valve member to closed position upon decrease in fluid pressure in said conducting means; anD means for subjecting said pressure responsive means to the hydrostatic head of fluid surrounding said housing structure to offset the hydrostatic head of fluid in said conducting means.

Claim 5

In a valve assembly as defined in claim 1; said valve member comprising a ball pivotally mounted in said housing structure and having a fluid passage therethrough; said pressure responsive means pivoting said ball in one direction to open position with its fluid passage in alignment with said flow passage; said closing means pivoting said ball in the opposite direction to closed position across flow passage.

Claim 6

In a valve assembly as defined in claim 1; said pressure responsive means comprising an annular piston engaging said valve member and having an upper surface acted on by fluid under pressure in said conducting means and a lower surface subject to said hydrostatic head of fluid surrounding said housing structure.

Claim 7

In a valve assembly as defined in claim 1; said valve member comprising a ball pivotally mounted in said housing structure and having a fluid passage therethrough; said pressure responsive means comprising an annular piston engaging said ball and having an upper surface acted on by fluid under pressure in said conductive means and a lower surface subject to said hydrostatic head of fluid surrounding said housing structure; said piston pivoting said ball in one direction to open position with its fluid passage in alignment with said flow passage; said closing means pivoting said ball in the opposite direction to a closed position across said flow passage.

Claim 8

In a valve assembly as defined in claim 1; said pressure responsive means comprising an annular piston engaging said valve member and having an upper surface acted on by fluid under pressure in said conducting means and a lower surface subject to said hydrostatic head of fluid surrounding said housing structure; said closing means comprising a sleeve engaging said valve member to shift said valve member to a closed position.

Claim 9

In a valve assembly as defined in claim 1; said valve member comprising a ball pivotally mounted in said housing structure and having a fluid passage therethrough; said pressure responsive means comprising an annular piston engaging said ball and having an upper surface acted on by fluid under pressure in said conductive means and a lower surface subject to said hydrostatic head of fluid surrounding said housing structure; said piston pivoting said ball in one direction to open position with its fluid passage in alignment with said flow passage; said closing means pivoting said ball in the opposite direction to a closed position across said flow passage; said closing means comprising a sleeve engaging said ball to shift said ball to closed position.

Claim 10

In a valve assembly as defined in claim 1; said pressure responsive means comprising an annular piston engaging said valve member and having an upper surface acted on by fluid under pressure in said conducting means and a lower surface subject to said hydrostatic head of fluid surrounding said housing structure; said closing means comprising a sleeve engaging said valve member to shift said valve member to a closed position; and spring means acting on said sleeve to urge said sleeve upwardly against said valve member.

Claim 11

In a valve assembly as defined in claim 1; said valve member comprising a ball pivotally mounted in said housing structure and having a fluid passage therethrough; said pressure responsive means comprising an annular piston engaging said ball and having an upper surface acted on by fluid under pressure in said conductive means and a lower surface subject to said hydrostatic head of fluid surrounding said housing structure; said piston pivoting said ball in one direction to open position with its fluid passage in alignment with said flow passage; said closing means pivoting said ball in the opposite direction to a closed position across said flow passage; said closing means comprising a sleeve engaging said bAll to shift said ball to closed position; and spring means acting on said sleeve to urge said sleeve upwardly against said ball.

Claim 12

In a valve assembly as defined in claim 1; and supplemental fluid actuating means engaging said closing means for assisting said closing means in shifting said valve member to closed postion.

Claim 13

In a valve assembly as defined in claim 1, and supplemental fluid actuating means engaging said closing means for assisting said closing means in shifting said valve member to closed position, said supplemental means being responsive to the pressure of fluid in said flow passage below said valve member.

Claim 14

In a valve assembly as defined in claim 1; and supplemental fluid actuating means engaging said closing means for assisting said closing means in shifting said valve member to closed position, said supplemental means being responsive to the pressure of fluid externally of said housing structure.

Claim 15

In a valve assembly as defined in claim 1; said pressure responsive means comprising an annular piston engaging said valve member and having an upper surface acted on by fluid under pressure in said conducting means and a lower surface subject to said hydrostatic head of fluid surrounding said housing structure; said closing means comprising a sleeve engaging said valve member to shift said valve member to a closed position; and supplemental fluid actuated means engaging and assisting said sleeve in shifting said valve member to closed position.

