Dec.

30, 2003 -1-

I. Introduction:

At the end of the fill up hose of the External or Internal Autoseal is attached a tool commonly
called a Mud Saver Valve. The purpose of the Mud Saver Valve is to hold the fluid contained
in the drilling system, AUTOSEAL and fill up hose. If a Mud Saver Valve were not used, then
the drilling fluid would drain through the AUTOSEAL, wetting the crew, floor, and rig. This
would result in an unsafe condition for the personnel and could have environmental
consequences.

A lot of time and money has been spent in a continuing effort to develop a full opening, leak
proof Valve. The valves have to be designed to hold the hydrostatic weight of the drilling fluid
to the height of the derrick plus any surge pressure from the raising of the traveling block. The
past plunger type Mud Saver Valve actually functioned as a flow choke since it consisted of a
plunger against a seat and a spring continually pushing it closed. The amount of the opening for
flow is dependent on the volume of fluid being pumped. The increase of the volume being
pumped results in a greater back pressure, which opens the valve even more. As with all chokes,
they are subject to extreme wear and erosion by the many different types of drilling fluids and
their solids content. An added disadvantage is that it can not be used to “reverse flow” through
this valve.

LaFleur Petroleum Services has designed and field-tested a new concept of a Mud Saver
Valve. It does not utilize a plunger with a closing spring but rather a sliding sleeve that when in
the up position exposes flow ports. Since the sleeve is opened mechanically and not by pressure,
the ports are fully open for flow without any closing back pressure as with a choke type Mud
Saver Valve. The tool is called the FULL OPENING (FO) AUTOFILL VALVE.
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FULL OPENING (FO)

AUTOFILL VALVE

General descriptions:
This tool is used in conjunction with a Fill Up and Circulating Tool
(Autoseal) of both the O.D. and I.D. seal type. The purpose of the Valve is to hold
the fluid contained in the drilling system, tool, and fill up hose following pumping
through the tool. If the valve were not used, then the drilling fluid would drain
through the fill up tool, wetting the crew, floor and rig. This would result in an
UNSAFE condition for the personnel and could have environmental consequences.
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MUD SAVER VALVE

(CLOSED POSITION)
Scissor Arms are in their “HOME”
position when the tool is free hanging and
outside of the casing. The weight of the
components forces the Valve Sleeve down
to cover the Fluid Ports.

NOTE: GREEN components move

when scissors arms are compressed.

Flex Hose Adapter

Main Mandrel

Scissor Sleeve

Scissor Arms

Anchor Collar

Connecting Rods

Valve Sleeve Pressure Relief Valve

(Inside the Valve Body)

Guide Nose
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MUD SAVER VALVE

(CLOSED POSITION)

As the tool is going into the Casing, the compression

Forces applied to the Scissor Arms by
the casing walls raise the Valve Sleeve
up to expose the Fluid Ports.

Casing

Scissor Arms
Compressed

Valve Sleeve

Fluid Port

• AS SOON AS THE TOOL ENTERS THE CASING, THE FLUID PORTS ARE OPEN
• NO BACK PRESSURE
• PUMP RATES AS HIGH AS 24 BPM
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III. FEATURES and ADVANTAGES:

1. When activated by placing into the casing, the valve is FULLY OPEN with out any
restrictions. There is no back pressure during pumping. Pump rates as high as 24 BPM can be
handled by the large valve assembly.

2. Because the valve remains fully open when in the casing, the valve can also be used to flow
from the casing and through the rig’s Kelly hose, called “REVERSE” flow.

3. One assembly of the Scissor Arms is used with a WIDE RANGE of casing sizes.

4. The Valve Packing (U-Seals) can be easily changed on the rig WITHOUT disconnecting the
valve assembly from the rig hookup.

5. The Valve contains a PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE: Should the pumps be accidentally
turned on when the valve is closed, the pressure relief valve will open at a pre set pressure to
expel the trapped pump pressure.

6. For full exposure of the Fluid Ports, compress the Scissor Arms. This lifts up the Valve
Sleeve. If trash gets into the valve, the Valve Sleeve is lifted up, the trash removed, and
operations continue.
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IV. COMPONTENT DESCRIPTION and FUNCTION:

A. Refer to the FO Valve drawing “In Closed Position”

1. MAIN MANDREL: this is the pipe that connects to the flex hose by way of the Flex Hose
Adapter. It is referred to as a mandrel. All major components function around this mandrel.

2. SCISSOR SLEEVE: the sleeve moves up and down on the mandrel. Note in the drawing the
green colored components move up and down. Connected to the Sleeve are the Scissor Arms
and Connecting Rods. The Scissor Arms move the Scissor Sleeve as the Scissor Arms are being
pushed in.

