Apparatus, system and process for regulating a control mechanism of a well

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus, a system and a process for regulating a wellhead control mechanism. The apparatus is configured to control actuation of a wellhead control mechanism by moving a moveable body of the apparatus between a first position and a second position. When the apparatus is in the first position a valve actuator is actuatable and when the apparatus is in the second position the valve actuator is physically interfered from actuating. When the apparatus is in the second position, the wellhead control mechanism cannot be actuated and is held in either an open, a partially open or a closed position. Other embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a system that directly controls actuation of a wellhead actuation mechanism.

1 .- 40 . (canceled) 
     
     
         41 . A process for regulating a wellhead control mechanism, the process comprising the steps of:
 (a) locking out the wellhead control mechanism so that it cannot actuate; and   (b) performing a handshake protocol to determine if the locked out wellhead control mechanism can be released and then actuated.   
     
     
         42 - 43 . (canceled)