Schlumberger Technology Corporation

Services Petroliers Schlumberger

Schlumberger Holdings Limited

Prad Research and Development Limited

Greg Giem

Philippe Gambier

Joel Rondeau

Chris Fitzgerald

André Salvaire

Andre Salvaire

A multiple activation-device launching system for a cementing head comprises a launcher body comprising at least one launching chamber and a device chamber, the launching chamber sized to receive one or more activation devices therein, the launching chamber in fluid communication with a power source for launching the activation device into the device chamber. The launching system may further comprise a pressure sensor, a pressure-relief device or a flow-measurement device, or combinations thereof.

Multiple activation-device launcher for a cementing head

An apparatus for use in launching cement plugs in a well cementing operation comprises a cylinder, a piston slideably received in the bore of the cylinder and an actuator extending from the piston through the cylinder. The actuator is operable by the piston for launching plugs from the apparatus into the well. A resilient damper cartridge is slideably mounted on the actuator in the cylinder so as to be contactable by the piston. A series of frangible pins is located in the cylinder wall so as to provide temporary limits to the movement of the cartridge in the cylinder as the piston slides along the cylinder.

Damper cartridge for launching plugs in cementing operations

A multiple activation-device launching system for a cementing head comprises a launcher body and at least one launching chamber that are sized to receive one or more activation devices therein. The activation devices are launched into the principal process-fluid stream inside the cementing head, and may be darts, balls, bombs, canisters and combinations thereof. The launching chambers are in fluid communication with an external power source for launching the activation device into the principal process-fluid stream.

An apparatus for remotely launching cementing plugs is configured such that the length of a dart is not necessarily the same as the corresponding plug to be launched. A hydraulic-liquid reservoir and a piston are incorporated into a plug-launching system. The size of the reservoir may be adjusted such that the axial displacement of the piston after the dart lands is sufficient to cause the expulsion of a plug from the apparatus.

Equipment for remote launching of cementing plugs

The present invention relates in general to equipment for servicing subterranean wells and in particular to a cementing head that is intended to drop a combination of darts, balls, bombs and canisters in order to activate downhole equipment, launch cementing plugs, deliver chemical products, or the like. A cementing head comprises a modular valve apparatus, comprising at least two detatchable parts. This arrangement allows the operator to remove and disassemble the valve apparatus at the wellsite. Thus, repairs and maintenance may be performed at the wellsite and the valve apparatus may be reassembled and reinstalled, obviating the need to transport the equipment to a central facility.

Modular dart launching valve

An apparatus for remotely launching cementing plugs is configured such that the length of a dart need not necessarily be the same as the corresponding plug to be launched. A hydraulic-liquid reservoir and a piston are incorporated into a plug-launching system. The size of the reservoir may be adjusted such that the axial displacement of the piston after the dart lands is sufficient to cause the expulsion of a plug from the apparatus.

An activation-device launching system, mounted on a cementing head, allows the deployment of a combination of darts, balls, bombs, canisters in order to activate downhole equipment, launch cementing plugs, deliver chemical products, or the like. A valve controls the flow of process fluid, and holds an activation device in place until it is time for launching. The valve also has a hollow axle through which balls may be launched into the process-fluid stream at any time.

Growing community of inventors

Houston, TX, United States of America

Greg Giem