Patent ID: 6684957
Filing Date: 2004-02-03
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
Float collar apparatus comprising:a tubular housing having an axial bore with a predetermined diameter therethrough, said housing being fabricated from metal, at least one flapper valve arranged within the housing having an open position where the axial bore through the housing is unobstructed by the flapper valve and a closed position where the axial bore through the housing is obstructed by the flapper valve, said flapper valve being fabricated from a hardened plastic material, and a sleeve being fabricated from a hardened plastic material, said sleeve comprising: (i) an outer surface having a diameter less than or equal to the diameter of the axial bore through 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 sleeve; and (iii) a connecting means for attaching the sleeve to the housing thereby preventing the flapper valve from shifting to the closed positions wherein said hardened plastic materials of said flapper valve and said sleeve can withstand operational conditions within a wellbore for the duration of run in and cementing operations.