Ball launcher with pilot ball
US10316609B2 · kind B2 · utility
1Cited by
26References
18Claims
0Family size
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 29, 2015 |
| Grant date | Jun 11, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 19, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B33/068
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An apparatus for introducing a drop ball into a well is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a wellhead assembly mounted over a well and a ball launcher for routing a drop ball into the wellhead assembly. The ball launcher includes a fluid conduit coupled to the wellhead assembly and a pilot ball disposed in the fluid conduit. The ball launcher also includes a stop positioned in the fluid conduit to prevent movement of the pilot ball past the stop while allowing movement of the drop ball past the stop and into the wellhead assembly. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.