Guide shoes

Guide shoes are undoubtedly simpler equipment than float shoes or reamer
shoes. However, they are still critical to casing running operations. Many of
,the considerations discussed in this section are still applicable. Specifically
.the ability of the nose to support axial and lateral loads is equally important
Also, having no float valve at the shoe means a higher dependency on the
,performance and reliability of the float valve in the float collar. In this case
.utilizing double valve float collars should be considered
Single vs. double valves 3.5.7
.Float shoes and float collars may be procured with single or double valves
While adding multiple valves will not increase durability or back-pressure
rating, it does provide redundancy in the event one of the valves fails to create a seal. This is a
.common risk when utilizing LCM or larger concentrations of the weighting material
A frequent question is regarding the advantages of using a single valve
float collar and a single valve float shoe versus using a double-valve float collar and a guide
shoe. Both options would offer two float valves in the shoe
track. The first option offers an advantage in having the two valves separated
by one, two, or three casing joints, making it less likely that both valves
would be affected by the same problem. With the second option, the
two valves are very close to each other and therefore could be compromised
at the same time. However, the valve in the float shoe is more exposed to
debris at the bottom of the well when setting casing on bottom with an
.open nose
Casing equipment 121
Field service 3.5.8
Proper inspection, installation, and operation of float equipment is equally
important. These should be conducted according to the manufacturer’s
operating manual and company field operating procedures. This section is
not a substitute for the above. Rather, it presents a general overview of minimum
.considerations
Storing and transportation 3.5.8.1
Most float equipment contains elastomeric seals and should be stored in conditions that
protect them from prolonged exposure to direct sun, high temperature, and humidity. The
manufacturer’s recommended storing
conditions, including shelf life, should be obtained and communicated to
field operations personnel. If the equipment has been stored at a third party
location, the equipment should be inspected for visual signs of damage or
.expiration date prior to sending it to location
Improper transportation or handling may result in imperceptible damage
to the concrete, valve, or nose. Ensuring field personnel is aware of these
potential risks will help mitigate risk. Training programs should include
.these topics
Inspection 3.5.8.2
Prior to running float equipment in the well, it must be carefully and properly inspected. The
manufacturer’s manual should be followed, including at
:least
Recording the equipment serial number (or equivalent) •
Confirming equipment specifications match the casing program •
Visually inspecting the threads, valve, concrete, and nose for any sings of •
damage
With standard equipment (i.e., not autofill), carefully cycling the plunger •
or flapper to confirm it is working properly and that there are no foreign
materials stuck inside the valve
Confirming compatibility with cementing plugs and other •
.downhole tools
Installation 3.5.8.3
To install float equipment on the casing, cleaning and preparing the threads
should be done as per recommendations from the equipment manufacturer
and the thread company, including torque specifications and position of the
tongs on the float equipment body. Extra care must be taken to prevent the
.Alfredo Sanchez P.E 122
thread lock from going into the valve. Also, confirm thread lock has not
.expired and that field personnel has access to the mixing instructions
Running in hole 3.5.8.4
Standard float equipment (i.e., not autofill) will prevent mud in hole from
entering the casing. Casing must be filled (manually or using a fill-up tool) at
.intervals that ensure the casing (including float equipment) will not collapse
Periodic hookload and fluid level checks should be performed to confirm
the equipment is working properly, including when using autofill
.equipment
Circulation 3.5.8.5
When circulating while running casing, record casing fill-up volumes and
pumping pressures and compare against the casing or cementing program
to ensure no indications of valve blockage. Also, ensure circulation rates
and times do not exceed equipment ratings (as described earlier). Maximum
casing running speeds must be calculated and communicated to field personnel to prevent
.formation surge and swab issues
Casing autofill 3.5.8.6
Autofill equipment is frequently converted to standard check valve prior to
going into the open hole. This is to avoid higher surge and swab pressures
created in the open hole from causing well control problems. If using ballconverted autofill
equipment, the time required for the ball to reach the float
equipment should be estimated and considered, particularly in deviated
wells (note ball-converted equipment is not recommended for hole inclinations above
.approximately 20 degrees)
When utilizing flow-converted float equipment, flow rate should be
enough to reach the equipment conversion rate but not fracture pressure
.margins
Cementing 3.5.8.7
Circulation rates and times for hole cleaning and mud conditioning should
not exceed maximum valve ratings. Ideally, equipment specifications are
defined per casing and cementing program requirements during the procurement process.
However, field personnel should also be aware of maximum equipment ratings in case of
unplanned events. Comparing actual
fluid volumes and circulating pressures against plan may help field personnel
.identify potential equipment issues