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Drill Pipe Float Valve Size Chart and Installation | Keystone Energy

Written by Keystone Energy Tools | Oct 30, 2024 8:00:00 PM

High-performance drill pipe float valves are crucial for consistent fluid control throughout the drilling process. Also known as non-return valves, this type of down hole valve prevents undesirable fluids from backing up into the drill string any time the drilling crew is making or breaking connections.

For this reason, it is crucial to properly select and install the right Drill Pipe Float Valves. And in the oil and gas industry, where safety is key, one wrong move can lead to disaster.

But don't stress about it, we've got the perfectly engineered Drill Pipe Float Valve size chart and installation steps for you.

  1. What is a Drill Pipe Float Valve?
  2. How are Drill Pipe Float Valves installed?
  3. Tool Joint Specification Chart
  4. Drill Pipe Float Valve Size Chart
  5. The Keystone Energy Drill Pipe Float Valves

What is a Drill Pipe Float Valve?

Drill pipe float valves, or non-return valves, are downhole valves that create barriers to prevent the unwanted flow of fluids up the drill string. The valve locks down the flow of fluids while the crew at the rig floor are making or breaking connections.

Finding the best fit for every individual project is important, and the different types go beyond just the split between the F-type plunger valves and the G-type flapper valves.

How are Drill Pipe Float Valves installed?

Drill Pipe Float Valves are easily installed by following these steps:

  1. Determine the size of the Drill Pipe Float Valve (DPFV) to be installed according to the size and type of connection they are being installed into.  Refer to the Tool Joint specification chart below.
  2. Visually inspect the bore of the float sub or drilled out drill collar, and bit sub for shavings and/or foreign objects that could damage the seals of the DPFV.  Next, clean out the bore as needed.
  3. Lubricate the side seals of the DPFV using hydraulic oil and insert the valve into the bore of the float sub (or the drilled out drill collar) - to do so, rotate the DPFV slightly while inserting, this will lessen the force required and the chances of damaging the side seals.

*Caution must be taken to ensure that the DPFV is always installed with the top of the valve facing upward in the string.

 CAUTIONS 

  1. The top of the DPFV must be facing upward in the string.
  2. Fill the drill pipe regularly while running (tripping) in.
  3. If running multiple DPFV’S in the same string it is recommended they are separated.


Tool Joint Specification Chart

TOOL JOINT TYPES

MODEL SIZES
 

1R

1F-2R

2F-3R

3F

3.5IF

4R

4F

5R

5F-6R

6F

API REGULAR

2-3/8"

2-7/8"

3-1/2"

    

4-1/2"

  

5-1/2
5-9/16"*

6-5/8
7-5/8"

8-5/8"

HUGHES OR REED ACME

2-3/8"

2-7/8"

3-1/2"

    

4-1/2"

  

5-1/2
5-9/16"*

6-5/8"

  

UNION TOOL

2-3/8"

2-7/8

3-1/2

        

4-1/2"

5-1/2

5-9/16"*

6-5/8"✝

  

HUGHES OR REED DOUBLE STREAM- LINE

  

2-7/8"
2-3/8"

3-1/2"

4"
4-1/2"

    

5"

5-1/2
5-9/16"*

    

API FULL HOLE

  

2-3/8"

2-7/8"

3-1/2"

4"

4-1/2"

4-1/2"*

    

6-5/8"*

REED ACME FULL HOLE

      

3-1/2"*

    

4-1/2"*

  

5-1/2
5-9/16"*

  

HUGHES ACME STREAMLINE

  

2-3/8"

2-7/8"

3-1/2" *

    

4-1/2"*

  

5-1/2
5-9/16"*

  

HUGHES XTRA HOLE

    

2-7/8"

3-1/2"

    

4-1/2"

5"

5-1/2"
5-9/16"*

  

REED SEMI-INTERNAL FLUSH

    

2-7/8"

3-1/2"

    

4-1/2"

5"

    

API INTERNAL FLUSH

  

2-3/8"

2-7/8"

  

3-1/2"

  

4"

4-1/2"*

    

HYDRIL TYPE IF(INT .FLUSH EXT. UP- SET)

  

2-3/8"*

2-7/8"*

3-1/2"*

      

4-1/2"

5"

  

HYDRIL EIU
(EXT. INT. UPSET)

      

3-1/2"

  

4"

4-1/2"

  

5-1/2"
5-9/16"*

6-5/8"

HYDRIL TYPE F
(EXT. FLUSH)

2-7/8"
3-1/2"*

    

4-1/2"
5"

  

5-1/2"
5-9/16"

  

6-5/8"

    

HUGHES EXT. FLUSH ACME

  

3-1/2"

4-1/2"

    

5-1/2"

5-9/16"

  

6-5/8"

    

HUGHES EXT. FLUSH FULL HOLE

      

4-1/2"

            

* Indicates that the float subs id these sizes have a smaller ID. ✝ Indicates interchangeability. Models G and GA, are available in sizes

1F-2R thru 5F-6R. Models GC and GCA are available in sizes 2F-3R thru 5F-6R. Models F and FA are available in all sizes. Model FC is available in sizes 2F-3R thru 6F.

