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CONTROL FLOW, INC.

MULTI-FLOW CHOKE & PANEL


MAINTENANCE MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Maintenance Information

Section 1 Disclaimer, Precautions & Introduction


Section 2 General Information
Section 3 Installation
Section 4 Operation
Section 5 Maintenance and Repairs
Section 6 Test Procedures
Section 7 Trouble Shooting

Parts Specification & Information (Drawings/Parts List)

Section 8 Control Flow Multi-Flow Choke & Panel


Section 9 Haskel Pump
Section 10 Modular Hand Pump
Section 11 Norgren Pressure Regular
Section 12 Gresen Relief Valve
Section 13 Whitey Integral Bonnet Needle Valve
Section 14 Barksdale 4 Way Manual Valve
Section 15 Houston Digital Instruments Pump Stroke Counter

Rev B
Sept. 25, 2003
THE MULTI -FLOW HYDRAULIC DRILLING CHOKE &
CONTROL PANEL MAINTENANCE MANUAL

DISCLAIMER

Any recommendation for use, oral or written, will be considered advisory in content & as such, Control Flow, Inc.
will not be held liable under any warranty or guaranty written, expressed or implied, should this product not perform
under conditions other than its intended use as an adjustable orifice positive seal drilling choke. CONTROL FLOW,
INC. WILL, IN NO WAY, BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES INCURRED WHILE USING THIS PRODUCT.

PRECAUTIONS

A) This product is designed for use under high pressure conditions, & as such, extreme caution should always
be taken when servicing, operation, or testing this equipment.
B) Never attempt to service or disassemble any equipment until all pressure has been removed from the
system.
C) Always be sure that when pressure testing any product that all air has been purged from the system.
D) Do not approach any equipment under pressure. If a visual inspection is required, use extreme caution
when approaching equipment & approach equipment only after a suitable pressure stabilization period has
been allowed for.
E) For operational fluids contained in the panel & choke consult the material safety data sheet section of this
manual.

INTRODUCTION

The Control Flow, Inc., Multi-Flow Choke has been manufactured to all applicable industry standards at the time
of manufacture. As with any mechanical or hydraulically operated equipment, they are subject to wear & eventual
failure. Periodic disassembly & inspection is required & should be left to a qualified repair technician. This
inspection should be performed on both the choke & the control console. All precautions have been taken to
ensure the highest quality product has been provided. Should this product develop problems, please contact:

Control Flow, Inc.


P.O. Box 40788
Houston, TX 77240-0788.

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THE MULTI -FLOW HYDRAULIC DRILLING CHOKE &
CONTROL PANEL MAINTENANCE MANUAL

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Control Flow, Inc. multi-flow choke is a hydraulically operated valve with an adjustable orifice. This choke
will provide a positive seal at a maximum working pressure of 10,000 pounds per square inch (psi), & a maximum
orifice of 1.9 square inches when fully open. The orifice size is controlled by means of rotating the front disc from
0o to 180o, while the back disc remains stationary. This is accomplished due to the design of the discs which is
circular, with a half moon opening in each disc. Rotation of the disc is accomplished by the hydraulic “Roto Torq”
actuator or, in the case of a hydraulic system failure, may be rotated manually by using a bar inserted in indicator
head. The choke discs are of tungsten carbide construction, which are ground & lapped to a mirror like finish to
provide a metal to metal seal. Tungsten carbide materials are widely used in drilling chokes of all types due to its
high tolerance to wear & abrasives. Personnel, either repairing or service any product containing the type of
material, should be advised that it is very brittle & when subjected to sharp blows, dropped, or hit with other
metallic material they will chip of break. In any case, always wear eye protection when handling these materials.

The choke panel is normally used to operate the choke remotely. The panel is portable & may be located at any
location, to satisfy specific needs or requirements that the customer may have. In cases where more than one panel
is required to satisfy specific needs or requirements. Additional panels may be added with only minor adjustments
to hose end fittings, etc.

The panel is a self contained unit, with the exception of an air supply. The air input requirements are a minimum 30
psi, however 50 to 125 psi with an available 10 cubic feet/min.(cfm) is recommended, for maximum performance.
There are no electrical requirements for the panel or choke. The stroke counter assembly has a battery pack
located inside the counter box assembly. The battery pack is a replaceable, expendable item, but should last
approximately 12 to 24 months under normal circumstances.

