Patent ID: 6672384
Filing Date: 2004-01-06
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
A plug-dropping container within a head member for releasing an object into a wellbore, the plug-dropping container comprising:a tubular housing; a canister disposed within and generally aligned with said tubular housing so as to define an annulus between said tubular housing and said canister, said canister being movable axially within said housing from a lower position to an upper position; a channel within said canister, said canister channel being configured to receive the object therein; a bypass proximate to the top end of said canister for permitting fluid to flow into said annulus when said canister is in its lower position, said bypass being substantially shut off when said canister is raised to its upper position within said housing; a plug-retaining device disposed within said tubular housing below said canister, said plug-retaining device having a first end, a second end, and a wall therebetween; a channel within said plug-retaining device for placing said first and second ends of said plug-retaining device in fluid communication; and wherein said plug-retaining device is movable from an object-retained position to an object-released position, such that said wall of said plug-retaining device substantially blocks the object from exiting said canister when said plug-retaining device is in its object-retained position, and said channel of said plug-retaining device is in substantial alignment with said channel of said canister when said plug-retaining device is in its object-released position, thereby permitting the object to exit said canister and to travel downward through said channel of said plug-retaining device.