GLOBAL

DRILLING SERVICES TECH ALERT

Float Subs / Float Valves Best Practices

LWD MWD RSS DD SURVEY
Tech Alert Number: 5-3-GL-GL-DS-00006 Rev. A Release Date: 27-Mar-2014

Written By: Sergey Parshin, Global DD/RSS Product Specialist Expiration Date: 27-Mar-2015

Global Ops. Approval: Jorge Boscan, Director of Performance Drilling Tools

Purpose: Float Valve Operational Guidelines

Brief Introduction to Float Valves:

There are several beneficial reasons for Float Valves usage in drilling operations. This
becomes even more critical when RSS/ Drilling motors or MLWD equipment components are
integrated on the drill string. Some of the major float valves benefits can be highlighted as
follow:

Float Valves prevent backflow going up through the drill string, which protects expensive
MWD/LWD/PDM equipment from mud/cuttings while RIH. It also makes it easier and safer for
rig floor hands while tripping out of the hole and making connections.

Float valves provide added blowout protection and well control. Backflow during drilling
operations might be a serious hazard.

Some models of the float valves (with ported plunger/flapper) provide automatic partial filling of
the drill string during tripping. Also they allow to measure differential pressure when required.

Very close attention from all the field and R&M personnel is required to ensure that the

valves are checked and serviced prior to BHA assembly and on every trip. If any washing
CAUTION to the valve bodies is noticed consider running a new valve.

When performing underbalance operations more than one float valve may be required

on the drill string. A COMPLETE JSA IS REQUIRED TO EVALUATE THE
PROPER PROCEDURE ON BLEEDING TRAPPED PRESSURE BELOW THE
CAUTION
VALVES.

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Most common models of Float Valves utilized in drilling operations

• Model “F” Plunger Type Valve.

The model F Plunger Type Valve provides positive and instantaneous shut off against high
and low pressure, assuring continuous control of fluid flow during drilling. These types of
valves are the most common in drilling operations and provide very reliable results.

• Model “G” Full Open Valve Flapper Type

This “Flapper Type” valve incorporates flapper which opens quickly and fully to provide a
completely unrestricted bore through the valve. Model “G” is good for use with highly abrasive
drilling fluids. The model “G” float valve can be used ported (Equalizer) or non-ported and also
allow to be run with the flapper open during the trip operations.

• Other models and types of the Float Valves are often used depending on the application (air
drilling, underbalanced drilling etc.)

Float Valves Utilization crucial aspects.

Regardless to the type of Float Valve being used the following aspects need to be reviewed:

• Most of the float valve types will increase the time running in hole as the pipe needs to be
filled.
• When using a non-ported float sub and Downhole motor it is cumbersome to assess the
wellbore pressure in a kick situation, however it is possible to determine the pressure using
the right well control practices.

• Float valves represent a flow restriction and may become prone to plugging with the use of
certain LCM materials in case of circulation losses or specially if pumping cement is required.

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• Float valves will increase swab/surge pressures when running pipe in hole.
• The float valve in the string is an obstruction for W/L tools (back-off, RA tool recovery). DO
NOT PLACE VALVES ABOVE CRITICAL EXPECTED BACK OFF POINTS ON THE
STRING.

• Float valves are useful when running into a well with a poorly balanced mud system.
• The larger bore of the float sub will reduce it strength.
• In case of a bit – float sub combination, the length of bit and sub together (taking a washout
into account) should not allow the bit and sub to keel over completely in the hole. By adhering
to this rule the chance of recovery from a failure is maximized.

Model “F” and “G” Float Valves maintenance guidelines

Whenever it is necessary Field Specialists/Engineers should be able to disassemble and

assemble Float Valve using repair kit. It is very important to use proper tooling (valve puller) for
removing the Float Valve (depending on the type of the float valve being serviced) in order to avoid
possible injuries.

 The below sequence of pictures are shown just for illustration purposes. A
mandatory use of Gloves and additional protection equipment is required
DANGER during float valve services.

