US3901321A

US3901321A - Safety valve method and apparatus

Info

Publication number: US3901321A
Application number: US427978A
Authority: US
Inventors: James D Mott
Original assignee: Hydril LLC
Current assignee: Hydril LLC
Priority date: 1973-12-26
Filing date: 1973-12-26
Publication date: 1975-08-26
Anticipated expiration: 1992-08-26

Abstract

A remote controlled safety valve adapted for use in a well to shut-in production flow at a subsurface location. The valve operates by rotating a ball-type closure element after spacing the element from a pair of valve seats and then resealing the seats with the element after rotation is complete.

Description

United States Patent [1 1 Mott [ 1 SAFETY VALVE METHOD AND APPARATUS [75} Inventor: James D. Mott, Houston, Tex.

[73] Assignee: Hydril Company [22] Filed: Dec.- 26, 1973 [21] App]. No: 427,978

[52] U.S. Cl. 1. 166/314; 137/629; 166/224 A;

251/160 [51] Int. Cl. E2113 43/12 [58] Field 01' Search 166/224 A, 314; 137/629; 251/160, 188,159, 174, 351

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,883,146 4/1959 Knox 251/159 2,998,077 8/1961 Keithahnm. 166/224 A 3,007,669 11/1961 Frcdd 251/58 14 1 Aug. 26, 1975 3,200,837 9/1962 Brown 166/224 A 3,583,442 6/1971 Dollison .1 137/629 3,667,505 6/1972 Radig 251/174 3,703,193 11/1972 Rau1ins.,... 251/174 3,741,249 6/1973 beutwyler .1 166/224 3,744,564 7/1973 Mott .1 166/224 A 3,827,494 8/1974 Crowe....... 166/224 A 3,830,297 8/1974 Cockrell 137/629 Primary Examiner-James A. Leppink Attorney, Agent, or FirmPrave1 & Wilson [57] ABSTRACT A remote controlled safety valve adapted for use in a well to shut-in production flow at a subsurface location. The valve operates by rotating a ball-type closure element after spacing the element from a pair of valve seats and then resealing the seats with the element after rotation is complete.

76 Claims, 24 Drawing Figures PATENTEBAUBZEISYS 13,801 (321 PATENTED AUBZBiQYS NM fl NM) I Q i Eb ww w\ z .W u n0 M NW 1\ Wm I mm, l I

\Gm Qbm m l N W e SAFETY VALVE METHOD AND APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates broadly to the held of a safety valve method and apparatus and particularly to remote controlled subsurface safety valves for wells.

Many prior art patents. such as US. Pat. Nos. Re. 25.109; 2.785.755; 2.786.535; and Re. 25.471 have disclosed remote controlled subsurface safety valves having pivoted or rotating flow closure elements for shutting in a well at a subsurface locations. Due to their subsurface location the cost to repair or replace this type of valve have been substantial. since the valve maintenance operation required that the well be killed and the tubing removed from the well to gain access to a defective or malfunctioning valve.

In some prior ball-type safety valve patents. such US. Pat. Nos. 2.998.077; 3.035.808; and 3.750.751. an operator sleeve was urged to move downwardly while sealably engaging the ball for moving the ball open. During opening rotation of the ball. large forces were required to overcome sealing or other contact surface friction and to overcome the pressure differen tial across the ball. Such large forces tended to decrease the reliability ofthe valve since frequent damage to the seats and ball resulted from the high stresses incurred during valve operation.

Several methods have been tried to increase the reliability of ball valves. In US. Pat. Nos. 2.894.715 and 3.509.913 a spring housing arrangement was disclosed for maintaining the seats in sealing engagement with a lesser force than required to operate the ball. US. Pat. Nos. 3.2!),837 and 3.233.860 disclosed a ball valve improvement of an annular sleeve surrounding the ball for effecting unitary longitudinal movement of the lower and upper operator and thereby reducing the forces on the ball Another approach has been to em ploy an equalizing valve feature for equalizing the well pressure across the ball prior to moving the ball down wardly for effecting opening rotation. Examples of such equalixing valves include US. Pat. Nos. 3.703.193 and 3.583.442 and my US. Pat. No. 3.762.471 which also includes a lost motion linkage for reducing the force required to rotate the ball open. Another approach has been to employ two spaced ball elements operated by a single control line such as disclosed in US. Pat. No. Rc. 27.4(14.

Still another method has been to employ wire-line re trievable or through the bore movable valves. such as those disclosed in US. Pat. Nos. 3.675.72U; 3.747.682

Other prior art patents. for example. US. Pat. Nos. 3.696.868; 3.763.932 and 3.744.564 have disclosed the use of a wire-line retrievable valve in combination with and operated by the controls of the tubing I'Cll'l\5llll valve.

Recent literature setting forth the state of the art includes an article by G. M. Raulins entitled Platform Safety b Downhole Well Control". which appeared in the March 1972 issue of Journal of Petroleum Technology. published by Society of Petroleum Engineers. Dallas. Texas and the June 5. 1972 and June 12. issues of ()i'! and (fat Journal. published by the Petroleum Publishing (To. Tulsa. Oklahoma. which in a two part article entitled New Surface'Controllcd Downholc Valves by W. B Illeakle considers features of valves available from sit manufacturers. More detailed de scription of the valves considered in the latter men tioned article may be found in the current Composite Catalogue of Oil Field Equipment and Services. published by World Oil. Houston. Texas.

In US. Pat. No. 3.741.249 the use of a resilient or soft annular seat or seal member in a ball-type valve is disclosed. but an operator sleeve is employed to move toward the ball for engaging the ball to effect its downward movement with the undesired large forces being induced in the ball. Previously mentioned Pat. Nos. 2.894.715 and 3.744.504 as well as U.S. Pat. No. 3.347.318 disclose ball valves in which the operator sleeves move in a manner to avoid inducing high stress levels in the ball. but the valve seats are not spaced from the ball prior to rotating. Other patents of interest with respect to this type of valve operation include US. Pat. NOS. 3.4I4.059; 2.883.146; 3.695.579 and 3.703.193.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a new and improved safety valve method and apparatus.

A remote controlled subsurface safety valve apparatus adapted for controlling flow in a well with a rotating closure element disposed between movable seal members. prior to rotating the closure element open the seals are spaced from the element to equalize fluid pressure about the closure element. Opening rotation is effected by an operator. connected with the closure element. moving longitudinally away from the closure element. The seal members move to again sealably engage with the closure elernent in the open position.

An object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved safety valve apparatus.

A further object ofthe present invention is to provide a new and improved method of operating a safety valve.

Yet another of the present invention is to provide a new and improved well safety valve method and apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS. IA. 1B. 1C and ID are side views. in section. of half of the well tool of the present invention and arranged in alphabetical sequence from top to bottom.

FIGS. 2. 3 and 4 are views similar to FIG. 1B illustrat ing the rotation of a balltype flow closure element.

FIGS. 5A. 5B. 5C and 5?) are views similar to FIGS. 1A. 1B. 1C and II). respectively. illustrating the well tool of the present invention in the open position;

FIG. 6 is a view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 113; FIG. 7 is a view taken azlong line 7 -7 of FIG. 58; FIG. 8 is a view taken along liline 88 of FIG. 1D.

FIG. 9 is a view taken along line 9 9 of FIG. 5C;

FIG. 10 is side view. in section. of a well having the well tool of the present invention operably located therein;

FIG. II is a schematic view. in section. of an alternate embodiment of a partial arrangement of the control system for operating the well tool of the present invention; and

FIGS. 12 17 are sequential side views in numerical order illustrating in detail the operating step relationship Of the ball seats and pivot pins during opening ro tation of the ball; and

FIG. 18 is a perspectixiview of the assembled con nector alone.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT As illustrated in FIG. 10, a safety valve apparatus A of the present invention is preferably mounted in a well conduit or production tubing T at a subsurface location in a well W for controlling flow of well fluids through a bore B of the production tubing T. While the valve apparatus A is disclosed in the environment of a subsurface application in a well, it should be understood that the valve apparatus A may be used to control flow of fluids in other applications and environments.

Referring now to FIGS. IA through 1D. the valve apparatus A includes a tubular flow control housing 20 which is adapted to be mounted with the production tubing T at a desired subsurface location in the well W. Suitable connections (not illustrated) may be provided at the upper end of the housing 20 (FIG. 1A) and the lower end of the housing (FIG. 1D) for mounting or connecting the housing 20 with the production tubing T as is well known in the art.

The housing 20, for ease of assembly is preferably formed by three

tubular members

22, 24, and 26 secured together by suitable means to form an integral unit. The upper housing sleeve or tubular member 22 is connected with the intermediate tubular member or housing sleeve 24 by threaded engagement at 28 (FIG. 1A) while the lower end of the intermediate housing sleeve 24 is connected with the lower housing sleeve or tubular member 26 by threaded engagement at 30 (FIG. 1D). Suitable anti-rotation pins (not illustrated) may be utilized to prevent undesired threaded disengagement at 28 and 30 as is well known in the art. For ease of understanding the present invention FIGS. 1A and A have been illustrated on the same drawing sheet with the stationary parts of the valve apparatus in alignment to aid in visualizing movement of the movable parts during operation of the valve apparatus A as will be set forth in greater detail hereinafter.

The flow housing includes a flow passage for bore 32 formed therethrough which communicates with the bore B of the production tubing T above and below the housing 20 for enabling flow of well fluids through the housing 20. Preferably, the bore 32 is of the same size as the bore B of the production tubing T to provide a full bore opening through the housing 20 to enable movement of other well tools through the housing 20 to enable well operations to be performed below the housing 20.

As illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 58, a movable bore or 5 ball element 36 rotates or pivots to and from the open 60 position placing the flow passage 38 in communication or alignment with the bore 32 to enable flow through the flow passage 38 and the closed position where the flow passage 38 is placed out of communication or alignment with the bore 32 for substantially blocking flow through the bore 32 with the ball element 36. While the preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed using a ball-type valve. it should be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is equally applicable to other types of ro rating or pivoting closure members, such as, but not limited to, flapper-type valves and plug-type valves.

The bore closure means 34 includes a lower resilient annular valve seat 40 sealably engaging a spherical surface 36a of the ball 36 to block passsage or leakage of fluid therebetween. The bore closure means 34 also includes a second or upper annular seat ring 42 which sealably engages the spherical surface 36a of the ball 36 at a location spaced from that of the sealable engagement by the lower seat ring 40. As will be set forth in greater detail hereinafter, the lower seat ring 40 and the upper seat ring 42 cooperate with the ball 36 to block passage of fluid through the bore 32 at two space locations when the ball 36 is in the closed position. The upper seat ring 42 and the lower seat ring 40 also engage the spherical surface 36a of the ball 36 in the open position to block entry of foreign material between the

seat

40 and 42 in the ball 36 which may damage the sealing surfaces and enable leakage of fluid when the ball 36 is in the closed position.

The valve apparatus A includes operator means, generally designated 44, for effecting desired movement of the bore closure means 34 to and from the open and closed position. As illustrated in FIG. 1B and 5B, the operator means 44 includes means for pivoting or rotating the ball 36 to and from the open and closed positions. The ball 36 is formed with a pair of spaced parallel surfaces or flats 361;, which is best illustrated in FIG. 7, to provide clearance between the ball 36 and the housing sleeve 24 adjacent the ball 36.

