Oil drilling is a complex process that involves a wide range of equipment and technologies. One critical component in oil drilling is valves, which control the flow of drilling fluids and gases within the wellbore.
At Drillmax®, we specialize in manufacturing high-quality blue drill pipe float valves, mud gate valves, and shear relief valves essential for safe and efficient drilling operations. Keep reading as we discuss the various aspects of oil drilling and how our valves are crucial in ensuring smooth and productive drilling operations.
Oil and natural gas are found deep beneath the surface of the earth. These deposits are millions of years old and are made from the remains of tiny plants and animals that died, decayed over time, and were compacted into layers. These sediment and organic materials layers, put under heat and extreme pressure, eventually resulted in oil and natural gas deposits.
To retrieve the natural gas and oil, drills are used to safely extract the products from the deep deposits. The process has been refined over the years, but these four steps remain the same.
Drill site preparation is an essential first step and does not only mean leveling the site but also includes surveys, environmental impact studies, investigating leases, and researching right-of-way access. Once all the legalities are satisfied, the land can be cleared, leveled, and ready for drilling. If roads or water sources are not available, they must be constructed.
The second step involves getting the drill onsite and drilling the well. The drill rig is large and is usually transported on multiple trucks. Once assembled, the first step is to drill a surface hole straight down about 100 feet. Precautions are made to prevent the risk of pollutants. The long hole is then drilled to a depth sufficient to reach the rock bed containing the oil and natural gas. The drill then proceeds horizontally along that bed for a long distance to capture oil and natural gas that can be accessed in the same rock bed without drilling additional wells.
When the distance is reached, the drill pipe is removed. Steel pipe is pushed to the bottom. Cement is used to hold the well casing in place, reducing the risk of any environmental impact. Multiple testing is performed to ensure the integrity of the casing.
A perforating gun is then lowered into the ground and fired into the deepest rock layer, creating holes that connect the rock holding the oil to the wellhead. Drilling can then commence.
Several gas valves are commonly used in oil drilling. Drillmax® manufactures a full line of drill pipe float valves, gate valves, and shear relief valves engineered for optimum performance and reliability.
Drillmax® has a full line of drill pipe float valves for standard service. These “blue valves” prevent debris such as fluids, metal, and cutting from flowing back up the drill string.
Designed to handle up to 10,000 psi, DrillmaxPro® HP float valves have a stronger cage and internal parts to withstand high-pressure drilling.
Drillmax® Gate Valves are designed to completely and tightly shut off after each closing cycle. These gate valves are built to meet or exceed the severe pressure used in deep well drilling.
Drillmax® Shear Relief Valves are installed on the discharge end of the pump so that when excess pressure builds, the pin will shear, allowing the pressure to escape. This avoids costly repairs and replacements.
Drillmax® is the premier manufacturer of drill pipe float valves, gate valves, and shear relief valves built with superior quality, unparalleled performance, and ultimate reliability. Contact us for a quote today.
Image Credit: pan demin/ Shutterstock
If you are unfamiliar with float valves, a simple example may be the valve regulating…
Not all the earth's oil reserves are found beneath dry land or shallow waters. In…
V2 Gate valves are fundamental to many industries, from oil and gas drilling to water…