PBL Operation Procedure

Standard PBL Bypass System Operational Procedures
(Drillers Reference all sizes)

Receiving the PBL Tool at the Rig Site
1. On receipt of the Standard PBL, the tool should be checked for the following: a.
b.
I.
II.
III.
IV.
A shearing pressure for the Ball Seat should be stenciled on the tool.
The toolbox that comes with each PBL Tool should contain: Vinyl Activation opening balls.
Steel Deactivation closing balls.
Activation opening Ball/Brass Dart Combination /used also as emergency balls.
PBL Rig operational procedures.
Make Up and Testing PBL Sub at surface

- Make up torque is as per drill collar thread connection. Do not over torque.
- Circulating Sub is made up on top of the Ball Catcher Sub.
- Note 4 OD and smaller; Top Sub is made up on top of Circulating Sub/Ball Catcher Sub
Check inner mandrel is closed. Check ball catcher cage is in ball catcher sub with the beveled end
facing up and no go ring on the bottom
- Prior to RIH surface function test the tool; when PBL is placed in BHA drop a vinyl activation
opening ball in the top of the tool and allow to sit in the ball seat. Pick up the Kelly and make up
to top of tool. Lower tool below the rotary table. Engage pumps and observe fluid diverting thru
port(s). When tool function confirmed, stop pumps (PBL piston will close), set tool in slips,
break Kelly and drop steel deactivating closing ball(s) into tool on top of vinyl activation
ball. Re-engage Kelly, lower tool below rotary table. Engage pumps and pressure up to
shear vinyl ball; note the pump pressures/strokes and ball shearing pressure. Keep
pumping and pick up tool, visually check tool port(s) closed. Stop pumps, set tool in
slips.
- NOTE: Remove test balls from the ball catcher sub before continuing RIH. Break tool between
circulating sub (main Body) and ball catcher sub, retrieve balls from ball catcher. Remake up tool
RIH The used vinyl activation ball should be discarded; never re-run Vinyl Ball Ensure there are
no restrictions in the drill string to hang up balls, such as Totco rings etc.
Activation Procedure:
Prior to activating tool, make a note of the drilling rate/volume/pressure for future reference.
Calculate the fluid displacement time in the drill string to know when vinyl activation ball will
reach the Bypass Tool. Break drill string at floor and drop the vinyl activation-opening ball.
If installed remove drill pipe screen to drop ball and then replace it.
1. Pump the vinyl activation ball 50%-70% of drill string volume, displace at preferred rates. For
the remainder, bring pump rate back to 20-30% of drilling rate, or 50% of ball shearing pressure
Example: Preset ball-shearing pressure 3000 PSI, land ball with 1000 PSI - 1500 PSI standard
pipe pressure. Drilling volume 250 GPM. Land ball with 50-100 GPM. Care should be taken
when landing the vinyl activation opening.
Standard PBL Bypass System Drillers Operating Procedure
Note: While displacing the vinyl ball to seat, rotate and reciprocate drill string. Monitor the ball
seating; there will be a reduction in standard pipe pressure when the ball/dart seats and opens the
tool.
2. With vinyl activation ball seated, pump rates can be increased to desired flowrates, whilst
keeping the pump pressure below ball/dart shearing pressure. Notice even at the higher flow rate
a reduced standard pipe pressure will indicate tool is open. It is recommended to maintain
consistent pump rates while the tool is open.
3. When pumping through the tool, the pressure the tool sees is the standard pipe pressure less the
friction loss of the pipe above the tool. As a safety margin it is advised to keep the pressure across
the tool +/- 1000 PSI below the ball shearing pressure. This will always insure the vinyl
activation ball will not blow through prematurely. This procedure will also determine the
maximum volume the operator can pump through the tool.
4. Maximum solids loading, weight and connection of LCM that can be pumped through the
Bypass System is limited to 33% of hole diameter e.g.: 15 hole, Granular size LCM Max.
Pill density on weight - no Limit. Regarding LCM abrasiveness, marble chip has been
successfully pumped thru the tool.
De-Activation Procedure
1. Break drill string at rig floor and drop the steel de-activation ball(s), if installed remove drill
pipe screen to drop ball and then replace it. Pump down to the tool as fast as possible. When the
