ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

SMF INTERNATIONAL
TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION
MANUAL
PRODUCT
RDCV
RETRIEVABLE DROP-IN
CHECK VALVE
RANGE
SAFETY VALVES
Document reference : TIM_RDCV_E
Revision : 04
Rev. Object of revision Date
01
02
03
04
Establishment of manual
Update
Update
Signs added logo DNV 31/10/2000
Issued by Product Manager Checked by R&D Manager
C. REULLON J . BOULET
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ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT 1 / 11
TIM_RDCV_E-rev 04.doc
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 2
2 RDCV OPERATIONS 2
2.1 OPERATIONAL DATA 3
2.2 DROP IN CHECK-VALVE LANDING 3
2.3 BACK FLOW SEALING 3
2.4 HEAVY MUD CIRCULATION 4
2.5 RETRIEVAL WITH OVERSHOT 4
3 VALVE MAINTENANCE 4
3.1 PREVENTIVE RIG MAINTENANCE 4
3.2 WORKSHOP MAINTENANCE 4
3.3 SPARE PARTS 8
3.4 REPAIR KITS 10
3.5 DISASSEMBLY PROCEDURE 10
3.6 CHECK VALVE ASSEMBLY 10
3.7 COMPATIBILITY WITH SMFI KELLY COCKS 10
4 HYDRAULIC TESTING 10
5 SPECIAL RDCV 11
6 SMFI AFTER-SALES SUPPORT 11
SMF International
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT 2 / 11
TIM_RDCV_E-rev 04.doc
The retrievable drop-in check valve (RDCV) is
used to control back flows coming from high
pressure formations. When the back flow is under
control, the drop-in check valve may be retrieved
with wire line.
A drop-in check valve is used only with a landing
sub installed in the drill string, above the drill
collars prior to RIH.
In case of back flow, the check-valve assembly is
introduced in the inside bore of the drill string,
just above the closed kelly cock and then pumped
down to the landing sub. Once clamped in the
landing sub assembly, the RDCV will seal the
string from down hole pressures allowing mud
circulation for well control.
When the back flow is under control, the
retrievable drop-in check valve may be pulled out
by using the overshot. Normal drilling can
resume with maximum mud flow parameters,
saving one round trip.
1 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The RDCV assembly is made of three sub
assemblies:
The landing sub: is a drill string sub which
will receive the check valve. It is the necessary
interface for check valve clamping.
The check valve: is the actual sealing element
with its latch mechanism.
The overshot: is the check valve retrieving
tool. Its upper pin connection is compatible with
the TOTCO 1
5
/
8
" sinker bar. A shear pin will
free the sand line if the valve gets stuck.
The RDCV range features eight valve series
corresponding to different check-valve outside
diameters (OD), as shown in the following table
and figure 7.
Series OD (in)
901 1 9/32
902 1 25/32
903 2 5/32
904 2 15/64
905 2 15/32
906 2 27/32
907 3 3/64
908 3 7/64
API threads are cold rolled and parkerised.
RDCVs internal parts are made of high grade
steel. Sealing is achieved through a metal to
metal contact between a ball and a seat. By
design the check-valve is equipped with a self-
locking (under down hole pressure) feature.
The RDCV range features three different
versions:
The standard version which is suitable for
normal drilling conditions. The valve landing sub
is made of a single piece of AISI 4145 H
modified alloy steel heat treated to 285-341
Brinell hardness and a minimum impact strength
of value of 42 J as per ASTM 370 Charpy V
notch at -10C.
The H2S trim version which has been
designed for low H
2
S concentration. The check
valve parts are made of corrosion resistant
materials matching the NACE MR0175 standard
(latest edition), fitted in a standard steel landing
sub.
The full NACE version which fully meets the
NACE MR0175 standard to resist higher H
2
S
concentration. The body is made of UNS S17400,
heat treated to meet both NACE standard and
API spec. 7 (latest edition).
2 RDCV OPERATIONS
The RDCV is used while drilling high pressure
formations where kicks are expected. It is used
also to drill wildcats.
Modern drilling technics use light muds to
improve the penetration rate with less hydrostatic
pressure therefore kicks are more likely to
happen.
