Drill pipe float valve and method of manufacture

A valve member for positioning within the valve body of a float valve having an annular seat thereon, the valve body being positionable downhole within a wellbore for sealing engagement with a float sub secured to an oilfield tubular, the valve member comprising:

• a stem for guiding axial movement of the valve member within the valve body, the stem having a cylindrical-shaped front end of a first diameter;
• and
• a valve cone secured to the stem for engagement with the annular seat on the valve body, the valve cone including a cylindrical-shaped recess of a second diameter for receiving the front end of the stem during a shrink-fit operation wherein the valve cone is heated relative to the stem and the stem is pressed into the cylindrical-shaped recess.

A float valve having upper and lower threads for threaded engagement with an oilfield tubular, the float valve comprising:

• the generally sleeve-shaped valve body including an internal annular seat formed about a central axis of the float valve;
• and
• a valve member axially movable within the valve body for disengaging and engaging the seat in response to fluid pressure during opening and closing of the float valve, the valve member including a stem for guiding axial movement of the valve member within the valve body and a valve cone secured to the stem for sealing engagement with the seat, the valve cone including a cylindrical-shaped recess for receiving a front end of the stem during a shrink-fit operation wherein the valve cone is heated relative to the stem and the front end of the stem is then pressed into the cylindrical-shaped recess.