CONJUNTO DE VÁLVULA DE FUNDO DE POÇO E MÉTODO PARA OPERAR UMA VÁLVULA DE SEGURANÇA ELÉTRICA DE FUNDO DE POÇO

Abstract

SAFETY VALVE WITH ELECTRIC ACTUATORS. A downhole valve assembly includes a safety valve and an actuator that opens and / or closes the valve. The actuator can be an electro-hydraulic actuator (EHA), an electromechanical actuator (EMA), or an electro-hydraulic pump (EHP). The downhole safety valve may also include an electric magnet.

Description

1 / 19 “WELL BOTTOM VALVE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR OPERATING AN ELECTRIC WELL BOTTOM SAFETY VALVE CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet, as filed with this application, are incorporated herein by reference pursuant to 37 CFR 1.57. This application claims priority benefit from U.S. Provisional Application 62 / 980,931, filed February 24, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Application 63 / 147,018, filed February 8, 2021, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference and shall be deemed part of this descriptive report. FUNDAMENTALS Field

[0002] This disclosure refers generally to safety valves and, more particularly, to safety valves having electric actuators and fully electric safety valves. Description of the Related Technique

[0003] Valves are typically used in a well for purposes such as fluid flow control, formation isolation, and safety functions. A common downhole valve is a hydraulically operated valve, which is known for its reliable performance. However, hydraulically operated valves have limitations.

[0004] For example, the use of a hydraulically operated valve is limited in depth due to the high hydrostatic pressure acting against the valve in large Petition 870260010055, dated 02 / 02 / 2026, page 12 / 60 2 / 19 depths, which can decrease the effective hydraulic pressure available to operate the valve. Furthermore, for deep applications, the viscous control fluid in a long hydraulic line can cause unacceptably long operating times for certain applications. Additionally, a long hydraulic line and associated connections provide little or no mechanism to determine, at the well surface, the true state of the valve. For example, if the valve is a safety valve, there may be no way to determine the valve's on-off position, the pressure across the valve, and the actual operating pressure at the valve operator at the installed depth. SUMMARY

[0005] In some configurations, a downhole valve assembly includes an electric safety valve and an actuator configured to open and / or close the valve. The actuator may be an electro-hydraulic actuator, an electromechanical actuator, or an electro-hydraulic pump. In some configurations, the electric safety valve is fully electric and does not include any hydraulic components.

[0006] The electric safety valve may include a flap, a return spring, and an inner pipe sleeve. In use, the actuator may be configured to extend to move the inner pipe sleeve from a closed to an open position, thereby compressing the return spring and opening the flap. The electric safety valve may also include downhole electronics configured to receive a signal from the surface and control the actuator. Petition 870260010055, dated 02 / 02 / 2026, page 13 / 60 3 / 19

[0007] The electric safety valve may include an electric magnet. The electric magnet may be configured to magnetically couple to a corresponding magnet disposed on or over a flange of the inner pipe sleeve, the flange configured to compress the return spring when the electric safety valve is in the open position. Alternatively, the electric magnet may be disposed on, over, or adjacent to a moving shaft of the actuator and configured to magnetically couple to a corresponding magnet disposed on a wall of the inner pipe sleeve.

[0008] In some configurations, the electric magnet can be configured to activate when the electric safety valve is in an open position, thus allowing the actuator to retract while holding the inner pipe sleeve and flap in the open position. In some configurations, the electric magnet is configured to activate before extending the actuator and opening the electric safety valve, and during closing, the inner pipe sleeve is retracted before the actuator retracts. The closing of the electric safety valve can be controlled by the electric magnet. The electric safety valve can be moved to a closed position by deactivating the electric magnet.

[0009] In some configurations, a method for operating an electric downhole safety valve, the electric downhole safety valve comprising a flap, an inner pipe sleeve, a return spring, an actuator and downhole electronics, may include providing a command from the surface to the downhole electronics; in response to the surface command, extending the actuator thereby displacing the pipe sleeve. Petition 870260010055, dated 02 / 02 / 2026, page 14 / 60 4 / 19 internally from a closed position to an open position; compress the return spring; and open the flap.

