Well valve control system

A system for controlling well testing through an upper and lower test string with a subsea test tree connected therebetween and latch means to release the upper test string from the subsea test tree comprising:

• a. first and second selectively programmable microprocessor means;
• b. means for storing system operating limits in each microporcessor means;
• c. means for chaning the operating limits in response to changes in well conditions;
• d. means for communicating operating fluid pressure to the subsurface test tree and the latch means;
• e. solenoid pilot valves controlling the flow of the operating fluid pressure to the subsea test tree and the latch means;
• f. the first microprocessor means located at a central control console;
• g. the second microporcessor means located near the solenoid valves;
• h. means for transmitting signals between the first and second microporcessor means and validating the accuracy of the signals;
• and
• i. electronic circuits to control operation of the solenoid valves in response to validated signals.

A system for controlling and monitoring well testing including a subsurface test tree and related equipment comprising:

• a. means for communicating operating fluid pressure to the subsurface test tree and related equipment;
• b. solenoid valves controlling the flow of the operating fluid;
• c. a first microprocessor and selectively programmable memory means to send and receive signals located at a central operating station;
• d. a second microprocessor and selectively programmable memory means located near the solenoid valves to receive signals from the first microprocessor;
• e. the second microprocessor transmitting commands received from the first microprocessor back to the first microprocessor for verification;
• f. electronic circuits to control operation of the solenoid valves in response to verified commands from the second microprocessor;
• and
• g. means for bypassing both microprocessors to send an electrical signal directly to a selected solenoid valve.

An electronic circuit to control the operation of valves remotely located from a central control console comprising:

• a. selectively programmable microprocessor means to receive signals from the control console;
• b. solenoid valves electrically connected to and controlled by the electronic circuit;
• c. the microprocessor means and solenoid valves located adjacent to each other;
• d. peripheral interface adapter means;
• e. a solenoid decoder connected between the peripheral interface adapter and the solenoid valves;
• f. the microprocessor means transmitting commands received from the central control console back to the console for validation;
• and
• g. signal bus means interconnecting the microprocessor means with the peripheral interface adapter to permit data flow therebetween and to enable the microprocessor means to control the solenoid valves based on validated signals.

An electronic circuit electrically connected to and controlling the operation of solenoid valves remotely located from a central control console comprising:

• a. selectively programmable microprocessors and their associated memory to receive modem signals from the control console;
• b. the microprocessors and solenoid valves located adjacent to each other;
• c. the microprocessors transmitting commands received from the central control console back to the console for validation;
• d. peripheral interface adapter means;
• e. a solenoid decoder connected between the peripheral interface adapter means and the solenoid valves;
• f. signal bus means interconnecting the microprocessors with the peripheral interface adapter means to permit data flow therebetween and to enable the microprocessors to control the solenoid valves based on validated signals;
• g. means for receiving both a DC voltage signal and the modem signal from the central control console;
• h. means for bypassing the microprocessors to send the DC voltage signal directly to a selected solenoid valve;
• and
• i. the selected solenoid valve responding only to a reversal in polarity of the DC voltage signal supplied thereto.