Parts & Compatibility
Drill-Pipe Float Valves: Pocket Fit and Service Selection
View the model-specific values, conditions and sources
Two decisions that a size code cannot make
A replacement float-valve enquiry often starts with a size code copied from an old purchase order. That code is useful for finding a catalogue row, but it cannot answer two separate questions: will the insert fit the existing pocket, and will its mechanism provide the intended service? Keep those decisions separate until the offered assembly is identified.
Consider a fictional bid comparison. Two bidders both offer size 2F3R. One proposes a plunger insert; the other proposes a ported flapper. Neither attaches the host drawing or names the seal compound. A shared size label does not make the bids equivalent. The reviewer first needs the missing configuration and interface records, not a price adjustment that assumes equivalence.
Identify which component owns each dimension
Start the pocket review with the host: record its manufacturer, part number, connection identity and controlled drawing revision. Add the installed insert identity separately. Drillmax's overview explains that the valve is unthreaded and fits a prepared bore in a drillstring component. Consequently, the host's external thread cannot serve as a complete insert specification.
Mark valve OD, valve assembly length, pocket diameter, pocket axial geometry and seating features as different drawing items. Ask the supplier to identify mating surfaces and dimensional acceptance criteria. For a worn host, obtain the responsible manufacturer's inspection and disposition requirements; a catalogue clearance is not a repair allowance.
The Drillmax dimensional guide, printed page 11, makes the distinction visible. Its 2F3R row separates valve diameter D, recess diameter R and assembly length L. It also gives different Model F and Model G IDs within the same size row. Ask bidders which column supports their proposal. Do not accept an enlarged pocket measurement as the insert diameter, or a sub's overall length as valve length.
The adjacent drawing distinguishes pocket depth from assembly length, and the baffle-recess column carries a conditional footnote. Obtain the applicable drawing rather than turning the catalogue into workshop instructions. Confirm whether a baffle is included and whether it changes the offered assembly.
Describe fluid communication before choosing a suffix
Write a functional statement for each operating case for engineering review. Does the project require reverse-flow restriction, a path supporting differential-pressure observation, an automatic-fill feature, or a defined combination? These descriptions should appear next to the proposed model, not in a general covering letter.
Drillmax's plunger page distinguishes F from ported FA. Its flapper page separately distinguishes G, ported GA, automatic-fill GC and combined GCA. Porting and automatic fill are therefore separate selection questions. A ported offer needs explicit review against any isolation requirement; it should not inherit acceptance from an unported description.
Return to the fictional bids: ask the second bidder why a ported configuration is proposed and what requirement it satisfies. Ask the first bidder how the required pressure observation would be supported. The reviewer may reject one configuration or revise the requirement, but should document that decision before treating the offers as technically comparable.
Review service limits without inventing a rating
Send the actual fluid system, abrasive-solids exposure, temperature envelope and required differential-pressure cases for manufacturer review. Require the quoted body, seal and internal-part configuration to be traceable to the returned limits and supporting test documents. A dimensional match resolves neither chemical suitability nor pressure capability.
Ask for relevant flow-performance information at the project conditions, including the basis for any pressure-loss statement. Do not calculate operating settings from catalogue ID or infer a passage guarantee from a full-flow description. Any requirement to pass a tool must be reviewed for the complete assembled path and mechanism.
This is a procurement review, not a running procedure. Filling, installation, inspection, replacement and well-control practices remain subject to approved manufacturer documentation and the responsible operator's procedures. No generic float-valve label establishes barrier credit or replaces that review.
Keep maintenance identity attached to the purchase
Separate complete inserts from rubber kits, metal kits and host components in the bill of materials. For each service kit, require the compatible insert identity, compound designation, contents and applicable maintenance document. Do not let a common size code silently authorize parts mixing.
Use the drill-pipe float-valve reference for the retained catalogue configurations. Submit the host drawing, functional statement and unresolved exceptions through the RFQ Builder. Keep price comparison tied to the same documented scope, including spare quantities and traceability requirements.
Referenced model data
- Drillmax Model F, size 2F3RValve outside diameter D
- 2-13/32 in
Only Drillmax Model F, size 2F3R in the 2F3R row of Drill Pipe Float Valve Dimensional Data. The D column is shared by the F and G configurations in this explicit size row; it is the insert diameter, not the float-sub OD or pocket diameter. Service compound, pressure-temperature duty, spring selection and ordered part number are not established by this dimensional row; no transfer to ported, auto-fill, short or baffle variants.
