US 5,856,790 A · Remote control for a plug-dropping head

Abstract

An apparatus and method of dropping a pumpdown plug or ball is revealed. The assembly can be integrally formed with a plug-dropping head or can be an auxiliary feature that is mounted to a plug-dropping head. The release mechanism is actuated by remote control, employing intrinsically safe circuitry. The circuitry, along with its self-contained power source, actuates a primary control member responsive to an input signal so as to allow component shifting for release of the pumpdown plug or ball. Multiple plug-dropping heads can be stacked, each responsive to a discrete release signal. Actuation to drop the pumpdown ball or plug is accomplished even while the components are rotating or are moving longitudinally. Using the apparatus and method of the present invention, personnel do not need to climb up in the derrick to actuate manual valves. There is additionally no need for a rig floor-mounted control panel with hydraulic lines extending from the control panel to remotely located valves for plug or ball release.

Claims6

Dependent claims

A control system useful in outdoor environments, comprising:

a primary control element operating in a system;
at least one transmitter for sending a predetermined plurality of frequencies over the air;
at least one signal receiver for receiving said predetermined plurality of frequencies from said transmitter to provide an output;
at least one signal processor to receive the output of said receiver and to generate a command signal to said control element;
at least one of said frequencies serving a dual purpose of being first part of a received signal sent to said processor to allow said processor to issue an output signal to operate a primary controlled element, and second to act as a cue to said processor that an incoming multiple frequency signal is about to come or has concluded;
and
said processor discriminates for said frequencies and generates an output signal to said primary control element based on the order of frequencies received.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Remote control for a plug-dropping head

Life of this patent

Remote control for a plug-dropping head

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims6