An equalizing subsurface safety valve for controlling fluid flow in a well conduit has a tubular body member with a longitudinal bore extending therethrough, Safety Valves and a flapper hingably connected within the tubular body member to alternately permit and prevent fluid flow through the longitudinal bore. API Cast Steel Valves The flapper is biased by a spring to a normally closed position to prevent fluid flow through the longitudinal bore. Surface controlled mechanisms are provided to control the opening of the flapper.BALANCING VALVES A fluid passage is provided for fluid communication between the longitudinal bore adjacent a first side of the flapper when the flapper is in a closed position and a second side of the closed flapper. A valve closure member is mounted across the fluid passage adjacent the first side of the flapper and is movable along an axis generally transverse to the longitudinal bore. The valve closure member is contained so that it is prevented from possibly falling into the well. A spring contained within the fluid passage biases the valve closure member against a sealing surface formed within the tubular body. A fluid diverting passage is provided within the valve closure member to prevent an initial fluid flow through the fluid passage from contacting and eroding the sealing surface. An equalizing subsurface safety valve for controlling fluid flow in a well conduit, comprising: a tubular body member having a longitudinal bore extending therethrough; a flapper hingably connected within the tubular body member to alternately permit and prevent fluid flow through the longitudinal bore; means for biasing the flapper to a normally closed position to prevent fluid flow through the longitudinal bore; means for controllably opening the flapper;
fluid passage for providing fluid communication between the longitudinal bore adjacent a first side of the flapper when the flapper is in a closed position and a second side of the closed flapper; and equalizing valve means for alternately permitting and preventing fluid flow through the fluid passage comprising: a valve closure member mounted across the fluid passage adjacent the first side of the flapper and movable along an axis generally transverse to the longitudinal bore, spring means contained within the fluid passage for biasing the valve closure member against a sealing surface formed within the tubular body, and passage means within the valve closure member to prevent an initial fluid flow through the fluid passage from contacting the sealing surface.

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