Annulus shut-off mechanism

Abstract

An annulus shut-off mechanism with fail-as-is logic suitable for use for example, in a concentric tubing hanger of an oil well, particularly a sub-sea well, has an enclosure across the annulus with inlet and exit ports, a sleeve with an aperture that slides within the enclosure, primary means for sliding the sleeve in the enclosure to bring the aperture into alignment with the inlet and exit ports and secondary means for sliding the sleeve in the event of failure of the primary means. The primary enclosure and sleeve are sealed from access to annulus fluids and may be vertically orientated in the tubing hanger. The secondary means may be a secondary enclosure with a secondary sleeve which can pull or push on the primary sleeve. Both primary and secondary means can be operated by hydraulic pressure, but the two means are independent and the secondary means may be located in a well part other than the tubing hanger.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.