Abstract: A system for deploying downhole components includes a housing apparatus comprising a tool chamber configured to house a plurality of downhole tools and a conveyance configured to run the housing apparatus along the wellbore. The housing apparatus is secured to an end of the conveyance. The system for deploying downhole components also includes an actuation mechanism configured to selectively eject individual downhole tools of the plurality of downhole tools from the housing apparatus at respective locations in the wellbore.

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.

Abstract: A system for deploying an untethered drone is provided. The system includes a wellbore drone for being deployed into a wellbore, a magazine unit, and a control system. The wellbore drone is configured to perform at least one action based on a control command which is provided from an on-board control system embedded in the wellbore drone. The magazine unit includes one or more chambers. The magazine unit is configured to retain the wellbore drone in a corresponding one of the one or more chambers, prior to deployment of the wellbore drone into the wellbore, and dispense the wellbore drone for being deployed into the wellbore through a launcher unit. The control system includes at least one control interface for controlling at least a part of operations of the wellbore drone and the magazine unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for deploying a circular device such as a frac ball into a wellbore, and systems and methods for using the same, is provided. In various embodiments, the apparatus can have a magazine that biases the circular device upward, and then an actuator and slidebar move the circular device from the magazine down a chute and into a wellbore. The apparatus can be operated remotely to reduce the risk of harm to a human operator. Other aspects and features of the apparatus are described herein.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus according to which a first valve is opened, or kept open, the first valve being part of a wellhead including a flow component above the first valve. The method may further include detecting a state of the first valve and, in response to detecting the state of the first valve, metering an amount of grease to the first valve. In addition, or instead, the method may further include opening, or keeping open, a second valve, the second valve being operably coupled to the wellhead and positioned above the flow component, and, after opening, or keeping open, each of the first and second valves, detecting whether the second valve is open or closed, in response to detecting that the second valve is open, preventing the first valve from being closed, and in response to detecting that the second valve is closed, allowing the first valve to be closed.

Abstract: A lubricator for a plunger lift system includes a tubular body, a shift rod housing, a first spring, and a second spring. The shift rod housing disposed in the tubular body and has a chamber. The shift rod has a first portion slidably disposed in the chamber and a second portion projecting from a first end of the shift rod housing. A distal end of the second portion of the shift rod is engageable with a shift valve of a bypass plunger. The first spring disposed in the chamber to absorb an impact force applied to the shift rod by the shift valve. The second spring disposed in the tubular body between a portion of the shift rod housing and a portion of the tubular body to absorb an impact force applied to the shift rod housing by a plunger body of the bypass plunger.

Abstract: A wiper plug is used in an operation to cement tubing in a borehole. The wiper plug is pumped down the tubing to separate an advancing fluid from a following fluid of the cementing operation, and an internal pressure chamber is maintained in a throughbore of the wiper plug between uphole and downhole barriers. The wiper plug eventually lands in the tubing, and the uphole barrier is removed by applying a first predetermined pressure against the uphole barrier. Removal of the uphole barrier is facilitated by the known and controlled internal pressure of the plug's chamber. The downhole barrier is also removed so that flow is permitted through the throughbore of the wiper plug. To perform a tubing pressure test, the downhole barrier can be removed due to pressure, and the chamber may have a temporary valve to hold applied pressure to a test level. Alternatively, the downhole barrier can hold the applied pressure. The temporary valve and the downhole barrier can then be self-removing in response to a stimulus.

Abstract: A chemical stick launcher includes a stack of vertically mounted low voltage electrically operated valves providing spaces between the valves for chemical sticks. The valves are manipulated by a controller to drop sticks from the compartments between the valves after suitable time delays so the launcher can supply chemicals to a hydrocarbon well over a period of time. The stack is insulated to reduce the operating temperature of the launcher and thereby allow a wider variety of chemical compositions to be used. The low voltage electrically operated valves include a front panel providing a visual indicator of whether the valves are open or closed. The valves are mounted on the stack so the front panels face in the same direction so a standing person can see all the indicators from a single position.

