Fill and Circulate Tool (FAC Tool)

Operation of the FAC Tool:

In the 'fill' position, fluid is pumped through the mandrel and the mud saver valve as the casing is being lowered into the well.

In the 'circulate' position, the sealing element, which is slightly larger than the ID of the casing, is lowered into the casing and forms a seal between the FAC Tool and the casing.

When pressure applied to the casing for fluid circulation, it causes the fluid to enter an area behind the sealing element, energising it to seal against fluid bypass.

This technology has been extensively tested and thoroughly proven in the field.

Key features

• Fluid pressure-energised sealing element is easily inserted into casing - and seals more firmly as pressure increases
• Tapered aluminium gauge ring below the sealing element protects against thread damage and acts to centralize the tool in the casing
• Mud-saver valve retains the static head of the mud and prevents mud from dripping onto the rig floor as the tool is raised into the derrick
• Flexible steel-reinforced rubber hose with brass guide cone gives added flexibility when inserting the FAC Tool into the casing.
• A rubber insert on the guide cone absorbs impact blows to casing during stabbing, filling, and circulating
• Reverse flow through the check valve allows any pressure trapped below the FAC Tool to be released prior to removal from casing
• Optional push-plate feature is available to aid in running casing to bottom
• Pressure rating is 5000 psi for casing sizes 7" to 10-3/4" ; 2500 psi for casing sizes 11-3/4" to 20"

Key benefits

• No "hands-on" manipulation of the FAC Tool is required to change from the 'fill' to the 'circulate' mode, or vice versa
• The same tool body can be adapted for use with several sizes of casing strings - simply by changing the seal retainer ring, sealing element, and gauge ring
• The sealing element is easily changed by a single break
• The FAC Tool, enables optimised use of personnel, saves costs and increases QHSE effectiveness in all phases