steel ball reaches the tool it will seat in the port and the drill string will pressure up. Do not kick
out the pumps until vinyl activation ball shears.
2. When the vinyl activation ball shears, the tool will reset and close the port. The vinyl ball will
blow through at +/-10% of stated shear pressure. After shearing the ball, kick out the pumps
momentarily to allow the sleeve to close.
3. With the tool reset and port closed, flow will resume back through the bit enabling drilling
operations to continue. The procedure can be repeated up to six times per bit run.
4. When pumping recommences, check the prerecorded circulating parameters are the same as
to activation of the PBL Bypass tool.
5. After tripping out of hole, once tool is on surface, remove all balls from the ball catcher sub;
ensure ball catcher cage. After the PBL tool is redressed either lay down or rack the tool back.
Alternatively the tool can be emptied of balls during trip back in the hole after function testing.
6. Discard the used vinyl activation ball segments of the ball/dart combinations; never re-run as
the vinyl balls are deformable and will become distorted during de-activation procedure.
OPERATING MULTI-PORTED PBL BYPASS TOOLS
Activation Procedure:
Drop the vinyl activation ball to open the Multi Ported Bypass Tool as per normal procedure.
Allow the calculated time for the ball to reach the seat and open ports. Increase pumps to desired
circulating rates. Keep pressures with in the safety margin below that of the vinyl activation ball
shearing pressure.
De-Activation Procedure
Upon completion of desired operation, drop the equivalent number of steel deactivation balls
to the corresponding number of ports; i.e.3 ports 3 balls and 2 ports 2 balls.
Displace the steel balls down to the tool. When the steel balls reach the tool they will cut off flow
through the ports creating a pressure increase. Continuing pumping at speed and the vinyl ball
will shear through the seat and fall in to the ball catcher sleeve. Tool will reset and flow will
resume back to the bit.
NOTE After tripping out of hole; remove all balls from the Ball Catcher Sub before RIH
Trouble Shooting
1. During Activation
Watch for activation ball to seat, there should be a reduction in SPP when tool opens: If no
change in pressure is observed, keep pumping at the lower rate for 50% of drill pipe volume. If
after pumping 150% of drill string volume there is no indication of ball seating, increase pump
rate slowly to see if the ball has seated. It is possible that pumping at the lower rate will not give a
clear indication the tool has activated. If after 200% of pipe volume the tool has not seated and
you have confirmed this by pumping at a high rate, drop a steel deactivation ball to reset the tool
and then repeat the process. (It is important to rotate and reciprocate the drill string when
activating and deactivating the tool).
2. Premature Ball Shearing
When pumping through the tool always keep the pressure across the tool 1000 PSI below the ball
shearing pressure. This safety margin will always insure the activation ball will not blow through
prematurely. This system will help to predetermine the max volume the operators can pump
through the tool.
3. During Deactivation
If the pressure is high versus the prerecorded pressure/volume it is possible something has caused
a restriction and the chance the tool has malfunctioned is very unlikely. If the pressure/volume is
less it is possible there is something effecting the operation of the tool. The best action if this is
the case is to rotate the pipe as fast as possible while kicking the pump in and out to jar the sleeve
into the closed position. If the PBL has malfunctioned and not closed, typically the MWD tool etc
cannot be operated and the BHA will have to be pulled. This is a very rare occurrence and PBL
Bypass Systems have as low a mean time between failures as any tools in the industry today.
4. Plugged String
If string is plugged, then the Activation opening Ball/Dart Combination should be dropped in the
string, dart end down, the weight of this ball/dart combination will allow it to migrate down the
string to the ball seat and activate the tool. (This may not always be so in Horizontal hole, but it
has been successful, on occasion).
The PBL AutoLock (Ball Locking) Operational Procedure

