Indicating ball catcher
US5127472A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 29, 1991 |
| Grant date | Jul 7, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 29, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B37/04
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An indicating ball catcher for use in a downhole drill pipe or tool string. The ball catcher comprises an upper body portion having an inlet opening smaller than any ball pumped thereto and a lower body portion. An elongated case interconnects the upper and lower body portions. A bypass is provided for allowing fluid flow around any ball caught in the apparatus and preventing the ball from being pumped therefrom. A reverse bypass may be provided so that fluid back flow is allowed without pumping the balls therefrom. In one embodiment, the apparatus can accommodate balls which have a larger cross-sectional area than an inner cross-sectional area of the case. The apparatus provides pressure indications at the surface when a ball reaches the upper body portion and when the ball enters the case.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.