In carrying out the principles of the present invention, in accordance with embodiments thereof,Safety Valves apparatus and methods are provided which solve one or more of the above problems in the art of deep set safety valve operation and installation. Principles of the present invention are also applicable to other types of well tools which are actuated downhole.
In one aspect of the invention, an improved safety valve is provided. The safety valve includes a piston, an operating member and a magnetic coupling. Needle ValvesThe piston displaces in response to a differential between pressure in a hydraulic line connected to the safety valve,GATE VALVES and pressure in an annulus surrounding the safety valve. The operating member displaces to open and close the safety valve. The magnetic coupling translates piston displacement into operating member displacement to thereby actuate the safety valve. In another aspect of the invention, a method of actuating a safety valve is provided. The method includes the steps of displacing a piston of the safety valve in response to a differential between pressure in a hydraulic line connected to the safety valve and pressure in an annulus surrounding the safety valve, translating displacement of the piston to displacement of an operating member, the translation being performed across a rigid pressure isolation barrier without the use of any dynamic seal, and actuating the safety valve between open and closed positions in response to displacement of the operating member.

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