Drill Pipe Float Valve Size Chart

Refer to the following diagrams for dimensions and sizing details.

A = L (Length of Float Valve) + Length of Tool Joint Pin + 1/4” Clearance

 Valve Size
 D
Diameter of Valve
 R
(D + 1/32")
Diameter Recess F/ Valve
L
Valve Length
 T*
Baffle Plate
Recess Diameter
**Valve I.D. Model F
 **Valve I.D. Model G
1R
1-21/32"
1-11/16"
5-7/8"
1-5/16"
1"
N/A
1F-2R
1-29/32"
1-15/16"
6-1/4"
1-1/2"
1-1/4"
1"
2F-3R
2-13/32"
2-7/16"
6-1/2"
1-29/32"
1-9/16"
1-1/4"
3F
2-13/16"
2-27/32"
10"
2-7/16"
1-7/8"
1-5/8"
3.5IF
3-1/8"
3-5/32"
10"
2-11/16"
1-7/8"
1-5/8"
4R
3-15/32"
3-1/2"
8-5/16"
2-15/16"
2-5/16"
1-31/32"
4F
3-21/32"
3-11/16"
12"
3-1/4"
2-1/2"
2-3/16"
5R
3-7/8"
3-29/32"
9-3/4"
3-3/8"
2-3/4"
2-1/4"
5F-6R
4-25/32"
4-13/16"
11-3/4"
4-9/32"
3-1/4"
2-7/8"
6F
5-11/16"
5-23/32"
14-5/8"
5-3/16"
4-1/8"
N/A
* Disregard if this diameter is the same or smaller than the standard tool joint I.D.
** All 10M Model F valve I.D.s are 1/8” reduced and all 10M Model G valves I.D.s are 7/32” reduced then listed above.**

The Keystone Energy Drill Pipe Float Valves

We make a Baker®-style drill pipe float valve that is better than the original.

For example, we use a better-quality spring and better materials throughout. Inconel® or stainless-steel springs come standard on all Keystone valves and are significantly more resistant to corrosion when compared to standard service springs provided by most other manufacturers.

Keystone valves come with certifications (traceability).

Keystone started stenciling each float valve with an independent serial number and a work order so we can trace the origin.

Keystone also offers private labeling on its Float Valves.

Other Benefits of Keystone Drill Pipe Float Valves

Other benefits of Keystone Float Valves:

  • All Flappers are investment cast and then case-hardened for wear resistance.
  • Elastomers available are Nitrile Butadiene (NBR /Buna N) and Viton® (Fluoroelastomer / FKM).
  • All KET Float Valves, baffle plates, and valve pullers are interchangeable with the Baker® Style Model F, and Baker® Style Model G Float Valves.
  • High- and Low-pressure test charts available upon request at placement of order.

One of the big advantages we have is it’s a lot easier to do business with us. A customer calls us at 10 in the morning or 2 in the afternoon, it’s going to get shipped the same day. 

Keystone can be trusted to get you the right parts on time.

Keystone's Full Line of Float Valves

At Keystone, we recognize the severity of drilling with a reliable and trusted valve - float valves are essential for drilling and must stand the test of harsh environments. When safety is of the utmost importance, you need a valve that you can trust absolutely.

Finding the best fit for every individual project is important, and the different types of drill pipe float valves go beyond just the split between the F-type plunger valves and the G-type flapper valves.

Learn more about our line of Baker® Drill Pipe Float Valves today.


About Keystone Energy Tools

Keystone Energy Tools is a manufacturer with over fifty years of combined experience in designing, manufacturing, and delivering high-quality oilfield tools, including elevators, slips, dies and inserts, tongs dies,safety clamps, stabbing guides, drill pipefloat valves, baffle plates, float valve pullers, rotating mouseholes, and tong blocks. 

By using the latest in 3D modeling for product design and by staying current with the rapid advances in manufacturing technology and quality-assurance standards, Keystone is able to manufacture and produce the most reliable products on the market today. All Keystone Handling Tools are manufactured according to API 8C and API 7K Standards.
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