Remotely operated isolation valve

REMOTE-OPERATED INSULATION VALVE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates, in general, to equipment used and 5 operations carried out in conjunction with an underground well, and, in an embodiment described in this application, more particularly, provides an isolation valve operated remotely.

BACKGROUND

Frequently, it is convenient to isolate a lower section of a well, from the pressure in an upper section of the well. For example, in controlled pressure drilling, or drilling where the pressure in the well is less than the fluid pressure in the perforated (under-balanced) formation, it is important to maintain precise control over the pressure at the base of the well. In order to maintain this precise control over the pressure at the base of the well, an isolation valve disposed between the upper and lower sections of the well can be closed, while a drill string is released into and out of the well.

In termination operations, it may be convenient, at times, to isolate a completed section of a well, for example, in order to avoid the loss of termination fluids, to avoid damage to a production zone; etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partially cross-sectional view representative of a well system and an associated method representing the principles of the

5 Present revelation.

FIGS. 2A and B are cross-sectional views on an enlarged scale representative of an isolation valve that can be used in the system and the

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method of FIG. 1, where the isolation valve represents the principles of this invention, and where the isolation valve is represented in an open configuration.

FIGS. 3A and B are cross-sectional views representative of the isolation valve, where the isolation valve is represented in a closed configuration.

FIG. 4 is a representative hydraulic circuit diagram for an actuator of the isolation valve.

FIGS. 5A-C are enlarged cross-sectional views 10 representative of various configurations of a rotary actuator valve.

FIGS. 6-11 are partially cross-sectional views representative of additional configurations of a detector section of the isolation valve.

FIG. 12 is a partially cross-sectional view representative of another configuration of the system and the method of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a partially cross-sectional view representative of another configuration of the system and the method of FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is a partially cross-sectional view representative of a portion of the isolation valve, taken along line 14-14 of the

FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a partially cross-sectional view representative of a portion of the isolation valve, taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 13.

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is illustrated representatively in FIG. 1 an example of a well system 10 and an associated method representing the principles of the present disclosure. In the system 10 shown in FIG. 1, a assembly 12 is transported through a tubular string 14 in a well.

The tubular string 14 forms a protective coating for the well 24. The tubular string 14 may be of the type known to those skilled in the art as the casing, lining, tubing, etc. The tubular string 14 can be segmented, continuous, formed in situ, etc. The tubular string 14 can be made of any material.

The assembly 12 is illustrated so as to include a tubular drill string 16 having a trephine 18 connected under a mud motor and / or a turbine generator 20. The mud engine or turbine generator 20 is not necessary for the operation of the well system 10, in order to conform to the principles of this disclosure, although they are represented in FIG. 1 in order to demonstrate the wide variety of possible configurations that can be used.

In the example of FIG. 1, a signal transmitter 32 is also interconnected in the tubular string 16. The serial transmitter 32 can be used to open an isolation valve 26 interconnected in the tubular string 14, as assembly 12 is transported downwardly through from valvule. The serial transmitter 32 can also be used to close the isolation valve 26 as the assembly 12 is removed upwardly through the valve.

Isolation valve 26 functions so as to selectively isolate the upper and lower sections of well 24 from each other. In the example of FIG. 1, the isolation valve 26 selectively allows and prevents fluid communication to

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through an internal flow passage 22 that extends longitudinally through the tubular string 14, which includes through the isolation valve.

As depicted in FIG. 1, the isolation valve 26 includes a detector section 30, a control system 34 and a valve / actuator section 28. The detector section 30 functions to detect a serial, for example, to open or close the isolation valve 26. The control system 34 operates the valve / actuator section 28 when an appropriate serial has been detected by the detector section 30.

While the valve / actuator section 28, the detector section 30 and the control system 34 are shown in FIG. 1 As separate interconnected components in tubular string 14, any of these components could be integrated with the others; additional or different components could be used, etc. The component configuration illustrated in FIG. 1 is merely an example of a wide diversity of different possible configurations.

