Method and apparatus for dropping a pump down plug or ball
US8939209B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 7, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jan 27, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 7, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B34/02
- 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. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.