A new high pressure fill-up and circulation (HPFAC) tool launched by Drawworks allows operators to fill-up, circulate and take flowback while casing is being run. The patent-pending tool aids in running casing and liners under pressures up to 10,000psi, increasing safety and efficiency by eliminating the requirement for personnel in the derrick during these operations.
The HPFAC tool can be activated at a control panel located on the rig floor or remotely by the driller. Should casing pressure rise above a pre-set limit determined by the operator, the tool will set automatically without human intervention, said Drawworks. ‘Because the slips of the HPFAC tool grip the interior of the casing, any hydraulic forces caused by casing pressure will not load the top drive or hook,’ the company added.