Abstract: A non-electric explosive device includes a primary body containing cutting material and including a primary charge positioned in the cutting material; an explosive body at a first axial end of the primary body and including explosive material; and a firing head at a second axial end of the primary body, the firing head including a firing pin secured at least partially inside the firing head via securing device, the firing pin comprising an activating end proximate the primary charge and a blunt end protruding from a distal end of the firing head. A force applied to the blunt end of the firing pin causes the firing pin to retract toward the primary charge and break the securing device so that the activating end of the retracting firing pin impacts the primary charge which ignites the explosive material that causes the cutting material in the primary body to travel radially outward.

Abstract: A cementing head apparatus includes a plug-launching tool and a tubular plug receiver cage disposed within a bore of the launching tool, plus one or more paddles selectively movable within a bore of the receiver cage between a hold position in which the paddles at least partially occlude the receiver cage bore to hold a plug within a retained plug interval of the receiver cage bore, and a launch position in which the paddles are substantially retracted from the receiver cage bore to allow passage of the plug through the receiver cage bore and onward into a casing string to which the launching tool is mounted.

Abstract: A method of sampling a fluid from a rock formation includes deploying a downhole sampling tool to a target zone within a wellbore of the rock formation, with the downhole sampling tool being coupled to a downhole end of a drill pipe. The method further includes rotating the drill pipe within the wellbore while maintaining a body of the downhole sampling tool in a stationary angular position and while collecting samples of the fluid from the rock formation at the downhole sampling tool.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods according to which a launcher defines a central passageway and is adapted to launch an object into the central passageway so that the object enters an oil and gas wellbore. The launcher includes a cylinder rotatable about an axis between first and second angular positions, the cylinder defining a chamber into which the object is loadable when the cylinder is in the first angular position, and from which the loaded object is launchable when the cylinder is in the second angular position. A lubricator is extendable through, and retractable from, the central passageway of the launcher.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure include a system, method, and apparatus for increased control of steam injection for use in oil and gas recovery in a well. Embodiments can comprise a plurality of controllable zones of injection disposed in the well. The plurality of controllable zones include a primary conduit that houses a plurality of concentric conduits of decreasing diameter disposed inside of the primary conduit. In some embodiments, each of the concentric conduits includes a proximal end and a distal end. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of concentric conduits are fluidly sealed from one another from their respective proximal end to distal end.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for dropping a frac ball, in which a rotating member defines a recess for receiving a single frac ball, and rotates in relation to a stationary member, which may be attached to a wellhead tubular. When the rotating member is rotated into a loading orientation, the recess receives a single frac ball. The frac ball may be gravity fed towards the recess. When the rotating member is rotated into a releasing orientation, the recess is oriented to allow the single one of the frac balls to drop out of the recess. A hydraulic gear and rack assembly actuates rotation of the rotating member. An inlet tube holds multiple frac balls and guides them sequentially, one at a time, into the recess. An outlet tube guides frac balls from the recess towards a desired location, such as an entry guide surrounding the wellhead tubular.

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.

Abstract: A drill string can be tested with a system that involves at least a test coupling positioned between and physically connecting an upstream portion of a drill string and a downstream portion of the drill string. The test coupling may have an isolation wall that fluidically separates the upstream portion from the downstream portion. Each drill string portion can be connected to a pressure source that selectively pressurizes and tests the portions of the drill string.

Abstract: A drone conveyance system for deploying drones into an oil or gas wellbore is described. The system includes a platform, a drone magazine, a platform receiver, a conveyance, and a wellhead receiver. A drone magazine contains a plurality of the drones and selectively releases/feeds the drones into the platform receiver. More than one drone magazine, each containing different drone types, may supply drones to the platform receiver such that different drones may be ordered for disposal into the wellbore. The platform receiver prepared the drones to be moved from the platform to the wellhead by the conveyance. The wellhead receiver accepts the drones from the conveyance and prepares each received drone for dropping into the wellbore via the wellhead.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the injection pressure of an aqueous polymeric solution in an oil well is formed by: at least one pressure modulation valve, allowing, per valve, a maximum pressure loss of 5 bars practically without any mechanical deterioration, the one or more valves being connected in line with; a tube containing vortex modules, each creating a maximum pressure loss of 5 bars, practically without any mechanical deterioration, a vortex module being a section of tube, which is closed at one of its ends by a cap perforated with a hole, and which can be inserted into the detachable tube. The purpose of the apparatus is the ability to reduce the pressure to 100 bars with total mechanical deterioration of less than 10%. A method for using the apparatus is also contemplated.

