An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured tool body assembly having valving members (e.g., safety or kelly values) and valving members holding plugs, balls, or darts to be dropped. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members. A transmitter (or transceiver) provides an ability to generate a wireless signal that is received by receivers (or transceivers) on the tool body assembly. Each receiver (or transceiver) controls an electrical actuator that engages a valving member or the indicator. Wireless signals can be used to open or close a valve or to reset a “tripped” indicator.

An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured tool body assembly having valving members (e.g., safety or kelly values) and valving members holding plugs, balls, or darts to be dropped. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members. A transmitter (or transceiver) provides an ability to generate a wireless signal that is received by receivers (or transceivers) on the tool body assembly. Each receiver (or transceiver) controls an electrical actuator that engages a valving member or the indicator. Wireless signals can be used to open or close a valve or to reset a “tripped” indicator.

A tool (1) for cementing an annulus in a subsea oil or gas well, and methods for using the tool are provided. The tool includes a safety module (2) providing fluid communication between an umbilical and a perforation and circulation module (4) mounted below it. The safety module (2) includes a mechanical lock for connection to a well head. The perforation and circulation module includes upper and lower seals (6, 8) for sealing to the inner surface of a casing; an upper perforating device (14) mounted between the seals; a lower perforating device (16) mounted below the lower seal (8); and supply (S) and return (R) fluid flow paths for circulating fluid from the safety module (2). A diversion means (20) is provided in the supply fluid flow path, operable to redirect fluid supplied to the supply fluid flow path to a space defined between the upper and lower seals (6, 8).

A tool (1) for cementing an annulus in a subsea oil or gas well, and methods for using the tool are provided. The tool includes a safety module (2) providing fluid communication between an umbilical and a perforation and circulation module (4) mounted below it. The safety module (2) includes a mechanical lock for connection to a well head. The perforation and circulation module includes upper and lower seals (6, 8) for sealing to the inner surface of a casing; an upper perforating device (14) mounted between the seals; a lower perforating device (16) mounted below the lower seal (8); and supply (S) and return (R) fluid flow paths for circulating fluid from the safety module (2). A diversion means (20) is provided in the supply fluid flow path, operable to redirect fluid supplied to the supply fluid flow path to a space defined between the upper and lower seals (6, 8).

An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured valving member with curved and flat portions that alternatively direct fluid flow through a bore or opening in the valving member via an inner channel or around the periphery of the valving member in an outer channel. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members.

An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured valving member with curved and flat portions that alternatively direct fluid flow through a bore or opening in the valving member via an inner channel or around the periphery of the valving member in an outer channel. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members.

A wellhead assembly with a gripping device for securing multiple components of the wellhead assembly is provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a wellhead housing mounted above a hollow body, such that an axial bore extends through the wellhead housing and the hollow body, and a wellhead hanger positioned within the axial bore. The system also includes a clamp that provides a first grip that secures the wellhead housing to the hollow body and a second grip that secures the wellhead hanger within the axial bore. The second grip includes elastic deformation, via the clamp, of at least one of the wellhead housing or the hollow body into tight engagement with an exterior of the wellhead hanger to secure the wellhead hanger at the location within the axial bore. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

A wellhead assembly with a gripping device for securing multiple components of the wellhead assembly is provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a wellhead housing mounted above a hollow body, such that an axial bore extends through the wellhead housing and the hollow body, and a wellhead hanger positioned within the axial bore. The system also includes a clamp that provides a first grip that secures the wellhead housing to the hollow body and a second grip that secures the wellhead hanger within the axial bore. The second grip includes elastic deformation, via the clamp, of at least one of the wellhead housing or the hollow body into tight engagement with an exterior of the wellhead hanger to secure the wellhead hanger at the location within the axial bore. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured valving member with curved and flat portions that alternatively direct fluid flow through a bore or opening in the valving member via an inner channel or around the periphery of the valving member in an outer channel. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members.

An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured valving member with curved and flat portions that alternatively direct fluid flow through a bore or opening in the valving member via an inner channel or around the periphery of the valving member in an outer channel. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members.