The operator means 44 further includes a lower operator assembly, designated 48 (FIGS. 18, IC and ID) and an upper operator assembly, designated 50 (FIGS. IA and 1B) which coact with the ball 36 and the pivot means 46 for effecting the desired rotation of the ball 36 in a manner to be set forth in greater detail hereinafter.

The first or lower operating assembly 48 includes a lower operator sleeve or member 52 concentrically disposed in the bore 32 and which extends upwardly from a lower downwardly facing annular shoulder (FIG. 1D) to an upwardly facing annular shoulder 52b (FIG. IB) mounting the lower resilient seal ring 40 for sealable engagement with the ball 36. The lower operator sleeve 52 is movable in opposite longitudinal directions in the bore 32 from a first or upper position (FIGS. 18, 1C,

0 and ID) to a second or lower position (FIGS. SB, 5C,

and 5D) for effecting desired operation of the valve apparatus A.

The lower operator assembly 48 includes a connector. generally designated 54, for operably connecting the lower operating sleeve 52 with the ball 36 to effect rotation of the ball 36 upon longitudinal movement of the lower operating sleeve 48. For ease of assembly, the connector or control frame 54 is formed of two mating

half sleeve members

56 and 58 which are held in concentric relationship by a securing ring 60 which threadedly engages the lower portion of the

half sleeves

56 and 58 at 62 for maintaining the half sleeves S6 and 58 in the desired relationship. As best illustrated in FIG. l8, each of the

half sleeves

56 and 58 includes an upwardly extending portion or

arm

56a and 58a, respec tively. Each of the upwardly extending

arms

56a and 58a have an inwardly projecting pin or lug formed thereon with the longitudinal axis of the pins 560 and 58a in alignment.

Each of the flats 36b of the ball 36 have a concentric recess 360 formed therein for receiving the pins 56b and 58b on opposite sides of the ball 36 for connecting the ball 36 with the connector 54. In the preferred embodiment the ball connector pins 56b and 58b are alinged to engage the ball 36 in concentric relationship. but as will become more readily apparent hereinafter to those skilled in the art the pins 56b and 581) could be arranged to engage or connect with the ball at alinged eccentric locations.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 1C and 5C, each of the

half sleeves

56 and 58 has an inner annular recess 56c and 580, respectively, located adjacent the threaded engagement at 62 with the securing ring 60. The recesses 56c and 580 cooperate to form an annular recess for receiving therein after an annular ring 526 formed on the lower operator sleeve 52. The ring 52c is dimensioned to enable limited longitudinal movement of the lower operator sleeve 52 relative to the connector 54 for purposes that will be set forth in greater detail hereinafter.

The lower operating assembly 48 further includes a spring 64 or other means for urging the lower operating sleeve 52 and the connector 54 to move upwardly. The spring 64 is concentrically disposed between the lower operating sleeve 52 and the hosuing below the connector S4. The spring 64 is mounted at its lower end with a sealing member or ring 66 which serves to block leakage of fluid between the housing sleeve 24 and the movable operator sleeve 52 with ()-rings 66a and 6612. respectively, carried by the seal ring 66. The ring 66 is blocked from downward movement by a support mem' ber or sleeve 68 concentrically positioned between the lower operator sleeve 52 and the intermediate housing sleeve 24. The lower housing sleeve 26 provides an upwardly facing annular shoulder 260 which engage the lower annular shoulder 68a to block downward movement of the support sleeve 68 and to support the ring 66 against downward movement. The urging of the spring 64 between the ring 66 and the connector 54 maintains the ring 66 adjacent an upper annular shoulder 68b of the support sleeve 68. Both the upper shoulder 68b and the lower shoulder 68a have notches or re cesses formed therein for enabling passage of fluids between the seal rings 66 and the sleeve 68 in the lower housing sleeve 26 for pusposes to be set forth hereinafter. The support sleeve 68 carries spaced O-

rings

70 and 72 for effecting annular fluid type seals with the tubular member 24 to block leakage of fluid therebetween at those fixed locations.

For ease of assembly. the lower operator sleeve 52 may be formed of an upper tubular section 52d carrying the annular ring 520 and a lower tubular section which are secured together by each section threadedly engaging coupling 52f. The tubular sections 52d and 522 mount O-

rings

74 and 76 for sealably engaging with the coupling 52f to block leakage of fluid along the threaded engagement. The lower tubular section 526 includes a larger diameter outer portion adjacent the housing sleeve 26 for effecting a fluid type seal with an O-ring 78 carried by the lower housing 26. The enlarged portion provides a tapered upwardly facing annular shoulder 52g for purpose to be set forth in greater detail hereinafter.

Movably disposed in concentric relationship between the support sleeve 68 and the lower operator sleeve 52 is an upper or first piston ring 80. The piston ring 80 (FIG. 1C) is disposed below the sealing ring 66 which limits longitudinal upward movement of the upper piston ring 80 and the coupling 52f of the lower operator sleeve 52. Downward movement of the upper piston ring will bring a lower annular shoulder 80a of the upper piston ring 80 into engagement with the coupling 52ffor moving the coupling 52fand the lower operator sleeve 52 downwardly until the piston 80 engages an upwardly facing annular shoulder 680 formed by the support sleeve 68. The upper piston ring 80 carries 0-

rings

82 and 84 for effecting sliding annular fluid seals with the lower operator sleeve 52 and the support sleeve 68 to prevent leakage of fluid about the longitudinally movable upper piston ring 80.

As illustrated in FIG. ID a second or lower piston ring 86 is concentrically disposed between the lower operator sleeve 52 and the support sleeve 68 above the annular shoulder 52e of the lower operator sleeve 52. The lower piston ring 86 carries O-

rings

88 and 90 for effecting sliding fluid tight annular seals with the lower operator sleeve 52 and the support sleeve 68 to block leakage of fluid about the lower piston ring 86. The lower piston ring 86 is longitudinally movable from an upper position (FIG. 1D) where it engages a downwardly facing annular shoulder 68:! formed by the support sleeve 68 to limit upward movement of the piston ring 80 to a lower position (FIG. SD) where the lower piston ring 80 engages the shoulder 26a of the lower housing sleeve 26 to limit downward movement of the lower piston ring 80. In moving to the lower position the piston ring 80 engages the annular shoulder 52g of the lower operator sleeve 52 for effecting movement of the lower operator sleeve to its lower position. The lower housing sleeve 22 carries an O-ring 92 for blocking leakage of fluid along threaded engagement 30 with the intermediate housing sleeve 24.

The seals effected by the O-

rings

70, 66a.

66b

82 and 84 thus defined an upper expansible chamber 94 above the piston ring 80. The seals effected the the O-

rings

70, 84, 82, 74, 76, and O-

rings

88 and 90 carried by the lower piston ring 86 thus defined an intermediate expansible chamber 96 between the upper piston ring 80 and the lower piston ring 86. The seals effected by the O-

rings

78, 88, 90 and 92 define a lower expansible chamber 98 below the lower piston ring 86. Increased fluid pressure introduced into the upper expansible chamber 94 will effect movement of the upper piston ring 80 downwardly for engaging the coupling 52f and moving the lower operator sleeve 52 to the lower position. Increased fluid pressure introduced into the intermediate expansible chamber 96 will move the upper piston ring 80 upwardly to engage the stationary sealing ring 66 for maintaining the upper piston ring 80 in the upper position and for urging the lower piston ring 86 to move downwardly for engaging the shoulder 52g to move the lower operator sleeve 52 to the lower position. Thus increased fluid pressure in either the upper expansible chamber 94 or the intermediate expansible chamber 96 will effect movement of the lower operator sleeve 52 to the lower position. Increased fluid pressure in the lower expansible chamber 98 will effect movement of the lower piston ring 86 to the upper position, but will not resist downward movement of the lower operator sleeve 52 in response to increased fluid pressure in the upper expansible chamber 94.

The pivot means 46 includes a pair of longitudinally aligned

pins

100 and 102 which are eccentrically mounted with the housing 20 and extend inwardly for engaging parallel extending recesses or slots 36d formed on the flats 36b of the ball 36. The longitudinally downward movement of the ball 36 and lower operator assembly 48 relative to the

eccentric pins

100 and 102 pivot or rotate the ball 36 from the closed position to the open positon as is best illustrated by comparing FIGS. 18 and B. The

pins

100 and 102 extend inwardly adjacent the upwardly extending

arms

56a and 58a to provide the necessary clearance to enable the longitudinal movement of the connector 54.

As illustrated in FIG. 1A and 1B, the upper operator assembly 50 includes an upper operator sleeve 104 which is concentrically disposed in the bore 32 above the ball. The upper operator sleeve either carries or forms the upper annular sealing surface 42 for sealably engaging with the ball 36 and is longitudinally movable between a first or upper position (FIGS. 1A and 1B) and a lower or second position (FIGS. 5A and 5B) for cooperating with the longitudinal movement of the lower operator assembly 48 for effecting movement of the ball 36 to and from the open and closed positions. Concentrically disposed between the intermediate housing sleeve 24 and the upper operator sleeve 24 is a ring member 106 which is secured with the upper operator sleeve 104 by any suitable means, such as by threaded engagement at 108. The collar 106 provides an upwardly facing annular shoulder 106a which engages a downwardly facing annular shoulder 22a provided by the upper housing section 22 to limit upward movement of the upper operator sleeve 104. Concentrically disposed adjacent the ball 36 is a guide ring 110 which is fixedly secured to the housing by suitable means such as inwardly projecting threaded pins (not illustrated). Also concentrically mounted between the upper operator sleeve 104 and the housing sleeve 24 is a sealing member 112 which is blocked from longitudinal movement by engagement with the guide ring 110 at its lower end and by engagement with a downwardly facing annular shoulder 240 formed by the intermediate housing sleeve 24. The seal member 1 12 carries an O-ring 114 for effecting an annular fluid tight seal with intermediate housing sleeve 24 and a annular sliding seal with the upper operator sleeve 104 to block the passage of fluid about the seal member 112. The upper operator sleeve 104 includes a collar 104a formed thereon adjacent the seal member 112 which carries an O-ring 118 for effecting a sliding annular seal with the lower portion of the seal member 112. LOcated imme diately above the collar 1040 is a port 104)) formed through the upper operator sleeve 104 for communicating fluid pressure in the bore 32 above the ball 36 to an upwardly facing annular shoulder 104b formed by the collar 1040 of the upper operator sleeve 104. The seals effected by the O-

rings

114, 116 and 118 thus de fined an annular expansible chamber 120 which communicates through the port 1041; with the bore 32. Fluid pressure in the seal expansible chamber 120 urges on an upwardly facing annular shoulder 104C formed by the collar 104a between the seals effected by the O-

rings

116 and 118 for providing a downwardly urging on the upper operator sleeve 104 for purpose to be set forth hereinafter. By controlling the area of the shoulders 104c and 104d between the O-

rings

116 and 118 the magnitude of downwardly and upwardly urging of fluid pressure on the upper operator sleeve 104 may be controlled.