The choke, as mentioned previously, is actuated/controlled by the control panel. Should the air operated hydraulic
pump fail the choke may still be operated by using the hydraulic pump located under the control panel, by the
hydraulic reservoir. This method of operation will work only if the remaining hydraulic system components are
intact. If air pressure is lost, the position indicator gauge will not work. Should the hydraulic system undergo a
complete failure, provisions have been made for manual operation, by inserting a bar in the indicator head. The
indicator head also has an indicator band so adjustment of the orifice size is still possible.

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CONTROL PANEL MAINTENANCE MANUAL

INSTALLATION

GAUGE PROTECTOR: Connect the casing pressure gauge protector assembly to a suitable location on the choke
on the choke & kill manifold. This assembly should have a valve between the manifold & gauge assembly to
provide for repairs or replacement to the gauge assembly. The gauge protectors are rated for 10M psi working
pressure. The standard end connection is a male (nut half) Fig. 1502 union connection. However, other
connections can be supplied. The gauge protector lines must be filled with hydraulic fluid & all air bled from the
system for proper operation.

CHOKE VALVE ASSEMBLY: The standard inlet & outlet connections supplied on the Control Flow Multi-Flow
Choke assembly are 2-9/16 API-6B x 10M psi working pressure with BX-153 rings. Note: some assemblies
have 3-1/16-10M inlet & outlet with a BX-154 ring. The choke may be supplied with other connections as
required up through 3" nominal API bores. Note: Make sure that mating flange being bolted to the ultra spool
does not interfere with the flange protector. This could crush the carbide parts inside the choke & the choke
will not work. Always check all bolting, studs, nuts, etc., for cracks & damaged threads before installing.
Damaged parts should be replaced. The flange bolts should be torqued to approximately 270 ft. lbs. per bolt. Be
sure that each nut has full engagement onto the stud. The stud should have 2 to 4 threads showing for best results.
After torquing, the flange raised faces should come together & parallel to each other. Ring gaskets suitable for H2S
service are mild steel/cadmium plated or stainless steel. Always use a new gasket when installing the choke valve
as used gaskets deform slightly & may not hold pressure. Whenever possible, two gate valves or other type of
positive seal valves should be installed upstream of the choke (i.e. between the BOP stack & the choke) & one
downstream of the choke to permit isolation of choke valve for disassembly, maintenance or service. If, when
using a flare line, be sure it is securely anchored. Whenever the choke is reassembled or installed/reinstalled in the
manifold the choke valve should be retested in accordance with the test.

CONTROL CONSOLE: The control console may be placed in any location on the rig floor or safe work area as
designated by the customer.

AIR SUPPLY: Connect a rig air supply to the rear of the panel. The inlet for rig air is tagged "rig air supply." The
air supply should be capable of supplying a constant 50 to 120 psi with an available 10 cfm. The air supply should
be connected to an outlet which can provide clean dry air & should not be disconnected. Trash or moisture in the
air supply can cause a malfunction in the air operated hydraulic pump or the position indicator assembly. Care
should be taken when routing the air supply to avoid damage to the hose by cramping, cutting or from excessive
heat. A hose of 1/4" ID should be capable of supplying an adequate amount of air for proper operation, but the hose
length should not exceed 50 ft. long. Should a longer hose be required, a ½" ID hose should be used. The panel
is equipped with a male ½" national pipe thread (NPT) connection for installing the air supply line.

PUMP STROKE COUNTER: The pump stroke counter is a digital (PCB) read out type, which is powered by a built-
in battery pack located inside the pump stroke counter box. No external electrical power supply is required. The
pump stroke switch assemblies mount to the mud pump frame near the exposed portion of the pump rods so that
the rod collar or splash guard will contact the switch whisker. Mount the switch assembly to the frame using the
C-clamp bolted to the switch. Position the switch on the frame so that the switch is fully activated. However, care
should be taken when positioning or the counter could double count or not count at all. Route the cable from the
switch assembly to the panel so that it will not be cut or damaged. Note: the panel & switch assemblies are pre-
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THE MULTI -FLOW HYDRAULIC DRILLING CHOKE &
CONTROL PANEL MAINTENANCE MANUAL

wired & no further connections are required. Operate the pump stroke counter switch assemblies by hand to
determine pump #1 & pump #2. There is a pump selector switch located on the bottom of the pump stroke meter
box, located inside the panel. This switch is used to select either pump #1 or pump #2. This counter is capable of
reading one pump at a time with the maximum of two pumps in the system.

