Patent ID: 6712145
Filing Date: 2004-03-30
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
Float collar apparatus for regulating drilling fluid and cement flow through a tubular member being run in and cemented to a wellbore comprising:a tubular housing having an external diameter less than the internal diameter of the tubular member and having axial bore therethrough, said housing being fabricated from hardened material, at least one flapper valve arranged within the housing having an open position where communication through the axial bore of the housing is uninterrupted by the flapper valve and a closed position where communication through the housing is interrupted by the flapper valve, said at least one flapper valve being fabricated from hardened plastic material, and a valve-actuating sleeve having an upper end and a lower end and being fabricated from hardened plastic material, said valve-actuating sleeve comprising: (i) an outer surface having a diameter less than or equal to the diameter of the axial bore of the housing; (ii) an inner surface having a seat integrally formed thereon, said seat having an axial bore therethrough with a diameter less than the diameter of the inner surface of the valve-actuating sleeve; and (iii) connecting means for attaching the valve-actuating sleeve to the housing, wherein said hardened plastic materials of said flapper valve and said valve-actuating sleeve can withstand operational conditions within a wellbore for the duration of run in and cementing operations.