The signal detected by the detector section 30 could be transmitted from any location, either remote or local. For example, the signal could be transmitted from the transmitter 32 of the tubular string 16; the signal could be transmitted from any object (such as a buoy, a dart, a tubular string, etc.) that is presented in the flow passage 22; the serial could be transmitted from the detector section itself; the serial could be transmitted from the earth's surface, from an underwater region, a drilling or production facility, etc.

In one example, a pulsating pressure signal could be transmitted from a remote region (such as the land surface, a site drilling rig, the sea floor, etc.), by selective restriction of flow through a device flow control 36. The flow control device 36 is

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represented schematically in FIG. 1 as a shutter of the type used in a fluid return line 38 during drilling operations.

The fluid (such as mud sludge or drilling fluid) is pumped by an equipment pump 40 through the tubular string 16; the fluid leaves the tubular string in the tramp 18, and returns to the surface by means of a ring 42 formed radially between the tubular strings 14 and 16. By momentary restriction of the flow of the fluid through the device 36, pulses can be applied of pressure to the isolation valve 26 by means of passage 22. The times of the pressure pulses can be controlled with a controller 44, connected to the flow control device 36.

In addition, many other means of transmitting remote signals can be used. For example, you can use electromagnetic, acoustic telemetry and other forms of telemetry, in order to transmit signals to detector section 30.

Other examples of remote telemetry systems are described below in relation to FIG. 13.

The lines (such as electrical conductors, optical waveguides, hydraulic lines, etc.) can be extended from the detector section 30 to remote regions, for the transmission of signals to the detector section. Such lines could be incorporated into a side wall of the tubular string 14 (for example, so that the lines are installed when the tubular string is installed), or the lines could be positioned internally or externally with respect to the tubular string.

Naturally, various forms of telemetry could be used for

5 signal transmission to the detector section 30, even if the signals are not transmitted from a remote region. For example, electromagnetic, magnetic, radiofrequency identification (RFID) signals can be transmitted according to

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its acronym in English), acoustic, vibratory, pulsatile pressure and other types of signals, from an object (which the transmitter 32 can comprise) that is locally positioned (for example, positioned in passage 22).

In an example described in more detail below, an inductor coupling is used to transmit a signal to the detector section 30. An inductor coupling can also be used to recharge batteries in the isolation valve 26, or in order to provide electrical energy for the operation of the isolation valve, without the need for batteries. In one example, the electrical energy for the operation of the inductor coupling could be provided by the flow of fluid through the turbine generator 20.

In the system 10 which is illustrated representatively in FIG. 1, the isolation valve 26 isolates a lower section of the well 24 from an upper section of the well, while the tubular string 16 is released into and out of the well. In this way, the pressure in the lower section of the well 24 can be controlled more precisely, for example, so as to avoid damage to a reservoir that is crossed by the lower section of the well; in order to avoid the loss of fluids, etc.

Isolation valve 26 is not necessarily used only in drilling operations. By way of example, the isolation valve 26 can be used in termination operations, in order to avoid the loss of termination fluids during the installation of a production pipe string, etc. It will be appreciated that there is a wide variety of possible uses for a selectively operable isolation valve.

Next, with additional reference to FIGS. 2A and B, illustrated by

5 representatively a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of the isolation valve 26, apart from the rest of the well system 10. In this example, the detector section 30, the control system 34 and the section of

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Valve / actuator 28 are incorporated in a single assembly, although any number or combination of components, subassemblies, etc., may be used in isolation valve 26 in order to conform to the principles of this disclosure.

The detector section 30 is represented so as to include a detector 5 46, which is connected to an electronic circuit system 48 of the control system 34. The electrical energy for the operation of the detector 46, the electronic circuit system 48 and a motor 50 is supplied by one or more batteries 52.