GAUGE PROTECTOR: Two gauge protectors have been provided with the panel. Connect the drill pipe pressure
gauge protector assembly to the rig standpipe. Whenever possible mount the assembly in the upright position, with
the hammer nut down, this will allow the mud & drilling fluids to drain from the unit when no pressure is in the
standpipe manifold. Connect the hose from the gauge protector to the drill pipe pressure gauge on the panel. Use
caution when running the hose so that it does not get cut, crimped, worn or burned.

REPOSITIONING OF THE ROTARY ACTUATOR: After installing the multi-flow choke assembly in the manifold, it may
be necessary to reposition the rotary actuator. The actuator assembly should have the open area of the mount
actuator bracket (a large box which contains the house, etc.) facing down or to one side. This is accomplished as
follows:
A) Remove four mounting bolts.
B) Pull the actuator assembly away from the choke body until the square shaft clears the indicator head.
Note: Don’t rotate the square shaft or indicator head during this operation. Doing so will change
the alignment of the choke discs or change the position indicator & the choke will not function
properly.
C) Rotate the entire actuator assembly to the desired position.
D) Clean & grease the square shaft & indicator head.
E) Install the four bolts removed previously & torque to 270 lbs.

HYDRAULIC CONTROL LINES: Connect the two 3,000 psi hydraulic hoses to the choke control console & the
choke actuator assembly using the quick disconnects. Use caution when running hydraulic lines on the rig. They
should be placed in order to prevent damage by sharp edges, fire, etc.

CHOKE POSITION INDICATOR: The panel is equipped with 200 ft of 1/4" OD polyvinyl tubing to connect the position
indicator regulator (located inside the actuator assembly) to the position indicator gauge (located on the control
console face.)
A) Lay out & cut the 1/4" tubing to the desired length.
B) Connect the tubing to the rear of the panel to the fittings labeled "air to trans” & "air to return trans." Note:
Tubing connectors provided on the panel & actuator are a “push on” type. Simply push the tubing
into the connector & pull back to insure connection. To release, push the ring into the fitting & pull
out the hose.
C) Connect the hoses from the panel to the actuator assembly.

CALIBRATION CHECK: Turn the air supply valve to the open position. Operate the choke valve to either full open
or full closed position by holding the control’s lever in position until the pump stalls. Check the position indicator
gauge to see if it matches your position. If the gauge is not calibrated correctly, recalibrate per procedures
described in this manual. Note: The choke should always be left in the open position.

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THE MULTI -FLOW HYDRAULIC DRILLING CHOKE &
CONTROL PANEL MAINTENANCE MANUAL

OPERATION

The choke discs should always remain in full open position when not in use. Any well killing procedure requiring
the use of the multi-flow choke should begin with the choke in the full open position. Failure to do so could result
in lost returns. Do not adjust the choke position from full open until shut in procedures are completed, & returns
are flowing through choke & kill manifold. Close the choke slowly, so that the casing pressure does not increase
too rapidly, as this could cause a down hole blow out or lost returns.

NORMAL OPERATION "FAST RESPONSE"


A) Turn the "air supply" valve to the "on" position.
B) The control console will provide the operator with the following information.
B-1) Drill pipe & Casing pressure
B-2) Choke position
B-3) Rig pump(s) strokes/min. & total strokes.
C) Open or close the choke to maintain desired casing or drill pipe pressure. (Open choke to reduce pressure,
close choke to increase.) Note: The choke valve could become plugged. Casing/Drilling pipe
pressure could increase beyond the limits of the casing. Should this occur, open the choke to the full
open position & open the hydraulic regulator to increase the choke opening speed. Return to normal
operation mode once the plug has cleared.
D) After well conditions have stabilized & the multi-flow choke is no longer in operation, return the valve to
the full open position & close the air supply valve. This will remove the hydraulic pressure from the system.