3 1/8" Tool Size
Receiving the Ball Locking PBL at the Rig Site
1. On receipt of the Ball Locking PBL, the tool should be checked for the following: a. A shearing pressure for the Ball Seat and Port should be stenciled on the tool.
b. The toolbox that comes with each PBL Tool should contain: I. 6 x 1" vinyl activation opening balls.
II. 12 x 7/8"steel deactivation closing balls.
III. 6 x 3/4" plastic locking balls.
IV. 2 x 1" activation opening Ball/Brass Dart Combination /used also as emergency balls.
V. PBL Rig operational procedures.
Make Up and Testing the PBL Sub at Surface
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Pick up the tool and make up the circulating sub-main body on top of the ball catcher sub.
Ensure that the inner mandrel, of the circulating sub, is in the closed position by looking
through the port on the side of the tool. Check that the ball catcher cage, of the ball
catcher sub, is in the sub with the beveled end facing up and no-go ring on the bottom.
Make-up torque is the same as the drill collar thread connection. (Do not Over Torque).
Surface function test; when tool is placed in the BHA, drop 1" Vinyl Activation opening
ball in the top of the tool and allow to sit in the ball seat.
Pick up the drilling Kelly and make up in the top of the tool.
Pick up string out of the slips and lower PBL into the hole ensuring that the opening ports
are below the rotary table.
Engage the pump very slowly and watch for the sleeve opening and the fluid diverting
through the port. It will not take a lot of pressure to overcome the spring tension when
opening the sleeve (+/- 200 psi).
When fully satisfied that the tool is functioning properly, stop pumping, pick up string
and place tool in the slips. The PBL Sub piston will close when the pumping is stopped.
Break the Kelly and drop 2 x 7/8" Steel De-Activation closing balls into the tool on top of
the vinyl ball.
Re-engage the Kelly and pick up out of the slips and lower the string so that the opening
port is below the Rotary Table.
Engage the pump and record the pressure that the vinyl ball shears through the ball seat.
This should be plus or minus 10% of the recorded shear pressure that was sent with the
PBL tool.
With Vinyl Opening Ball sheared and the port closed, keep pumping and lift the tool
above the table to visually check the port is closed.
Stop the pumps, pick up string and place in the slips, break the tool between the
circulating sub (main body) and the ball catcher sub. Remove Kelly and back out the
circulating sub from the string and retrieve the balls from the ball catcher. Do not under
any circumstances re-use the vinyl opening balls once they have been used in the tool.
1
3-1/8" PBL AutoLock (Ball Lock) Drillers Operating Procedure
Activation of the PBL Ball-Locking Circulating Tool when in the hole.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Record pump pressure and strokes prior to dropping the Vinyl Activation opening ball.
This will be referred to upon de-activation of the tool to confirm that the tool has closed.
Stop the pumps and place string in the slips.
Break the string at floor level and drop the 1" vinyl activation opening ball into the string.
Ensure that the pipe screen has been removed.
Make up the string and pump the ball down the string ensuring that at 50% displacement
the pumps are slowed to about 10% of pump rate. This will ensure that the vinyl ball is
landed gently and not allowed to blow straight through the tool. If this should occur, drop
the steel deactivation closing balls and recycle the tool.
When the vinyl activation ball engages the seat, an initial rise in pressure will be seen at
the surface, followed by a significant pressure loss, as the inner mandrel will have moved
down to its open position and the fluid diverted through the side ports. Increase the pump
strokes and circulate the desired fluid volume keeping a constant pump rate for the PBL
Sub. This is not necessary when the locking ball has been used. (Circulating pressure
should be kept +/- 1000psi below the ball shearing pressure. Do not exceed 90% of the
shearing pressure that was recorded when testing the tool on surface. There is a chance,
when pumping LCM, the ports can become choked and therefore the pressure can, very
quickly, reach the shearing pressure of the opening ball).
If the string is plugged, then the 1" Activation opening Ball/Dart Combination should be
dropped in the string, dart end down, the weight of this ball/dart combination will allow it
to migrate down the string to the ball seat and activate the tool. (This may not always be
so in Horizontal hole, but it has been successful, on occasion).
De-Activation of the Ball Locking PBL Sub when in the Hole. (Without Locking Ball)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Stop pumps and place string in the slips.

