DSIFZE-OPS-PR-011.
11
31 Oct 2023
8.0 PBL Operation Summary
Activation Flow to BHA Sleeve
Ball pump cuts off as moves
down at SPP Ball Seats down at
1000 psi / 69 less than
bar less than ~250 psi /
tool NO MWD 17 bar
Deactivation SIGNAL
Flow
pressure
bypassed
Pumps off = Drop 2 x Steel Build-up SPP
No Bypass Deactivation as quick as
Tool Closed Balls possible
2nd steel ball !! DO NOT
10 Secs. after SLOW DOWN
1st steel ball OR TURN OFF
Start Pumps PUMP!!
ASAP
Activation Tool returns
Ball is to Closed
sheared thru position
seat and falls Back to
into the cage Drilling mode
Often higher Return of
pressure MWD Signal
required to
shear ball
Page 12/14
DSIFZE-OPS-PR-011.11
31 Oct 2023
8.1 Activation
DO NOT PUMP DOWN BALL TOO FAST INDICATORS OF PBL ACTIVATION
MAX SPP 1000 PSI / 69 BAR BELOW TOOL • PRESSURE DROP / INCREASE
DEACTIVATION PRESSURE DEPENDING ON BIT TFA
• LOSS OF MWD SIGNAL
IN CASE OF NO INDICATION OF
ACTIVATION – DROP TWO STEEL BALLS
AND COMPLETE CYCLE.
8.2 Deactivation
Prior to dropping the steel balls, circulate a minimum of 1.5 – 2 x string volume of clear
drilling fluid and ensure there is no residual LCM in the string.
BUILD PRESSURE AS QUICKLY AS
DROP 2ND STEEL BALL 10 SECONDS POSSIBLE
AFTER 1ST DO NOT STOP OR SLOW DOWN
PUMPS
UPON DROPPING THE STEEL BALLS
IMMEDIATELY START PUMPING
A PRESSURE INCREASE BEYOND THE BALL SEAT SHEAR PRESSURE
RATING IS OFTEN REQUIRED, THIS IS NORMAL
PUMP DOWN THE STEEL BALLS AT A CONSTANT FLOW RATE AS
MENTIONED IN THE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS.
INDICATORS OF PBL DEACTIVATION
• SUDDEN CHANGE IN PRESSURE – FLOW RATE & SPP SAME AS PRIOR TO
ACTIVATION
• RETURN OF MWD SIGNAL
8.3 Tool specific deactivation information
ERTALYTE / TORLON BALL or DART FAST BALL
Tool Serial Tool Max SPP when Tool Max SPP when
Number Deactivation pumping ball Deactivation pumping ball
Pressure down Pressure down
Should there be any questions regarding the operational procedures of the PBL tool please contact a DSI
representative or visit our website [Link]
Page 13/14
DSIFZE-OPS-PR-011.11
31 Oct 2023
9.0 Placement of slips and rig tongs
When engaging slips and/or rig tongs, care must be taken to ensure they are not placed on the
ports of the PBL sub. DO NOT engage slips / tongs in the areas marked in the image below.
Guide Pin Bypass Ports
NO TONGS NO TONGS
10.0 Additional information
Not a controlled document if printed. Individuals with uncontrolled copies are responsible for
ensuring the use of the last current version. This document is property of DSI FZE and is protected
by copyright and other proprietary rights laws. This document shall not be reproduced, copied, or
transmitted in any form without express consent of DSI FZE.
- End of the Document -
Page 14/14
DSIFZE-OPS-PR-011.11
31 Oct 2023
5.0 PBL SUB - DO’s & DON’Ts
• All IDs of the drill string components shall be larger than the diameter of the activation ball
otherwise the ball could get stuck during the pumping process.
• If other ball-activated tools are used in the drill string (e.g. ball-activated reamer) consider the
“drift” of the PBL tool.
• Remove any “mud cleaning filters” before dropping the activation or de-activation balls.
• Be careful that no other objects (cement chunk, glove, part of a drill pipe screen, thread
protector, etc.) get inside the drill pipe and land on the seat. These objects could act like an
activation ball and improperly or partially activate the tool. Place a filter in the standpipe and
drill string to prevent unintended activation of the tool due to junk/debris.
• If the optional surface test is done, always ensure the PBL tool is fully within drilling fluids to
avoid ball shattering during de-activation.
• Large diameter LCM materials can be pumped through the PBL ports. LCM size shall not normally
exceed 1/3 of port diameter (if in any doubt please call a DSI representative).
• Pump the activation ball with a fluid spacer (normal drilling mud, no LCM included) otherwise
LCM may pass the ball during the pumping process before the activation ball lands on the seat
and LCM gets access to the sensitive BHA.
• When LCM has been displaced, pump a minimum of 1.5 to 2 x string volume of clean drilling
fluid (normal drilling mud, no LCM included), before dropping the de-activation balls.