Dropping a RDCV down the drill string to a
landing sub placed between drill pipe and drill
collar sections will allow safe control operations.
Circulation with an increased density through the
RDCV will control the back flow. When the
balance pressure is reached, the RDCV is
recovered with wire line and drilling can resume.
Bit hydraulics are not reduced by the presence of
a valve in the string. The RDCV valve is not
damaged by the abrasive mud flow and will give
assurance of sealing each time it is used. The
RDCV can be used as an inside - B.O.P, valve by
controlling the drill string bore.
If a back flow starts while tripping out the pipes,
it can be controlled with a drill pipe safety valve
or kelly cock to close the flowing connection
before reconnecting the kelly and pumping the
RDCV down to its landing sub.
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2.1 Operational data
The table below gives the operational data that the driller may need.
Series 901 902 903 904 905 906 907 908
Check valve OD (in) 1 9/32 1 25/32 2 5/32 2 15/64 2 15/32 2 27/32 3 3/64 3 7/64
Requested string ID (in) 1 11/32 1 27/32 2 7/32 2 19/64 2 17/32 2 29/32 3 7/64 3 11/64
Check valve ID (in) 3/8 5 /8 3/4 7/8 1 1/8 1 3/8 1 9/16 1 11/16
Check valve weight (lbs)
(kgs)
5.3
2.4
6.6
3.0
15.4
7.0
19.0
8.6
24.4
11.0
28.2
12.8
32.7
14.8
38.0
15.8
Connection NC 26
NC 31
NC 31
NC 38
NC 38 4 REG
NC 46
NC 46
NC 50
NC 50
6 5/8 REG
NC 50
6 5/8 REG
NC 50
6 5/8 REG
Landing sub OD mini (in) 3 3/8
4 1/8
4 1/8
4 3/4
4 3/4 5 3/4
6
6
6 1/2
6 1/2
8
6 1/2
8
6 1/2
8
Landing sub length
between shoulders (in)
17 18 22 24 24 25 26 1/2 26 1/2
Landing sub weight for
minimum OD(lbs) (kgs)
37 - 17
59 - 27
58 - 26
86 - 39
89 - 40 152 - 69
168 - 76
162 - 73
195 - 88
194 - 88
229 - 104
199 - 90
323 - 106
196 - 89
320 - 105
Landing sub drift
diameter (in)
1 5/32 1 29/64 1 27/32 2 11/64 2 1/8 2 33/64 2 11/16 2 25/32
Overshot weight (lbs)
(kgs)
1.3
0.6
3.8
1.7
4.8
2.2
5.8
2.6
8.8
4.0
9.3
4.2
10.1
4.6
11.0
5.0
2.2 Drop in check-valve
landing
According to the drill
string ID, a landing sub has
been placed in the string.
In case of a kick, the
RDCV is placed above a
closed Kelly Cock and then
pumped down to its
landing sub. Latching is
automatic and a slight
increase of circulation
pressure is recorded.
2.3 Back flow sealing
Spring and down hole
pressure press the ball on
its seat. Drilling muds
and oil resistant seals
complete the perfect
security against leakage.
Working pressure is
15000 PSI for standard
version and 10000 PSI
for H
2
S resistant
versions.
Figure 1
Figure 2
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ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT 4 / 11
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2.4 Heavy mud circulation
The ball moves down to
allow kick control with
heavy mud circulation. The
spring pushes the ball back
up as soon as the pumps
stop.
2.5 Retrieval with overshot
When control operations are
completed, the overshot will
fish the valve out of the
string. Normal drilling can
resume without requiring a
round trip to remove the
check valve.
The RDCV is a must for floating units drilling
with subsea B.O.P. equipped with shear rams.
The well abandonment will then be safer.
3 VALVE MAINTENANCE
3.1 Preventive rig maintenance
The check-valve should be kept in a store and not
exposed to continuous mud flow erosion. After
use, thoroughly clean the valve and inspect all
components for wear or wash-outs. Lubricate
before storage.
