Float valve for downhole float equipment

A valve for use in a float collar, the valve comprising:

• a housing comprising a cage that defines a first recess in an inner surface thereof;
• a plunger positioned at least partially within the housing, wherein the plunger comprises a shaft that defines a second recess in an outer surface thereof;
• a biasing member configured to exert an upward force on the plunger;
• and
• a retention member positioned at least partially within the first and second recesses when the valve is in a first configuration, wherein the retention member comprises a garter spring that is wrapped around the shaft of the plunger, wherein the retention member is configured to prevent the plunger from moving in an upward direction and forming a seal with the housing when the valve is in the first configuration, wherein the valve is configured to actuate from the first configuration into a second configuration in response to a downward force being exerted on the plunger that exceeds the upward force, thereby causing the plunger and the retention member to move in a downward direction, which removes the retention member from the first and second recesses, and wherein the valve is configured to actuate from the second configuration into a third configuration in response to reducing the downward force exerted on the plunger such that it no longer exceeds the upward force, thereby allowing the plunger to move in the upward direction and form the seal with the housing.

A method for operating a valve in a float collar, the method comprising:

• running the valve into a wellbore, wherein the valve comprises:
• a housing;
• a plunger positioned at least partially within the housing;
• a biasing member configured to exert an upward force on the plunger;
• and
• a retention member configured to prevent the plunger from moving in an upward direction and forming a seal with the housing when the valve is in a first configuration, wherein the retention member comprises a radially-expandable member.