Benefits of Oilfield Float Valves: Enhancing Efficiency and Flow Control

From safety and cost-effectiveness to environmental protection and regulatory compliance, efficient equipment operation is of utmost necessity in the oilfield industry. Float valves are one of the most crucial among the diverse equipment used for different operations in this industry. There are many benefits of oilfield float valves, but they are primarily used to control the fluid flow and prevent backflow in oil and gas wells.

In the oilfield industry, maintaining accurate flow is essential for safe and efficient operations, reducing operational costs, preventing wastage of production, achieving significant energy savings, and much more. In this blog, we will discuss the benefits of oilfield float valves, their major types, and factors to consider when choosing them for specific applications.

Understanding Oilfield Float Valves

Float or flapper valves are simple mechanical devices that are used to control fluid levels. The equipment features a float, a valve, and a linkage between the two and is used in various industrial applications, including oil refineries. The float controls the opening and closing of the valve to maintain the fluid flow. With the rise in liquid level, the float rises, and when it reaches a certain height, it engages the linkage, which closes the valve, stopping the inflow of liquid. 

However, with the dropping of the liquid level, the float also drops, which disengages the linkage and opens the valve, allowing more liquid to flow inside the tank. Apart from liquid flow management, there are many other benefits of oilfield float valves, and their proper selection and installation are necessary to secure those benefits, resulting in the overall success of oil and gas production. 

Float Valves Used in the Oilfield: 3 Major Types

Three major types of float valves that are used in the oilfield industry, that are designed to fulfill specific well condition requirements, are as follows:

1. Flapper-type Float Valves

This type of float valve is specifically designed for oilfield drilling operations and features a hinged flap. The hinged flap fixed with the hinged mechanism allows the valve to flow fluid freely in response to pressure differences through the drill pipe during drilling. The valve closes and restricts fluid flow when the pressure within the wellbore exceeds the annular space’s pressure and vice versa. Unobstructed flow, rapid closure, pressure control, etc., are some major benefits of oilfield float valves of this type.

2. Plunger-type Float Valves

This type of float valve features a plunger mechanism and offers a reliable and economical solution for standard drilling operations. The plunger, linked with a piston, moves up and down in response to pressure differences and controls the liquid flow. When the wellbore pressure exceeds the annual space pressure, the plunger moves down, allowing the flow of liquid in the well and vice versa. Instantaneous shut-off of fluid flow, which ensures constant fluid control during drilling, is one of the most significant benefits of oilfield float valves of this type.

3. Pilot-operated Float Valves

This type of float valve has the most complex design among the three major types and features a small control valve linked with the main valve through a pilot line. The pilot pressure, controlled by a control device, operates the control valve. After reaching a certain threshold, the pilot pressure causes the valve to open, while its drop from the threshold value results in its closing and the flowing back of liquid.

Benefits of Oilfield Float Valves: Top 4

1. Maintaining Well Control: Float valves have a major role in well drilling and cementing, as they improve well control by preventing backflow of liquids into the wellbore, assisting in maintaining pressure and stability, and reducing risks of blowouts. By reducing the risk of bit clogging, this ensures a clean drilling process. 

2. Enhanced Efficiency: By automatically maintaining consistent fluid levels, preventing over and underflows, and ensuring controlled fluid movement, float valves enhance efficiency, one of the major benefits of oilfield float valves. By ensuring proper fluid flow control, this equipment contributes to reduced downtime and increased operational reliability.

3. Safety Enhancements: Oilfield operations are quite dangerous, and improperly functioning equipment can magnify the risks associated with safety, leading to major accidents and injuries. By maintaining the constant fluid level in the wellbore, float valves help prevent wellbore instability, which can be a major potential risk for safe drilling operations.

4. Cost-Effectiveness: The risks of costly downtime due to equipment failure are eliminated by efficiently operating float valves. Additionally, these are relatively inexpensive both in terms of purchase and maintenance, which makes them an economical solution for oilfield operations.

Choosing the Right Float Valve: 3 Major Factors

1. Well-Conditions: From well depth to production rates, several well conditions directly impact your valve selection. For example, pilot-operated valves are the best choice for drilling operations in a well with gas-dominant flow.

2. Pressure and Temperature Ratings: When choosing the right float valve, it is essential to verify its ability to withstand the maximum pressure and temperature ratings it will encounter during the drilling operations to ensure safety. 

3. Fluid Characteristics: The fluid viscosity, solid particles’ presence, and corrosiveness are some major fluid characteristics that impact the right float valve selection.

Conclusion

As float valves are mechanically operated, their built design can resist challenging conditions like corrosive and abrasive fluids with little maintenance. Though this equipment features maintenance-free operation, proper maintenance and operation can significantly expand its lifespan, reducing the need for replacements, etc. However, choosing high-quality float valves from a reliable supplier is essential.

Connect with Next Oil Solutions, one of the leading oilfield float valves suppliers in Kuwait, and get access to the most practical and reliable solutions for the oilfield industry. With decades of experience in the industry, we not only guarantee the delivery of quality oil and gas industry-related equipment but also assist our valuable clients in making the right selection. Invest in high-quality oilfield float valves and other oilfield industry products from Kuwait’s top-ranked supplier in the oil, gas, and industrial sectors to secure enhanced operational efficiency and excellent cost benefits.