In other examples, the batteries 52 may not be used if, for example, electric power is supplied by means of an inductor coupling. However, even if an inductor coupling is provided, the batteries 52 can still be used, in which case, the batteries could be recharged inside the well by means of the inductor coupling.

The engine 50 is used to operate a rotary valve 54, which selectively connects the pressure sources 56 and 58 to the chambers 60 and 62 exposed to opposite sides of a piston 64. The operation of the engine 50 is controlled by the control system 34 , for example, by means of lines 66 that extend between the control system and the motor.

The pressure source 56 supplies relatively high pressure to the rotary valve 54 by means of a line 68. The pressure source 58 supplies relatively low pressure to the rotary valve 54 by means of a line 70. The rotary valve 54 is in communication with Chambers 60 and 62 by means of respective lines 72 and 74.

The high pressure source 56 includes a chamber 76 containing a pressurized, compressible fluid (such as silicone fluid or compressed nitrogen gas, etc.). A fixing piston 78 separates chamber 76 from another chamber 80 containing hydraulic fluid.

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The low pressure source 58 also includes a fixing piston 86 that separates chambers 82 and 84, where chamber 82 contains hydraulic fluid. However, chamber 84 is in fluid communication, via a line 88, with a relatively low pressure region in the well, such as passage 22.

In the example of FIGS. 2A and B, a flap valve 90 of the valve / actuator section 28 is opened, when the piston 64 is in an upper position, and the flap valve is closed (to thereby avoid fluid communication through passage 22 ) when the piston is in a lower position (see FIGS. 3A and B). Preferably, a flap 92 of the valve 90 seals the seats 94 and 96 in a sealed manner when the valve is closed, so as to prevent the flow in both directions through the passage 22, when the valve is closed.

Pressure sources 56 and 58, piston 64, chambers 60 and 62, motor 50, rotary valve 54, lines 68, 70, 72, 74 and associated components may be considered to comprise an actuator 100 for operation of valve 90. In order to move the piston 64 to its upper position, the rotary valve 54 is rotated by the engine 50, so that the high pressure source 56 is connected to the lower piston chamber 62, and the low pressure source 58 is connected to the upper piston chamber 60. Conversely, in order to move the piston 64 to its lower position, the rotary valve 54 is rotated by the engine 50, so that the high pressure source 56 is connected to the upper piston chamber 60, and the source of Low pressure 58 is connected to the lower piston chamber 62.

As depicted in FIGS. 3A and B, an object 98 (such as a tubular string, a rod, rod, etc.) is transported into the passage on the isolation valve 26. The object 98 includes the signal transmitter 32, which transmits a signal to the detector 46.

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In response, the control system 34 causes the engine 50 to operate the rotary valve 54, so that relatively high pressure is applied to the lower piston chamber 62, and relatively low pressure is applied to the upper piston chamber 60. The piston 64, consequently, moves towards its upper position (as shown in FIGS. 2A and B), and the object 98 can then be moved, if desired, through the open valve 90.

Similarly, if the object 98 is retrieved through the open valve 90, then a signal transmitted from the transmitter 32 to the detector 46 can cause the control system 34 to operate the actuator 100 and close the valve 90 (i.e. , causing the engine 50 to operate the rotary valve 54, so that relatively high pressure is applied to the upper piston chamber 60, and relatively low pressure is applied to the lower piston chamber 62).

As depicted in FIG. 3B, the isolation valve 26 can selectively prevent fluid communication between the sections of the well 24, where the isolation valve 26 prevents the flow of fluid in each of the first and second opposite directions through the flow passage 22 extending longitudinally through the isolation valve 26. Note that the fin 92 is embedded as a seal with each of the seats

0 94 and 96, in order to prevent fluid flow through passage 22 both in the upward direction as in the downstream, as seen in FIG. 3B.

