Abstract: An apparatus for use in launching cement plugs in a well cementing operation, comprising: a cylinder (130); a piston (110) slideably received in the bore of the cylinder; and an actuator, operable by the piston, for launching a plug from the apparatus into the well; wherein the cylinder has a resiliently mounted latching member (132) positioned in the wall thereof and biased to project into the bore of the cylinder; and the piston has a profiled outer surface defining a recess (114) into which the latching member (132) can project to hold the piston in position in the cylinder.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating fluid-flow during a primary cementing job comprises a bottom cementing plug, adapted to house a one-way valve and means to regulate fluid flow through the plug interior. The apparatus is useful for minimizing or preventing free fall or U-tubing during primary cementing. The apparatus is compatible with conventional cementing-plug launching systems.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Equipment for servicing subterranean wells, and in some cases, an apparatus and method for remotely launching cementing plugs during the primary cementation of a subterranean well. The top plug and bottom plug are launched by different mechanisms, thereby preventing premature release of the top plug during a cementing operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in launching cement plugs in a well cementing operation, comprising: a cylinder (108); a piston (118) slideably received in the bore of the cylinder; and an actuator (120) extending from the piston through the cylinder and operable by the piston for launching a plug (114,116) from the apparatus into the well; wherein a resilient damper cartridge (124) is slideably mounted on the actuator in the cylinder so as to be contactable by the piston, and a series of frangible pins (122) 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating fluid-flow during a primary cementing job comprises a bottom cementing plug, adapted to house a one-way valve and means to regulate fluid flow through the plug interior. The apparatus is useful for minimizing or preventing free fall or U-tubing during primary cementing. The apparatus is compatible with conventional cementing-plug launching systems.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in launching cement plugs in a well cementing operation, comprising: a cylinder (130); a piston (110) slideably received in the bore of the cylinder; and an actuator, operable by the piston, for launching a plug from the apparatus into the well; wherein the cylinder has a resiliently mounted latching member (132) positioned in the wall thereof and biased to project into the bore of the cylinder; and the piston has a profiled outer surface defining a recess (114) into which the latching member (132) can project to hold the piston in position in the cylinder.

Abstract: Equipment for servicing subterranean wells, and in some cases, an apparatus and method for remotely launching cementing plugs during the primary cementation of a subterranean well. The top plug and bottom plug are launched by different mechanisms, thereby preventing premature release of the top plug during a cementing operation.

Abstract: A transmission system for use in a pump system comprising a prime mover driving a pump, the transmission system comprising: an epicylic gear system comprising a sun gear and a ring gear, and a planet gear engaged between the sun gear and ring gear; a main input drive arranged to be driven by the prime mover; an auxiliary input drive arranged to be driven by the prime mover; and an output drive arranged to drive the pump; wherein the main input drive is connected to the sun gear and either (i) the auxiliary input drive is connected to the ring gear and the output drive is lead from the planet gear; or (ii) the auxiliary input drive is connected to the planet gear and the output drive is lead from the ring gear.

Abstract: Modular apparatus for remotely activating a wiper plug launching tool or other down-hole equipment by launching a dart or other projectile along tubing to the subsea equipment. A dart is loaded into a basket prior to launch and subsequently loaded into a modular tool piece. The pre-loaded tool pieces are configurable prior to use dependent on operational requirement and furthermore may be independently removable from the remaining equipment facilitating maintenance and serving of individual tool pieces.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for multiplying pressure comprising at least two hydraulic cylinders communicating with an exit supplying pressure, wherein each cylinder has a piston within a chamber; said pistons cooperating respectively with an associated piston to supply pressure at the exit; and a rotary distributor communicating with said both hydraulic cylinders, able to supply alternatively a fluid to each chamber for motion of the respected pistons and to ensure alternatively return of the pistons.

Abstract: A transmission system for use in a pump system comprising a prime mover driving a pump, the transmission system comprising: an epicylic gear system comprising a sun gear and a ring gear, and a planet gear engaged between the sun gear and ring gear; a main input drive arranged to be driven by the prime mover; an auxiliary input drive arranged to be driven by the prime mover; and an output drive arranged to drive the pump; wherein the main input drive is connected to the sun gear and either (i) the auxiliary input drive is connected to the ring gear and the output drive is lead from the planet gear; or (ii) the auxiliary input drive is connected to the planet gear and the output drive is lead from the ring gear.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for improving the characteristics of a fluid and in particular of a cement slurry for the cementing of wells, particularly of oil wells, wherein it consists in applying to this fluid an energy of between 4.8 and 6.3 kJ/kg, by incorporating adapted pressure drops, in line, before the well head and at the outlet of a high-pressure pump, said pressure drops being substantially independent of the flowrate. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out this process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for improving the characteristics of a fluid and in particular of a cement slurry for the cementing of wells, particularly of oil wells, wherein it consists in applying to this fluid an energy of between 4.8 and 6.3 kJ/kg, by incorporating adapted pressure drops, in line, before the well head and at the outlet of a high-pressure pump, said pressure drops being substantially independent of the flowrate. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out this process.