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Hydro-Lift Full Closure Core Catcher

By closing off the inner tube after coring is
completed, the Baker Hughes INTEQ full closure
core catcher (FCC) can efficiently recover core
samples of soft, loose or unconsolidated formation.
The Hydro-Lift design provides extremely smooth
entry of the core, eliminating potential for disrupting
the core when passing through the spring catcher.
The system’s spring-type, hardfaced core catcher
hidden behind the FCC sleeve while coring also grips
hard, consolidated cores securely, preventing core
loss while tripping out.

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Coring with the Hydro-Lift system proceeds much
like conventional coring operations. Drilling fluid is
initially circulated through the inner tube, ensuring
that the coring assembly and hole are free from any
fill before coring commences. A ball is then dropped,
diverting the mud flow through the inner/outer barrel
annulus to provide cooling and cuttings removal to
the corehead. Coring proceeds as per established
Hydro-Lift coring procedures.
When coring is complete, a second ball is dropped,
activating the Hydro-Lift system. Pressure from the
drilling fluid forces the inner barrel to lift several
inches. This action pulls the smooth, core-protecting
sleeve out of the catcher assembly, allowing a heavy
spring and cam to forcefully close the two
full-closure shells. The spring-type catcher is also
exposed. The dual catcher configuration will contain
soft or hard formations.
This system can be used with a variety of core
heads and core shoes. All configurations provide
effective protection against core washing and drilling
fluid contamination.

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• Clam shell closure with heavy-duty spring
closure completely seals the inner tube, making
core loss unlikely.
• Permits smooth entry of the core, eliminating
damage and preserving core quality.
• Secondary spring-type core catcher provides
backup to the clam shell closure system in
competent formations.
• PVC liners or aluminum and fiberglass inner
tubes provide easier handling and protection of
core samples.
Hydro-Lift Full Closure Core Catcher

• Pressure relief plug permits the operator to

circulate any required volume through the core
barrel to ensure a clean hole and inner tube
before coring begins.

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/GVTKE 75 /GVTKE 75
Core Barrel Length 9.1 m 30 ft 9.1 m 30 ft
Outer Tube 6¾ × 5-3/8" 8" × 6-5/8"
Inner Tube 4¾ × 4¼" 6¼" × 5½"
Top Connection 4½ API FH 6-5/8" API Reg.
Bore 80.2 mm 3-5/32" 80.2 mm 3-5/32"
Steel Ball Sizes (2) 25.4 / 31.75 mm 1 / 1.25" 25.4 / 31.75 mm 1 / 1.25"
Recommended Bit Sizes 8" - 8¾" 9 - 12¼"
Core Size OD 4" 4¾"
Weight (gross) (30 ft Bbl.) 1,100 kg 2,500 lbs 1,590 kg 3,500 lbs
Recommended Max. Pull 185 to 407,000 lbs 270 to 407,000 lbs
Maximum Torque 18,850 Nm 13,900 ft-lbs 37,020 Nm 27,300 ft-lbs
Make Up Torque 8,200 Nm 11,100 ft-lbs 16,150 Nm 21,900 ft-lbs
Full closure and
Core Catcher Full closure
hard faced spring type

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Barrel Length 30, 60, or 90 feet 30 feet only
Hole Size 8.5" (6.75" tool) 12.25" (8" tool) 8.5" only
Activation Mechanism Does not rely upon weight of core for activation. Relies upon core weight for activation - friction in
high angle holes may prevent activation.
Can be run at any angle. Core barrel retains integrity
during activation. Spline takes all weight during activation - could pose
problems in tight holes.
No need to pull off bottom to activate.
Must be pulled one foot off bottom - potential for core
loss during activation.

 Hydro-Lift is a trademark of Baker Hughes Incorporated.

Baker Hughes INTEQ Headquarters: P.O. Box 670968, Houston, TX 77273-0968, Tel:(713) 625-4200, Fax: (713) 625-5800
Eastern Hemisphere Business Unit: Second Floor, Hammersley House, 5/8 Warwick Street, London, W2R 6JE, Tel: (44) 0171-5448100, Fax: (44) 0171-5448101
Western Hemisphere Business Unit: P.O. Box 670968, Houston, TX 77273-0968, Tel:(713) 625-4900, Fax: (713) 625-5900  Baker Hughes Incorporated 703-9701 7/97