A schematic hydraulic circuit diagram for actuator 100 is illustrated in a representative manner, in FIG. 4. In this circuit diagram, it can be seen that the rotary valve 54 is capable of connecting lines 68 and

5 70 to the respective lines 74 and 72 (as shown in FIG. 4); is able to connect lines 68 and 70 to the respective lines 72 and 74 (that is, in reverse

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of what is represented in FIG. 4); and is able to connect all lines, 68, 70, 72 and 74, to each other.

The last position of the rotary valve 54 is useful for recharging the high pressure source 56 inside the well. With all lines 68, 70, 72 and 74 connected to each other, the pressure 102 applied by means of line 88 to chamber 84 will be transmitted to chamber 76, which can be depressurized after repeated operation of actuator 100.

It will be appreciated that, as the actuator 100 is operated in order to move the piston 64 up or down, the volume of the chamber 76 expands. As chamber volume 76 expands, the fluid pressure there decreases.

Finally, the fluid pressure in the chamber 76 may be insufficient to operate the actuator 100 as desired. In that case, the rotary valve 54 can be operated to its position in which lines 68, 70, 72 and 74 are connected to each other, and high pressure 102 can be applied to passage 22 (or another relatively low pressure region), in order to recharge the chamber 76 by its compression and thus increase the pressure of the fluid there disposed.

Next, with additional reference to FIGS. 5A-C, schematically enlarged schematic views of various positions of the rotary valve 54, apart from the rest of the actuator 100 are illustrated. In these views, it can be seen that the rotary valve 54 includes a rotor 104, which fits in a manner of seal with a plate with holes 106.

The sealing between the rotor 104 and the plate 106 is due to the fact that their engagement surfaces are very flat, hardened and precisely ground, so that the flat face sealing is achieved. The rotor 104 is surrounded by a relatively high pressure region 108 (connected to the high pressure source 56 via line 68) and a relatively low pressure region 110 (connected to

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the low pressure source 58 via line 70), so that the pressure differential across the rotor causes it to be inclined in sealing contact with the plate 106.

As depicted in FIG. 5A, the rotor 104 is oriented relative to the plate 106, so that the lines 74 are in communication with the low pressure region 110, and the lines 72 are in communication with the high pressure region 108 (preferably, they use multiple lines 72 and 74 for the balance, and to provide more flow area, so that the valve 90 operates more quickly). Consequently, valve 90 will close, as shown in the

FIGS. 3A and B.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the rotor 104 is oriented relative to the plate 106, so that the lines 74 are in communication with the high pressure region 108, and the lines 72 are in communication with the low pressure region 110. Accordingly, the Valve 90 will open, as shown in FIGS. 2A and

B.

As depicted in FIG. 5C, the rotor 104 is oriented so that the ends of the rotor protrude from pianos 112 formed in the plate 106. In this position, the high and low pressure regions 108 and 110 are in communication with each other, and in communication with each one of lines 72 and 74.

This is the position of the rotor 104 for recharging the chamber 76, as described above.

Note that rotor 104 can reach the recharge position set forth in FIG. 5C from the position set forth in any of FIGS. 5A ο 5B. When the rotor 104 is in the position shown in FIG. 5C, there is no

5 net change in pressure through piston 64, and valve 90 must remain in place without movement. For this reason, the chamber 76 can be recharged when the valve 90 is in its open position or in its closed position.

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The engine 50 can rotate the rotor 104 to each of the positions represented in FIGS. 5A-C, as necessary to operate the actuator 100, under the control of the control system 34. However, note that it is not necessary to use a motor 50 or the rotary valve 54 in the actuator 100, since, for example, a shuttle valve, a series of bar or solenoid valves, or any other type of valve arrangement may be used, as appropriate.

Next, with additional reference to FIG. 6, an example of a method of detecting the presence of an object 98 in the passage 22 is illustrated in a representative manner. Note that, in this example, the object 98 has the shape of a buoy, which can be dropped, circulated , or otherwise transported through passage 22 towards isolation valve 26, in order to open or close the valve. Any type of object (such as a buoy, a dart, a tubular string, a rod, rod, a wire, wire, etc.) that has any shape, can be used in order to comply with the principles of this disclosure.