EMERGENCY OPERATION: Failure of the rig air supply or the air pump assembly. Note: Do not disconnect hoses.
Proceed as follows:
A) Install the pump handle on the hand pump, located on the console base.
B) While holding the control lever in the desired position (open/close), use the hand pump to change the choke
disc position. Note: Be sure that the hand pump bleed off valve is closed or the hand pump will not
work.

HYDRAULIC SYSTEM FAILURE: ANY VISIBLE HYDRAULIC, ACTUATOR, PUMP LEAK OR CUT HOSE: In the case
of a hydraulic system failure the choke must be actuated manually at the choke valve. Proceed as follows:
A) Cut both hydraulic actuator hoses at the choke valve next to the quick disconnects. Do not unplug the hoses
as they have internal check valves, which will prevent manual operation.
B) Insert a 9/16" or 5/8" rod into one of the four holes in the indicator read. Use the rod to turn the indicator
head to the desired position. Note: There is an indicator band located on the outside diameter of the
indicator head. This can be used to determine the approximate position of the discs.

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CONTROL PANEL MAINTENANCE MANUAL

MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS

The hydraulic multi-flow choke & operation console are two key elements of the pressure control system on the
rig, & as such, should always be kept in good working condition at all times.

VISUAL CHECKS TO PERFORM DAILY:


The following is a list of items to be visually examined on a daily basis.
A) Be sure the manual pump operation handle is located inside the panel.
B) Check the hydraulic reservoir assembly for oil level. It should show to be approx. ½ full on the sight tube.
Use SAE 5 to 10 wt. hydraulic oil. A supply of 5 gals. or more should be kept on hand.
C) Check all hose connections. Make sure they are tight & properly connected. Be sure that the hoses
haven’t been pinched, cut or crimped.
D) Check the pump stroke counter chord for cuts, burns, etc. Be sure the limit switches are properly attached.
E) Check the pump stroke/rate meter. To test, turn the knob to the test position & hold. The digital readouts
should read as follows:
Strokes/min. = 128 after a few seconds
Total strokes = should count from 1+
Reset the counter
F) Check the in line air lubricator. The bowl should be ½ full or better. Use SAE 5 to 110 wt. hydraulic oil,
same as in hydraulic reservoir.

OPERATIONAL CHECKS TO PERFORM DAILY:


A) Turn the air supply valve to the on position. The air pump should begin stroking. When the pump shuts off,
the hydraulic pressure gauge should read between 1500 & 1750 psi.
B) Close the hydraulic regulator completely & open 1½ turns. Using the control valve, completely open, close
& reopen the choke. The position indicator gauge should follow the movement of the choke discs as you
open & close the discs. Always leave the choke in the open position.
C) With the hydraulic pump stroking, check the lubricator. Look at the sight glass on the top of the lubricator.
It should drip once for approximately 20 strokes of the hydraulic pump. Adjust as required by turning the
adjustment screw.
D) Operate the hand pump, make sure the bleed off valve is closed on the hand pump. Hold the control valve
to either open or close the choke while operating the hand pump, always leave the choke in the open
position.

To operate the hand pump, to close or open the choke, shut the air supply off. Hold the choke control lever in
desired position & operate the hand pump. Make sure the bleed the valve on the hand pump is closed. Leave
pump piston in the "down" position to avoid rust or corrosion. Observe drill pipe & casing pressure gauges. Drill
pipe pressure should read with the rig gauge located on the standpipe. Gauge faces should be clean & visible.

REMOVING THE MULTI- FLOW CHOKE VALVE FROM THE MANIFOLD : Caution: Before attempting to work on
any pressure control equipment, extreme caution should be taken to assure that all pressure has been bled
from the choke valve and/or the choke manifold. Always use proper safety precautions where H2S gas may
be present. Only personnel who have received instruction on the hazards of H2S should be permitted to
work on the multi-flow choke. Failure to follow these instructions could result in personal injury or death.
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CONTROL PANEL MAINTENANCE MANUAL