[0010] The actuator may be an electromechanical actuator. The electric downhole safety valve may include an electric magnet. The method may also include activating the electric magnet.

[0011] The method may include retracting the actuator while the inner pipe sleeve is held in the open position by the electric magnet. The method may include disabling the electric magnet. Disabling the electric magnet may allow the return spring to expand, thereby displacing the inner pipe sleeve to the closed position and allowing the flap to close.

[0012] The method may include activating the electric magnet before extending the actuator. The method may also include deactivating the electric magnet, allowing the return spring to expand, thereby displacing the inner pipe sleeve to the closed position and allowing the flap to close while the actuator is extended; and retracting the actuator after the flap is closed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0013] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying figures, where similar reference numbers indicate similar elements. It should be understood that the accompanying figures illustrate the various implementations described in this document and are not intended to limit the scope of the various technologies described in this document.

[0014] Figure 1A illustrates an example conventional downhole safety valve in an open position. Petition 870260010055, dated 02 / 02 / 2026, page 15 / 60 5 / 19

[0015] Figure 1B illustrates the safety valve of Figure 1A in a closed position.

[0016] Figure 2 illustrates one embodiment of a completion string having a subsurface safety valve in a wellbore.

[0017] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional illustration of an example of a flap valve that can be used in a downhole system.

[0018] Figure 4 schematically shows a longitudinal cross-section of an example downhole safety valve including an electromechanical downhole actuator and electromagnet.

[0019] Figure 5 schematically illustrates the principle of a linear electromechanical actuator that can be included in valves such as the valve in Figure 4.

[0020] Figure 6 schematically illustrates the principle of an electric magnet that can be included in valves such as the valve in Figure 4.

[0021] Figures 7A-7F schematically illustrate the operation of the safety valve in Figure 4.

[0022] Figure 8 schematically shows a longitudinal cross-section of another example downhole safety valve including an electromechanical downhole actuator and electromagnet.

[0023] Figures 9A-9G schematically illustrate the operation of the safety valve in Figure 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In the following description, numerous details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. It should be understood Petition 870260010055, dated 02 / 02 / 2026, page 16 / 60 6 / 19 that the following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different features of various embodiments. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the system and / or methodology can be practiced without these details and that numerous variations and modifications of the embodiments described may be possible. This description should not be taken in a limiting sense, but is made only for the purpose of describing the general principles of the implementations. The scope of the implementations described should be determined with reference to the claims made.

[0025] As used in this document, the terms connect, connection, connected, in connection with, and connecting are used to mean in direct connection with or in connection with through one or more elements, and the term joint is used to mean one element or more than one element. Additionally, the terms couple, coupling, coupled, coupled together, and coupled with are used to mean directly coupled together or coupled together through one or more elements. As used in this document, the terms up and down; superior and inferior; top and bottom; and other, as terms indicating positions relative to a given point or element, are used to more clearly describe some elements. Commonly, these terms refer to a reference point on the surface from which the Petition 870260010055, dated 02 / 02 / 2026, page 17 / 60 7 / 19 drilling operations are initiated with the top point being the top and the total depth being the lowest point, where the well (e.g., borehole, exploration well) is vertical, horizontal, or inclined relative to the surface.

[0026] Well completions often include several valves, such as safety valves and flow control valves. Downhole or subsurface safety valves are frequently deployed at the top of a well completion to provide a barrier against uncontrolled flow below the valve. The valve must be able to operate in fail-safe mode to shut off and stop well production in case of an emergency. Typically, these valves have been hydraulically operated. However, hydraulically operated valves have limitations. For example, the use of a hydraulically operated valve is limited in depth due to the high hydrostatic pressure acting against the valve at greater depths, which can decrease the effective hydraulic pressure available to operate the valve.Furthermore, for deep applications, the viscous control fluid in a long hydraulic line can cause unacceptably long operating times for certain applications. Additionally, a long hydraulic line and associated connections provide little or no mechanism to determine, at the well surface, the true state of the valve. For example, if the valve is a safety valve, there may be no way to determine the valve's on-off position, the pressure across the valve, and the actual operating pressure at the valve operator at the installed depth. Petition 870260010055, dated 02 / 02 / 2026, page 18 / 60 8 / 19

[0027] Compared to hydraulic completion systems, electric completion systems can provide reduced capital expenditure, reduced operating expenses, and reduced health, safety, and environmental concerns. Electric completions can advantageously allow the use of sensors and proactive decision-making for well control.