As depicted in FIG. 6, the detector 46 of the detector section detects the presence of the object 98 in the flow passage 22. In one example, the detector 46 could be an accelerometer or a vibration sensor, which detects the vibrations caused by the movement of the object 98 in passage 22. In another example, the detector could be an acoustic sensor that detects acoustic noise generated by the movement of object 98 in passage 22. In other examples, the detector 46 could be a Hall effect sensor, which detects a magnetic field of the object 98 (ie, if the object is magnetized); a magnetic sensor, which detects a change in the intensity of a magnetic field due to the presence

5 of object 98 in passage 22 (in which case, the magnetic field could be generated by the isolation valve 26 itself); a pressure sensor, which detects pressure signals (such as the pressure pulses generated by

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the flow control device 36, described above), an acoustic sensor, which detects acoustic signals transmitted through passage 22 or tubular string 14, other well components, etc .; a radiofrequency signal sensor or other electromagnetic signal; or any other type of signal detector.

In FIG. 7, another example is representatively illustrated, in which the signal transmitter 32 is incorporated in the object 98. A signal transmitted from the transmitter 32 to the detector 46 could be any type of signal, which includes acoustic, electromagnetic signals , magnetic, radiofrequency identification (RFID), vibration, pressure pulse, etc.

In FIG. 8, a further example is illustrated in a representative manner, in which the object 98 is presented in the form of a tubular string. The detector 46 comprises an acoustic transceiver (a combination of an acoustic serial transmitter and an acoustic serial receiver). The detector 46 detects the presence of the object 98 in the passage, by detecting a reflection of an acoustic signal transmitted from the acoustic signal transmitter to the acoustic serial receiver, where the signal is reflected out of the object in passage 22 .

It is illustrated representatively in FIG. 9 another example, in which the object 98 is again presented in the form of a tubular string, although the detector 46 comprises an acoustic serial transmitter 114 and an acoustic serial receiver 116 separated, preferably spaced apart from each other (for example , on opposite sides of passage 22). When the object 98 is properly positioned in the passage 22, an acoustic signal transmitted by the transmitter 114 is interrupted by the object, so that it is not received by the

5 receiver 116 (or the received signal is delayed or distorted, etc.), and detector 46, therefore, is able to detect the presence of the object.

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Another example is representatively illustrated in FIG. 10, in which an inductor coupling 118 is formed between the object 98 and the detector section 30. More specifically, the signal transmitter 32 includes a coil 120 that inductively engages with a coil 122 of the detector 46.

Data and command signals can be transmitted from the signal transmitter 32 to the detector 46, by means of the inductor coupling 118. Alternatively or additionally, the inductor coupling 118 can be used in order to transmit electrical energy for charging the batteries 52. As depicted in FIG. 10, the isolation valve 26 can still be operated without the use of the batteries 52, if sufficient electrical energy can be transmitted by the inductor coupling 118.

It is illustrated representatively in FIG. 11 another example in which the signals for the operation of the isolation valve 26 can be transmitted by one or more lines 124, which extend to a remote region. The lines 124 could be electric, optical, hydraulic, or any other type of line.

In the example of FIG. 11, the lines 124 are directly connected to a detector section 30 and a control system 34 combined. For example, detector 46 could be a component of the circuit system

0 electronic 48.

Lines 124 may extend to the remote region in a variety of different ways. In one example, the lines 124 could be incorporated into a side wall of the tubular string 14, or they could be positioned externally or internally with respect to the tubular string.

5 Next, with additional reference to FIG. 12, another configuration of the well system 10 is illustrated in a representative manner, in which the isolation valve 26 is secured to the tubular string 14 by means of an elderly

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release 126 (for example, in the form of a specialized coating support). If the lines 124 are used for signal transmission to the isolation valve 26, then the establishment of the old 126 can achieve the connection of the lines 124 to the detector section 30 or the control system

34.