Abstract: An electrically actuated safety valve includes a flapper. A flow tube in operable communication with the flapper; an electric actuation system including an electric holding configuration connecting a prime mover to the flow tube. A method for operating a safety valve.

Abstract: A drone conveyance system for deploying drones into an oil or gas wellbore is described. The system includes a platform, a drone magazine, a platform receiver, a conveyance, and a wellhead receiver. A drone magazine contains a plurality of the drones and selectively releases/feeds the drones into the platform receiver. More than one drone magazine, each containing different drone types, may supply drones to the platform receiver such that different drones may be ordered for disposal into the wellbore. The platform receiver prepared the drones to be moved from the platform to the wellhead by the conveyance. The wellhead receiver accepts the drones from the conveyance and prepares each received drone for dropping into the wellbore via the wellhead.

Abstract: An apparatus to define a shoulder within equipment includes a pin assembly and an actuator. The pin assembly includes a pin assembly housing with a passage formed therethrough, a pin movably positionable, at least partially, within the passage of the pin assembly housing, an outer stop to limit outward movement of the pin within the passage of the pin assembly housing, and an inner stop to limit inward movement of the pin within the passage of the pin assembly housing. The actuator is operably coupled to the pin assembly such that the actuator is capable of moving the pin within the pin assembly housing of the pin assembly.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel Tool Trap that in at least some embodiments can provide means for debris to fall over a Gate into a peripheral Sump and means to move a Gate laterally from a Center Tube to clear debris from the Center Tube that might restrict the Gate from rotating between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus to define a shoulder within equipment includes a housing including a bore formed therethrough and a recess formed within an inner wall of the housing. The apparatus further includes an activation ring positionable within the recess and movable to extend, at least partially, into the bore of the housing to define a shoulder within the housing, and an actuator to move the activation ring with respect to the recess.

Abstract: A remotely operated lifting top drive cement head has a high tensile strength and the ability to swivel or rotate. The cement head permits selective launching of darts, setting plugs, balls or other objects which can be held in place within the cement head without being damaged or washed away by slurry flow, but which can be launched as desired. The cement head can be remotely operated without requiring personnel to be lifted off the rig floor to actuate the tool or observe tool status.

Abstract: A split tube soil sampling system includes a sample tube having an upper end and a lower end, a drive head attached to the upper end of the sample tube, and a cutting shoe attached to the lower end of the sample tube. The sample tube has a first generally semi cylindrical tube segment comprising a first pair of longitudinal edges, and a second generally semi cylindrical tube segment comprising a second pair of longitudinal edges. The first and second tube segments are configured to be joined together along their respective longitudinal edges to form a cylinder having a through bore. The longitudinal edges of the tube segments have interlocking fingers that are mated together to hold the first and second tube segments together.

Abstract: The present application includes a tool configured to prevent bidirectional passage through a pipe or wellhead. The tool includes at least a housing and a latch. The housing is coupled to the wellhead. The housing has an interior volume in communication with an interior volume of the wellhead through an aperture. The wellhead has a central axis. The latch is pivotally coupled to the interior of the housing and oriented so as to pivot within a plane parallel to the central axis. The latch is configured to selectively enter and exit the interior of the wellhead between a first orientation and a second orientation. The tool may further include a tube to be coupled in axial alignment with the wellhead or pipe.