[0028] This disclosure provides electric safety valves, systems (e.g., well completions) including such electric safety valves, and methods for operating electric safety valves. In some configurations, an inductive coupler is used with an electric safety valve or completion including an electric safety valve. The safety valves may have a flap valve design. This disclosure also provides an electromagnet disconnection system. The disconnection system allows for a safe and reliable closing mechanism capable of withstanding extreme snap closure.

[0029] Conventional downhole safety valves are typically operated via a hydraulic connection to or from a surface panel. Figures 1A and 1B illustrate an example hydraulic safety valve having a flap valve design in open and closed positions, respectively. As shown, the safety valve assembly includes a flap 62, a return spring 72, a flow tube or sleeve 74, a piston 76, and a control line 78. The position (open or closed) of the flap 62 is controlled via the flow tube or sleeve 74 sliding up and down within the production piping. The position Petition 870260010055, dated 02 / 02 / 2026, page 19 / 60 9 / 19 of the sleeve is controlled or moved by the return spring 72 and / or the piston 76. The tab 62 and the return spring 72 are diverted to the closed position.

[0030] Hydraulic pressure applied from the surface via control line 78 to piston 76 causes piston 76 to move sleeve 74 downward, thereby compressing return spring 72 and opening flap 62. In the illustrated configuration, sleeve 74 includes a radially projecting flange 75 that contacts and compresses spring 72. Hydraulic pressure on piston 76 maintains the sleeve position and keeps the valve open. As shown, at least a portion of flap 62 is shielded from flow through the production piping by a portion of sleeve 74, so that sleeve 74 protects flap 62 and the piping seal area from flow erosion. If hydraulic pressure in control line 78 is released, whether intentionally or not, deflecting spring 72 pushes sleeve 74 upward, allowing flap 62 to close.Deflection of spring 72 and / or tab 62 to the closed position provides fail-safe protection for the valve, as spring 72 ensures valve closure in case of emergency, such as a catastrophic event on the surface leading to a drop or loss of pressure in the hydraulic control line 78.

[0031] Figure 2 illustrates an example completion string including a safety valve according to the present disclosure positioned in a wellbore 10. The wellbore 10 may be part of a vertical well, diverted well, horizontal well or multilateral well. The wellbore 10 may be lined with casing 14 (or other suitable liner) and may include a production pipe 16 (or other type of pipe or tubing) that runs from Petition 870260010055, dated 02 / 02 / 2026, page 20 / 60 10 / 19 surface for a hydrocarbon-containing formation downhole. A production packer 18 can be employed to isolate an annular region 20 between the production pipe 16 and the casing 14.

[0032] A subsurface safety valve assembly 22 may be attached to the pipeline 20. The subsurface safety valve assembly 22 may include a flap valve 24 or some other type of valve (e.g., a ball valve, sleeve valve, disc valve, and so on). The flap valve 24 is actuated open or closed by an actuator assembly 26. During normal operation, the valve 24 is actuated to an open position to allow fluid flow into the wellbore 16. The safety valve 24 is designed to close if any fault condition is present in the wellbore 10 to prevent further damage to the well.

[0033] The actuator assembly 26 in the safety valve assembly 22 can be electrically activated by signals provided by a controller 12 on the surface of the actuator assembly 26 via an electrical cable 28. The controller 12 is therefore operatively connected to the actuator assembly 26 via the cable 28. Other types of signals and / or mechanisms for remote actuation of the actuator assembly 26 are also possible. Depending on the application, the controller 12 may be in the form of a computer-based control system, for example, a microprocessor-based control system, a programmable logic controller, or other control system suitable for providing desired control signals to and / or from the actuator assembly 26. The control signals may be in the form of energy. Petition 870260010055, dated 02 / 02 / 2026, page 21 / 60 11 / 19 electrical and / or data signals supplied hole below to safety valve assembly 22 and / or hole above subsurface safety valve assembly 22.

