Date:

TECHNICAL SUPPORT DOCUMENTATION

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DES-CON-01 A
03/06/2004
R RE ET TR RI IE EV VA AB BL LE E D DR RO OP P- -I IN N C CH HE EC CK K V VA AL LV VE E ( (R RD DC CV V) )
Description
RDCV is used only with a landing sub placed in the drill string, generally just
above the drill collars. In case of back flow, the RDCV is introduced in the ID
of the drill string, just above the closed kelly cock and then pumped down to
the landing sub. A latching device will hold the valve in the landing sub
against the down-hole pressure, but will allow the mud circulation. When the
back flow is under control, the RDCV is pulled out. Drilling can resume with
normal mud flow parameters.
The RDCV is used while drilling high-pressure formations where kicks are
expected. It is also used to drill wildcats. Modern drilling methods use light
muds to improve the penetration rate, thereby reducing the hydrostatic
pressure and increasing the possible occurrence of kicks.
Dropping a check valve down the drill string to a landing sub placed
between drill pipe and drill collars will allow safe kick control. Circulation of
mud with an increased density through the RDCV will generally control the
back flow. When the balance of pressure is reached, the RDCV is recovered
with a sandline and drilling can resume at once. Bit hydraulics are not
reduced by the presence of a valve in the string. The RDCV valve is not
damaged by the abrasive mud flow and will give assurance of sealing each
time it is used. The RDCV can be used as an inside B.O.P. valve by controlling
the drill string bore.
Three versions to suit drilling environments
The standard version which is suitable for normal drilling conditions. The valve body is made of a single
piece of AISI 4145 H modified alloy steel, heat treated to 285 - 341 Brinell hardness and a minimum impact
strength value of 42 J as per ASTM 370 Charpy V notch, at - 10 C. Inner surfaces of bodies are treated to
enhance mud corrosion resistance and maintenance operations.
H2S resistant versions for drilling in sour environments, for which two versions are available: H2S trim or full
NACE kelly cocks.
The H2S trim version has been designed for low H2S concentration. Internal parts are made of corrosion
resistant materials matching the NACE MR0175 standard, fitted in a standard body.
The full NACE version fully meets the NACE MR0175 standard to resist higher H2S concentration. The body is
made of UNS S17400, heat treated to meet both NACE standard and API spec. 7 (latest edition).
Date:
TECHNICAL SUPPORT DOCUMENTATION
Page 2 on 2
DES-CON-01 A
03/06/2004
R RE ET TR RI IE EV VA AB BL LE E D DR RO OP P- -I IN N C CH HE EC CK K V VA AL LV VE E ( (R RD DC CV V) )
L5 - Snap ring (for
standard
version)
L6 - Sub pin (for H2S
versions)
L4 - Nut
L2 - Sub sleeve
L3 - Sub seals
L1 - Sub body
V2 - Latch nut
V4 - Latch
V3 - Latch spring
V1 - Sleeve
V7 - Valve seals
V6 - Screws
V5 - Seat
V8 - Ball
V9 - Ball spring
V10 - Nose
O2 - Overshot
connection
O3 - Shear pin
O4 - Elastic pin (for
standard & H2S
trim versions)
O6 - H2S pin (for full
NACE version)
O1 - Latch catcher
O5 - Rod