William J. May Jr.
Engineering at Karen Dr, Morgan City, LA
License number
Louisiana EI.0002089
Issued Date
Jan 1, 1900
Category
Civil Engineer
Address
Address
3222 Karen Dr, Morgan City, LA 70380
Professional information
Indicating Ball Catcher
US Patent:
5127472, Jul 7, 1992
Filed:
Jul 29, 1991
Appl. No.:
7/737073
Inventors:
Brock W. Watson - Duncan OK
Joseph S. Squyres - Lafayette LA
Alfred H. Jones - Lafayette LA
William J. May - Morgan City LA
T. Austin Freeman - Wassenaar, NL
Joseph S. Squyres - Lafayette LA
Alfred H. Jones - Lafayette LA
William J. May - Morgan City LA
T. Austin Freeman - Wassenaar, NL
Assignee:
Halliburton Company - Duncan OK
International Classification:
E21B 3702
US Classification:
166177
Abstract:
An indicating ball catcher for use in a downhole drill pipe or tool string. The ball catcher comprises an upper body portion having an inlet opening smaller than any ball pumped thereto and a lower body portion. An elongated case interconnects the upper and lower body portions. A bypass is provided for allowing fluid flow around any ball caught in the apparatus and preventing the ball from being pumped therefrom. A reverse bypass may be provided so that fluid back flow is allowed without pumping the balls therefrom. In one embodiment, the apparatus can accommodate balls which have a larger cross-sectional area than an inner cross-sectional area of the case. The apparatus provides pressure indications at the surface when a ball reaches the upper body portion and when the ball enters the case.