Abstract: A remotely operated lifting top drive cement head has a high tensile strength and the ability to swivel or rotate. The cement head permits selective launching of darts, setting plugs, balls or other objects which can be held in place within the cement head without being damaged or washed away by slurry flow, but which can be beneficially launched as desired. The cement head can be remotely operated without requiring personnel to be lifted off the rig floor to actuate the tool or observe tool status.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method of inserting a downhole assembly into a live wellbore, includes: assembling a pressure control assembly (PCA) onto a production tree of the live wellbore; inserting a first deployment section of the downhole assembly into a lubricator; landing the lubricator onto the PCA; connecting the lubricator to the PCA; lowering the first deployment section into the PCA; engaging a clamp of the PCA with the first deployment section; after engaging the clamp, isolating an upper portion of the PCA from a lower portion of the PCA; and after isolating the PCA, removing the lubricator from the PCA.

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.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for testing a wellbore, and to an apparatus and method to efficiently and effectively test the annular seal of a tubular string positioned within a wellbore. More specifically, the cement seal between a casing string and a wellbore is tested to assure there is no contamination of groundwater or between different geologic formations. An additional aspect of the present invention is to provide a testing assembly comprising a frangible body and a tool body, the tool body providing a passageway to the annular seal when the frangible body is drilled out. In one particular embodiment, the frangible body initially forms an encapsulated bore that aligns with the passageway.

Abstract: A top drive-pumpable cement head is provided for cementing a casing into a wellbore comprising a top sub portion with a top drive connection connectable to a top drive shaft to receive cement and impart translational and rotational forces to the casing simultaneously during cementing, and a ball launching assembly for housing and launching one or more launching balls. A bottom sub portion comprises a casing sleeve for housing one or more hollow wiper plugs and a tattle tale wire. The cement head also comprises a hammer union. The ball launching assembly is pre-loadable with the launching balls, the bottom sub is pre-loadable with the one or more hollow wiper plugs and a tattle tale wire and the top sub and the bottom sub are connectable via the hammer union for storage, prior to cementing operations. A method is also provided for assembling a cement head for completing a casing in a wellbore.

Abstract: A plunger assembly arranged to minimize uneven wear spots thereon during the plunger assembly's horizontal and vertical travel within a hydrocarbon producing well conduit. The plunger assembly comprises an elongated central mandrel having a bore extending longitudinally therethrough for transmitting gaseous fluids from a well, through the plunger assembly, a pair of longitudinally spaced-apart sets of arcuately shaped wear pads guidably supported on outer portions of the elongated central mandrel, and at least one tangentially directed nozzle arranged to direct gaseous fluids from the bore of the elongated central mandrel against an inner side of at least one of the arcuately shaped wear pads arranged on the outer portions of the elongated central mandrel.

Abstract: A controlled aperture ball drop includes a ball cartridge that is mounted to a frac head or a high pressure fluid conduit. The ball cartridge houses a ball rail having a bottom end that forms an aperture with an inner periphery of the ball cartridge through which frac balls of a frac ball stack supported by the ball rail are sequentially dropped from the frac ball stack as a size of the aperture is increased by an aperture controller operatively connected to the ball rail.

Abstract: 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.

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.

Abstract: A remotely operated lifting top drive cement head is provided having a high tensile strength, as well as the ability to swivel or rotate about a central vertical axis. The cement head permits selective launching of darts, setting plugs, balls or other objects which can be held in place within the cement head without being damaged or washed away by slurry flow, but which can be beneficially launched into said slurry flow at desired point(s) during the cementing process. The internal components of the cement head can be easily accessed using interrupted thread connections that can be quickly and easy connected and disconnected in the field without requiring specialized equipment. The cement head can be rigged up and remotely operated without requiring the lifting of personnel off the rig floor to actuate the tool or observe tool status.

Abstract: A method of assembling a wellbore servicing tool, comprising placing a first module adjacent to a second module along an axis, engaging a bridge with each of the first module and the second module by, while the bridge radially overlaps one of the first module and second module, substantially restricting movement of the bridge to movement radially toward the first module and the second module and toward the axis. A method of assembling a wellbore servicing tool, comprising angularly aligning a first module with a second module, joining the first module to the second module while maintaining the angular alignment between first module and the second module. A method of assembling a wellbore servicing tool, comprising assembling a cement head without using torque to join components of the cement head, and passing a fluid through the cement head into a wellbore.