Model F Series Disassembly procedure

1. Side seals.
Secure the body with a vise or by hand as shown in the figures. Insert a flat head screwdriver in
between the seal groove and side seal. (Fig.1) Push the side seals up until the tip of screwdriver can
be pushed out to the edge of the body. (Fig. 2) Next, push the side seal off of the FV (Fig.3)

Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3

Insert a flat head screwdriver in between the seal groove and side seal. (Fig. 4) Push the side seal
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up until the tip of screwdriver can be pushed out to the edge of the body. Next, use a twisting motion
to push the side seal off of the body. (Fig. 5)

Figure 4 Figure 5

2. Valve and components

Stand body with grooves for side seals in the downward position. Depress the valve guide until the
guide is no longer held in by the body. (Note: Always maintain pressure on the guide.) (Fig. 6) Rotate
the valve stem out through the body slot until the guide and spring can be removed. (Fig. 7)

Figure 6 Figure 7

Slowly remove pressure on the guide until spring is no longer compressed. Remove guide, spring
and valve from body. Remove valve seal and disc from valve.

Compressed spring can be dangerous.

CAUTION

Model F Series Visual inspection

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Visually check each component for excessive wear.

Acceptance of visual examination is as follows:

1) Body shall not be washed out on any of the sealing areas.

2) Valve shall not be washed out.

3) Valve stem shall not be loosely attached to valve head. Any movement of the stem relative to the
valve head shall be grounds for rejection and subsequent replacement of valve.

Model F Series Reassembly

1. Side seals.

Stand body with grooves for side seals in the upward position. Place a small amount of oil on the
inside diameter of both side seals (Fig. 8) Place one edge of seal (flat side up) into the top seal
groove and hold with thumb. (Fig. 9)

Figure 8 Figure 9

Insert screwdriver horizontally between groove and seal on either side of the body. (Fig. 10) Rotate
The screwdriver around body until the seal seats in top groove. (Do not remove screwdriver)
Manipulate screwdriver until one edge of screwdriver is seated in the lower seal groove. (Fig. 11)
Rotate the screwdriver until seal seats into lower groove. Place one edge of seal (flat side down) into
the top seal groove. (Fig. 12) Insert screwdriver horizontally between groove and seal on either side
of the body. (Fig.13) Rotate screwdriver around body until the seal seats in top groove.

Figure 10 Figure 11 Figure 12 Figure 13

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2. Valve Components

Place valve seal on valve sub-assembly. (Flat side facing valve) (Fig.14) Place valve disk on valve.
(Flat side facing valve) (Fig. 15) Hold valve cone side down and place spring on valve sub-assembly.
(Fig. 16) Place guide bevel side down on top of spring. (Fig. 17)

Holding sub-assembly together, place valve sub-assembly into slot side of body, Depress the guide
until the stem can be rotated into the slot. (Do not releases guide) (Fig.18)

Figure 14 Figure 15 Figure 16 Figure 17

Rotate valve sub-assembly into body until stem is through the slot. (Fig. 19) Release guide and
insure that guide shoulder seats on body. (Fig. 20) Review assembly to assure valve moves freely
in body and properly seals. Assure valve retaining mechanism properly fits

Figure 18 Figure 19 Figure 20

Model G Series Disassembly procedure

1. Side seals.

Secure the body in a bench or by hand as shown in the figures. Insert a flat head screwdriver in
between the seal groove and side seal. (Fig.21) Push the side seal up until the tip of screwdriver can

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be pushed out to the edge of the body. (Fig. 22) Next, push the side seal off of the FV (Fig.23)

Figure 21 Figure 22 Figure 23

Insert a flat head screwdriver in between the seal groove and side seal. (Fig. 24) Push the side seal
up until the tip of screwdriver can be pushed out to the edge of the body. Next, using a twisting
motion push the side seal off of the body. (Fig. 25)

Figure 24 Figure 25

1. Flapper components

Remove flapper retaining pin with a pair of pliers. (Fig. 26 & 27) Remove spring and
flapper.