PDF page 13 / printed page 11, Drill Pipe Float Valve Dimensional Data, 2F3R row, D: Diameter of Valve column.Checked 2026-10-24
- Drillmax Model F, size 2F3RValve assembly length L
- 6-1/2 in
Only Drillmax Model F, size 2F3R in the 2F3R row of Drill Pipe Float Valve Dimensional Data. The L column is shared by the F and G configurations in this explicit size row. It is valve assembly length, not sub length, pocket depth A or made-up assembly length. Service compound, pressure-temperature duty, spring selection and ordered part number are not established by this dimensional row; no transfer to ported, auto-fill, short or baffle variants.
PDF page 13 / printed page 11, Drill Pipe Float Valve Dimensional Data, 2F3R row, L: Length of Valve column.Checked 2026-10-24
- Drillmax Model F, size 2F3RCatalogue recess diameter R
- 2-7/16 in
Only Drillmax Model F, size 2F3R in the 2F3R row of Drill Pipe Float Valve Dimensional Data. R belongs to the mating pocket, not the insert. The adjacent sketch gives R a +1/64 in / -0 tolerance. Catalogue geometry alone is not an approved machining drawing or proof of fit to an existing sub. Service compound, pressure-temperature duty, spring selection and ordered part number are not established by this dimensional row; no transfer to ported, auto-fill, short or baffle variants.
PDF page 13 / printed page 11, Drill Pipe Float Valve Dimensional Data, 2F3R row, R: Diameter of Recess for Valve column.Checked 2026-10-24
- Drillmax Model F, size 2F3RCatalogue valve inside diameter
- 1-9/16 in
Only Drillmax Model F, size 2F3R in the 2F3R row of Drill Pipe Float Valve Dimensional Data. Use only the named Model F bore column in this row. The catalogue ID is not a guaranteed unrestricted tool passage, effective flow area, flow coefficient or pressure-loss curve. Service compound, pressure-temperature duty, spring selection and ordered part number are not established by this dimensional row; no transfer to ported, auto-fill, short or baffle variants.
PDF page 13 / printed page 11, Drill Pipe Float Valve Dimensional Data, 2F3R row, Model F: I.D. of Valve column.Checked 2026-10-24
- Drillmax Model G, size 2F3RCatalogue valve inside diameter
- 1-1/4 in
Only Drillmax Model G, size 2F3R in the 2F3R row of Drill Pipe Float Valve Dimensional Data. Use only the named Model G bore column in this row. The catalogue ID is not a guaranteed unrestricted tool passage, effective flow area, flow coefficient or pressure-loss curve. Service compound, pressure-temperature duty, spring selection and ordered part number are not established by this dimensional row; no transfer to ported, auto-fill, short or baffle variants.
PDF page 13 / printed page 11, Drill Pipe Float Valve Dimensional Data, 2F3R row, Model G: I.D. of Valve column.Checked 2026-10-24
- Drillmax drill-pipe float valve familyFamily catalogue referenceInsert mounting principle
- Unthreaded insert seated in a prepared drillstring pocket
Functional family description only. The valve itself has no threaded connections; the host drillstring component provides the prepared bore. No named sub, connection compatibility, pressure isolation qualification or well-control barrier credit is established.
Where is a drill pipe float valve used? FAQ, first two paragraphs.Checked 2026-10-24
- Drillmax F and FA plunger familiesFamily catalogue referencePlunger and ported-plunger distinction
- F is plunger type; FA adds a ported plunger for partial filling and differential-pressure observation
Family-level design distinction only, not a pressure rating, guaranteed filling rate, equalization procedure or proof of leak-tight isolation. No numerical geometry is assigned to FA from the Model F dimensional column.
Model F Plunger Type and Model FA Ported Plunger Type sections.Checked 2026-10-24
- Drillmax G, GA, GC and GCA flapper familiesFamily catalogue referenceFlapper, ported and auto-fill distinction
- G is full-flow flapper; GA is ported; GC adds auto-fill; GCA combines port and auto-fill
Family-level function description only. GC uses a control arm during run-in and is described as operating as G after mud is pumped. No actuation threshold, flow setting, barrier qualification, stacking approval or dimensional equivalence is inferred.