Prior to pump the check valve in the string,
check that:
the ball spring is not stuck with dried
mud by visually inspecting through
the nose openings.
the latch is not stuck, by moving it
downward compressing the latch
spring.
The landing sub sleeve is more exposed to mud
circulation. According to the mud and drilling
conditions, it has to be inspected after each well
or 250 hours.
Landing sub connections have to be inspected
and maintained as per API specifications (i.e.
thoroughly cleaning, use of appropriate API
compounds, application of the right make-up
torque, regular inspection intervals according to
drilling conditions).
3.2 Workshop maintenance
We recommend a workshop maintenance of the
valve each time it is removed from the string, or
after each well drilling and finally if corrosive
fluids were mixed to the mud while drilling.
It is important to note that a disassembly has to
be done after use prior to storage, to avoid getting
seized with dried mud and/or corrosion.
Figure 3
Figure 4
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ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT 5 / 11
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Figure 5 - landing sub
cutaway view
Figure 6 - landing sub
exploded view
L5 - Snap ring (for
standard version)
L6 - Sub pin (for H
2
S
versions)
L4 - Nut
L2 - Sub sleeve
L3 - Sub seals
L1 - Sub body
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ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT 6 / 11
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Figure 7 - check-
valve
exploded view
Figure 8 - check-valve
cutaway view
V2 - Latch nut
V4 - Latch
V3 - Latch spring
V1 - Sleeve
V7 - Valve seals
V6 - Screws
V5 - Seat
V8 - Ball
V9 - Ball spring
OD
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ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT 7 / 11
TIM_RDCV_E-rev 04.doc
Figure 9 - overshot
cutaway view
Figure 10 -
overshot
exploded view
O2 - Overshot
connection
O3 - Shear pin
O4 - Elastic pin (for
standard & H
2
S
trim versions)
O6 - H
2
S pin (for full
NACE version)
O1 - Latch catcher
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ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT 8 / 11
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3.3 Spare parts
Individual parts are marked with following reference number.
Standard version
Item Series
901 902 903 904 905 906 907 908
O1 latch catcher RDP901SO01 RDP902SO01 RDP903SO01 RDP904SO01 RDP905SO01 RDP906SO01 RDP907SO01 RDP908SO01
O2 overshot
connection
RDP901SO02 RDP901SO02 RDP901SO02 RDP901SO02 RDP901SO02 RDP901SO02 RDP901SO02 RDP901SO02
O3 shear pin RDP901SO03 RDP901SO03 RDP901SO03 RDP901SO03 RDP901SO03 RDP901SO03 RDP901SO03 RDP901SO03
O4 elastic pin RDP901SO04 RDP901SO04 RDP903SO04 RDP903SO04 RDP903SO04 RDP903SO04 RDP903SO04 RDP903SO04
O5 rod RDP901SO05 RDP902SO05 RDP903SO05 RDP904SO05 RDP905SO05 RDP906SO05 RDP907SO05 RDP907SO05
V1 sleeve RDP901SV01 RDP902SV01 RDP903SV01 RDP904SV01 RDP905SV01 RDP906SV01 RDP907SV01 RDP908SV01