Break the string at the floor level, and drop 2 x 7/8" Steel de-activation closing balls in
the string.
Make up the string and engage pumps and pump at normal flow rate.
When the steel balls engage the two open port orifices, the pressure will rise quickly. It is
preferred to take the pressure quickly to the shearing pressure; this will reduce the
washing effect of the drilling fluid on the ball and port.
The shear pressure down hole may be lower than on surface as down-hole conditions can
have an effect on the tool.
When the 1" Vinyl Activation ball is sheared through the ball seat of the PBL Sub, the
piston will move up, closing the circulating port, and allowing the two Steel Closing
Balls to fall into the Ball Catcher. Circulation will now be through the bottom-hole
assembly to bit.
Check the pre-recorded pump pressure and strokes to see if they are the same as before
the Ball Locking PBL Sub was activated, (if the fluid weight in the hole is the same).
2
Activation of the Locking Ball for Tripping etc.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Note:
The 1" Activation opening Ball/Dart Combination should be used to enable the ball to
stay on the seat if the string has to be reciprocated.
Break String at surface and drop the Ball/Dart Combination down the string.
When the Ball is on the seat and the pressure has dropped, stop pumps and break string at
surface and drop the 3/4" Plastic Locking Ball.
The string can be circulated whilst the ball is dropping down the string. Do not pump too
fast when nearing the orifice of the PBL Tool or the ball may shear straight through the
ports.
When the pressure rises this will indicate that the ball is lodged in the port orifice and the
pumps may now be switched off.
When pumping slugs etc. be aware of the shear pressure of the plastic locking ball.
When on surface the PBL tool can be racked back vertically in the locked open position
with the drilling stand if it is to be re-run back in the hole to fill pipe etc. However if the
PBL tool is laid down in the interim, it is recommended re-setting the tool to the closed
position as a precaution. This will eliminate the possibility of the vinyl activation ball
inadvertently dislodging from tool, which could be over looked when picking up the tool
again to RIH.
De-Activation of the Ball Locking PBL Sub when in the Hole with Locking Ball in place
1
2
3
4
5.
6
7
Note:

Break the string at the floor level, and drop 2 x 7/8" steel de-activation closing balls in
the string.
When the steel balls land one will engage the one open port orifice opposite the Plastic
Locking Ball, the pressure will rise quickly to the Locking Ball Shear Pressure (pre-set at
+/-1000psi below Activation Ball Shear Pressure). When the Locking Ball has been
sheared through the port orifice, the second Steel De-Activation Closing Ball will take its
place in the port. Continue pumping and raise pressure to the Shear Pressure required. It
is preferred to take the pressure quickly to the shearing pressure; this will reduce the
When the 1" Vinyl Activation opening ball is sheared through the ball seat of the PBL
Sub, the piston will move up, closing the circulating ports, allowing the two Steel Closing
Balls to fall into the Ball Catcher following behind the vinyl ball. Circulation will now be
through the bottom-hole assembly.
The same procedure is used on surface to re-set and close the PBL. This operation should
be done with the PBL tool below the rotary table.
3

