Deep set subsurface safety system

摘要

A subsurface safety valve is operable to close a fluid flow path by virtue of an axially movable flow sleeve. The valve includes a recockable linear actuator and a latch mechanism so that the valve can be moved from an open to a closed position as a result of axial movement of the flow sleeve without overcoming the pressure head and frictional forces currently encountered in conventional safety valves.

主权项

1. A safety valve comprising:
a) a body, b) a flow sleeve positioned within the body and axially movable, c) a valve element pivotably mounted within the body between an open and closed position, d) a recockable actuator within the body for moving the flow sleeve in an axial direction, and disengaging from the flow sleeve when the valve is in the open position, e) a latching mechanism for locking and unlocking the flow sleeve in a given position; and f) wherein the latching mechanism comprises an annular groove on an outside surface of the flow sleeve and a split ring formed of a shape memory alloy that contracts partially into the groove when activated.