A) Make sure the choke is in the full open position & that all the pressure is removed from the choke before
continuing.
B) Carefully loosen flange nuts on the outlet connection one turn each until the ring gasket seal is broken. Do
not remove the nuts on the outlet flange. After all the nuts are loosened, separate the outlet flange from the
manifold flange. Stand on either side of flange gap, never over it, when breaking the seal to avoid possible
severe personal injury. Once the seal is broken & all pressure inside the choke is relieved, the nuts & studs
may be safely removed. Do not use a pry bar. It could damage the extended wear sleeve.
C) Support the valve & then carefully repeat the procedure on the inlet flange. Caution: Care should be
exercised in the handling procedures & use of the tools when working on the multi-flow choke to
avoid damaging these parts. Damaged parts will adversely affect the structural integrity of the
choke which may result in property damage and/or personal injury or death.
D) Refer to section two, of this manual, for reinstalling the choke in the manifold.

CHANGING THE DISC ASSEMBLIES: This section describes the procedure for removal of the choke discs, wear
sleeves, & flange protector from the outlet end of the valve body for inspection and/or replacement.
A) Unbolt the outlet spool & carefully separate it from the body. The outlet spool is fastened to the choke
body with 7/8" 12 pt. cap screws. There are two dowel pins that provide alignment between the body &
the outlet spool.
B) To remove the choke discs, first rotate the front disc to full “open” position if this has not been previously
done. Wash any sand, grit or weight material from around the exposed portion of the stationary disc & the
disc opening.
C) Insert the hook end of the disc puller in the disc opening & gently remove both discs using the sliding weight
on the puller. Maintain the position of the hook on the puller to avoid chipping the corners of the disc
orifice. Even if the discs are worn, they may be repairable if not damaged by removing. When the discs
have been removed, locate & inspect anti-rotation pin. Replace if damaged.
D) Clean both disc assemblies thoroughly & inspect for wear or damage. The primary criteria for determining
whether or not the choke discs are reusable is that they can provide a positive seal under pressure when
installed in the choke.
E) Wash out & clean the interior of the choke body & the o-ring sealing surfaces.
F) Remove the o-rings on the stationary disc carrier & the choke body flange & replace these o-rings.
G) Thoroughly clean the disc assemblies & apply a light film of grease to the o-ring groove on the back disc
carrier. Avoid getting grease on the polished disc faces because this can cause the choke to leak when
tested.
H) Insert the front disc assembly into the body. Be sure the turning fork locating pin aligns properly with the
slots & locating pin hole in the disc assembly. The rotating disc should fit loosely into the body & onto the
turning fork.
I) Position the back disc anti-rotation pin in the groove on the inside diameter of the choke body. Align the
matching pin groove in rear disc assembly & insert the back disc.
Note: The moon-shaped opening must be facing the inlet flange of the choke valve.
J) Remove the wear sleeves from the outlet spool. Carefully press them out through the end which bolts to
the body. There are three identical large internal diameter wear sleeves & one flange protector with a
smaller bore.
K) Inspect the wear sleeves fromthe outlet spool. Be especially careful to remove any dirt, rust or debris from
the shoulder where the flange protector makes contact. Failure to do so may cause the wear sleeves to
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CONTROL PANEL MAINTENANCE MANUAL

crush the choke discs when the spool is bolted to the valve body.
L) Apply a light film of grease to the outside of the wear sleeves & insert them into the outlet spool. Remove
any dirt, rust or debris from the ends of the wear sleeves, & shoulder on the extended wear sleeve, for the
same reason explained in index “K” above.
Note: Perform the following "checks" before reassembling the outlet spool to the body:
L-1) Lay a straight edge across the bottom of the body. Make sure the back disc is flush or lower than
the body.
L-2) Set the back disc on the wear sleeve to make the back disc sit on the control console. Panel must
be connected to the choke & the air must be connected & turned on.

TO ZERO THE POSITION INDICATOR GAUGE:


A) Open the choke fully.
B) Loosen the 1/4" nut & set screws on the camshaft so the cam turns on its shaft.
C) Rotate cam so that the scribe mark on the short side of the cam lines up with cam follower.
D) Tighten shaft nut & set screws
E) Loosen pivot block locking screw on rear of mounting plate & turn zero adjustment screw until signal
output is 3 psi (21 kpa) on a test gauge or open on the position indicator gauge.
F) Tighten pivot block locking screws.
G) Be sure the output is 3 psi (21 kpa) & does not change when tightening the screw, this can result in
inaccurate readings of the position indicator. If output is not 3 psi, adjust pivot block as indicated in step
E above to obtain 3 psi signal.
H) Close the choke. The test gauge should read 15 psi (103 kpa), or the position indicator gauge read closed.
If not, it will be necessary to adjust the span of the transmitter.