As illustrated in FIG. 1A. the upper operator assembly 50 includes a spring 122 below the collar 106 for urging or biasing the collar 106 and the upper operator sleeve 104 to the upper position. The lower end of the spring 122 is mounted with an upwardly facing annular shoulder 24b formed by the intermediate housing section 24.

The upper operator assembly 50 further includes an upper or first piston ring 124 and a second or lower piston ring 126 which are both concentrically located between the upper operator sleeve 104 and the intermediate housing sleeve 24. The upper piston ring 124 is longitudinally movable between an upper position (FIG. 13) where it engages downwardly facing annular shoulder 24c formed by the intermediate housing sleeve 24. In moving to the lower position, the piston ring 124 engages an upwardly facing annular shoulder 104d of the upper operator sleeve 104 for moving the operator sleeve 104 to the lower position. The upper piston ring 124 mounts a pair of O-rings 128 and 130 for effecting annular slidable seals with the intermediate housing section 24 and the upper operator sleeve 104, respectively.

The lower piston ring 126 carries O-

rings

132 and 134 for effecting fluid tight sliding annular seals with the intermediate housing sleeve 24 and the upper operator sleeve 104, respectively. The lower piston ring 126 is movable longitudinally from an upper position (FIG. 18) where it is blocked or stopped from further upward movement by engagement with downwardly facing annular shoulder 24d. ln moving to the lower position the lower piston ring 126 engages a detent ring 136 which is secured in an annular recess 104e formed on the upper operator sleeve 104 for moving the upper operator sleeve 104 to the lower position along with the lower piston ring 126.

The upper housing sleeve 22 carries an O-ring 138 for effecting a fluid tight annular seal with the upper operator sleeve 104 above the collar 106. The upper housing sleeve 22 also carries O-

rings

140 and 142 for blocking leakage or fluid between the upper housing sleeve 22 and the intermediate housing sleeve at spaced locations as will be set forth in greater detail hereinafter.

The upper piston ring 124 and the lower piston ring 126 cooperate to form an upper expansible chamber 144, an intermediate expansible chamber 146 and a lower expansible chamber 148 for the operator means 44 in a manner similar to that formed by the piston rings and 86 below the ball 36. The upper expansible chamber 144 is defined by the seals effected by the O-rings 140 and 138 (FIG. LA) at its upper end and by the O-rings 128 and mounted with the upper piston ring 124(FIG. 1B) at the lower end of the upper expansible chamber 144. The intermediate expansible chamber is defined by the O-rings 128 and 130 carried by the upper piston ring 124 and the O-

rings

132 and 134 carried by the lower piston ring 126. The lower expansible chamber 148 is defined by the O-

rings

132 and 134 mounted with the movable lower piston ring 126 and the O-

rings

114 and 116 carried by the sealing member 112.

Increased fluid pressure in the upper expansible chamber will urge downwardly up on the upper piston 124 for effecting downward movement ofthe upper o erator sleeve 104. Increased fluid pressure in the intermediate expansible chamber 146 will maintain the upper piston ring 124 in the upper position and will effect downward movement of the upper operator sleeve 104 by moving the lower piston ring 126 to the lower position (FIG. 58), Increased fluid pressure in the lower expansible chamber 148 will maintain the lower piston ring 126 in the upper position. but will not oppose movement of the upper operator sleeve 104 to the lower position in response to increased fluid pressure in the upper expansible chamber 144.

The operator means 44 further includes means for communicating control fluid pressure to the

expansible chambers

94, 96, 98. 144, 146 and 148 in a desired pattern or manner. As illustrated in FIG. 1A and B. controlled fluid pressure is preferably supplied to the housing at a pair of spaced

inlet ports

150 and 152 formed in the upper housing sleeve 22. The inlet port 150 preferably communicates with both

intermediate expansibie chambers

146 and 96 for urging both the upper operator assembly and the lower operator as sembly 48 to the lower position and effecting opening rotation of the ball 36. Referring now to FIG. 1A, the inlet port 150 communicates with the passageway 154 formed in the upper housing section which in turn communicates between spaced O-

rings

140 and 142 with a passageway 156 in the intermediate housing section 24. A plug 158 blocks communication of the fluid pressure in the passage with 154 into the upper expansible chamber 144. The expansible chamber 146 communi cates with the passageway 156 through a port 1560 (FIG. 18] while the lower intermediate expansible chamber 96 communicates with the passageway 156 through a lower port 156)) and a port 680' formed through the support sleeve 68 which is in spaced rela tionship ith the intermediate housing sleeve 24 between the ports 15617 and 68d.

The inlet port 152 formed in the upper housing sleeve 22 communicates directly with the upper expansiblc chamber 144 through passageway 158 formed therethrough. The intcrmediate housing sleeve 24 forms a second passageway 160 (FIG. 5B) which communicates with the upper expansible chamber 144 through port 160a. The passageway 160 in turn cornmunicates with the lower expansible chamber 148 through port 160/). The passageway 160 communicates with the upper expansible chamber 94 through a port 1600 adjacent the sealing ring 66 (FIG. 5C). The lower end of the passageway 160 (FIG. SD) communicates with the lower cxpansible chamber 98 through the port dv The fluid pressure communicated to the port 152 is communicated into both upper

cxpansible chambers

144 and 94 and both lower expansible chambers 148 and 98. Thus. increased control fluid pressure communicate to the port 52 will also effect downward movement of both the upper operator assembly 50 and the lower operator assembly 48 to the lower position for effecting opening rotation of the ball 36.

An alternate embodiment of the upper operator assembly 50 is illustrated in FIG. 11. Such alternate embodimcnt is substantially similar to that disclosed in US. Pat, No. 3.744.564 which issued to me on July 10, 1973 and which is assigned to the Assignee of the pres ent invention and specific reference to the patent is made for the purpose of incorporation herein a more detailed description of the structure and operation of such a safety valve system As disclosed in that patent. the alternate embodiment illustrated schematically in FIG. 11, provides the valve apparatus 20 with the capa bility to lock open the ball .34 when desired. It further gives the valve apparatus A the capability to temporarily constrict the bore for landing a through the bore retrievable valve in the housing and for effecting operation of the retrievable valve with the controls of the tubing retrievable valve.

Referring now to FIG. 11, the tubular housing is referenced as 200 while the longitudinally movable upper operator sleeve is referenced as 202. Mounted with the housing 200 is a spring 204 for urging the longitudinally movable operator sleeve 202 to remain in the upper position. Concentrically disposed between the operator sleeve 202 and the housing 200 is a lower piston ring 206 carrying O-

rings

208 and 210 for effecting fluid tight annular slidable seals with the housing 200 and the tubular operator 202. Located immediately above the lower piston 206 is a radially expansiblc gapped detent locking ring 212. The upper piston is formed by a sleeve 214 which carries an Owing 216 to form a sliding fluid type seal with the opcrator sleeve 202. The sleeve 214 carries an O-ring 218 for effecting a sliding fluid type annular seal with the housing 200 while the hous ing 200 carries an O-ring 220 for effecting a fluid type annular sliding seal with the sleeve 214 above the open ator sleeve 202. A second spring 222 urges the sleeve 214 to the upper position. Position between the sleeve 214 and the sleeve 202 is the gappcd landing ring 224 which may be radially constricted when desired to form a landing shoulder for the wirelinc rctricvablc valve,

The seals effected by the O-

rings

220 and 218 define an upper expansible chamber 226 for urging the upper sleeve 214 downwardly in response to increased control fluid pressure in the chamber 226. Downward movement of the upper sleeve 214 engages the landing ring 224 and the operator slccvc 202 for also effecting their downward movement in response to increased control fluid pressure in the upper chamber 226. The

Orings

216 and 218 define the upper portion of an intermediate expansiblc chamber 228 while the

Orings

208 and 210 mounted wih the longitudinally movable piston 206 defines the lower portion of the intermediate expansible chamber 228. The housing 200 carries an O-ring 229 which along with O-

rings

208 and 210 define a lower expansible chamber 230.

Control fluid pressure communicated into the intermediate annular chamber 228 urges on the lower piston ring 206 urging it to move downwardly and cngag' ing a collar 202a formed on the operator sleeve 202 for effecting downward movement of the operator slcevc 202. The increased control lluid pressure in the intermediate chamber 228 urges upwardly on the upper sleeve 214 for maintaining the sleeve 214 in the upper position. Thus, increased control fluid pressure in either the upper expansible chamber 226 or the intermediate expansible chamber 223 effects downward movement of the operator slccvc Z02.

increased fluid pressure in the lower expansible chamber 230 will urge the lower piston ring 206 to move upwardly towards the detent 212. By eommunieating increased control fluid pressure into the upper expansible chamber 226 and the lower expansiblc chamber 230 the sleeve 21% will effect downward movement of the operator sleeve 202 while the lower piston ring 206 is blocked from upward movement by engagement with the detent 212 which in turn engages inwardly projecting annular collar 2000 of the housing 200. When the upper sleeve 214 has sufficient downward movement of the operator sleeve 202 to align recess 202b with detent 212 the lower piston ring 206 forces the detent 212 into the recess 202a and locks or maintains the detent 212 in the recess 20211. When the control fluid pressure and the upper expansible chamber 226 and the lower expansible chamber 230 is vented or reduced the spring 204 is unable to move the operator sleeve 202 upwardly because of the engagement of the detent 212 with the collar 200a. but the spring 222 is able to move the upper sleeve 214 to the upper position In this manner the upper operator sleeve 202 may be locked in the lower position to lock the valve in the open position. To release the operator sleeve 202 from the lower position it is only necessary to increase the fluid pressure in the intermediate expansible chamber 228 which moves the lower piston ring 206 downwardly for releasing the detent 212 from the recess 202!) and enabling the spring 204 to move the operator sleeve 202 to the upper position when the control fluid pressure in the intermediate expansible chamber 228 is reduced. With the operator sleeve 202 locked in the open position, the wire-line retrievable valve operably engages recess 214a in the sleeve 214 and is operated open by increasing the control fluid pressure in the upper expansible chamber 226 and the lower expansible chamber 230.

OPERATION In the use and operation of the present invention, the well apparatus A is made up in the production tubing T at a desired location therein and run in the well W as well known in the art. Prior to lowering the well apparatus A into the well a first or normal control fluid conduit L1 is connected to the port 150 and a second or balanced line control conduit L2 is connected to the port 152. When the well apparatus A is at the desired depth in the well W a packer P is set for sealing be tween the production tubing T and a casing C for directing flow of well fluids through the bore B of the producting tubing T. While the casing may not extend continuously from the packer P to the ground surface G sufficient casing C is located adjacent the surface G to enable mounting of the well head flow apparatus or christmas tree X at the surface. Provisions are made adjacent the surface G for bringing the control fluid conduits L1 and L2 to remote controllers S1 and S2, respectively. Such controllers SI and S2 normally include a supply of control fluid which may be pressured or vented as desired. An example of a control system may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,035,808 which issued to G. S. Knox and which is assigned to the Assignee of the present invention. With the well so completed, the normal flow pattern for well fluids in a subsurface producing formation F is to flow through perforation into the casing C where they are directed to flow up the bore B of the production tubing T by the packer P. Normally such flow is controlled at the surface by the valves located on the Christmas tree X.

