Introduction: If the liner and piston are the powerhouse of a mud pump, the Valves and Seats are its heart valves. Opening and closing hundreds of times per minute, they dictate the flow and pressure of the drilling fluid. Qingdao Kehua Petroleum Machinery Co., Ltd. breaks down the science behind valve assemblies, answering top Google search queries about pressure loss and part lifespan to help you optimize your drilling operations.
I. The Critical Role of Valves & Seats
The valve and seat assembly functions as the Check Valve system in the fluid end.
Suction Stroke: Suction valve opens, discharge valve closes -> Mud enters the cylinder.
Discharge Stroke: Suction valve closes, discharge valve opens -> Mud is pushed downhole.
The “Washout” Problem:
When users search for “mud pump pressure drop,” the culprit is often a seal failure (washout) between the valve and seat. Even a microscopic scratch or a worn Valve Insert can allow high-pressure mud to cut through the metal (washout), causing immediate pressure loss and potential damage to the fluid end module.
II. Full Open vs. Web Style: Which One Do You Need? (Optimized for Google Snippets)
A common dilemma for buyers is choosing the right valve structure. Kehua Machinery compares the two dominant designs:
1. Full Open Valves
Design: The valve seat is open with no center support struts. The valve body uses guide legs on the outside diameter.
Pros: Maximum fluid flow area, lower fluid resistance, easier maintenance.
Application: The industry standard for most modern API 7K mud pumps (e.g., F-Series, PZ-Series).
2. Web Style Valves (3-Web / 4-Web)
Design: The valve seat has a center support hub connected by 3 or 4 webs. The valve body has a center stem.
Pros: Extremely high structural strength, excellent stability under extreme pressure.
Cons: slightly restricted flow area compared to Full Open.
| Feature | Full Open Valve | Web Style (3-Web / 4-Web) |
| Flow Resistance | Low (High Efficiency) | Medium/High |
| Pressure Stability | Excellent | Superior |
| Common Use | Modern Drilling Rigs | Older Pumps / Ultra-High Pressure |
III. Pro Tips for Extending Service Life
To minimize downtime and Operating Expenses (OPEX), Qingdao Kehua recommends:
Always Replace as a Set:
Rule #1: Never mate a new valve body with an old seat (or vice versa). The mating angles must match perfectly. Mismatched parts will lead to rapid seal failure and washout.
Upgrade the Valve Insert:
The snap-on insert (seal) is the first line of defense. For oil-based mud (OBM) or high-temperature wells, choose High-Temperature Polyurethane inserts over standard rubber for superior chemical and tear resistance.
Clean Installation:
Before installing a new seat, thoroughly clean and inspect the pump module’s taper. Any debris can prevent the seat from seating correctly, leading to leaks around the seat body.
Summary: The Kehua Quality Standard
Qingdao Kehua Petroleum Machinery Co., Ltd. manufactures premium valves and seats using high-grade alloy steel (20CrMnTi), carburized and heat-treated to HRC 58-62. Our deep carburized wear layer ensures durability in the most abrasive drilling environments.
Your Next Step: Unsure if you need Full Open or Web Style valves for your specific pump model? Send us your pump model number (e.g., Bomco F-1300, National 12-P-160), and contact the Kehua team today. We offer fast shipping on API-compliant replacement parts.