Patent ID: 6491103
Filing Date: 2002-12-10
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
Apparatus for running a tubular member in a wellbore containing drilling fluid using a drill string, comprising:a running tool connected to the top of the tubular member and having an axial bore therethrough; a wiper plug assembly releasably connected to the drill string within the tubular member near the top of the tubular member, said wiper plug assembly having a bore therethrough and said wiper plug including a receptacle in said bore for receiving a drill string dart; a drop ball housing connected to the wiper plug assembly below the wiper plug assembly, said drop ball housing: (a) including a releasable drop ball having a diameter greater than the inside diameter of the drill string and (b) having ports above the drop ball through which drilling fluid may flow into the bore of the wiper plug; and float equipment attached to the tubular member near the bottom of the tubular member, said float equipment having an axial bore through which drilling fluid may flow, said axial bore having a diameter greater than the inside diameter of the drill string, said float equipment including a plurality of flapper valves which are activated by the drop ball after it is released from the drop ball housing.