To enable flow through the bore B or the productin tubing T it is necessary to operate the valve apparatus A to the open position for enabling flow to the surface. This is preferably accomplished by increasing the con trol fluid pressure in the normal control fluid conduit Ll using the first control fluid supply means S1 while venting the second control fluid supply means S2 to prevent a pressure build-up in the second control fluid conduit L2 during operation of the valve apparatus A. By using the intermediate

expansible chambers

146 and 96 for normal operation, the second control fluid conduit L2 which communicates with the lower expansible chambers 148 and 98 can serve as a balance line and therefore enable the running of the valve apparatus A at greater depths since the

springs

122 and 64 will not be required to support the hydrostatic head of control fluid in the control fluid conduit LI.

Also by increasing the control fluid pressure in the conduits L2 and venting the control fluid pressure in the conduit Ll increased control fluid pressure will be communicated into the upper

expansible chambers

144 and 94 and the lower expansible chambers 148 and 98 which effect the same opening rotation operation of the ball 36 as that by increased control fluid pressure in the intermediate expansible chambers 146 and 98.

Prior to the increase of control fluid pressure in the conduit Ll, the valve apparatus A is in the condition illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D and 12 with the high pressure well fluids shut-in below the ball. Both the metal seal between the upper seat 42 and the ball 36 and engagement of the ball 36 with the lower resil ient seat 40 serve to shut-in or block flow through the bore 32. The engagement of the lower seat ring 40 with the ball 36 creates a small unbalanced pressure urging on the lower operator sleeve 52 for urging the sleeve 52 upwardly into the sealing engagement with the ball and for urging the ball 36 into engagement with the upper seat 42. Thus the greater the well shut-in pressure the greater the sealing force of the

seals

42 and 40 with the ball 36.

Referring now to FIGS. 12-17, the ball 36 and

seats

40 and 42 are illustrated in FIG. 12 in the closed position prior to increasing the control fluid pressure. The initial response to increased control fluid pressure is illustrated in FIG. 13 where the sleeve 52 has commenced to move downwardly for spacing the lower seat 40 from the ball 36 and equalizing well pressure adjacent the ball 36. Due to the length of the recesses 56c and 580, the sleeve 52 is free to move this distance by overcoming the small upwardly urging of well pressure on the sleeve 52. Continued downward movement of the sleeve 52 moves the connector 54 downward to engage the ball 36 with the concentric pins 56b and 58b (FIG. 14).

As downward movement of the sleeve 104 is delayed by well pressure urging upwardly on shoulder 104d, the ball 36 is pulled downwardly by the pins 56b and 58b for spacing the seat 42 from the ball 36 (FIG. 14). This spacing enables equalizing of well pressure adjacent the ball 36 and equalizes the pressure urgings on the upper operator sleeve 104.

When the ball 36 ad the upper seat 42 are spaced, the

eccentric pins

100 and 102 engage the walls of the eccentric recesses 36d for effecting rotation of the ball (FIG. 15). Due to the length of

recesses

56c and 58c, the lower operator sleeve 52 is unable to completely pull the ball 36 open and it is necessary to engage the ball 36 with the upper operator sleeve 104 (FIG. 16) for moving the ball 36 downwardly a small longitudinal distance to rotate the ball 36 for completely aligning the flow passage 38 with the bore 32. The ball 36 may be teflon coated by a number of known processes to those skilled in the art for minimizing friction during the last portion of opening rotation.

As the spring 64 does not engage the lower operator sleeve 52, the connector 54 will move the ball 36 from engagement with the lower operator sleeve 52 upwardly when rotating the ball 36 closed. To space the upper seat 42 from the ball 36 during closing rotation thereof, the upward movement of the lower operator sleeve 52 is retarded relative to that of the upper operator sleeve 104. This may be achieved either by having the

lower pistons

80 and 86 larger in pressure responsive area and therefore volume than the upper pistons 124 and 126 or by restricting the flow area of the ports 160v. 160d and 156k communicating with the

expansible chambers

94, 98 and 86, respectively. Thus, closing rotation would be essentially a reversal of the steps of rotating open the ball 36.

Th foregoing disclosure and description of the invention are illustrative and explanatory thereof, and various changes in the size, shape, and materials as well as in the details of the illustrated construction may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

I claim:

1. A method of operating a well tool mounted with a well conduit at a subsurface location and having a tubular housing mounting a rotatable ball element with a flow passage formed through the ball element for controlling flow of well fluids through the bore of the well conduit by rotational movement of the ball element, including the steps of:

spacing the ball element from an annular seat that is sealably engaged by the ball element for blocking flow of fluid through the bore; rotating the ball element to enable flow of well fluids through the flow passage and well conduit; and

sealing the ball element with the annular seat for excluding therebetween undesired foreign material in the well fluids by moving the annular seat to sea]- ingly engage the ball element.

2. The method as set forth in claim 1, including the step of:

moving the ball element longitudinally in the tubular housing while rotating the ball element to enable flow of well fluids.

3. The method as set forth in claim 1, including the step of:

moving the ball element longitudinally for spacing the ball elements and seat 4. The method as set forth in claim 1, including the step of:

equalizing the well fluid pressure about the ball element after spacing the ball element and seat. w

5. A method of operating a well too] mounted with a well conduit at a subsurface location and having a tubular housing mounting a rotatable ball element with a flow passage formed through the ball element for controlling flow of well fluids through the bore of the well conduit by rotational movement of the ball element. including the steps of:

spacing the ball elements from a seat that is sealably engaged by the ball element for blocking flow of fluid through the bore;

rotating the ball element to enable flow of well fluids through the flow passage and well conduit;

sealing the ball element with the seat for excluding therebetween undesired foreign material in the well fluids; and

spacing the ball element from a second seat that sealably engages the ball element at a location spaced from the sealable engagement of the first mentioned seat prior to the step of rotating the ball ele ment to enable flow.

6. The method as set forth in claim 5, including the step of:

equalizing the well fluid pressure adjacent the ball element after spacing the ball element and the sec ond seat.

7. The method as set forth in claim 6, including the step of:

moving the ball element longitudinally while rotating the ball element to enable flow of well fluids.

8. The method as set forth in claim 6, including the step of:

engaging the ball elements with the first and second seats for effecting fluid seals after rotating the ball element to enable flow of well fluids.

9. A method of operating a well tool mounted with a well conduit at a subsurface location and having a tu bular housing mounting a rotatable ball element with a flow passage formed through the ball element for con trolling flow of well fluids through the bore of the well conduit by rotational movement of the ball element, including the steps of:

spacing the ball element from an annular seat that is sealably engaged by the ball element for blocking flow of fluid through the bore;

contacting the ball element at locations on opposite sides of the ball element for imparting an urging to the ball element in a direction to effect opening rotation of the ball element; urging in a direction on the ball element at the two contacting locations for moving the ball element;

rotating the ball element to enable flow of well fluids through the flow passage and well conduit in response to the urging on the ball element at the two contacting locations; and

moving the annular seat to sealingly engage the ball element for excluding therebetween undesired foreign material.

10. The method as set forth in claim 9, including the step of;

moving the ball element longitudinally while rotating the ball element by urging on the ball element at the two contacting locations.

ll. A method of operating a well tool mounted with a well conduit at a subsurface location and having a tu bular housing forming a bore and mounting a rotatable ball element with a flow passage formed through the ball element for controlling flow of well fluids through the bore by rotational movement of the ball element, including the steps of:

spacing the ball element from a first seat that is sealably engaged by the ball element for blocking flow of fluid through the bore;

spacing the ball element from a second seat that sealably engages the ball element at a location spaced from the scalable engagement of the first mentioned seat;

contacting the ball element at locations on opposite sides of the ball element for rotating the ball element;

urging on the ball element in a direction at the two contacting locations for rotating the ball element;

rotating the ball element to enable flow of well fluids through the flow passage and well conduit; and

sealing the ball element with the seats for excluding therebetween undesired foreign material in the well fluids by moving one of the seats to sealingly engage the ball element with both seats. 12. A method of operating a subsurface well flow control valve having a housing mounting a valve seat means and a movable flow closure element, said valve seat means including upper and lower annular seats engageable with said flow closure element, including the steps of:

spacing the flow closure element from engagement with the upper and lower annular seat means;

moving the flow closure element to enable desired flow by urging on the flow closure element at two spaced locations on opposite sides of the flow closure element; and

engaging the flow closure element with upper and lower annular seat means while flow is enabled.

13. The method as set forth in claim 12, including the step of:

moving the flow closure element longitudinally in the housing while rotating the flow closure element to enable flow.

14. A method of operating a well flow control valve mounted with a well tubing at a subsurface location in a well and having a housing mounting a movable valve seat and a movable flow closure element, including the steps of:

moving the seat for spacing the flow closure element from flow sealing engagement the seat;

moving the flow closure element longitudinally in the housing while rotating the flow closure element to enable desired flow through the well tubing; and sealing the flow closure element with the seat while flow is enabled to block entry of undesired matter between the flow closure element and the seat;

15. A method of Operating a well flow control valve mounted with a well tubing at a subsurface location in a well and having a housing mounting a valve seat and a movable flow closure element, including the steps of:

spacing the flow closure element from flow sealing engagement with the seat;

moving the flow closure element longitudinally in the housing while rotating the flow closure element to enable desired flow through the well tubing flow; and

moving the seat for sealing with the flow closure element to block entry of undesired matter between the flow closure element and the seat.

16. The method as set forth in claim 15, including the step of:

equalizing the well fluid pressure adjacent the flow closure element after spacing the flow closure element from flow sealing engagement with the seat.

17. A method of operating a well flow control valve mounted with a well tubing at a subsurface location in a well and having a housing mounting a valve seat and a movable flow closure element, including the steps of:

spacing the flow closure element from flow sealing engagement with the seat;

engaging the flow closure element at spaced locations on opposite sides of the flow closure element for effecting movement of the flow closure in a direction to enable desired flow;

urging on the flow closure element at the engaged spaced locations for moving the flow closure element;

moving the flow closure element to enable desired flow through the well tubing; and

sealing the flow closure element with the seat while flow is enabled by moving the seat to engage the flow closure element to block entry of undesired matter between the flow closure element and the seat.

18. The method as set forth in claim 17, including the step of:

urging on the flow closure element at the two engaged locations for moving the flow closure element longitudinally to effect rotation of the flow closure element.

19. A method of operating a well flow control valve mounted with a well tubing at a subsurface location in a well and having a housing mounting a valve seat and a movable flow closure element, including the steps of:

spacing the flow closure element from flow sealing engagement with the seat;

moving the flow closure element to enable desired flow through the well tubing; sealing the flow closure element with the seat while flow is enabled to block entry of undesired matter between the flow closure element and the seat; and

spacing the flow closure element from a second seat that sealably engages the flow closure element at a location spaced from the sealable engagement of the first mentioned seat prior to the step of moving the flow closure element to enable flow.

20. The method as set forth in claim 18, including the step of:

equalizing the well fluid pressure adjacent the flow closure element after spacing the flow closure element from flow sealing engagement with the second seat.

