US Patent 10900575 Balanced stem and surface safety valve

Embodiments of the present disclosure include a system for controlling a fluid flow. The system includes a valve body including a bore extending along an axis, an inlet, and an outlet, wherein a flow passage extends transverse the axis from the inlet to the outlet, a stem extending through the bore along the axis, and a valve member coupled to the stem. The valve member is movable along the axis, via the stem, between a closed position where the valve member blocks the flow passage to an open position where the valve member does not block the flow passage. The system also includes a balancing system coupled to the valve member, the balancing system comprising a tether and a balance member, wherein an opening force unseating the valve member is translated to the balance member.