3. ANCHOR COLLAR: it is attached to the mandrel and does not move. Connected are the
Scissor Arms.

4. SCISSOR ARMS & THREAD PROTECTOR: there are two sets. Each set is connected to
the Scissor Sleeve and Anchor Collar. A set is made of two rods that are hinged together in the
middle. Each end of the rod is hinged to the Anchor collar and the Scissor Sleeve.
At the middle hinged position of the arms is a Thread Protector made from brass which is softer
than the casing thread. As the Scissor Arms are pulled through the casing threads, the Thread
Protector further protects the casing thread from damage. It also helps guide the tool out of the
casing and past any Lift Nubbins used with Collarless Pipe. An addition thread protection
feature is that the Scissor Arms are made from a stainless steel with an Rc hardness in the range
of 8 to 10. The casing threads are normally in the hardness range of Rc 32 to 34. Another
function of the Thread Protector is that it reduces the wear at the outside of the joint of the
Scissor Arms. This outside area is where the most wear occurs since the joint is in contact with
the inside of the casing. Being in contact with the inside of the casing during spinning of the
make up of the casing causes the most wear to the outside of the joint.

5. CONNECTING RODS. There are two that mount to the Valve Sleeve. They pass through the
Anchor Collar and connect to the Scissor Sleeve. As the Scissor Sleeve travels upward, the
connecting rods pull the Valve Sleeve upward to expose the Fluid Ports.

B. Refer to the FO Valve drawing “In Open Position”

7. VALVE SLEEVE: it slips over the mandrel and moves up and down through the pull and
push of the Connecting Rods. In the up position, the Fluid Ports are exposed and in the down
position, the fluid ports are closed.

8. U-SEALS: these are U-cup seals that seal against the inside of the Valve Sleeve. When the
Valve Sleeve is down, the seals isolate the Fluid Ports.

9. VALVE BODY: this piece screws to the Mandrel. It contains the Fluid Ports, the grooves for
the U-Seals and houses the Pressure Release Valve. The Valve Sleeve moves over the Valve
Body.
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10. BRONZE GUIDE NOSE: it screws onto the Valve Body. It acts to guide the tool in the
casing and protects the casing threads from damage should the tool contact the casing threads
during entry.

11. PRESSURE RELEASE VALVE: it is composed of a plunger that seats on the inside of the
valve body. The Plunger is held in place with a strong spring. Should the valve be closed and
the pump activated, the pump pressure will overcome the spring and push the Plunger down
which allows the fluid to escape out the end of the Bronze Guide Nose.

V. ASSEMBLY & DISASSEMBLY: refer to drawing V.1:

Since the tool will come from LaFleur Petroleum Services assembled, the take down
(disassembly) will be described.
NOTE:
1. All threads are LEFT HAND, 10 pitch Acme except the Bronze Guide nose which is 10
round left hand thread.
2. All component of the valve are made from stainless steel expect the bronze guide nose.
When screwing stainless to stainless, take care that the threads are clean and lubricated
with an anti gall compound. Stainless galls more easily than 4140 steel.

1. Valve Body with Bronze Guide Nose: Unscrew this unit from the mandrel. Place two 3/4
inch rods into the Guide Nose Ports and turn right.
OR, a special made wrench can be purchase through LaFleur Petroleum Services.
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¾ inch Rods in the

Fluid Ports of the
Pressure Relief Valve

Turn right to unscrew. Note, the whole Valve assembly should unscrew and not just the Guide
Nose

Valve Assembly with Guide Nose - unscrewed from the Mandrel

Dec. 30, 2003 -9-

Bronze Valve Body

Guide Nose

Valve Assembly with Bronze Guide Nose

2. Pressure Relief Valve: place valve body (above picture) in vice and unscrew the Bronze
Guide Nose from the body using the two 3/4 bars placed in the nose ports or tool manufactured
by LPS. There are three items that come out of the Valve Body: spring, plunger with urethane
nose and steel washer.
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Plunger with
urethane nose Spring Steel
Washer

Pressure Relief Valve Components

Dec. 30, 2003 - 11 -

3. Valve Body & U-Seals: Note the position of the cups. The top seal faces down and the
bottom seal faces up. It is important that the seal be properly placed. These seals contain
pressure ONE WAY. If improperly placed, they will leak.