21. A method of operating a subsurface safety valve mounted with a well conduit at a subsurface location in a well for controlling flow of well fluids through the bore of the well conduit, said safety valve having valve seat means and a movable flow closure element, said valve seat means including first and second seats engaging said flow closure element on opposite sides of said flow closure element, including the steps of:

spacing the flow closure element from engagement with the first and second valve seat means;

engaging the flow closure element at spaced locations on opposite sides of the flow closure element for effecting movement of the flow closure element in a direction to enable flow; and

urging on the flow closure element at the engaged spaced locations for moving the flow closure ele ment in the direction to enable flow of well fluids through the bore of the well conduit.

22. The method as set forth in claim 21, including the step of:

engaging the flow closure element only at the two spaced locations for effecting longitudinal movement of the flow closure element.

23. The method as set forth in claim 21, including the step of:

equalizing the well fluid pressure about the flow closure element by spacing the flow closure element from the valve seat means.

24. The method as set forth in claim 21. including the step of:

rotating the flow closure element to enable flow in response to the urging on the flow closure element.

25. The method as set forth in claim 24, including the step of:

moving the flow closure element longitudinally while rotating to enable flow of well fluids.

26. The method as set forth in claim 22, including the step of:

actuating a control means from a location exteriorly of the well for rotating the flow closure element to enable flow,

27. The method as set forth in claim 21, including the step of:

moving the flow closure element longitudinally for spacing the flow closure element from a second sealable engagement with the valve seat means in response to the urging on the flow closure element.

28. The method as set forth in claim 27, including the step of:

rotating the flow closure element to enable flow of well fluids after spacing the flow closure element from the second scalable engagement with the valve seat means.

29. The method as set forth in claim 28, including the step of:

equalizing the well fluid pressure adjacent the flow closure element prior to rotating the flow closure element.

30. A method of operating a subsurface safety valve mounted with a well conduit at a subsurface location in a well for controlling flow of well fluids through the bore of the well conduit with a valve seat means and a movable flow closure element, including the steps of:

spacing at flow closure element from scalable engagc ment with a valve seat means by moving the seat means from scalable engagement with the flow closure element for spacing the seat means and flow closure element;

engaging the flow closure element at spaced loca tions on opposite sides of the flow closure element for effecting movement of the flow closure element; and

urging on the flow closure element at the engaged spaced locations for moving the flow closure elcment to enable flow of well fluids through the bore of the well conduit.

3]. Valve apparatus for subsurface use in wells. in-

cluding.

a flow housing having a bore thcrcthrough and means for mounting said flow housing with a well conduit at a desired subsurface location in a well:

bore closure means mounted with said flow housing for movement to and from an open position for en abling flow of fluid through said bore and a closed position for blocking flow of fluid through said borc, said borc closure means. comprising:

a flow closure clement movably disposed in said bore to and from open and closed positions for controlling flow of fluid through said bore;

valve seat means having an annular resilient seal movably disposed in said bore for sealably engaging with said flow closure element in the open and closed positions for controlling flow of fluid through said bore; and operator means operubly conncctcd with said flow closure element for effecting movement of said flow closure element to and from the open and closed position, said operator means spacing said annular resilient seal and said flow closure element from scalable engagement prior to moving said flow closure element from the closed to the open position wherein the valve apparatus controls the flow of fluid. 32. The apparatus as set forth in claim 31, wherein: said valve seat means having a seat member engageable with said closure element in the open position. 33. The apparatus as set forth in claim 3l, wherein; said valve seat means and said flow closure element arranged for equalizing the fluid pressure adjacent said flow closure element when said valve seat means and said flow closure element are spaced by said operator means. 34. The apparatus as set forth in claim 3], including: said valve seat means having an annular seat member for sealably engaging with said flow closure element to block passage of fluid therebctween when said flow closurc element is in the closed position. 35. The apparatus as set forth in claim 34, including: said operator means spacing said annular seat member from said flow closure element prior to moving said flow closure elcrncnt open. 36. The apparatus as set forth in claim 35, including: said flow closure element in moving to the open position scalably engages with said annular scat mem ber.

37. The apparatus as set forth in claim 31, wherein: said flow closure element formed by a ball-typc valve element having a flow passage formed therethrough, said ballt vpe valve element rotatable to enable flow through said flow passage in the open position and to block flow with said ball-type valve element in the closed position. 38. The apparatus as set forth in claim 37, wherein: said operator means effecting rotational movement of said ball-typc valve element to the open position after spacing said ball-type valve clement from said valve seat means. 39. The apparatus as set forth in claim 37, wherein: said valve seat means scalably engaging with said ball-type valve element when said hall-type valve element is substantially rotated open. 40. The apparatus as set forth in claim 39, wherein: said valve seat means having a first annular seat member for scalably engaging said ball-type valve element to block passage oi fluid thcrcbetween at a first location; and said valve seat mcuns having a second annular scat member for scalalily engaging said ball-type valve element to block passage of fluid thcrcoctwccn at a second location spaced from said first location wherein said vahe scat means effects two flow blocking sealing engagements with said lmll-type valve element in the closed position. 41. Valve apparatus for subsurface use in wells including:

a flow housing having a hOI'C thcrcthrough and means for mounting said flow housing with a well conduit at a desired subsurface location in a well;

bore closure means mounted with said flow housing' for movement to and from an open position for enabling flow of fluid through said bore and a closed position for blocking flow of fluid through said bore, said bore closure means, comprising:

a flow closure element movably disposed in said bore to and from open and closed positions for controlling flow of fluid through said bore;

valve seat means disposed in said bore for sealably engaging with said flow closure element for controlling flow of fluid through said bore;

operator means operably connected with said bore closure means for effecting movement of said bore closure means to and from the open and closed position, said operator means spacing said valve seat means and said flow closure element from sealable engagement prior to moving said bore closure means to the open position wherein the valve apparatus controls the flow of fluid;

said valve seat means having a first seat member for sealably engaging with said flow closure element to block passage of fluid therebetween; and

said valve seat means having a second seat member for sealably engaging with said flow closure element at a location spaced from the sealable en gagement with the first seat member to block passage of fluid between both said first seat member and said flow closure element and said second seat member and said flow closure element when said flow closure element is in the closed position, said operator means spacing said first seat member and said second seat member from said flow closure element prior to moving said flow closure element to the open position.

42. Valve apparatus for subsurface use in wells, in-

cluding:

a flow housing having a bore therethrough and means for mounting said flow housing with a well conduit at a desired subsurface location in a well;

bore closure means mounted with said flow housing for movement to and from an open position for enabling flow of fluid through said bore and a closed position for blocking flow of fluid through said bore, said bore closure means, comprising:

said valve seat means having a first seat member for sealably engaging with said flow closure element to block passage of fluid therebetween;

said valve seat means having a second seat member for sealably engaging with said flow closure element at a location spaced from the sealable engagement with the first seat member to block passage of fluid between both said first seat member and said flow closure element and said second seat member and said flow closure element when said flow closure element is in the closed position, said operator means spacing said first seat member and said second seat member from said flow closure element prior to moving said flow closure element to the open position; and

said operator means spaces said flow closure element and said second seat member for equalizing fluid pressure adjacent said flow closure element prior to moving the flow closure element to the open position.

43. Valve apparatus for subsurface use in wells, in-

cluding:

said operator means moves said first seat member for spacing said first seat member from said flow closure element.

44. The apparatus as set forth in claim 43, wherein:

said operator means moves said flow closure element for spacing said second seat member from said flow closure element.

45. The apparatus as set forth in claim 44, wherein:

said operator means rotates said flow closure element to the open position after spacing said first seat means and said second seat means from said flow closure element.

46. The apparatus as set forth in claim 45, wherein:

said flow closure element is formed by a ball-type valve element having a flow passage formed therethrough, said ball-type valve element rotatable to enable flow through said flow passage in the open position and to block flow with said balLtype valve element in the closed position.

47. The apparatus as set forth in claim 46, wherein:

said operator means spaces said ball-type valve element from said second seat member prior to rotating said ball-type valve element to the open position.

48. The apparatus as set forth in claim 47, wherein:

said operator means moves said ball-type valve element longitudinally in said bore of said housing when rotating said ball-type valve element to and from the open and closed position.

49. The apparatus as set forth in claim 47, wherein:

said operator means maintains said first seat member and said second seat member spaced from said ball-type element when rotating said ball-type element to the open position.

50. The apparatus as set forth in claim 49, wherein:

said first seat member and said second seat member sealably engage with said ball-type valve element when said ball-type valve element is substantially rotated open.

51. The apparatus as set forth in claim 50, wherein:

said operator means moves said ball-type valve element longitudinally in said bore of said housing when rotating said ball-type valve element to and from the open and closed positions.

52. Valve apparatus for subsurface use in wells, in-

cluding:

said flow closure element formed by a ball-type valve element having a flow passage formed there through, said ball-type valve element rotatable to enable flow through said flow passage in the open position and to block flow with said ball-type valve element in the closed position;

said valve seat means sealably engaging with said ball-type valve element when said ball-type valve element is substantially rotated open;

said valve seat means having a first annular seat member for sealably engaging said ball-type valve element to block passage of fluid therebetween at a first location;

said valve seat means having a second annular seat member for sealably engaging said ball-type valve element to block passage of fluid therebetween at a second location spaced from said first location wherein said valve seat means effects two flow blocking sealing engagements with said ball-type valve element in the closed position; and

said operator means effecting rotational movement of said ball-type valve element to the open position after spacing said ball-type valve element from said first annular seat member and said second annular seat member.

53. Valve apparatus for subsurface use in wells, in-

cluding:

bore closure means mounted with said flow housing for movement to and from an open position for enabling flow of fluid through said bore and a closed position for blocking flow of fluid through said bore, said bore closure means. comprising:

operator means operably connected with said bore closure means for effecting movement of said bore closure means to and from the open and closed position, said operator means spacing said valve seat means and said flow closure element from sealable engagement prior to moving said bore closure means to the open position;

said flow closure element formed by a ball-type valve element having a flow passage formed therethrough, said ball-type valve element pivotally connected with said housing for effecting rotation to enable flow through said flow passage in the open position and to block flow with said ball-type valve element in closed position;

a first operator member disposed in said bore and mounted with said housing for longitudinal movement relative thereto said operator member engageable with said ball-type valve in the closed position; and

means pivotally connecting said first operator member and said balltype valve element for moving said ball-type valve to effect rotation of said balltype valve element between open and closed positions upon movement of said operator member in opposite longitudinal directions said means for connecting arranged to move said ball-type valve to effect opening rotation after spacing said operator member from engagement with said ball-type valve wherein the valve apparatus controls the flow of fluid.

54. The apparatus as set forth in claim 53, wherein:

said first operator member moves in a longitudinal direction away from said ball-type valve element for rotating said ball-type valve element to the open position.