Claim 16

In a valve assembly as defined in claim 1; said valve member comprising a ball pivotally mounted in said housing structure and having a fluid passage therethrough; said pressure responsive means comprising an annular piston engaging said ball and having an upper surface acted on by fluid under pressure in said conductive means and a lower surface subject to said hydrostatic head of fluid surrounding said housing structure; said piston pivoting said ball in one direction to open position with its fluid passage in alignment with said flow passage; said closing means pivoting said ball in the opposite direction to a closed position across said flow passage; said closing means comprising a sleeve engaging said ball to shift said ball to closed position; and supplemental fluid actuated means engaging and assisting said sleeve in shifting said ball to closed position.

Claim 17

In a valve assembly as defined in claim 1; said valve member comprising a ball pivotally mounted in said housing structure and having a fluid passage therethrough; said pressure responsive means comprising an annular piston engaging said ball and having an upper surface acted on by fluid under pressure in said conductive means and a lower surface subject to said hydrostatic head of fluid surrounding said housing structure; said piston providing said ball in one direction to open position with its fluid passage in alignment with said flow passage; said closing means pivoting said ball in the opposite direction to a closed position across said flow passage; said closing means comprising a sleeve engaging said ball to shift said ball to closed position; and supplemental fluid actuated means engaging and assisting said sleeve in shifting said ball to closed position, said supplemental means comprising an annular piston responsive to the pressure of fluid in said flow passage below said ball.

Claim 18

In a valve assembly as defined in claim 1; said valve member comprising a ball pivotally mounted in said housing structure and having a fluid passage therethrough; said pressure responsive means comprising an annular piston engaging said ball and having an upper surface acted on by fluid under pressure in said conductive means and a lower surface subject to said hydrostatic head of fluid surrounding said housing structure; said piston pivoting said ball in one direction to open position with its fluid passage in alignment with said flow passage; said closing means pivoting said ball in the oppsite direction to a closed position acroSs said flow passage; said closing means comprising a sleeve engaging said ball to shift said ball to closed position; and supplemental fluid actuated means engaging and assisting said sleeve in shifting said ball to closed position, said supplemental means being responsive to the pressure of fluid externally of said housing structure.

Claim 19

In a valve assembly as defined in claim 1; said last-mentioned meanss comprising a passageway in said housing structure leading to said pressure responsive means and containing a liquid, and diaphragm means subject to the hydrostatic head of fluid surrounding said housing structure and bearing against said liquid.

Claim 20

In a valve assembly adapted to be lowered on a tubular string into position within a blowout preventer stack at the upper end of the well bore; a housing structure having a fluid passage therethrough; a valve member shiftable in said housing structure between positions opening and closing said passage; pressure responsive means for shifting said valve member to open position; means for conducting fluid under pressure to said pressure responsive means to shift said valve member to open position; means for shifting said valve member to a closed position upon decrease in fluid pressure in said conducting means; and supplemental fluid actuated means engaging said closing means to shift said closing means and assist said closing means in shifting said valve member to a closed position.

Claim 21

In a valve assembly adapted to be lowered on a tubular string into position within a blowout preventer stack at the upper end of the well bore; a housing structure having a fluid passage therethrough; a valve member shiftable in said housing structure between positions opening and closing said passage; pressure responsive means for shifting said valve member to open position; means for conducting fluid under pressure to said pressure responsive means to shift said valve member to open position; means for shifting said valve member to a closed position upon decrease in fluid pressure in said conducting means; and supplemental fluid actuated means engaging said closing means to shift said closing means and assist said closing means in shifting said valve member to a closed position.

Claim 22

In a valve assembly as defined in claim 17; said supplemental means being responsive to the pressure of fluid internally of said housing structure.

Claim 23

In a valve assembly adapted to be lowered on a tubular string into position within a blowout preventer stack at the upper end of the well bore: a housing structure having a fluid flow passage therethrough; a valve member shiftable in said housing structure between positions opening and closing said passage; pressure responsive means for shifting said valve member to open position; means for conducting fluid under pressure to said pressure responsive means to shift said valve member to open position; means for shifting said valve member to a closed position upon decrease in fluid pressure in said conducting means; and supplemental fluid actuated means engaging said closing means for assisting said closing means in shifting said valve member to a closed position; said pressure responsive means comprising an annular piston engaging said valve member and having an upper surface acted on by fluid under pressure in said conducting means; said closing means comprising a sleeve engaging said valve member to shift said valve member to closed position; said supplemental means engaging said sleeve.