Model G, Model GA, Model GC and Model GCA sections.Checked 2026-10-24
| Model | Parameter | Reference value | Conditions and source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drillmax Model F, size 2F3R | Valve outside diameter D | 2-13/32 in | Only Drillmax Model F, size 2F3R in the 2F3R row of Drill Pipe Float Valve Dimensional Data. The D column is shared by the F and G configurations in this explicit size row; it is the insert diameter, not the float-sub OD or pocket diameter. Service compound, pressure-temperature duty, spring selection and ordered part number are not established by this dimensional row; no transfer to ported, auto-fill, short or baffle variants. PDF page 13 / printed page 11, Drill Pipe Float Valve Dimensional Data, 2F3R row, D: Diameter of Valve column.Checked 2026-10-24 |
| Drillmax Model F, size 2F3R | Valve assembly length L | 6-1/2 in | Only Drillmax Model F, size 2F3R in the 2F3R row of Drill Pipe Float Valve Dimensional Data. The L column is shared by the F and G configurations in this explicit size row. It is valve assembly length, not sub length, pocket depth A or made-up assembly length. Service compound, pressure-temperature duty, spring selection and ordered part number are not established by this dimensional row; no transfer to ported, auto-fill, short or baffle variants. PDF page 13 / printed page 11, Drill Pipe Float Valve Dimensional Data, 2F3R row, L: Length of Valve column.Checked 2026-10-24 |
| Drillmax Model F, size 2F3R | Catalogue recess diameter R | 2-7/16 in | Only Drillmax Model F, size 2F3R in the 2F3R row of Drill Pipe Float Valve Dimensional Data. R belongs to the mating pocket, not the insert. The adjacent sketch gives R a +1/64 in / -0 tolerance. Catalogue geometry alone is not an approved machining drawing or proof of fit to an existing sub. Service compound, pressure-temperature duty, spring selection and ordered part number are not established by this dimensional row; no transfer to ported, auto-fill, short or baffle variants. PDF page 13 / printed page 11, Drill Pipe Float Valve Dimensional Data, 2F3R row, R: Diameter of Recess for Valve column.Checked 2026-10-24 |
| Drillmax Model F, size 2F3R | Catalogue valve inside diameter | 1-9/16 in | Only Drillmax Model F, size 2F3R in the 2F3R row of Drill Pipe Float Valve Dimensional Data. Use only the named Model F bore column in this row. The catalogue ID is not a guaranteed unrestricted tool passage, effective flow area, flow coefficient or pressure-loss curve. Service compound, pressure-temperature duty, spring selection and ordered part number are not established by this dimensional row; no transfer to ported, auto-fill, short or baffle variants. PDF page 13 / printed page 11, Drill Pipe Float Valve Dimensional Data, 2F3R row, Model F: I.D. of Valve column.Checked 2026-10-24 |
| Drillmax Model G, size 2F3R | Catalogue valve inside diameter | 1-1/4 in | Only Drillmax Model G, size 2F3R in the 2F3R row of Drill Pipe Float Valve Dimensional Data. Use only the named Model G bore column in this row. The catalogue ID is not a guaranteed unrestricted tool passage, effective flow area, flow coefficient or pressure-loss curve. Service compound, pressure-temperature duty, spring selection and ordered part number are not established by this dimensional row; no transfer to ported, auto-fill, short or baffle variants. PDF page 13 / printed page 11, Drill Pipe Float Valve Dimensional Data, 2F3R row, Model G: I.D. of Valve column.Checked 2026-10-24 |
| Drillmax drill-pipe float valve familyFamily catalogue reference | Insert mounting principle | Unthreaded insert seated in a prepared drillstring pocket | Functional family description only. The valve itself has no threaded connections; the host drillstring component provides the prepared bore. No named sub, connection compatibility, pressure isolation qualification or well-control barrier credit is established. Where is a drill pipe float valve used? FAQ, first two paragraphs.Checked 2026-10-24 |
| Drillmax F and FA plunger familiesFamily catalogue reference | Plunger and ported-plunger distinction | F is plunger type; FA adds a ported plunger for partial filling and differential-pressure observation | Family-level design distinction only, not a pressure rating, guaranteed filling rate, equalization procedure or proof of leak-tight isolation. No numerical geometry is assigned to FA from the Model F dimensional column. Model F Plunger Type and Model FA Ported Plunger Type sections.Checked 2026-10-24 |
| Drillmax G, GA, GC and GCA flapper familiesFamily catalogue reference | Flapper, ported and auto-fill distinction | G is full-flow flapper; GA is ported; GC adds auto-fill; GCA combines port and auto-fill | Family-level function description only. GC uses a control arm during run-in and is described as operating as G after mud is pumped. No actuation threshold, flow setting, barrier qualification, stacking approval or dimensional equivalence is inferred. Model G, Model GA, Model GC and Model GCA sections.Checked 2026-10-24 |
Authoritative references
- Drillmax Drill Pipe Float Valves: Specifications Guide, printed page 11checked 2026-10-24
- Drillmax Plunger Style: Model F and ported Model FAchecked 2026-10-24
- Drillmax Flapper Style: G, GA, GC and GCA functionschecked 2026-10-24
- Drillmax Drill Pipe Float Valves: insert and machined pocket distinctionchecked 2026-10-24