[0034] Figure 3 illustrates an example flap valve 24. In this embodiment, the flap 62 is articulatedly mounted along a flap housing 64 having an internal passage 66 through it and having a rigid sealing surface 68. The flap 62 is articulatedly coupled to the flap housing 64, for example, via a hinge pin 70, for movement between an open and a closed position. By articulatedly coupled, it should be understood that the flap 62 can be directly coupled to a housing 64 or indirectly coupled to the housing 64 via an intermediate element.

[0035] Further details regarding safety valves can be found, for example, in US 6,433,991 and WO 2019 / 089487, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. Although the present disclosure describes an actuator used with a subsurface safety valve, it is contemplated that additional embodiments may include actuators used with other types of downhole devices. These other types of downhole devices may include, as examples, flow control valves, packers, sensors, pumps, and so forth. Other embodiments may include actuators used with devices outside the well environment.

[0036] Actuator assembly 26 may be or include various types of actuators, such as electric actuators. For example, in some configurations, actuator assembly 26 is or includes an electro-hydraulic actuator (EHA), an actuator Petition 870260010055, dated 02 / 02 / 2026, page 22 / 60 12 / 19 electromechanical (EMA) or an electro-hydraulic pump (EHP). An EHA can allow counter-actuation or actuation and therefore quick-closing functionality, which advantageously allows for quick closure of the valve 24 when desired or necessary.

[0037] In some configurations, actuator assembly 26 is fully electric and safety valve assembly 22 is fully electric. In other words, safety valve assembly 22 does not include any hydraulic components. In some of these configurations, actuator assembly 26 is or includes an EMA.

[0038] In some configurations, the present disclosure advantageously provides an electromechanical downhole actuator in combination with an electric magnet to control a valve, such as a downhole safety valve 22, for example, as shown in Figures 4 and 8. The safety valve may include various features of the configurations shown in Figures 1-3. However, compared with the example valve of Figures 1A-1B, the safety valves of Figures 4 and 8 include and their position is controlled by an electric actuator 26 instead of hydraulic pressure applied via a surface control line. The actuator 26 is controlled and powered by a downhole electronics cartridge 30. The downhole electronics 30 may be connected to the surface via an electrical cable, for example, cable 28 (shown in Figure 2).In a closed mode or position of the safety valve, the actuator 26 is fully retracted so that the return spring 72 is fully expanded and the flap 62 is closed. Petition 870260010055, dated 02 / 02 / 2026, page 23 / 60 13 / 19

[0039] Figure 5 schematically illustrates the principle of a linear electromechanical actuator, for example, as it may be included in valve assemblies according to the present disclosure, such as the valve assemblies of Figures 4 and 8. As shown, an electric motor 90 is powered and controlled by embedded downhole electronics 30. Motor rotation is converted into linear motion via a gearbox 92 and a mechanical screw assembly 94. In use, the motor 90 is activated by a surface command received and interpreted by the downhole electronics 30. The required linear force is obtained by the torque applied by the motor 90 at the gearbox input.

[0040] Figure 6 schematically illustrates the principle of an electric magnet 80, for example, as it may be included in valve assemblies according to the present disclosure, such as the valve assemblies of Figures 4 and 8. As shown, the electric magnet or e-magnet 80 includes a magnetic core 82. The core 82 includes a coil of wire 84 having an appropriate number of turns to induce a necessary magnetic field when the coil 84 is supplied with a DC current. The magnetic field B (indicated by the arrows 86 in Figure 6) creates a force F within each cross-sectional area A of the core assembly according to the equation: B2A F — 2μ0

[0041] A force of up to 40N can be induced by a magnetic field of 1 Tesla per cm2. As commonly used core materials are known to saturate above 1.3 Tesla, a force of up to 1,000 N can be achieved with a core section on the order of 15 cm2. Petition 870260010055, dated 02 / 02 / 2026, page 24 / 60 14 / 19