When necessary, the isolation valve 26 can be recovered from the well 24 by releasing the elderly 126. In this way, the isolation valve 26, of value, can be used again in other wells.

Note that, in the configuration of FIG. 12, the isolation valve 26 provides selective fluid communication and isolation between the piped and the non-piped sections of the well 24. In other examples (such as the example in FIG. 1), the isolation valve 26 can provide the selective fluid communication and isolation between two piped sections of a well, or between two non-piped sections of a well.

Next, with additional reference to FIG. 13, another configuration of the well system 10 is representatively illustrated. In this configuration, the controller 44 is connected to a signal transmitter 130, positioned at a remote location of the isolation valve 26. The remote location could be in the land surface, in an underwater or sea floor region, in a well, a drilling rig, a production or drilling facility, etc.

The transmitter 130 transmits a serial 132 to the isolation valve 26. The serial 132 could be an acoustic, electromagnetic, radiofrequency, pressure pulse, or other type of serial.

In this example, the serial 132 is transmitted continuously, in order to maintain a particular action of the isolation valve 26. Accordingly, the signal 132 can be transmitted continuously so as to keep the isolation valve 26 in a open or closed configuration.

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Such an arrangement may be beneficial, for example, in an emergency situation, in order to prevent inadvertent fluid leakage from the well, from the well. In that case, the isolation valve 26 could be configured such that it closes when the transmission of the signal 132 ceases. Thus, the release of fluids from the well from the well could be avoided by closing valve 26 in response to an interruption in signal transmission 132.

The "continuous" transmission of the signal 132 may comprise the regular or periodic transmission of the signal according to a preselected pattern (for example, the transmission every 3 minutes, etc.). Therefore, the valve 26 could be operated towards its open or closed configuration, in response to an interruption in the regular or periodic transmission of the signal, in accordance with the preselected pattern.

In the example of FIG. 13, the signal 132 is transmitted to the isolation valve 26. The serial 132 is detected by the detector 46 of the detector section 30.

Provided that the signal 132 is continuously detected by the detector 46, the control system 34 maintains the valve / actuator section 28 in its current configuration (for example, open or closed). When the serial 132 is not continuously detected, the control system 34 causes the valve / actuator section 28 to change its configuration (for example, from open to closed, or from closed to open).

Note that, in FIG. 13, the isolation valve 26 is cemented in the well 24. The cement 134 is located in a ring 136 formed radially between the isolation valve 26 and the well 24. However, in other examples (such as those similar to that represented in FIG. 12), the isolation valve 26 may not be cemented in the well 24.

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The actuator valve / section 28 in the examples described above could include the flap valve 90, a boia valve (for example, a boia valve capable of splitting wire or pipe in passage 22), or any other type of valve. In FIG. 14, the actuator valve / section 28 is shown so as to include a resilient annular seal 138, which can extend inwardly so as to seal an outer surface of the drill string 16 or another tubular string in passage 22.

In this aspect, seal 138 may be similar to those used in annular safety valves. When extended radially inwardly enough, seal 138 seals ring 42.

In FIG. 15, another means for sealing the ring 42 is representatively illustrated. The actuator valve / section 28 shown in FIG. 15 includes iris 140 overlay sheets, which can extend radially inwardly to the drill string 16 or another tubular string in the passage 22, in order to seal it.

Using the configurations of FIGS. 14 and 15, damage to the reservoir, loss of drilling fluid, inadvertent leakage of well fluid, etc., can be avoided by closing passage 22, or ring 42, if the string is located in the passage 16 drilling or other structure. Passage 22 or ring 42 may be sealed (for example, using the configuration of FIG. 13), if the continuous transmission of signal 132 ceases.

