Activation-Device Launcher For A Cementing Head

Abstract

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.

1 . A multiple activation-device launching system for a cementing head, the launching system comprising a plug-valve through which a process fluid and activation devices may pass, the plug valve having an axle with a hollow passageway through which balls may be independently launched at any time when the plug valve is in either the main-flow or bypass-flow position. 
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the process fluid comprises one or more fluids chosen from the list comprising: drilling fluids, cement slurries, spacer fluids, chemical washes, acidizing fluids, gravel-packing fluids and scale-removal fluids. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the activation-devices comprise one or more members of the list comprising: darts, balls, canisters and bombs. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the activation-devices contain a chemical substance that may be released after launching of the activation device. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein at least one ball, or at least one activation device, or both, contains a chemical substance whose release into the process fluid does not commence immediately after deployment into the process-fluid stream. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the valve is a hollow shell. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein one or more balls may be injected and launched through the plug-valve. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the plug-valve has a swept cutout through at least 90 degrees of the valve's range of motion.