Claim 24

In a valve assembly adapted to be lowered on a tubular string into position within a blowout preventer stack at the upper end of the well bore: a housing structure having a fluid flow passage therethrough; a valve member shiftable in said housing structure between positions opening and closing said passage; pressure responsive means for shifting said valve member to open position; means for conducting fluid under pressure to said pressure responsive means to shift said valve member to open position; means for shifting said valve member to a closed position upon decrease in fluid pressure in said conducting means; and supplemental fluid actuated means engaging said closing means for assisting said closing means in shifting said valve member to a closed position; said pressure responsive means comprising an annular piston engaging said valve member and having an upper surface acted on by fluid under pressure in said conducting means; said closing means comprising a sleeve engaging said valve member to shift said valve member to closed position; said supplemental means engaging said sleeve.

Claim 25

In a valve assembly as defined in claim 19; said supplemental means comprising an annular piston engaging and assisting said sleeve in shifting said valve member to closed position.

Claim 26

In a valve assembly adapted to be lowered on a tubular string with respect to a well bore; a housing structure having a fluid flow passage therethrough; a body connectable to the tubular string and adapted to be piloted within said structure in sealed relation thereto; coengageable latch means on said body and structure connecting said body to said structure; lock means for retaining said latch means coengaged; first pressure responsive means for releasing said lock means to permit disengagement of said latch means; a valve member shiftable in said housing structure between positions opening and closing said passage; second pressure responsive means for shifting said valve member to open position; first means for conducting fluid under pressure to said second pressure responsive means to shift said valve member to open position; closing means for shifting said valve member to closed position upon decrease in fluid pressure in said first conducting means; third pressure responsive means on said lock means subject to fluid pressure in said first conducting means for holding said lock means in its position retaiNing said latch means coengaged; and second means for conducting fluid under pressure to said first pressure responsive means.

Claim 27

In a valve assembly adapted to be lowered on a tubular string with respect to a well bore; a housing structure having a fluid flow passage therethrough; a body connectable to the tubular string and adapted to be piloted within said structure in sealed relation thereto; coengageable latch means on said body and structure connecting said body to said structure; lock means for retaining said latch means coengaged; first pressure responsive means for releasing said lock means to permit disengagement of said latch means; a valve member shiftable in said housing structure between positions opening and closing said passage; second pressure responsive means for shifting said valve member to open position; first means for conducting fluid under pressure to said second pressure responsive means to shift said valve member to open position; closing means for shifting said valve member to closed position upon decrease in fluid pressure in said first conducting means; third pressure responsive means on said lock means subject to fluid pressure in said first conducting means for holding said lock means in its position retaiNing said latch means coengaged; and second means for conducting fluid under pressure to said first pressure responsive means.

Claim 28

In a valve assembly as defined in claim 21; said coengageable latch means comprising a latch portion on said housing structure; latch members on said body movable laterally into and from coengagement with said latch portion; said lock means comprising an annular lock piston movable behind said latch members to retain them coengaged with said latch member, said first pressure responsive means and third pressure responsive means being operatively associated with said lock piston.

Claim 29

In a valve assembly as defined in claim 21; said coengageable latch means comprising a latch portion in said housing structure, latch members on said body movable laterally outwardly into coengagement with said latch portion; said lock means comprising an annular lock piston movable upwardly behind said latch members to retain outwardly in coengagement with said latch portion, said first pressure responsive means being operatively associated with said lock piston to shift said lock piston downwardly from behind said latch members, said third pressure responsive means being operatively associated with said lock piston to hold said lock piston in its upward position behind said latch members.

Claim 30

In a valve assembly as defined in claim 21; said coengageable latch means comprising a threaded latch portion on said housing structure, threaded latch members on said body movable laterally into and from threaded coengagement with said threaded latch portion; said lock means comprising an annular lock piston movable behind said latch members to retain tham threadedly engaged with said threaded lock portion, said first pressure responsive means and third pressure responsive means being operatively associated with said lock piston; and means for transmitting rotation of said body to said latch members to unthread said latch members from said threaded latch portion.

Claim 31

In a valve assembly as defined in claim 21; said coengageable latch means comprising a threaded latch portion in said housing structure, threaded latch members on said body movable laterally outwardly into threaded coengagement with said threaded latch portion; said lock means comprising an annular lock piston movable upwardly behind said latch members to retain them threadedly engaged with said threaded latch portion, said first pressure responsive means being operatively associated with said lock piston to shift said lock piston downwardly from behind said latch members, said third pressure responsive means being operatively associated with said lock piston to hold said lock piston in its upward position behind said latch members; and means for transmitting rotation of said body to said latch members to unthread said latch members from said threaded latch portion.

