Method and apparatus for dropping a pump down plug or ball
US8215396B2 · kind B2 · utility
9Cited by
29References
22Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 30, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jul 10, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 30, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B2200/04
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured valving member with curved and flat portions that alternatively direct fluid flow through a bore or opening in the valving member via an inner channel or around the periphery of the valving member in an outer channel. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.