TO ADJUST THE SPAN OF THE INDICATOR:


A) Fully close the choke. This puts the scribe mark on the long side of the cam at the cam follower. Output
should be near 15 psi (103 kpa) on the test gauge or closed on the position indicator gauge.
B) If less than 15 psi (103 kpa), loosen socket head cap screws & move regulator bracket slightly away from
the pivot block, if more than 15 psi (103 kpa), move regulator bracket slightly toward the pivot block.
C) Tighten socket head cap screw.
D) Fully open the choke. If output is not 3 psi, re-adjust the pivot block ref. to "zero the position indicator
gauge."
E) Rotate choke too fully closed & check 15 psi signal.
F) Repeat steps A through E until 3 & 15 psi outputs are obtained.

DIGITAL STROKE RATE METER: The digital stroke rate meter has no user serviceable parts. If display
becomes discolored, the display flashes, or does not function properly, return it to Control Flow, Inc. at 9201
Fairbanks N. Houston Road, Houston, TX 77064.

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THE MULTI -FLOW HYDRAULIC DRILLING CHOKE &
CONTROL PANEL MAINTENANCE MANUAL

TEST PROCEDURES

This section describes routine test to be conducted as part of the “standard" periodic pressure testing of the well
control equipment.

The tests conducted on the multi-flowchoke, before shipment, are as per API-6A. These tests include a hydrostatic
"body" or "shell"test per API-6A with regards to the end connections. This test should not be a part of the periodic
test program. Note: Never attempt to test the choke from the outlet spool end. Always test (& flow) from
the inlet flange. Failure to do this will result in damage to the choke discs.

Test pressure requirements:


Component/Assembly Maximum test pressure
Flatwork assembly 1,500 psi
Closer/Disc test 10,000 psi

TESTING THE FLO - TORK ASSEMBLY: With the panel connected to the choke, fully open the choke until the pump
stalls. Check for visual leaks at all connections of hoses, etc. around the cylinders, end caps, & pump. Fully close
the choke until the pump stalls & visually examine as per above.

TESTING THE CHOKE DISCS: With the choke fully closed, pressurize the choke from the inlet flange side to a
maximum of 10,000 psi. Do not exceed the rated working pressure of the end connections.

TEST RESULTS: If either a visual leak or leakage is determined by a pressure drop, it will be necessary to repair
the choke