[0042] Figures 7A-7F schematically illustrate the operation of safety valves according to the present disclosure, such as valve 22 of Figure 4. Figure 7A shows valve 22 in a closed position with the electromechanical actuator (EMA) 26 in a fully retracted position and the E-magnet 80 not activated. Figure 7B shows the valve opening in response to a command from the surface to the downhole electronics 30. As shown, the EMA 26 is extending and the E-magnet 80 is not yet activated. Extension of the EMA 26 (e.g., a piston 96 or coupled to the EMA 26) compresses the return spring 72. Extension of the EMA 26 (e.g., a piston 96 or coupled to the EMA) moves the inner pipe sleeve 74 towards, in contact with, and / or through the flap 62 to open the flap 62.In Figure 7C, the valve is fully open, the EMA 26 is in the fully expanded position (and the return spring 72 can be fully compressed and / or the inner pipe sleeve 74 can be moved to keep it open and protect the flap 62), and the E-magnet 80 is not yet activated.

[0043] Figure 7D shows the valve fully open, the EMA 26 fully extended, and the E-magnet 80 activated. In some configurations, the E-magnet 80 is configured to interact with, for example, to magnetically interact or couple with a corresponding magnet or magnetic component 88 when activated. In the illustrated configuration, the magnet or magnetic component 88 is disposed on or over the flange 75 of the inner sleeve 74. As the EMA 26, or piston or shaft 96 thereof, extends, the EMA 26 (or piston or shaft 96) axially displaces the flange 75, thereby compressing the spring 72. When the spring is fully compressed 72 and the valve is Petition 870260010055, dated 02 / 02 / 2026, page 25 / 60 15 / 19 fully open, the magnet or magnetic component 88 is aligned with (e.g., radially aligned with and / or generally or approximately at the same axial depth as) the E-magnet 80, as shown in Figures 7C-7D.

[0044] Activation of the E-magnet 80 can maintain the inner pipe sleeve 74 in its displaced position (e.g., the position keeping open and protecting the flap 62, for example, as shown in Figures 7C-7D) via magnetic coupling between the E-magnet 80 and magnet or magnetic component 88. Figure 7E shows the EMA 26 (e.g., the piston or shaft 96) retracted, with the E-magnet 80 still activated, thus maintaining the inner pipe 74 in its displaced position and the valve in a fully open position. Figure 7F shows the EMA 26 retracted and the E-magnet 80 deactivated. With the EMA retracted, deactivation of the E-magnet 80 allows the return spring 72 to expand and deflect the inner sleeve 74 back to its original closed position, allowing the flap 62 to close so that the valve 22 is fully in the closed position or state.

[0045] Figure 8 illustrates another example of an electric safety valve of example 22 including an E-magnet 26 and an E-magnet 80. In the configuration of Figure 8, the E-magnet 80 is included in, on, or adjacent to the piston or shaft 96 of the actuator 26. The E-magnet 80 is therefore aligned (e.g., axially aligned with or aligned along a common axis parallel to a longitudinal axis extending through the bore of the inner pipe sleeve 74) with the actuator 26, or piston or shaft 96 of the actuator 26. In the illustrated configuration, the magnet or corresponding magnetic component 88 is disposed within the body or wall of the inner pipe sleeve 74. Petition 870260010055, dated 02 / 02 / 2026, p. 26 / 60 16 / 19

[0046] Figures 9A-9G schematically illustrate the operation of safety valves according to the present disclosure, such as the valve in Figure 8. Figure 9A shows the valve in a closed position with the electromechanical actuator (EMA) 26 in a fully retracted position. The E-magnet 80 is activated in order to initiate the coupling between the sleeve 74 and the actuator 26 and prepare the EMA 26 for actuation. Figure 9B shows the valve opening in response to a command from the surface to the downhole electronics 30. As shown, the E-magnet 80 is activated and the EMA 26 (e.g., the piston or shaft 96) is extending. Extension of EMA 26 (e.g., piston or shaft 96) compresses return spring 72. Extension of EMA 26 (e.g., a piston or shaft 96) moves inner pipe sleeve 74 towards, for contact with, and / or through tab 62 to open tab 62.In Figure 9C, valve 22 is fully open, EMA 26 is in the fully expanded position (and return spring 72 can be fully compressed and / or inner pipe sleeve 74 can be displaced to keep open and protect flap 62), and E-magnet 80 is kept activated. Continued activation of E-magnet 80 can keep inner pipe sleeve 74 in its displaced position (e.g., the position keeping open and protecting flap 62, as shown in Figure 9C). If EMA 26 has sufficient holding force, the motor can be started. The valve is monitored for EMA back-actuation; if back-actuation is detected, EMA 26 can be powered and actuated to the appropriate shaft position.

