Apparatus And Method For Launching Plugs In Cementing Operations

摘要

An apparatus for use in launching cement plugs in a well cementing operation, comprising: a cylinder (130); a piston (110) slideably received in the bore of the cylinder; and an actuator, operable by the piston, for launching a plug from the apparatus into the well; wherein the cylinder has a resiliently mounted latching member (132) positioned in the wall thereof and biased to project into the bore of the cylinder; and the piston has a profiled outer surface defining a recess (114) into which the latching member (132) can project to hold the piston in position in the cylinder.