The signal 132 can also be used to drive the isolation valve 26, without ceasing the transmission of the signal 132. By way of example, the signal 132 could be modulated in various ways, in order to achieve that

5 the isolation valve 26 is opened when desired (for example, in order to allow the drill string 16 to extend through the valve / actuator section 28, etc.), to close when desired (for example, so of

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isolate sections of well 24 from each other, in order to avoid damaging the reservoir, to prevent loss of drilling or termination fluids, to avoid inadvertent loss of well fluids from the well, etc. with the aim of recharging the cameras 76 when desired, etc.

While the principles of this disclosure have been described above in relation to several specific separate examples, it will be appreciated without difficulty that any of the features of any of the examples can be conveniently incorporated into any of the other examples, or may be of another mode combined with any of the other examples. Therefore, the individual examples have no intention of demonstrating mutually exclusive features. Instead, the multiple examples demonstrate that the principles of this disclosure are applicable to a wide variety of different applications.

Now it will be fully appreciated that the above revelation provides many advances in art. The examples of systems and methods described above can provide convenient and reliable isolation between sections of a well, as necessary.

Specifically, the foregoing disclosure provides art with a method of operation of an isolation valve 26 in an underground well. The method may comprise the continuous transmission of a signal 132 to a detector section 30 of the isolation valve 26, and a control system 34 of the isolation valve 26, which operates an actuator 100 of the isolation valve 26, in response to detector section 30 which detects that the continuous transmission of signal 132 has ceased.

The serial 132 can be transmitted from a remote region. The signal 132 can be transmitted from the remote region by means of telemetry. Telemetry may consist of one or more of: electromagnetic, acoustic and pressure pulse telemetry.

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The continuous transmission of the signal 132 may comprise the maintenance of a configuration of the isolation valve 26 without changes. The operation of the actuator 100 of the isolation valve 26 may comprise changing the configuration of the isolation valve 26.

The isolation valve 26 may be cemented in a well 24. Cement 134 may be located in a ring 136 formed between the isolation valve 26 and a well 24.

A well system 10 is described above. The well system 10 may comprise an isolation valve 26, which selectively allows and prevents fluid communication between sections of a well 24; a signal transmitter 130, which transmits a signal 132, where the signal transmitter 130 is located in a remote region with respect to the isolation valve 26; wherein the isolation valve 26 includes a detector section 30 that detects the serial 132, and the isolation valve 26 additionally includes a control system 34 that operates an actuator 100 of the isolation valve 26, in response to the detection of the serial 132 by detector section 30.

Another well system 10 described above may include an isolation valve 26 that selectively allows and prevents fluid communication between sections of a well 24, where the isolation valve 26 is interconnected in a tubular string 14, and the tubular string 14 is cemented in the well 24, where the cement 134 is arranged in a ring 136 formed radially between the isolation valve 26 and the well 24.

It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure described in this application can be used in various orientations, such as inclined, inverted, horizontal, vertical, etc. orientations, and in various configurations, without departing from the principles of the present invention. The embodiments are described merely as examples of useful applications of

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the principles of the invention, which is not limited to any specific detail of these embodiments.

In the above description of the representative embodiments of the invention, the directional terms, such as "above", "below", "upper", "lower", etc., are used for convenience in reference to the accompanying drawings. In general, "over," "top," "up / up," and similar terms refer to a direction toward the earth's surface along a well, and "under," "bottom," "down. / in descending form ”and similar terms refer to a direction from the earth's surface along the well.

Naturally, the person skilled in the art, with the careful consideration of the above description of the representative embodiments of the invention, will appreciate without difficulty that many modifications, additions, substitutions, deletions and other changes can be made to the specific embodiments, and that such changes They are contemplated by the principles of the present invention. Therefore, it should be clearly understood that the foregoing detailed description is provided by way of illustration and example only, and that the spirit and scope of the present invention are limited only by the appended claims and their equivalents.