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TROUBLE SHOOTING

CHOKE WILL NOT OPEN OR CLOSE: Caution: Before disconnecting air or hydraulic lines, turn the air supply
off & make absolutely sure that the pressure in the lines has been relieved. Failure to do so could result in
personal injury and/or property damage. To locate the problem when the control console will not operate the
multi-flow choke, turn the air supply valve on, the choke control valve should be in the neutral hold position. Fully
open the hydraulic regulator by turning the knob counterclockwise several turns. If the hydraulic pump cycles a
few times & stops, proceed to step E. If the hydraulic pump continues to cycle, proceed with the following steps
in the order listed:
A) Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If less than ½ full, add SAE 5 or 10 weight hydraulic fluid. Do not
use diesel oil because this will cause some valve seals & hydraulic hoses to deteriorate.
B) Examine the low pressure suction hose between the hydraulic reservoir & the hydraulic pump for leaks,
collapse, or crimping. This condition will cause the pump to lose prime & not pump fluid. Replace this
hose as necessary.
C) Examine the high pressure hose from the output manifold on the hydraulic regulator & from the hydraulic
regulator to the choke control valve for leaks. Replace those hoses if leaks are detected.
D) Disconnect the return line on the hydraulic relief valve. This hose must temporarily be plugged to prevent
hydraulic fluid in the reservoir from leaving out. Make certain to remove this plug before reinstalling the
hydraulic relief valve. If hydraulic oil is leaking from the discharge of the relief valve when the pump is
cycling, slowly tighten the pressure adjustment screw on the relief valve while observing the pressure gauge
on the output manifold on the hydraulic pump. When the maximum reading on this pressure gauge reaches
1,800 psi (12411 kpa) discontinue tightening the adjustment screw on the relief & lower the air pressure
on air regulator feeding the hydraulic pump until the hydraulic pressure drops to 1,500 psi(10342 kpa).
At this point, the pump should stop cycling from the return connection. If the relief valve continues to leak,
replace it.
E) Remove the return line from the choke control valve. With the hydraulic pump operating check the return
connection for leakage. If hydraulic fluid leaks from this connection, repair or replace the control valve.
Refer to the appendix for the manufacturer’s instructions for the Barksdale valve.
F) Inspect the open & close hydraulic lines to the choke for crimps, pinching, & damage.
G) Connect the choke open to the choke close hydraulic line using the quick connects on the choke flo-tork
actuator.
H) Operate the choke control valve to both the open & close positions. If the hydraulic pump begins to cycle
when the control valve is moved to the open & close positions, check the hydraulic lines for the leakage
& proceed to next step, reconnect the hydraulic lines to the flo-tork actuator.
I) Turn off the air supply to the hydraulic pump & bleed the hydraulic system to relieve the pressure in the
lines between the hydraulic pump & the rear manifold on the console. Remove the high pressure hose
between the hydraulic regulator & the control valve. Make sure the hydraulic regulator is open. Turn on
the air supply to the hydraulic pump. If little or no fluid flows through the hydraulic regular, then it is
plugged & must be repaired or replaced.
J) At this point, if the control console will still not operate the choke, the problem has been isolated to either
the flo-tork actuator or the choke valve. Remove the bonnet end of the choke. Clear debris from the valve
or repair the choke & re-assemble.

CHOKE OPENS & CLOSES TOO SLOWLY: If the choke is too slow to react due to long hydraulic lines or high
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CONTROL PANEL MAINTENANCE MANUAL

viscosity of the hydraulic fluid at low temperatures, change to a lighter grade of good quality hydraulic fluid. Exxon
Univis J-13 or equivalent is satisfactory. Check for partial plugging in the hydraulic regulator needle valve & in the
check valves of the quick disconnect hose couplings. If a fast choke response is desired, replace the standard 3/16"
ID high pressure hose with 1/4" ID hose or hard piping. Do not exceed 1,500 psi (10342 kpa) hydraulic pressure.
If the turning fork becomes locked, hydraulic pressure greater than 1,500 psi could result in over-torquing &
twisting off the end of the turning fork. This condition would make it impossible to control the position of the choke
plates.

CHOKE VALVE LEAKS: Determine the location of the leak. If the leak is at the bonnet end of the valve, remove
the bonnet & turning fork from the body. Clean & inspect the sealing surfaces for damage & wear. Replace the
o-ring as required & reassemble the valve. If the choke valve leaks between the body & outlet spool, remove the
super choke from the manifold & repair the outlet spool end of the valve. If the inlet or outlet flanges leak, remove
the valve & replace the seal rings.

CHOKE DISCS LEAKS: There are several conditions that will cause the choke discs to leak. The repair procedure
to stop the discs from leaking is to disassemble the choke from the outlet end & examine the internal parts to
determine the cause for the leak. Below is a list of conditions to be checked that will cause the choke discs to leak:
A) Dirt, rust or other debris between the discs.
B) Worn or cracked discs.
C) Damaged or improperly sized o-rings around the back disc.
D) Damaged, dirty, or corroded sealing surfaces contacting the o-ring around the back disc.
E) Missing or damaged stationary disc locking pin.
F) Front disc frozen to the turning fork.
G) Improper alignment of the rotating disc on the turning fork. Alignment pin may be damaged or missing.
H) Improper alignment of the flo-tork shaft on the indicator head.
I) Worn or damaged thrust bearing between the bonnet & turning fork

DIGITAL STROKE/RATE METER: The rate meter contains "potted” components which are not field repairable.
Before replacing the counter, make the following check: place the selector switch in the "test” position. If the rate
is 128 & the counter counts, the problem is probably with the wiring or the pump stroke limit switches, the rate
meter is working properly. If neither the wiring nor the pump switches are bad, replace the counter module &
repeat test. If the meter does not perform as indicated above in the test position, replace the counter.