Abstract: A cement head used for performing cementing jobs in downhole operations is provided. The cement head includes wireless signaling means, an integrated energy supply, activating means for pneumatic operated valves in cement head, and controller means for controlling said energy supply for activation of at least one valve based on received signals through the wireless signaling means.

Abstract: A tool for cleaning a casing of an oil well may include an elongate housing configured to be lowered into a well casing. A discharge head may be disposed at one end of the housing, the discharge head including a first electrode having a first end surface, a first insulator surrounding the first electrode, a surface of the first insulator substantially flush with the first end surface, and a second electrode having a second end surface separated from the first end surface by a discharge gap. An energy reservoir and a switch may be disposed within the housing, the switch configured to selectively couple the energy reservoir to the first electrode and the second electrode to cause energy stored in the energy reservoir to discharge across the discharge gap.

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 valves) and valving members holding plugs, balls, or darts to be dropped. 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. Wireless signals can be used to open or close a selected valving member.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in cleaning a drill string comprises a body portion (10) having a tubular side wall and a resiliently compressible cleaning member (11) mounted inside the hollow interior thereof under compression, the body portion (10) comprising an open lower end adapted to engage the drill string. A separate actuator (13) is provided for fitting to the body portion (10) for displacing the cleaning member (11) out of the tubular side wall of the body portion (10) into the drill string. In use, the cleaning member (11) can be loaded into the body portion (10) at a remote location prior to the cleaning operation thereby reducing the time taken to insert the cleaning member (11) into the drill string and alleviating the risk of injury.

Abstract: A remotely operated lifting top drive cement head is provided having a high tensile strength, as well as the ability to swivel or rotate about a central vertical axis. The cement head permits selective launching of darts, setting plugs, balls or other objects which can be held in place within the cement head without being damaged or washed away by slurry flow, but which can be beneficially launched into said slurry flow at desired point(s) during the cementing process. The internal components of the cement head can be easily accessed using interrupted thread connections that can be quickly and easy connected and disconnected in the field without requiring specialized equipment. The cement head can be rigged up and remotely operated without requiring the lifting of personnel off the rig floor to actuate the tool or observe tool status.

Abstract: A controlled aperture ball drop includes a ball cartridge that is mounted to a frac head or a high pressure fluid conduit. The ball cartridge houses a ball rail having a bottom end that forms an aperture with an inner periphery of the ball cartridge through which frac balls of a frac ball stack supported by the ball rail are sequentially dropped from the frac ball stack as a size of the aperture is increased by an aperture controller operatively connected to the ball rail.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool and method for cleaning a wellbore. The tool includes a tubing string comprising an upper end and a lower end, and defining a first bore for allowing passage of fluid from the wellbore to surface; a guide string disposed inside the tubing string and defining an internal bore to run coiled tubing therethrough, the coiled tubing carrying at least one jet nozzle; at least one seal disposed around the tubing string for sealing against a well casing; at least one port defined by the tubing string and positioned above the seal for allowing fluid to pass therethrough; and at least one valve positioned below the seal to allow fluid to pass upward through the valve but not downward.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for remotely operating a setting tool for a liner hanger (402) independent of a ball seating or dart landing. Operating the setting tool independent of the ball seating or dart landing may allow for a sufficient pressure differential to properly set the liner hanger.

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.

Abstract: Well servicing methods and systems are described, in one embodiment comprising a pressure containment housing fluidly connected directly to a wellhead of a wellbore, and a reel positioned inside the housing on which is spooled a communication line. One method comprises introducing the communication line into the pressurized wellbore without a well control stack, the communication line being introduced and driven into the wellbore by controlling a reel, the reel being internal to a pressurized housing removably connected directly to a wellhead of the wellbore. Fluid flow may move the communication line to a desired location in the wellbore. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It may not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.

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: 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.