55. The apparatus as set forth in claim 53, wherein said means for rotating said ball-type valve element, in-

cluding:

Claims

1. A METHOD OF OPERATING A WELL TOOL MOUNTED WITH A WELL CONDUIT AT A SUBSURFACE LOCATION AND HAVING A TUBULAR HOUSING MOUNTING A ROTATABLE BALL ELEMENT WITH A FLOW PASSAGE FORMED THROUGH THE BALL ELEMENT FOR CONTROLLING FLOW OF WELL FLUIDS THROUGH THE BORE OF THE WELL CONDUIT BY ROTATIONAL MOEMENT OF THE BALL ELEMENT, INCLUDING THE STEPS OF: SPACING THE BALL ELEMENT FROM AN ANNULAR SEAT THAT IS SEALABLY ENGAGED BY THE BALL ELEMENT FOR BLOCKING FLOW OF FLUID THROUGH THE BORE, ROTATING THE BALL ELEMENT TO ENABLE FLOW OF WELL FLUIDS THROUGH THE FLOW PASSAGE AND WELL CONDUIT, AND SEALING THE BALL ELEMENT WITH THE ANNULAR SEAT FOR EXCLUDING THEREBETWEEN UNDESIRED FOREIGN MATERIAL IN THE WELL FLUIDS BY MOVING THE ANNULAR SEAT TO SEALINGLY ENGAGE THE BALL ELEMENT.

2. The method as set forth in claim 1, including the step of: moving the ball element longitudinally in the tubular housing while rotating the ball element to enable flow of well fluids.

3. The method as set forth in claim 1, including the step of: moving the ball element longitudinally for spacing the ball elements and seat.

4. The method as set forth in claim 1, including the step of: equalizing the well fluid pressure about the ball element after spacing the ball element and seat. w

5. A method of operating a well tool mounted with a well conduit at a subsurface location and having a tubular housing mounting a rotatable ball element with a flow passage formed through the ball element for controlling flow of well fluids through the bore of the well conduit by rotational movement of the ball element, including the steps of: spacing the ball elements from a seat that is sealably engaged by the ball element for blocking flow of fluid through the bore; rotating the ball element to enable flow of well fluids through the flow passage and well conduit; sealing the ball element with the seat for excluding therebetween undesired foreign material in the well fluids; and spacing the ball element from a second seat that sealably engages the ball element at a location spaced from the sealable engagement of the first mentioned seat prior to the step of rotating the ball element to enable flow.

6. The method as set forth in claim 5, including the step of: equalizing the well fluid pressure adjacent the ball element after spacing the ball element and the second seat.

7. The method as set forth in claim 6, including the step of: moving the ball element longitudinally while rotating the ball element to enable flow of well fluids.

8. The method as set forth in claim 6, including the step of: engaging the ball elements with the first and second seats for effecting fluid seals after rotating the ball element to enable flow of well fluids.

9. A method of operating a well tool mounted with a well conduit at a subsurface location and having a tubular housing mounting a rotatable ball element with a flow passage formed through the ball element for controlling flow of well fluids through the bore of the well conduit by rotational movement of the ball element, including the steps of: spacing the ball element from an annular seat that is sealably engaged by the ball element for blocking flow of fluid through the bore; contacting the ball element at locations on opposite sides of the ball element for imparting an urging to the ball element in a direction to effect opening rotation of the ball element; urging in a direction on the ball element at the two contacting locations for moving the ball element; rotating the ball element to enable flow of well fluids through the flow passage and well conduit in response to the urging on the ball element at the two contacting locations; and moving the annular seat to sealingly engage the ball element for excluding therebetween undesired foreign material.

10. The method as set forth in claim 9, including the step of: moving the ball element longitudinally while rotating the ball element by urging on the ball element at the two contacting locations.

11. A method of operating a well tool mounted with a well conduit at a subsurface location and having a tubular housing forming a bore and mounting a rotatable ball element with a flow passage formed through the ball element for controlling flow of well fluids through the bore by rotational movement of the ball element, including the steps of: spacing the ball element from a first seat that is sealably engaged by the ball element for blocking flow of fluid through the bore; spacing the ball element from a second seat that sealably engages the ball element at a location spaced from the sealable engagement of the first mentioned seat; contacting the ball element at locations on opposite sides of the ball element for rotating the ball element; urging on the ball element in a direction at the two contacting locations for rotating the ball element; rotating the ball element to enable flow of well fluids through the flow passage and well conduit; and sealing the ball element with the seats for excluding therebetween undesired foreign material in the well fluids by moving one of the seats to sealingly engage the ball element with both seats.

12. A method of operating a subsurface well flow control valve having a housing mounting a valve seat means and a movable flow closure element, said valve seat means including upper and lower annular seats engageable with said flow closure element, including the steps of: spacing the flow closure element from engagement with the upper and lower annular seat means; moving the flow closure element to enable desired flow by urging on the flow closure element at two spaced locations on opposite sides of the flow closure element; and engaging the flow closure element with upper and lower annular seat means while flow is enabled.

13. The method as set forth in claim 12, including the step of: moving the flow closure element longitudinally in the housing while rotating the flow closure element to enable flow.

14. A method of operating a well flow control valve mounted with a well tubing at a subsurface location in a well and having a housing mounting a movable valve seat and a movable flow closure element, including the steps of: moving the seat for spacing the flow closure element from flow sealing engagement the seat; moving the flow closure element longitudinally in the housing while rotating the flow closure element to enable desired flow through the well tubing; and sealing the flow closure element with the seat while flow is enabled to block entry of undesired matter between the flow closure element and the seat;

15. A method of operating a well flow control valve mounted with a well tubing at a subsurface location in a well and having a housing mounting a valve seat and a movable flow closure element, including the steps of: spacing the flow closure element from flow sealing engagement with the seat; moving the flow closure element longitudinally in the housing while rotating the flow closure element to enable desired flow through the well tubing flow; and moving the seat for sealing with the flow closure element to block entry of undesired matter between the flow closure element and the seat.

16. The method as set forth in claim 15, including the step of: equalizing the well fluid pressure adjacent the flow closure element after spacing the flow closure element from flow sealing engagement with the seat.

17. A method of operating a well flow control valve mounted with a well tubinG at a subsurface location in a well and having a housing mounting a valve seat and a movable flow closure element, including the steps of: spacing the flow closure element from flow sealing engagement with the seat; engaging the flow closure element at spaced locations on opposite sides of the flow closure element for effecting movement of the flow closure in a direction to enable desired flow; urging on the flow closure element at the engaged spaced locations for moving the flow closure element; moving the flow closure element to enable desired flow through the well tubing; and sealing the flow closure element with the seat while flow is enabled by moving the seat to engage the flow closure element to block entry of undesired matter between the flow closure element and the seat.

18. The method as set forth in claim 17, including the step of: urging on the flow closure element at the two engaged locations for moving the flow closure element longitudinally to effect rotation of the flow closure element.

19. A method of operating a well flow control valve mounted with a well tubing at a subsurface location in a well and having a housing mounting a valve seat and a movable flow closure element, including the steps of: spacing the flow closure element from flow sealing engagement with the seat; moving the flow closure element to enable desired flow through the well tubing; sealing the flow closure element with the seat while flow is enabled to block entry of undesired matter between the flow closure element and the seat; and spacing the flow closure element from a second seat that sealably engages the flow closure element at a location spaced from the sealable engagement of the first mentioned seat prior to the step of moving the flow closure element to enable flow.

20. The method as set forth in claim 18, including the step of: equalizing the well fluid pressure adjacent the flow closure element after spacing the flow closure element from flow sealing engagement with the second seat.

21. A method of operating a subsurface safety valve mounted with a well conduit at a subsurface location in a well for controlling flow of well fluids through the bore of the well conduit, said safety valve having valve seat means and a movable flow closure element, said valve seat means including first and second seats engaging said flow closure element on opposite sides of said flow closure element, including the steps of: spacing the flow closure element from engagement with the first and second valve seat means; engaging the flow closure element at spaced locations on opposite sides of the flow closure element for effecting movement of the flow closure element in a direction to enable flow; and urging on the flow closure element at the engaged spaced locations for moving the flow closure element in the direction to enable flow of well fluids through the bore of the well conduit.

22. The method as set forth in claim 21, including the step of: engaging the flow closure element only at the two spaced locations for effecting longitudinal movement of the flow closure element.

23. The method as set forth in claim 21, including the step of: equalizing the well fluid pressure about the flow closure element by spacing the flow closure element from the valve seat means.

24. The method as set forth in claim 21, including the step of: rotating the flow closure element to enable flow in response to the urging on the flow closure element.

25. The method as set forth in claim 24, including the step of: moving the flow closure element longitudinally while rotating to enable flow of well fluids.

26. The method as set forth in claim 22, including the step of: actuating a control means from a location exteriorly of the well for rotating the flow closure element to enable flow.

27. The method as set forth in claim 21, including the step of: moving the flow cLosure element longitudinally for spacing the flow closure element from a second sealable engagement with the valve seat means in response to the urging on the flow closure element.

28. The method as set forth in claim 27, including the step of: rotating the flow closure element to enable flow of well fluids after spacing the flow closure element from the second sealable engagement with the valve seat means.

29. The method as set forth in claim 28, including the step of: equalizing the well fluid pressure adjacent the flow closure element prior to rotating the flow closure element.

30. A method of operating a subsurface safety valve mounted with a well conduit at a subsurface location in a well for controlling flow of well fluids through the bore of the well conduit with a valve seat means and a movable flow closure element, including the steps of: spacing a flow closure element from sealable engagement with a valve seat means by moving the seat means from sealable engagement with the flow closure element for spacing the seat means and flow closure element; engaging the flow closure element at spaced locations on opposite sides of the flow closure element for effecting movement of the flow closure element; and urging on the flow closure element at the engaged spaced locations for moving the flow closure element to enable flow of well fluids through the bore of the well conduit.

31. VALVE APPARATUS FOR SUBSURFACE USE IN WELLS, INCLUDING: A FLOW HOUSING HAVING A BORE THERETHROUGH AND MEANS FOR MOUNTING SAID FLOW HOUSING WITH A WELL CONDUIT AT A DESIRED SUBSURFACE LOCATION IN A WELL, BORE CLOSURE MEANS MOUNTED WITH SAID FLOW HOUSING FOR MOVEMENT TO AND FROM AN OPEN POSITION FOR ENABLING FLOW OF FLUID THROUGH SAID BOE AND A LOSED POSITION FOR BLOCKING FLOW OF FLUID THROUGH SAID BORE, SAID BORE CLOSURE MEANS, COMPRISING: A FLOW CLOSURE ELEMENT MOVABLY DISPOSED IN SAID BORE TO AND FROM OPEN AND CLOSED POSITIONS FOR CONTROLLING FLOW OF FLUID THROUGH SAID BORE, VALVE SEAT MEANS HAVING AN ANNULAR RESILIENT SEAL MOVABLY DISPOSED IN SAID BORE FOR SEALABLY ENGAGING WITH SAID FLOW CLOSURE ELEMENT IN THE OPEN AND CLOSED POSITIONS FOR CONTROLLING FLOW OF FLUID THROUGH SAID BORE, AND OPERATOR MEANS OPERABLY CONNECTED WITH SAID FLOW COLSURE ELEMENT FOR EFFECTING MOVEMENT OF SAID FLOW COLSURE ELEMENT TO AND FROM THE OPEN AND CLOSED POSITION, SAID OPERATOR MEANS SPACING SAID ANNULAR RESILIENT SEAL AND SAID FLOW CLOSURE ELEMENT FROM SEALABLE ENGAGEMENT PRIOR TO MOVING SAID FLOW CLOSURE ELEMENT FROM THE CLOSED TO THE OPEN POSITION WHEREIN THE VALVE APPARATUS CONTROLS THE FLOW OF FLUID.