• Never re-use a previously dropped activation ball (vinyl).
• If the BHA is “packed-off” and therefore unable to circulate, the PBL tool kit contains a Fast Dart.
This can be dropped to reach the seat without pumping (up to 55 degrees) and it may be possible
to regain circulation through the PBL by starting the pumps and opening the PBL ports.
• Once the PBL has been activated, high flow rates can be used with pressures that are much
higher than the PBL de-activation pressure. DSI recommends the use of high flow rates to fully
make use of the extra cleaning power of the PBL sub or high flow to pump LCM (the de-activation
pressure ONLY applies when the steel balls have been dropped to de-activate the tool & cannot
be exceeded by high flow rates when the tool is open).
• In operations that are normally performed with closed BOP such as bull heading, squeezing or
similar operations with low differential pressure between drill pipe and annulus, deactivate the
PBL tool before commencing such operations as the PBL will be partially open.
• If the PBL sub is laid down and is planned to be re-run in hole, please jet-wash fully with clean
water when first POOH.
• If required, ensure a ported float valve is in BHA below PBL or finger trap has been installed in
cage (for completion operations) to minimize movement of balls.
• After dropping steel deactivation balls, start pumps immediately & pump down balls at a
constant flow rate as outlined in Sec 3.5. Do not slow down or stop the pumps during the
process.
• The deactivation pressure seen during the surface test at the Rig site may differ from the shop
test; this could be due to various factors. The Deactivation pressure seen during the surface test
on the rig will be the benchmark pressure for deactivation downhole.
NOTE:
Please fully use the operating instructions which are sent with each PBL tool (if in doubt please call a
DSI representative).
Page 9/14
DSIFZE-OPS-PR-011.11
31 Oct 2023
6.0 Trouble Shooting
SL Scenario Possible Cause Solution
Ensure tool is within fluids and fill drill
Due to impact of activation ball
Activation ball broken into pieces string prior to dropping activation ball.
1 striking the catcher cage because tool
during surface test The fluid will provide a cushioning
not within fluids.
effect for deactivated balls.
Fluid dripping through closed Possibly the sleeve has not completely Bleed off pressure completely and wait
2 ports after deactivation on closed yet or residual fluid around for 10 minutes until there is no fluid
surface test ports. dripping from ports.
Unable to build pressure to
Rotate & shake string for the steel balls
3 deactivate tool during surface Deactivation balls not sealed off ports
to engage
test
Complete cycle by dropping 2 x steels
balls to confirm activation ball has
Dropped Activation ball, pumped Ball pumped down too fast (at high
sheared through seat. Maintain SPP
4 more than one string volume, no flow rate/psi), could have blown
1000 psi below tool deactivation
indication of pressure change through the seat.
pressure while dropping activation ball
to ensure successful activation.
Presence of junk / debris in drilling Ensure clear drilling fluid is pumped
Sudden drop in pressure while
5 fluid has restricted flow through the into the well. Place drill pipe filter in
drilling ahead
PBL creating unintended activation. the string.
Activation ball dropped, increase Check ID of string above PBL, should
Activation ball could have got stuck in
6 in pressure, no sign of PBL allow unrestricted passage of PBL
the string.
activation activation ball.
Rotating and sudden jerking of the
Dropped steel balls for Dropped steel balls together, could be
string will release the balls. To avoid
7 deactivation, no indication stuck at a change in cross section in
this from happening, drop steel balls 5-
pressure build-up the string ID
10 seconds apart.
When LCM has been pumped, clean
LCM not completely flushed out from
No pressure build-up during the drill string (with normal drilling
8 tool preventing the deactivation balls
deactivation mud, no LCM included) before
from sealing the ports
dropping the de-activation balls.
Pump the activation ball with a fluid
spacer (normal drilling mud, no LCM
included) otherwise LCM may pass the
9 Found LCM particles below PBL Drilling fluid not clear ball during the pumping process before
the activation ball lands on the seat
and LCM gets access to the sensitive
BHA.
LCM not completely flushed out from POOH & L/D PBL. Whenever LCM
string. Residual LCM settled on top of displacement is complete, circulate a
Sudden increase in pressure after
10 the activation ball during tripping out minimum 1.5 – 2 x string volume of
spotting LCM & trip out
or when pumps off and could have clear drilling fluid to ensure LCM is
plugged the tool completely flushed out.
Drop another activation ball and switch
pump on and off to oscillate the sleeve
Pressure drop even after PBL Possible sleeve not fully returned to
11 until change in pressure is noticed.
deactivated downhole closed position
Then, drop steel balls and deactivate
tool.
Unable to deactivate tool even
Deactivate the tool by connecting a
12 after exceeding the deactivation Reached the Rig pumps pop off limits
cementing unit.
pressure of the tool.
Page 10/14