Remotely controllable wellbore valve system

Abstract

A remotely operable wellbore valve system includes a valve configured to be coupled to a wellbore conduit and to selectively close the conduit. The valve is disposed in a valve body configured to open an existing wellbore valve by longitudinal motion therethrough and to sealingly engage an interior of the existing wellbore valve. The system includes a valve actuator and a signal receiver in communication with the valve actuator. The signal receiver is configured to detect command signals transmitted from the Earth's surface and to cause the actuator to operate the valve in response to the detected command signals.

1 . A remotely operable wellbore valve system, comprising:
 a valve configured to be coupled to a wellbore conduit and to selectively close the conduit, the valve disposed in a valve body configured to open an existing wellbore valve by longitudinal motion therethrough, the valve body configured to sealingly engage an interior of the existing wellbore valve;   a valve actuator; and   a signal receiver in communication with the valve actuator, the signal receiver configured to detect command signals transmitted from the Earth's surface and to cause the actuator to operate the valve in response to detected command signals.   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the signal receiver is configured to detect acoustic signals transmitted through wellbore fluid inside the conduit. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the signal receiver is configured to detect acoustic signals transmitted along wellbore conduit. 
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the signal receiver is configured to detect signals transmitted from a sonde disposed in the wellbore at the end of an armored electrical cable. 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the signal receiver and the valve actuator are configured to maintain the valve in an open position upon detection of maintenance signals from the surface at selected time intervals, and to close the valve if the maintenance signals are not detected. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the valve comprises a flapper.