32. The apparatus as set forth in claim 31, wherein: said valve seat means having a seat member engageable with said closure element in the open position.

33. The apparatus as set forth in claim 31, wherein: said valve seat means and said flow closure element arranged for equalizing the fluid pressure adjacent said flow closure element when said valve seat means and said flow closure element are spaced by said operator means.

34. The apparatus as set forth in claim 31, including: said valve seat means having an annular seat member for sealably engaging with said flow closure element to block passage of fluid therebetween when said flow closure element is in the closed position.

35. The apparatus as set forth in claim 34, including: said operator means spacing said annular seat member from said flow closure element prior to moving said flow closure element open.

36. The apparatus as set forth in claim 35, including: said flow closure element in moving to the open position sealably engages with said annular seat member.

37. The apparatus as set forth in claim 31, wherein: said flow closure element formed by a ball-type valve element having a flow passage formed therethrough, said ball-type valve element rotatable to enable flow through said flow passage in the open position and to block flow with saId ball-type valve element in the closed position.

38. The apparatus as set forth in claim 37, wherein: said operator means effecting rotational movement of said ball-type valve element to the open position after spacing said ball-type valve element from said valve seat means.

39. The apparatus as set forth in claim 37, wherein: said valve seat means sealably engaging with said ball-type valve element when said ball-type valve element is substantially rotated open.

40. The apparatus as set forth in claim 39, wherein: said valve seat means having a first annular seat member for sealably engaging said ball-type valve element to block passage of fluid therebetween at a first location; and said valve seat means having a second annular seat member for sealably engaging said ball-type valve element to block passage of fluid therebetween at a second location spaced from said first location wherein said valve seat means effects two flow blocking sealing engagements with said ball-type valve element in the closed position.

41. Valve apparatus for subsurface use in wells, including: a flow housing having a bore therethrough and means for mounting said flow housing with a well conduit at a desired subsurface location in a well; bore closure means mounted with said flow housing for movement to and from an open position for enabling flow of fluid through said bore and a closed position for blocking flow of fluid through said bore, said bore closure means, comprising: a flow closure element movably disposed in said bore to and from open and closed positions for controlling flow of fluid through said bore; valve seat means disposed in said bore for sealably engaging with said flow closure element for controlling flow of fluid through said bore; operator means operably connected with said bore closure means for effecting movement of said bore closure means to and from the open and closed position, said operator means spacing said valve seat means and said flow closure element from sealable engagement prior to moving said bore closure means to the open position wherein the valve apparatus controls the flow of fluid; said valve seat means having a first seat member for sealably engaging with said flow closure element to block passage of fluid therebetween; and said valve seat means having a second seat member for sealably engaging with said flow closure element at a location spaced from the sealable engagement with the first seat member to block passage of fluid between both said first seat member and said flow closure element and said second seat member and said flow closure element when said flow closure element is in the closed position, said operator means spacing said first seat member and said second seat member from said flow closure element prior to moving said flow closure element to the open position.

42. Valve apparatus for subsurface use in wells, including: a flow housing having a bore therethrough and means for mounting said flow housing with a well conduit at a desired subsurface location in a well; bore closure means mounted with said flow housing for movement to and from an open position for enabling flow of fluid through said bore and a closed position for blocking flow of fluid through said bore, said bore closure means, comprising: a flow closure element movably disposed in said bore to and from open and closed positions for controlling flow of fluid through said bore; valve seat means disposed in said bore for sealably engaging with said flow closure element for controlling flow of fluid through said bore; operator means operably connected with said bore closure means for effecting movement of said bore closure means to and from the open and closed position, said operator means spacing said valve seat means and said flow closure element from sealable engagement prior to moving said bore closure means to the open position wherein the valve apparatus controls the flow of flUid; said valve seat means having a first seat member for sealably engaging with said flow closure element to block passage of fluid therebetween; said valve seat means having a second seat member for sealably engaging with said flow closure element at a location spaced from the sealable engagement with the first seat member to block passage of fluid between both said first seat member and said flow closure element and said second seat member and said flow closure element when said flow closure element is in the closed position, said operator means spacing said first seat member and said second seat member from said flow closure element prior to moving said flow closure element to the open position; and said operator means spaces said flow closure element and said second seat member for equalizing fluid pressure adjacent said flow closure element prior to moving the flow closure element to the open position.

43. Valve apparatus for subsurface use in wells, including: a flow housing having a bore therethrough and means for mounting said flow housing with a well conduit at a desired subsurface location in a well; bore closure means mounted with said flow housing for movement to and from an open position for enabling flow of fluid through said bore and a closed position for blocking flow of fluid through said bore, said bore closure means, comprising: a flow closure element movably disposed in said bore to and from open and closed positions for controlling flow of fluid through said bore; valve seat means disposed in said bore for sealably engaging with said flow closure element for controlling flow of fluid through said bore; operator means operably connected with said bore closure means for effecting movement of said bore closure means to and from the open and closed position, said operator means spacing said valve seat means and said flow closure element from sealable engagement prior to moving said bore closure means to the open position wherein the valve apparatus controls the flow of fluid; said valve seat means having a first seat member for sealably engaging with said flow closure element to block passage of fluid therebetween; said valve seat means having a second seat member for sealably engaging with said flow closure element at a location spaced from the sealable engagement with the first seat member to block passage of fluid between both said first seat member and said flow closure element and said second seat member and said flow closure element when said flow closure element is in the closed position, said operator means spacing said first seat member and said second seat member from said flow closure element prior to moving said flow closure element to the open position; and said operator means moves said first seat member for spacing said first seat member from said flow closure element.

44. The apparatus as set forth in claim 43, wherein: said operator means moves said flow closure element for spacing said second seat member from said flow closure element.

45. The apparatus as set forth in claim 44, wherein: said operator means rotates said flow closure element to the open position after spacing said first seat means and said second seat means from said flow closure element.

46. The apparatus as set forth in claim 45, wherein: said flow closure element is formed by a ball-type valve element having a flow passage formed therethrough, said ball-type valve element rotatable to enable flow through said flow passage in the open position and to block flow with said ball-type valve element in the closed position.

47. The apparatus as set forth in claim 46, wherein: said operator means spaces said ball-type valve element from said second seat member prior to rotating said ball-type valve element to the open position.

48. The apparatus as set forth in claim 47, wherein: said operator means moves said ball-type valve element longitudinally in said bore of said housinG when rotating said ball-type valve element to and from the open and closed position.

49. The apparatus as set forth in claim 47, wherein: said operator means maintains said first seat member and said second seat member spaced from said ball-type element when rotating said ball-type element to the open position.

50. The apparatus as set forth in claim 49, wherein: said first seat member and said second seat member sealably engage with said ball-type valve element when said ball-type valve element is substantially rotated open.

51. The apparatus as set forth in claim 50, wherein: said operator means moves said ball-type valve element longitudinally in said bore of said housing when rotating said ball-type valve element to and from the open and closed positions.

52. Valve apparatus for subsurface use in wells, including: a flow housing having a bore therethrough and means for mounting said flow housing with a well conduit at a desired subsurface location in a well; bore closure means mounted with said flow housing for movement to and from an open position for enabling flow of fluid through said bore and a closed position for blocking flow of fluid through said bore, said bore closure means, comprising: a flow closure element movably disposed in said bore to and from open and closed positions for controlling flow of fluid through said bore; valve seat means disposed in said bore for sealably engaging with said flow closure element for controlling flow of fluid through said bore; operator means operably connected with said bore closure means for effecting movement of said bore closure means to and from the open and closed position, said operator means spacing said valve seat means and said flow closure element from sealable engagement prior to moving said bore closure means to the open position wherein the valve apparatus controls the flow of fluid; said flow closure element formed by a ball-type valve element having a flow passage formed therethrough, said ball-type valve element rotatable to enable flow through said flow passage in the open position and to block flow with said ball-type valve element in the closed position; said valve seat means sealably engaging with said ball-type valve element when said ball-type valve element is substantially rotated open; said valve seat means having a first annular seat member for sealably engaging said ball-type valve element to block passage of fluid therebetween at a first location; said valve seat means having a second annular seat member for sealably engaging said ball-type valve element to block passage of fluid therebetween at a second location spaced from said first location wherein said valve seat means effects two flow blocking sealing engagements with said ball-type valve element in the closed position; and said operator means effecting rotational movement of said ball-type valve element to the open position after spacing said ball-type valve element from said first annular seat member and said second annular seat member.

53. Valve apparatus for subsurface use in wells, including: a flow housing having a bore therethrough and means for mounting said flow housing with a well conduit at a desired subsurface location in a well; bore closure means mounted with said flow housing for movement to and from an open position for enabling flow of fluid through said bore and a closed position for blocking flow of fluid through said bore, said bore closure means, comprising: a flow closure element movably disposed in said bore to and from open and closed positions for controlling flow of fluid through said bore; valve seat means disposed in said bore for sealably engaging with said flow closure element for controlling flow of fluid through said bore; operator means operably connected with said bore closure means for effecting movement of said bore closure means to and from the open and closed position, said operator means spacinG said valve seat means and said flow closure element from sealable engagement prior to moving said bore closure means to the open position; said flow closure element formed by a ball-type valve element having a flow passage formed therethrough, said ball-type valve element pivotally connected with said housing for effecting rotation to enable flow through said flow passage in the open position and to block flow with said ball-type valve element in closed position; a first operator member disposed in said bore and mounted with said housing for longitudinal movement relative thereto said operator member engageable with said ball-type valve in the closed position; and means pivotally connecting said first operator member and said ball-type valve element for moving said ball-type valve to effect rotation of said ball-type valve element between open and closed positions upon movement of said operator member in opposite longitudinal directions said means for connecting arranged to move said ball-type valve to effect opening rotation after spacing said operator member from engagement with said ball-type valve wherein the valve apparatus controls the flow of fluid.

54. The apparatus as set forth in claim 53, wherein: said first operator member moves in a longitudinal direction away from said ball-type valve element for rotating said ball-type valve element to the open position.

55. The apparatus as set forth in claim 53, wherein said means for rotating said ball-type valve element, including: a control frame connected with said first operator member for limited longitudinal movement relative thereto; and lugs on one of said control frame or on opposite sides of said ball-type valve element operatively engaging with recesses on the other of said control frame or on opposite sides of said ball-type valve element for rotating said ball-type valve element between opened and closed positions upon movement of said control frame in opposite longitudinal directions with said first operator member.

56. The apparatus as set forth in claim 53, wherein: said valve seat means including a first seat member mounted with said first operator member for sealably engaging with said ball-type valve element.

57. The apparatus as set forth in claim 56, wherein: said first operator member moves said first seat member from sealable engagement with said ball-type valve element prior to rotating said ball-type valve element to the open position.