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Figure 26 Figure 27

2. Seal and Retaining Ring:

Stand body with grooves for side seals in the upward position. Insert the puller tool
through the middle of the body until tool seats against the ring. (Fig. 28) Holding puller
centered, slide “hammer” up and forcefully slide downward. (Fig. 29) Repeat until
retaining ring dislodges. (Fig. 30)

Figure 28 Figure 29 Figure 30

3. Shock Absorber:

Stand body with shock absorber in the upward position. Insert flat head screwdriver in
between top of the body and shock absorber. (Fig.31) Push shock absorber upward until it
becomes dislodged from the valve body. (Fig. 32)

Figure 31 Figure 32

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Model G Series Visual inspection

Visually check each component for excessive wear. Acceptance of visual examination is as
follows:

1) Body shall not be washed out on any of the sealing areas or hinge pin area.
2) Flapper shall not be washed out or have evidence of pitting on sealing surfaces.

Model G Series Reassembly

1. Side seals.
Stand body with grooves for side seals in the upward position. Place a small amount of oil on the
inside diameter of both side seals. (Fig. 33). Place one edge of seal (flat side up) into the top seal
groove and hold with thumb. (Fig. 34)

Figure 33 Figure 34

Insert screwdriver horizontally between groove and seal on either side of the body. (Fig. 35) Rotate
Screwdriver around body until the seal seats in top groove. (Do not remove screwdriver) Manipulate
screwdriver until one edge of screwdriver is seated in the lower seal groove. (Fig. 36) Rotate
Screwdriver until seal seats into lower groove. Place one edge of seal (flat side down) into the top
seal groove. (Fig. 37) Insert screwdriver horizontally between groove and seal on either side of the
body. (Fig.38) Rotate screwdriver around body until the seal seats in top groove.

Figure 35 Figure 36 Figure 37 Figure 38

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2. Seal and Retaining Ring.

Stand body with grooves for side seals in the downward position. Prior to installing groove, visually
inspect groove to assure that no debris is present. If there is debris present, thoroughly clean groove.
Place seal into seal groove. (Fig. 39) Place retaining ring into ID of seal. (Fig. 40) Insert the puller tool
through the middle of the body until tool seats into ring. (Fig. 41)

Holding the pulling tool in the center of the body, slide “hammer” up and forcefully slide downward.

(Fig. 42) Repeat until retaining ring seats on the body. (A metal to metal sound will be heard when
ring seats on body) Proper seating of the flapper seal and retaining ring are shown in Fig. 43.

Figure 39 Figure 40 Figure 41

Figure 42 Figure 43

3. Flapper Components.

Place flapper into body and align pin holes. (Fig. 44) Place spring into position and hold with thumb.
(Fig. 45) Insert pin into position. (Fig. 46)

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Figure 44 Figure 45

4. Shock absorber.

Stand body with side seals in the downward position. Place shock absorber onto body. Insert flat
head screwdriver in between top of the body and shock absorber. (Fig. 47) Twist shock absorber
around until it seats on the body.

Figure 46 Figure 47

Review assembly to assure flapper moves freely and seals properly.

Recommended operational guidelines:

Between Runs:

• Always remove and inspect Float valve conditions when tripping out of the hole. Be
especially aware of the following:
• External o Ring or Shock absorber damage
• Flapper or Plunger wash or erosion
• For Plunger type valves check for spring retention force.

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• For flapper type valves verify retainer pin integrity and flapper spring retention force.
• Operators should always have enough float valves replacement kit on location. Any
damaged component of the float valve need to be replaced before it is run back in the
hole.

Always when extracting the float valve from the Sub/Motor top sub to use a proper

extraction tool (Float Valve puller)
CAUTION

• Always Visually inspect the float valve housing (Float Sub, Top Sub, Etc.) make sure to
clean and lubricate (applying dope will be acceptable) as required. If there is any indication of
washing observed the float sub or motor need to be replaced.

• Clean and verify the float sub conditions looking for any symptoms of Wash out or float seat
erosion.

Always verify the right position of the float valve, remember the flapper or plunger

will displace to the open position following the downward flow direction. A failure to
CAUTION
install the float valve in the right position can become catastrophic for the operation
especially in a well control situation. It is recommended to have the Driller or
Toolpusher witnessing the valve placement.

Between Jobs:

• It is mandatory a full Float valve inspection and repair between jobs, the motor R&M
department is fully responsible to guarantee the float valves operational conditions when
shipping to the location.

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