TROUBLE SHOOTING / SYMPTOM -C URE TABLE:

Problem/Symptom Cure
Display flashing Low battery, replace counter
No display Replace counter
Display “ON" but not counting Replace counter
Display "ON," does not count right Check wiring & pump
Only one input works, ok in test Check wiring & pump
Count display does not display all digits Replace counter
Erratic count & stroke rate display Lines to pump switches aren’t properly shielded or grounded

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THE MULTI -FLOW HYDRAULIC DRILLING CHOKE &
CONTROL PANEL MAINTENANCE MANUAL

PRESSURE GAUGES NOT READING CORRECTLY: The pressure gauges on the choke control console will, in almost
all cases, be the gauges which are used to determine drill pipe pressure & casing pressure during well control
procedures. If these gauges are not working properly, repairs should be made as soon as possible.
A) Check the dampening valve on the gauge is not closed.
B) Check the hydraulic hose to the gauge protector for damage or crimping.
C) If gauge fails to register correctly at higher pressure, check for air in the hydraulic lines or improperly
charged lines to the gauge protector
D) If the hydraulic lines to the gauge protector are longer than 75ft, special long "high volume" gauge protector
bodies can be ordered.
E) If the problem is one of slow operation of the gauges, it may be necessary to use a thinner oil than a 50-50
mixture of glycol (antifreeze) & water. Flush all oil out of the system before changing fluid.

POSITION INDICATOR NOT WORKING: Check air supply gauge on the air regulator attached to the hydraulic pump
for a positive reading of 30-35 psi minimum. Check air supply & signal lines for leaks & crimping. Make sure the
cam is tight on the cam shaft & the cam shaft connected to the flo-tork unit is tight & straight. The cam should turn
a full 180O when the choke position is changed from fully open to fully closed or from fully closed to fully open.
Check choke position gauge, 3 psi applied directly to the gauge should indicate open on the gauge & 15 psi should
indicate closed, if the gauge is in good condition. If position gauge does not agree on the calibration band on choke,
see “Position Indicator System” in this manual for the correct installation & adjustment.

Proprietary Information of Control Flow, Inc.


THE MULTI -FLOW HYDRAULIC DRILLING CHOKE &
CONTROL PANEL MAINTENANCE MANUAL

CONTROL FLOW MULTI-FLOW


CHOKE & PANEL

PART SPECIFICATIONS & INFORMATION


THE MULTI -FLOW HYDRAULIC DRILLING CHOKE &
CONTROL PANEL MAINTENANCE MANUAL

HASKEL
PUMP

PART SPECIFICATIONS & INFORMATION


THE MULTI -FLOW HYDRAULIC DRILLING CHOKE &
CONTROL PANEL MAINTENANCE MANUAL

MODULAR
HAND PUMP

PART SPECIFICATIONS & INFORMATION


THE MULTI -FLOW HYDRAULIC DRILLING CHOKE &
CONTROL PANEL MAINTENANCE MANUAL

NORGREN
PRESSURE REGULAR

PART SPECIFICATIONS & INFORMATION


THE MULTI -FLOW HYDRAULIC DRILLING CHOKE &
CONTROL PANEL MAINTENANCE MANUAL

GRESEN
RELIEF VALVE

PART SPECIFICATIONS & INFORMATION


THE MULTI -FLOW HYDRAULIC DRILLING CHOKE &
CONTROL PANEL MAINTENANCE MANUAL

WHITEY
INTEGRAL BONNET NEEDLE VALVE

PART SPECIFICATIONS & INFORMATION


THE MULTI -FLOW HYDRAULIC DRILLING CHOKE &
CONTROL PANEL MAINTENANCE MANUAL

BARKSDALE
4-WAY MANUAL VALVE

PART SPECIFICATIONS & INFORMATION


THE MULTI -FLOW HYDRAULIC DRILLING CHOKE &
CONTROL PANEL MAINTENANCE MANUAL

HOUSTON DIGITAL INSTRUMENTS


PUMP STROKE METER

PART SPECIFICATIONS & INFORMATION

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