58. Valve apparatus for subsurface use in wells, including: a flow housing having a bore therethrough and means for mounting said flow housing with a well conduit at a desired subsurface location in a well; bore closure means mounted with said flow housing for movement to and from an open position for enabling flow of fluid through said bore and a closed position for blocking flow of fluid through said bore, said bore closure means, comprising: a flow closure element movably disposed in said bore to and from open and closed positions for controlling flow of fluid through said bore; valve seat means disposed in said bore for sealably engaging with said flow closure element for controlling flow of fluid through said bore; operator means operably connected with said bore closure means for effecting movement of said bore closure means to and from the open and closed position, said operator means spacing said valve seat means and said flow closure element from sealable engagement prior to moving said bore closure means to the open position wherein the valve apparatus controls the flow of fluid; said flow closure element formed by a ball-type valve element having a flow passage formed therethrough, said ball-type valve element rotatable to enable flow through said flow passage in the open position and to block flow with said ball-type valve element in the closed position; a first operator member mounted with said housing for longitudinal movement relative thereto; Means connecting said first operator member and said ball-type valve element for rotating said ball-type valve element between open and closed positions upon movement of said operator member in opposite longitudinal directions; said first operator member moves in a longitudinal direction away from said ball-type valve element for rotating said ball-type valve element to the open position; and said operator means including means for urging said first operator member towards said ball-type valve element for rotating said ball-type valve element to the closed position.

59. The apparatus as set forth in claim 58, including: first control means for moving said first operator member in a longitudinal direction away from said ball-type valve element in response to a first control signal initiated at a location remote from said flow housing.

60. The apparatus as set forth in claim 59, including: second control means for moving said operator member in a longitudinal direction away from said ball-type valve element in response to a second control signal initiated at a location remote from said flow housing wherein said first or second control means operates said ball-type valve element open.

61. Valve apparatus for subsurface use in wells, including: a flow housing having a bore therethrough and means for mounting said flow housing with a well conduit at a desired subsurface location in a well; bore closure means mounted with said housing for movement to and from an open position for enabling flow of fluid through said bore and a closed position for blocking flow of fluid through said bore, said bore closure means, comprising: a flow closure element movably disposed in said bore to and from open and closed positions for controlling flow of fluid through said bore; valve seat means disposed in said bore for sealably engaging with said flow closure element for controlling flow of fluid through said bore; operator means operatively connected with said bore closure means for effecting movement of said bore closure means to and from the open and closed position, said operator means spacing said valve seat means and said flow closure element from sealable engagement prior to moving said bore closure means to the open position wherein the valve apparatus controls the flow of fluid; said flow closure element formed by a ball-type valve element having a flow passage formed therethrough, said ball-type valve element rotatable to enable flow through said flow passage in the open position and to block flow with said ball-type valve element in the closed position; a first operator member mounted with said housing for longitudinal movement relative thereto; means connecting said first operator member and said ball-type valve element for rotating said ball-type valve element between open and closed positions upon movement of said operator member in opposite longitudinal directions; a control frame connected with said first operator member for limited longitudinal movement relative thereto; lugs on one of said control frame or on opposite sides of said ball-type valve element operatively engaging with recesses on the other of said control frame or on opposite sides of said ball-type valve element for rotating said ball-type valve element between open and closed positions upon movement of said control frame in opposite longitudinal directions with said first operator member; said valve seat means having a first seat member mounted with said first operator member for sealably engaging with said ball-type valve element to block passage of fluid therebetween; and said control frame connected with said first operator member for enabling said first operator member to move said first seat member from sealing engagement with said ball-type valve prior to rotating said ball-type valve element to the open position.

62. The apparatus as set forth in claim 61, including: a second operator member mounted with said housing for longitudinal movement relative thereto; a second seat member mounted with said second operator member for sealably engaging with said ball-type valve element at a second location to block passage of fluid therebetween; and said control frame moving said ball-type valve from sealing engagement with said second seat member prior to rotating said ball-type valve element to the open position.

63. The apparatus as set forth in claim 62, wherein: said first operator member moves in a direction away from said ball-type valve element when effecting rotation of said ball-type valve element to the open position.

64. A well tool valve apparatus adapted for mounting with a well conduit at a subsurface location in a well for controlling flow of well fluids through the bore of the well conduit, including: a housing adapted for mounting with a well conduit at the subsurface location in the well; bore closure means mounted with said flow housing for movement to and from an open position for enabling flow of well fluids through the bore of the well conduit and a closed position for blocking flow of well fluids through the bore of the well conduit; said bore closure means comprising: a movable flow closure element mounted with flow housing for controlling flow of well fluids through the bore of the well conduit by movement to and from the open and closed positions; valve seat means for sealably engaging with said flow closure element for blocking flow of fluid between said flow closure element and said valve seat means; and operator means operatively connected with said bore closure means for effecting movement of said bore closure means to and from the open and closed positions in response to movement of said operator means in opposite directions in said housing, said operator means in moving in a direction away from said flow closure element spacing said valve seat means and said flow closure element from sealable engagement prior to moving said flow closure element to the open position.

65. The apparatus as set forth in claim 64, wherein: said flow closure element including a ball-type valve having a flow passage formed therethrough, said ball-type valve rotating to and from the open position for enabling flow of well fluids through said flow passage and the bore of the well conduit and the closed position for blocking flow of well fluids through said flow passage and the bore of the well conduit.

66. A well tool valve apparatus adapted for mounting with a well conduit at a subsurface location in a well for controlling flow of well fluids through the bore of the well conduit, including: a housing adapted for mounting with a well conduit at the subsurface location in the well; bore closure means mounted with said flow housing for movement to and from an open position for enabling flow of well fluids through the bore of the well conduit and a closed position for blocking flow of well fluids through the bore of the well conduit; said bore closure means comprising; a movable flow closure element mounted with flow housing for controlling flow of well fluids through the bore of the well conduit by movement to and from the open and closed positions; valve seat means for sealably engaging with said flow closure element for blocking flow of fluid between said flow closure element and said valve seat means; operator means operably connected with said bore closure means for effecting movement of said bore closure means to and from the open and closed positions in response to movement of said operator means in opposite directions in said housing, said operator means in moving in a direction away from said flow closure element spacing said valve seat means and said flow closure element from sealable engagement prior to moving said flow closure element to the open position; said flow closure element including a ball-type valve having a flow passage formed therethrough, said ball-type valvE rotating to and from the open position for enabling flow of well fluids through said flow passage and the bore of the well conduit and the closed position for blocking flow of well fluids through said flow passage and the bore of the well conduit; a first operator member mounted with said housing for longitudinal movement relative thereof; and means connected said first operator member and said ball-type valve for rotating said ball-type valve between open and closed positions upon movement of said operator member in opposite longitudinal directions.

67. A well tool valve apparatus adapted for mounting with a well conduit at a subsurface location in a well for controlling flow of well fluids through the bore of the well conduit, including: a housing adapted for mounting with a well conduit at the subsurface location in the well; bore closure means mounted with said flow housing for movement to and from an open position for enabling flow of well fluids through the bore of the well conduit at a closed position for blocking flow of well fluids through the bore of the well conduit; said bore closure means comprising; a movable closure element mounted with flow housing for controlling flow of well fluids through the bore of the well conduit by movement to and from the open and closed positions; valve seat means for sealably engaging with said flow closure element for blocking flow of fluid between said flow closure element and said valve seat means; operator means operably connected with said bore closure means for effecting movement of said bore closure means to and from the open and closed positions in response to movement of said operator means in opposite directions in said housing, said operator means in moving in a direction away from said flow closure element spacing said valve seat means and said flow closure element from sealable engagement prior to moving said flow closure element to the open position; said flow closure element including a ball-type valve having a flow passage formed therethrough, said ball-type valve rotating to and from the open position for enabling flow of well fluids through said flow passage and the bore of the well conduit and the closed position for blocking flow of well fluids through said flow passage and the bore of the well conduit; a first operator member mounted with said housing for longitudinal movement relative thereto; means connecting said first operator member and said ball-type valve for rotating said ball-type valve between open and closed positions upon movement of said operator member in opposite longitudinal directions; and said valve seat means having a first seat member mounted with said first operator member for sealably engaging with said ball-type valve to block passage of well fluids therebetween, said first operator member moving said first seat member from sealable engagement with said ball-type valve prior to rotating said ball-type valve to the open position.

68. The apparatus as set forth in claim 67, wherein said means for rotating said ball-type valve between open and closed positions includes: a control frame connected with said first operator member for limited longitudinal movement relative thereto; and lugs on one of said control frame or on opposite sides of said ball-type valve operatively engaging with recesses on the other of said control frame or on opposite sides of said ball-type valve for effecting rotation of said ball-type valve upon movement of said control frame in opposite longitudinal directions with said first operator member.

69. The apparatus as set forth in claim 68 including: urging means mounted with said housing for urging said first operator member in a longitudinal direction to rotate said ball-type valve closed; and control means for moving said first operator in a longitudinal direction to rotate said ball-type valve open wherein operation of said ball-type valve is controlled.

70. The apparatUs as set forth in claim 69, wherein: said control means moves said first operator in a direction away from said ball-type valve.

71. The apparatus as set forth in claim 68, including: second control means for moving said first operator in a longitudinal direction to rotate said ball-type valve open wherein said ball-type valve is controllable by either said first or said second control means.

72. A well tool valve apparatus adopted for mounting with a well conduit at a subsurface location in a well for controlling flow of well fluids through the bore of the well conduit; including: a tubular housing having means for mounting with the well tubing at the subsurface location, said housing having a bore formed therethrough for communicating with the bore of the well conduit above and below said housing; a ball-type valve having a flow passage formed therethrough movably disposed in said bore of said housing, said ball-type valve rotating to and from an open position for enabling flow of well fluids through said flow passage and the bore of the well conduit and a closed position for blocking flow of well fluids through said flow passage and the bore of the well conduit; first seat means movably disposed in said bore of said housing below said ball-type valve for engaging with said ball-type valve to control flow of well fluids through said bore of said housing; second seat means movably disposed in said bore of said housing above said ball-type valve for sealing engagement with said ball-type valve to control flow of well fluids through said bore of said housing; first operator member means movably disposed in said bore of said housing and mounting said first seat means; said first operator member means operably connected with said ball-type valve for substantially moving said ball-type valve to and from the open and closed positions upon controlled movement of said first operator member means; second operator member means movably disposed in said bore of said housing and mounting said second seat means for sealing engagement with said ball when said ball-type valve is in the open and closed positions; and means actuated remotely from said housing for effecting coordinated movement of said first and second operator member means to space said first seat means from said ball-type valve and said ball-type valve from said second seat means prior to rotating said ball-type valve substantially to the open position from the closed position with said first operator member means wherein flow of well fluids is enabled.

73. A method of operating closed a subsurface rotatable ball-type safety valve from the open position, including the steps of: spacing an upper seat from engagement with the ball-type valve in the open position; spacing the ball-type valve from a lower seat; and rotating the ball-type valve closed wherein the ball-type valve is operated closed.

74. The method as set forth in claim 73, including the step of: sealably engaging the ball-type valve with the upper seat for blocking flow of fluid therebetween.

75. The method as set forth in claim 73, including the step of: sealably engaging the ball-type valve with the lower seat for blocking flow of fluid therebetween.

76. The method as set forth in claim 73, including the step of: sealably engaging the ball-type valve with the lower and upper seats for blocking flow of fluid between each of the seats and the ball-type valve.