4 " Tool Size
b. The toolbox that comes with each PBL Tool should contain: I. 5 x 1-1/2" vinyl activation opening balls.
II. 10 x 1-3/8" steel deactivation closing balls.
III. 5 x 1-1/8" plastic locking balls.
IV. 2 x 1-1/2" activation opening Ball/Brass Dart Combination /used also as emergency balls.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Surface function test; when tool is placed in the BHA, drop 1-1/2" Vinyl Activation
opening ball in the top of the tool and allow to sit in the ball seat.
Break the Kelly and drop 2 x 1-3/8" Steel De-Activation closing balls into the tool on top
of the vinyl ball.
PBL tool.
1
4 " PBL AutoLock (Ball Lock) Drillers Operating Procedure
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Break the string at floor level and drop the 1-1/2" vinyl activation opening ball into the
string. Ensure that the pipe screen has been removed.
If the string is plugged, then the 1-1/2" Activation opening Ball/Dart Combination should
be dropped in the string, dart end down, the weight of this ball/dart combination will
allow it to migrate down the string to the ball seat and activate the tool. (This may not
always be so in Horizontal hole, but it has been successful, on occasion).
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Break the string at the floor level, and drop 2 x 1-3/8" Steel de-activation closing balls in
the string.
When the 1-1/2" Vinyl Activation ball is sheared through the ball seat of the PBL Sub,
the piston will move up, closing the circulating port, and allowing the two Steel Closing
assembly to bit.
2
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Note:
The 1-1/2" Activation opening Ball/Dart Combination should be used to enable the ball
to stay on the seat if the string has to be reciprocated.
surface and drop the 1-1/8" Plastic Locking Ball.
ports.
again to RIH.
1
2
3
4
5.
6
7
Note:

Break the string at the floor level, and drop 2 x 1-3/8" steel de-activation closing balls in
the string.
When the 1-1/2" Vinyl Activation opening ball is sheared through the ball seat of the
PBL Sub, the piston will move up, closing the circulating ports, allowing the two Steel
Closing Balls to fall into the Ball Catcher following behind the vinyl ball. Circulation
will now be through the bottom-hole assembly.
3

6 " & 6 " Tool Size
b. The toolbox that comes with each PBL Tool should contain: I. 5 x 2" vinyl activation opening balls.
IV. 2 x 2" activation opening Ball/Brass Dart Combination /used also as emergency balls.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Surface function test; when tool is placed in the BHA, drop 2" Vinyl Activation opening
ball in the top of the tool and allow to sit in the ball seat.
of the vinyl ball.
PBL tool.
1
6 " & 6 " PBL AutoLock (Ball Lock) Drillers Operating Procedure
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Break the string at floor level and drop the 2" vinyl activation opening ball into the string.
Ensure that the pipe screen has been removed.
If the string is plugged, then the 2" Activation opening Ball/Dart Combination should be
dropped in the string, dart end down, the weight of this ball/dart combination will allow it
to migrate down the string to the ball seat and activate the tool. (This may not always be
so in Horizontal hole, but it has been successful, on occasion).
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

the string.
When the 2" Vinyl Activation ball is sheared through the ball seat of the PBL Sub, the
piston will move up, closing the circulating port, and allowing the two Steel Closing
assembly to bit.
2
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Note:
The 2" Activation opening Ball/Dart Combination should be used to enable the ball to
stay on the seat if the string has to be reciprocated.
ports.
again to RIH.
1
2
3
4
5.
6
7
Note:

the string.
When the 2" Vinyl Activation opening ball is sheared through the ball seat of the PBL
Sub, the piston will move up, closing the circulating ports, allowing the two Steel Closing
Balls to fall into the Ball Catcher following behind the vinyl ball. Circulation will now be
through the bottom-hole assembly.
3

