Drill String Valve Actuator with Inflatable Seals

A method for assembling an actuator system for a Kellyguard valve disposed in a drill string, the method comprising:

• attaching an actuator to a sleeve configured to be attached to the drill string and rotate together with the drill string;
• making plural holes in first and second external regions of the sleeve, each hole communicating with the actuator and being configured to receive a medium under pressure for actuating the actuator;
• mounting a ring around the first and second external regions of the sleeve, the ring being configured to be fixed when the sleeve rotates with the drill string, the ring having first and second internal grooves facing the first and second external regions, respectively;
• and
• inserting first and second seals inside the first and second grooves, respectively, at least one of the first and second seals being configured to not touch the first or second external regions of the sleeve when in a collapsed state and to touch the first or second external regions when in an inflated state.

A method for operating a Kellyguard valve attached to a drill string, the method comprising:

• fluidly connecting an accumulator to an actuator disposed inside a sleeve configured to be attached to the drill string and rotate together with the drill string;
• inflating with a medium under pressure received from the accumulator first and second seals provided inside first and second grooves, respectively, of a ring provided around first and second external regions of the sleeve, the ring being configured to be fixed when the sleeve rotates with the drill string, the first and second internal grooves facing the first and second external regions, respectively;
• and
• touching with at least one of the first and second seals the first or second external regions, respectively, when in an inflated state.