U Cup Seals
Oring
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4. Connecting Rods: the Connecting Rods are screwed into the Valve Sleeve. At the top, they
are attached to the Scissor Sleeve by a two nuts on the bottom and top. Remove the nuts from
the Scissor Sleeve and unscrew the rod from the Valve Sleeve

Two Nuts on top and two Nuts on bottom

Dec. 30, 2003 - 13 -

Main
Mandrel

Connecting
Rods

Anchor
Collar

Valve
Sleeve

Unscrew the rods from the Valve Sleeve

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5. Valve Sleeve: pull the Valve Sleeve down the mandrel for complete removal.
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5. Scissor Arms: are held in place by a roll pin, which has been pressed in place in the Anchor
Collar and the Scissor Sleeve. With a hammer and correct size drive bar, knock out the roll pins
from the Anchor Collar and Scissor Sleeve.

Punching out the Roll Pins

Dec. 30, 2003 - 16 -

Scissor Arm

Roll Pin

Roll Pin and Scissor Arm

6. Unscrew the Flex Hose from the Flex Hose Adapter. This is a LEFT HAND THREAD!

Flex Hose
Adapter

Flex Hose
Crossover
Dec. 30, 2003 - 17 -

7. Remove the Flex Hose Adapter from the Main Mandrel. With the Flex Hose Adapter off, the
Scissor Sleeve can be moved up and off the mandrel. Note that the thread and seal of the
mandrel is a left hand acme with an oring seal.

Flex Hose Main Mandrel

Adapter

8. Slide off the Scissor Sleeve from the Mandrel.

Scissor Sleeve

Sliding off the Scissor Sleeve

Dec. 30, 2003 - 18 -

9. Scissor Arms and Thread Protector:

The Scissor Arms pivot in the middle around a shoulder bolt. Remove the cotter key and
unscrew and remove the bolt. The Thread Protector is held in place by two socket head cap
screws. Remove these screws to remove and replace the bronze Thread Protector.

Shoulder Bolt

Cotter Key
Dec. 30, 2003 - 19 -

Shoulder Bolt
Head

Bronze Thread
Protector

Socket Head Cap

Screw
Dec. 30, 2003 - 20 -

VI. OPERATION:

1. Set the Scissor Arm spacing for the casing size. Refer to Chart I. The measurements are
taken from the top and bottom swivel points of the arms. See picture of Chart I.
Make sure that each Connecting Rod is spaced out to equal length. If one is shorter than the
other, it will not pull the Valve Sleeve evenly on each side. This will cause the Valve Sleeve to
be cocked and resist freely moving up and down. The entry into the casing causes the Scissor
Arms to compress which pulls the Valve Sleeve up by way of the Connecting Rods. When the
tool is pulled out of the casing, the weight of the Valve Sleeve and Scissor Sleeve closes the
valve.

Setting the Scissor Arm Spacing for the size casing to be run.
Dec. 30, 2003 - 21 -

. Operate the Arms to insure that the Valve Sleeve travels freely. Lubricate the seals and all
areas of travel contact with the Mandrel of the Scissor Sleeve. Motor oil is recommended. Not
grease.

3. The Pressure Relief Valve is set to open at 200 to 250 psi. If equipped with a pump, pressures
the tools with the Valve Sleeve closed and check that the Pressure Relief Valve opens and
closes.

4. This tool can be stabbed into the casing when the casing is being rotated.

5. When pulling out of the pipe, visually check that the Valve Sleeve is fully closed and the tool
is not leaking. If it is leaking, stop operations and look for the cause.
a. If the Valve Sleeve is not closed, there may be trash in the Fluid Ports. Push in on
the Scissor Arms to expose the Fluid Ports and remove the trash.
b. If the Valve Sleeve is closed and the valve is leaking, remove the Brass Guide Nose
then unscrew and remove the Valve Body to be able to inspect the U-Seals. Replace
if damaged. Remember to place the top seal with the seal facing down and the
bottom seal with its seal facing up. This operating should take about 10 minutes.

7. Wash tool thoroughly, including the Pressure Relief Valve, on completion of the job.

VII. POST JOB INSPECTION AND REPAIR:

Inspect the following:

a. General damage to the exterior of the tool: Scissor Arms and Lifting Rods.

b. Wear points: The swivel joints of the Scissor Arms; U-Seals; Thread Protectors; Guide
Nose and Fluid Ports.

c. Pressure Relief Valve: if used, inspect for wear.

Dec. 30, 2003 - 22 -

CHART I

SPACING of THE SCISSOR ARMS

(Distance from the joint of the Anchor Collar to
the joint of the Scissor Sleeve)

CASING INCHES
SIZE
20 - 18
16 13.50
13 3/8 – 9 5/8 14.50
8 5/8 – 7 14.50
6 5/8 – 5 1/2
4 1/2

MEASURE FROM TOP PIVOT CENTER TO BOTTOM PIVOT CENTER

Dec. 30, 2003 - 23 -