Patent ID: 8302698
Filing Date: 2012-11-06
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A method for deploying one or more activation devices into a process-fluid stream, utilizing a multiple-activation device launching system for a cementing head, the launching system comprising a plug valve through which 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 a main-flow or a bypass-flow position, comprising: i. pumping process fluid through a main-flow portion of the launching system; ii. placing the plug valve in the bypass-flow position, inserting at least one ball into the hollow plug-valve axle, and causing the ball to pass through the axle and enter the process-fluid stream; iii. placing the plug valve in the main-flow position, and allowing at least one activation device to pass, wherein the hollow passageway of the plug-valve axle remains open to the process-fluid stream; and iv. repeating steps ii, and iii, until a sufficient number of activation devices have been deployed to complete a treatment.