Testing of float equipment

.Float equipment is typically tested according to API Specification 10F

The document describes the following flow durability and static highpressure, high-
temperature test categories
The following description of testing conditions will give the reader a
.general idea of how float equipment is tested but should not be used to conduct actual tests
Durability tests are commonly conducted in a flow loop facility with the
above capabilities
Flow durability tests are conducted utilizing 12.0–12.5 lb./gal waterbased mud with 2%–4%
:sand content and the following rheological properties measured at 120°F
Plastic viscosity: 10–50mPa-s (10–50 cP) •
Yield point: 2.4–12.0Pa (5–25 lbf/100ft2) •
10s gel strength: >1.9Pa (>4 lbf/100ft2) •
Mud is circulated through the test piece at a rate according to the desired test
category). Every 4h, circulation is stopped, and 100–250psi back
pressure is applied to confirm the valve is still capable of preventing the backflow. This is
.repeated until the total test category circulating time is reached
.Alfredo Sanchez P.E 124
For autofill float equipment, reverse flow and conversion tests are
.conducted first
After completing the durability test, the test piece is placed in a pressure
vessel and heated to the test category temperature. Following an 8-h soaking
.period, the back pressure is increased and held for 30min
The document defines maximum volumes allowed during the back pressure tests. Upon
successful completion of both the tests, a final test report is
written indicating the test category. For example, equipment that has been
tested for a flow durability time of 24h at 10bbl/min and subsequently tested
at 300°F to a pressure of 5000psi, the test category would be D24 R10
.T300 P5
.Fig. 3.32 API Specification 10F test categories
Fig. 3.33 Float equipment testing facility. (Credit: Rubicon Oilfield International.)
Casing equipment 125
When evaluating float equipment ratings, it is important to compare
.expected downhole conditions to the test conditions described above
For example, sand content in the mud has a very significant impact on valve
erosion. Similarly, circulating for longer time than what the valve was tested
for could lead to seal failure. To select the required equipment rating, the
,engineer should consider the casing running program, cementing program
.and any potential contingency operations
.Another consideration when evaluating testing categories is safety factor
The parameters shown in are actual testing conditions. The
assigned testing category does not have a required safety margin. Applications where actual
downhole condition may exceed those described above
should be discussed with the manufacturer. In some cases, custom tests
.should be considered
Also, the tests described above are typically conducted for design validation or quality
checks. These tests are effectively destructive tests and, therefore, not conducted on
production pieces (i.e., the equipment that will be
run in the well). Sometimes, a back pressure test may be conducted on production pieces prior
to being installed. However, while these tests may provide an indication of the current
condition of some aspects of the
equipment, they provide limited assurance that the equipment will perform
.its intended function throughout the entire casing run and cement job
At the time of this writing, API Specification 10F is not part of the API
Monogram Program. Therefore float equipment markings will not include
the API monogram. However, the document does provide enough specification to be audited
.by a third party
The reader should note that other important characteristics of float
equipment, such as drillability, burst and collapse rating, and maximum
bump pressure are not included in the cited document. The well engineer
should consult the operating manual or discuss these topics with the
.manufacturer