Claim 32

In a valve assembly as defined in claim 21; said coengageable latch means comprising a latch portion on said housing structure; latch members on said body movable laterally into and from coengagement with said latch portion; said lock means comprising an annular lock piston movable behind said latch members to retain them coengaged with said latch member, said first pressure responsive means and third pressure responsive means being operatively associated with said lock piston; and spring means engaging said lock piston to move said lock piston behind said latch members.

Claim 33

In a valve assembly as defined in claim 21; said coengageable latch means comprising a latch portion in said housing structure, latch members on said body movable laterally outwardly into coengagement with said latch portion; said lock means comprising an annular lock piston movable upwardly behind said latch members to retain them outwardly in coengagement with said latch portion, said first pressure responsive means being operatively associated with said lock piston to shift said lock piston downwardly from behind said latch members, said third pressure respoNsive means being operatively associated with said lock piston to hold said lock piston in its upward position behind said latch members; and spring means engaging said lock piston to move said lock piston upwardly behind said latch members.

Claim 34

In a valve assembly as defined in claim 21; said coengageable latch means comprising a threaded latch portion in said housing structure, threaded latch members on said body movable laterally outwardly into threaded coengagement with said threaded latch portion; said lock means comprising an annular lock piston movable upwardly behind said latch members to retain them threadedly engaged with said threaded latch portion, said first pressure responsive means being operatively associated with said lock piston to shift said lock piston downwardly from behind said latch members, said third pressure responsive means being operatively associated with said lock piston to hold said lock piston in its upward position behind said latch members; and means for transmitting rotation of said body to said latch members to unthread said latch members from said threaded latch portion; said latch members being movable upwardly along said body in response to unthreading of said latch members from said threaded latch portion.

Claim 35

In a valve assembly as defined in claim 21; said valve member comprising a ball pivotally mounted in said housing structure and having a fluid passage therethrough; said second pressure responsive means pivoting said ball in one direction to open position with its fluid passage in alignment with said flow passage; said closing means pivoting said ball in the opposite direction to close position across said flow passage.

Claim 36

In a valve assembly as defined in claim 21; said valve member comprising a ball valve pivotally mounted in said housing structure and having a fluid passage therethrough; said second pressure responsive means comprising an annular piston engaging said ball valve and having an upper surface acted on by fluid under pressure in said conducting means; said piston pivoting said ball valve is one direction to open position with its fluid passage in alignment with said flow passage; said closing means pivoting said ball in the opposite direction to closed position across said flow passage.

Claim 37

In a valve assembly as defined in claim 21; said valve member comprising a ball valve pivotally mounted in said housing structure and having a fluid passage therethrough; said second pressure responsive means comprising an annular piston engaging said ball valve and having an upper surface acted on by fluid under pressure in said conducting means; said piston pivoting said ball valve in one direction to open position with its fluid passage in alignment with said flow passage; said closing means pivoting said ball in the opposite direction to closed position across said flow passage; said closing means comprising a sleeve engaging said valve member to shift said ball valve to closed position.

Claim 38

In a valve assembly as defined in claim 21; and supplemental fluid actuated means engaging said closing means for assisting said closing means in shifting said valve member to closed position.

Claim 39

In a valve assembly as defined in claim 21; said valve member comprising a ball valve pivotally mounted in said housing structure and having a fluid passage therethrough; said second pressure responsive means comprising an annular piston engaging said ball valve and having an upper surface acted on by fluid under pressure in said conducting means; said piston pivoting said ball valve in one direction to open position with its fluid passage in alignment with said flow passage; said closing means pivoting said ball in the opposite direction to closed position across said flow passage; said closing means comprising a sleeve engaging said valve member to shift said ball valve to closed position; and supplemental fluid actuated means engaging and assisting said sleeve in shifting said ball valve to closed position.

Claim 40

IN a valve assembly as defined in claim 21; said valve member comprising a ball valve pivotally mounted in said housing structure and having a fluid passage therethrough; said second pressure responsive means comprising an annular piston engaging said ball valve and having an upper surface acted on by fluid under pressure in said conducting means; said piston pivoting said ball valve in one direction to open position with its fluid passage in alignment with said flow passage; said closing means pivoting said ball in the opposite direction to closed position across said flow passage; said closing means comprising a sleeve engaging said valve member to shift said ball valve to closed position; and supplemental fluid actuated means engaging and assisting said sleeve in shifting said ball valve to closed position, said supplemental means comprising an annular piston responsive to the pressure of fluid in said flow passage below said ball valve.

Claim 41

In a valve assembly as defined in claim 21; and means for subjecting said second pressure responsive means to the hydrostatic head of fluid surrounding said housing structure to offset the hydrostatic head of fluid in said second conducting means.