[0047] Figures 9D-9F show the valve closing mode via deactivation of the e-magnet 80. The closing mode Petition 870260010055, dated 02 / 02 / 2026, page 27 / 60 17 / 19 can be triggered intentionally or automatically in the event of a power outage (fail-safe mode). Deactivating the E-magnet 80 releases the magnetic coupling with the inner sleeve 74, allowing the return spring 72 to expand and deflect the inner sleeve 74 back to its original closed position and allowing the flap 62 to close so that the valve is in a fully closed position or state (Figure 9F). Because the E-magnet 80 is magnetically decoupled from the actuator 26, the impact force is not transmitted to the EMA shaft 96. In other words, the inner sleeve 74 can be retracted to its original closed position without movement or force on the actuator shaft 96. Figure 9G shows the valve fully closed with the EMA 26 (e.g., shaft or piston 96) retracted and the E-magnet 80 deactivated. Valve 22 can be reopened by repeating the process shown in Figures 9A-9C.

[0048] In some valves according to the present disclosure, there is a magnetic coupling, for example, instead of a fixed mechanical link, between the actuator 26 and the inner pipe sleeve 74, which advantageously prevents or reduces the likelihood of damage to the actuator 26 during an impact closure. In some configurations, the downhole electronics 30 actuate the actuator 26 only in valve open mode. In use, the actuator 26 can be set to extension mode to compress the spring 72, then retracted as soon as the e-magnet 80 is activated, thus ensuring a fail-safe operating mode. In use, the e-magnet 80 can be activated as soon as the full opening mode is reached. In other configurations, the e-magnet 80 is activated before the extension of the actuator 26 to compress the spring 72. The e-magnet 80 can be Petition 870260010055, dated 02 / 02 / 2026, page 28 / 60 18 / 19 released or disconnected for valve closure to ensure fail-safe operating mode. The e-magnet 80 can be strong enough to keep the spring 72 compressed. In some configurations, several magnets can be combined to achieve the desired or required intensity. The holding force of the e-magnet 80 (e.g., in the inner pipe sleeve 74 and / or spring 72) can be combined with additional mechanical friction, if necessary, to compress the return spring 72. In some configurations, the e-magnet 80 is arranged in a housing mandrel (a non-moving part), which can facilitate connection with the downhole electronics 30. In other configurations, the e-magnet 80 is arranged on the shaft or piston 96 of the actuator 26 (a moving part). In some configurations, the valve linkage is not under the control of the EMA 26, but instead, advantageously, under the control of the energy release of the e-magnet 80 alone.In other configurations, the valve linkage may be controlled by either the EMA 26 or the e-magnet 80.

[0049] Degree language used in this document, such as the terms approximately, about, generally, and substantially as used in this document, represents a value, quantity, or characteristic close to the stated value, quantity, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms approximately, about, and substantially may refer to a quantity that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the quantity. Petition 870260010055, dated 02 / 02 / 2026, p. 29 / 60 19 / 19 declared. As another example, in certain modalities, the terms generally parallel and substantially parallel or generally perpendicular and substantially perpendicular refer to a value, quantity, or characteristic that is exactly parallel or perpendicular, respectively, by less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, or 0.1 degree.

