Modular hydraulic operator for a subterranean tool

A hydraulic actuation module and associated tool assembly for adapting a subterranean mechanically operated tool mounted on a tubular string to an alternative mode of operation, comprising:

• a first tool having a tool passage therethrough and an actuator in said tool passage for selective mechanical actuation of the tool using a second tool to engage said actuator to move said actuator to hold at least two positions of said first tool;
• a modular housing having a module passage therethrough and a hydraulically actuated actuator member, said modular housing when selectively connected to said first tool substantially aligns said module passage with said tool passage and presents said actuator member in operable contact with said actuator for a conversion of said first tool from mechanical to hydraulic operation;
• a potential energy source selectively constrained in said housing;
• a pressure responsive lock to selectively apply potential energy from said source to move said actuator member and actuate said first tool;
• said lock is responsive to pressure cycles of application and removal of pressure in said module passage;
• said actuator member can be actuated more than once by said potential energy source;
• said actuator member, after an actuation, is displaced against said potential energy source with the second tool to reset said lock.

A hydraulic actuation module assembly for adapting a subterranean mechanically operated tool mounted on a tubular string to an alternative mode of operation, comprising:

• a housing having a passage therethrough and an actuator member;
• a potential energy source selectively constrained in said housing;
• a pressure responsive lock to selectively apply potential energy from said source to move said actuator and actuate the tool;
• a connection on said housing to mount said housing to the tool for reconfiguring the mechanically operated tool to operate at least in part hydraulically using the module;
• said actuator member can be actuated more than once by said potential energy source;
• said actuator member, after an actuation, is displaced against said potential energy source to reset said lock;
• said pressure responsive lock comprises a j-slot mechanism operably connected to said actuator member;
• said actuator member is extended by expending said potential energy source when at least one pin on said j-slot aligns with an actuation slot;
• said potential energy source is re-energized by reversing movement of said actuator member while moving said pin only in said actuation slot;
• a retainer selectively engaged to said housing to secure said potential energy source in response to movement of said pin only in said actuation slot;
• said retainer rides in a groove in said housing while said pin moves along other slots than said actuation slot.