8" & 9 " Tool Size
b. The toolbox that comes with each PBL Tool should contain: I. 5 x 2-1/2" vinyl activation opening balls.
IV. 2 x 2-1/2" activation opening Ball/Brass Dart Combination /used also as emergency balls.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Surface function test; when tool is placed in the BHA, drop 2-1/2" Vinyl Activation
opening ball in the top of the tool and allow to sit in the ball seat.
of the vinyl ball.
PBL tool.
1
8" & 9 " PBL AutoLock (Ball Lock) Drillers Operating Procedure
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Break the string at floor level and drop the 2-1/2" vinyl activation opening ball into the
string. Ensure that the pipe screen has been removed.
If the string is plugged, then the 2-1/2" Activation opening Ball/Dart Combination should
be dropped in the string, dart end down, the weight of this ball/dart combination will
allow it to migrate down the string to the ball seat and activate the tool. (This may not
always be so in Horizontal hole, but it has been successful, on occasion).
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

the string.
When the 2-1/2" Vinyl Activation ball is sheared through the ball seat of the PBL Sub,
the piston will move up, closing the circulating port, and allowing the two Steel Closing
assembly to bit.
2
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Note:
The 2-1/2" Activation opening Ball/Dart Combination should be used to enable the ball
to stay on the seat if the string has to be reciprocated.
ports.
again to RIH.
1
2
3
4
5.
6
7
Note:

the string.
When the 2-1/2" Vinyl Activation opening ball is sheared through the ball seat of the
PBL Sub, the piston will move up, closing the circulating ports, allowing the two Steel
Closing Balls to fall into the Ball Catcher following behind the vinyl ball. Circulation
will now be through the bottom-hole assembly.
3
Trouble Shooting
1.
If the tool has not opened after dropping the Vinyl Activation Opening Ball,
continue to 100% excess of string volume before dropping the steel closing balls
to ensure tool is cycled correctly.
2.
When pumping LCM, it is possible to block the circulating ports, if the particle
size of the LCM is more than 1/3rd the size of the circulating orifice. This can
cause the pressure to rise and blow the ball through the ball seat prematurely,
therefore closing the tool
3.
If this should happen, drop the Steel De-Activation Closing Balls before dropping
another Vinyl Activation Opening Ball.
Drilling Mode
FLOW to BIT
Tool Reset
FLOW to BIT
Activation Ball
Seated
Open Position
FLOW THRU PORTS
LOCK PORT OPEN

Trip Dry Pipe/Fill Pipe
De-Activation
Balls Dropped
PRESSURE UP
Tool can be Hydraulically reset (unlocked)

Downhole during trip & on surface
Shear all balls to reset and FLOW to BIT
4

PBL Operation Procedure

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PBL Operation Procedure

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Standard PBL Bypass System Operational Procedures

(Drillers Reference all sizes)

Make Up and Testing PBL Sub at surface

Standard PBL Bypass System Drillers Operating Procedure

Standard PBL Bypass System Drillers Operating Procedure

Standard PBL Bypass System Drillers Operating Procedure

The PBL AutoLock (Ball Locking) Operational Procedure

Activation of the PBL Ball-Locking Circulating Tool when in the hole.

Stop pumps and place string in the slips.

Activation of the Locking Ball for Tripping etc.

Stop pumps and place string in the slips.

The PBL AutoLock (Ball Locking) Operational Procedure

Activation of the PBL Ball-Locking Circulating Tool when in the hole.

Stop pumps and place string in the slips.

Activation of the Locking Ball for Tripping etc.

Stop pumps and place string in the slips.

The PBL AutoLock (Ball Locking) Operational Procedure

Activation of the PBL Ball-Locking Circulating Tool when in the hole.

Stop pumps and place string in the slips.

Activation of the Locking Ball for Tripping etc.

Stop pumps and place string in the slips.

The PBL AutoLock (Ball Locking) Operational Procedure

Activation of the PBL Ball-Locking Circulating Tool when in the hole.

Stop pumps and place string in the slips.

Activation of the Locking Ball for Tripping etc.

Stop pumps and place string in the slips.

LOCK PORT OPEN

Tool can be Hydraulically reset (unlocked)

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