[0050] Although some embodiments of the present description have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily understand that many modifications are possible without materially departing from the teachings of this descriptive report. Therefore, such modifications should be included within the scope of this disclosure, as defined in the claims. It is also contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments described may be made and still fall within the scope of the disclosure. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be combined or substituted for one another in order to form varied modes of the embodiments of the disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the scope of the disclosure contained in this document is not limited by the particular embodiments described above. Petition 870260010055, dated 02 / 02 / 2026, p. 30 / 60

Claims

1 / 4 CLAIMS 1. A well bottom valve assembly (22), comprising: an actuator (26), and an electric safety valve (24) comprising a flap (62), a return spring (72) and an inner pipe sleeve (74), wherein the actuator (26) is configured to extend to move the inner pipe sleeve (74) from a closed position to an open position, thereby compressing the return spring (72) and causing the inner pipe sleeve (74) to open flap (62); characterized in that the electric safety valve (24) comprises an electric magnet (80) configured to be activated to hold the inner pipe sleeve (74) in the open position, thereby allowing the actuator (26) to be retracted while the inner pipe sleeve (74) remains in the open position with the flap (62) open.

2. Well bottom valve assembly (22), according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuator (26) is an electro-hydraulic actuator.

3. Well bottom valve assembly (22), according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuator (26) is an electromechanical actuator, and in that the well bottom valve assembly (22) is fully electric, without any hydraulic component.

4. Well bottom valve assembly (22), according to claim 1, characterized in that the electric safety valve (24) further comprises well bottom electronics (30), the well bottom electronics (30) configured to receive a signal from the surface and control the actuator (26).

5. Well bottom valve assembly (22), according to claim 1, characterized in that the closing of the electric safety valve (24) is controlled by the electric magnet (80) and the electric safety valve (24) is moved to a closed position by deactivating the electric magnet.

6. Well bottom valve assembly (22), according to claim 1, characterized in that the electric magnet (80) is configured to magnetically couple to a corresponding magnet disposed on or over a flange of the inner pipe sleeve (74), the flange configured to compress the return spring (72) when the electric safety valve (24) is in the open position.

7. Well bottom valve assembly (22), according to claim 1, characterized in that the electric magnet is disposed in, on or adjacent to a movable shaft of the actuator (26) and configured to magnetically couple to a corresponding magnet disposed in a wall of the inner pipe sleeve.

8. Method for operating an electric downhole safety valve (24), the electric downhole safety valve (24) comprising a flap (62), an inner pipe sleeve (74), a return spring (72), an actuator (26) and downhole electronics (30), the method comprising: providing a command from the surface to the downhole electronics; Petition 870260063697, dated 06 / 29 / 2026, p.11 / 17 3 / 4 in response to the surface command, extend the actuator, thereby displacing the inner pipe sleeve from a closed position to an open position, use the inner pipe sleeve (74) to open the flap (62), compress the return spring (72); characterized in that the electric downhole safety valve (24) further comprises an electric magnet (80), and the method further comprises activating the electric magnet (80) to hold the inner pipe sleeve (74) in the open position and retracting the actuator (26) while the inner pipe sleeve (74) is held in the open position by the electric magnet (80).

9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the inner pipe sleeve (74) comprises a flange configured to compress the return spring (72) when the electric safety valve (24) is in the open position, and the method comprises activating the electric magnet (80) when the electric safety valve (24) is in the open position, wherein the electric magnet (80) magnetically couples to a corresponding magnet disposed on or over the flange of the inner pipe sleeve (74) and thus holds the electric safety valve (24) in the open position.

10. Method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that it further comprises deactivating the electric magnet (80), allowing the return spring to expand, thereby displacing the inner pipe sleeve to the closed position and allowing the flap to close.

11. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the electric magnet is activated before extending the actuator. Petition 870260063697, dated 06 / 29 / 2026, page 12 / 17 4 / 4 12. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the electric magnet is disposed in, on or adjacent to a movable shaft of the actuator (26) and the electric magnet is activated before extending the actuator wherein the electric magnet (80) magnetically couples to a corresponding magnet disposed in a wall of the inner pipe sleeve (74).

13. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the actuator (26) comprises an electromechanical actuator.

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that it further comprises: deactivating the electric magnet, allowing the return spring to expand, thereby displacing the inner pipe sleeve to the closed position and allowing the flap to close, while the actuator (26) is extended; and retracting the actuator (26) after the flap is closed. Petition 870260063697, dated 06 / 29 / 2026, pp. 13 / 17

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