Invention Grant
- Patent Title: Method and apparatus for dropping a pump down plug or ball
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Application No.: US16238765Application Date: 2019-01-03
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Publication No.: US10550661B2Publication Date: 2020-02-04
- Inventor: Phil Barbee , Michael Mire , Joey Naquin
- Applicant: GULFSTREAM SERVICES, INC.
- Applicant Address: US LA Houma
- Assignee: GULFSTREAM SERVICES, INC.
- Current Assignee: GULFSTREAM SERVICES, INC.
- Current Assignee Address: US LA Houma
- Agency: Garvey, Smith & Nehrbass, Patent Attorneys, L.L.C.
- Agent Charles C. Garvey, Jr.; Julie R. Chauvin
- Main IPC: E21B33/05
- IPC: E21B33/05 ; E21B33/068 ; E21B33/16 ; E21B33/12 ; E21B34/02 ; E21B33/134 ; E21B33/14 ; E21B34/00

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 tool body assembly having valving members (e.g., safety or kelly values) and valving members holding plugs, balls, or darts to be dropped. 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. A transmitter (or transceiver) provides an ability to generate a wireless signal that is received by receivers (or transceivers) on the tool body assembly. Each receiver (or transceiver) controls an electrical actuator that engages a valving member or the indicator. Wireless signals can be used to open or close a valve or to reset a “tripped” indicator.
Public/Granted literature
- US20190211645A1 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DROPPING A PUMP DOWN PLUG OR BALL Public/Granted day:2019-07-11
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