Claim 42

In a valve assembly as defined in claim 21; and means for subjecting said second pressure responsive means to the hydrostatic head of fluid surrounding said housing structure to offset the hydrostatic head of fluid in said second conducting means; said subjecting means comprising a passageway in said passage structure leading to said second pressure responsive means and containing a liquid, and diaphragm means subject to the hydrostatic head of fluid surrounding said housing structure and bearing against said liquid.

Claim 43

In a valve assembly as defined in claim 21; and means including a releasable clutch for transmitting torque from said body to said housing structure.

Claim 44

In a valve assmelby as defined in claim 21; and means for transmitting torque from said body to said housing structure comprising a torque sub surrounding said body, means releasably securing said torque sub to said body, and releasable coengageable clutch means on said torque sub and housing structure.

Claim 45

In a valve assembly as defined in claim 21; said coengageable latch means comprising a threaded latch portion on said housing structure, threaded latch members on said body movable laterally into and from threaded coengagement with said threaded latch portion; said lock means comprising an annular lock piston movable behind said latch members to retain them threadedly engaged with said threaded lock portion, said first pressure responsive means and third pressure responsive means being operatively associated with said lock piston; and means for transmitting rotation of said body to said latch members to unthread said latch members from said threaded latch portion; and means for transmitting torque from said body to said housing structure comprising a torque sub surrounding said body, means releasably securing said torque sub to said body, and releasable coengageable clutch means on said torque sub and housing structure.

Claim 46

In underwater well bore apparatus in which a blowout preventer stack is attached to a well casing extending into a well bore; the combination therewith of a housing structure having a fluid flow passage therethrough and adapted to be landed in said blowout preventer stack; a body connectable to a tubular string and adapted to be piloted within said structure in sealed relation thereto; coengageable latch means on said body and structure connecting said body to said structure; lock means retaining said latch means coengaged; first pressure responsive means for releasing said lock means to permit disengagement of said latch means; a valve member shiftable in said housing structure between positions opening and closing said passage; second pressure responsive means for shifting said valve member to open position; first means for conducting fluid under pressure to said second pRessure responsive means to shift said valve member to open position; closing means for shifting said valve member to closed position upon decrease in fluid pressure in said conducting means; third pressure responsive means on said lock means subject to fluid pressure in said first conducting means for holding said lock means in its position retaining said latch means coengaged; second means for conducting fluid under pressure to said first pressure responsive means; said blowout preventer stack including a first blowout preventer adapted to close in engagement with said housing structure, and a second blowout preventer adapted to fully close the entire bore across said second blowout preventer above said housing structure after release of said coengageable latch means and upward withdrawl of said body from said blowout preventer stack.

Claim 47

In underwater well bore apparatus in which a blowout preventer stack is attached to a well casing extending into a well bore; the combination therewith of a housing structure having a fluid flow passage therethrough and adapted to be landed in said blowout preventer stack; a body connectable to a tubular string and adapted to be piloted within said structure in sealed relation thereto; coengageable latch means on said body and structure connecting said body to said structure; lock means retaining said latch means coengaged; first pressure responsive means for releasing said lock means to permit disengagement of said latch means; a valve member shiftable in said housing structure between positions opening and closing said passage; second pressure responsive means for shifting said valve member to open position; first means for conducting fluid under pressure to said second pRessure responsive means to shift said valve member to open position; closing means for shifting said valve member to closed position upon decrease in fluid pressure in said conducting means; third pressure responsive means on said lock means subject to fluid pressure in said first conducting means for holding said lock means in its position retaining said latch means coengaged; second means for conducting fluid under pressure to said first pressure responsive means; said blowout preventer stack including a first blowout preventer adapted to close in engagement with said housing structure, and a second blowout preventer adapted to fully close the entire bore across said second blowout preventer above said housing structure after release of said coengageable latch means and upward withdrawl of said body from said blowout preventer stack.

Claim 48

In apparatus as defined in claim 40; and means for subjecting said second pressure responsive means to the hydrostatic head of fluid surrounding said housing structure of offset the hydrostatic head of fluid in said first conducting means.

Claim 49

In apparatus as defined in claim 40, and means for subjecting said second pressure responsive means to the hydrostatic head of fluid surrounding said housing structure to offset the hydrostatic head of fluid in said first conducting means, said hydrostatic head offsetting means comprising a passageway in said housing structure leading to said pressure responsive means and containing a liquid, and diaphragm means subject to the hydrostatic head of fluid surrounding said housing structure and bearing against said liquid.