V2 latch nut RDP901SV02 RDP902SV02 RDP903SV02 RDP904SV02 RDP905SV02 RDP906SV02 RDP907SV02 RDP908SV02
V3 latch spring RDP901SV03 RDP902SV03 RDP903SV03 RDP904SV03 RDP905SV03 RDP906SV03 RDP907SV03 RDP908SV03
V4 latch RDP901SV04 RDP902SV04 RDP903SV04 RDP904SV04 RDP905SV04 RDP906SV04 RDP907SV04 RDP908SV04
V5 seat RDP901SV05 RDP902SV05 RDP903SV05 RDP904SV05 RDP905SV05 RDP906SV05 RDP907SV05 RDP908SV05
V6 screws RDP901SV06 RDP901SV06 RDP903SV06 RDP904SV06 RDP904SV06 RDP904SV06 RDP904SV06 RDP904SV06
V7 valve seal JOIN020N01 JOIN025N01 JOIN033N01 JOIN044N01 JOIN038N01 JOIN048N01 JOIN057N01 JOIN058N01
V8 ball BIL1600S01 BIL2000S01 BIL2540S01 BIL2800S01 BIL3200S01 BIL4000S01 BIL5000S01 BIL5000S01
V9 ball spring RDP901SV09 RDP902SV09 RDP903SV09 RDP904SV09 RDP905SV09 RDP905SV09 RDP907SV09 RDP907SV09
V10 nose RDP901SV10 RDP902SV10 RDP903SV10 RDP904SV10 RDP905SV10 RDP906SV10 RDP907SV10 RDP908SV10
L1 sub body NC 26
3 3/8 OD
RDP901SL01
NC 31
4 1/8 OD
RDP902SL01
NC 38
4 3/4 OD
RDP903SL01
4 1/2 REG
5 3/4 OD
RDP904SL01
NC 46
6 OD
RDP905SL01
NC 50
6 1/2 OD
RDP906SL01
NC 50
6 1/2 OD
RDP907SL01
NC 50
6 1/2 OD
RDP908SL01
NC 31
4 1/8 OD
RDP901SL11
NC 38
4 3/4 OD
RDP902SL11
NC 46
6 OD
RDP904SL11
NC 50
6 1/2 OD
RDP905SL11
6 5/8 REG
8 OD
RDP906SL11
6 5/8 REG
8 OD
RDP907SL11
6 5/8 REG
8 OD
RDP908SL11
L2 sub sleeve RDP901SL02 RDP902SL02 RDP903SL02 RDP904SL02 RDP905SL02 RDP906SL02 RDP907SL02 RDP908SL02
L3 sub seals JOINR27N01 JOIN132410 JOINR33N01 JOINR36N01 JOINR36N01 JOINR39N01 JOINR42N01 JOINR43N01
L4 nut RDP901SL04 RDP902SL04 RDP903SL04 RDP904SL04 RDP905SL04 RDP906SL04 RDP907SL04 RDP908SL04
L5 sub snap ring CIRC700050 CIRC700067 CIRC700077 CIRC700082 CIRC700090 CIRC700095 CIRC700110 CIRC700110
Seal kit RDK901S001 RDK902S001 RDK903S001 RDK904S001 RDK905S001 RDK906S001 RDK907S001 RDK908S001
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ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT 9 / 11
TIM_RDCV_E-rev 04.doc
H
2
S service version
Item Series
901 902 903 904 905 906 907 908
O1 latch catcher RDP901SO01 RDP902SO01 RDP903SO01 RDP904SO01 RDP905SO01 RDP906SO01 RDP907SO01 RDP908SO01
O2 overshot
connection
RDP901SO02 RDP901SO02 RDP901SO02 RDP901SO02 RDP901SO02 RDP901SO02 RDP901SO02 RDP901SO02
O3 shear pin RDP901SO03 RDP901SO03 RDP901SO03 RDP901SO03 RDP901SO03 RDP901SO03 RDP901SO03 RDP901SO03
O4 elastic pin (TRIM) RDP901SO04 RDP901SO04 RDP903SO04 RDP903SO04 RDP903SO04 RDP903SO04 RDP903SO04 RDP903SO04
O5 rod RDP901SO05 RDP902SO05 RDP903SO05 RDP904SO05 RDP905SO05 RDP906SO05 RDP907SO05 RDP907SO05
O6 H2S pin (NACE) RDP901NO06 RDP901NO06 RDP903NO06 RDP903NO06 RDP903NO06 RDP903NO06 RDP903NO06 RDP903NO06
V1 sleeve RDP901HV01 RDP902HV01 RDP903HV01 RDP904HV01 RDP905HV01 RDP906HV01 RDP907HV01 RDP908HV01
V2 latch nut RDP901HV02 RDP902HV02 RDP903HV02 RDP904HV02 RDP905HV02 RDP906HV02 RDP907HV02 RDP908HV02
V3 latch spring RDP901HV03 RDP902HV03 RDP903HV03 RDP904HV03 RDP905HV03 RDP906HV03 RDP907HV03 RDP908HV03
V4 latch RDP901HV04 RDP902HV04 RDP903HV04 RDP904HV04 RDP905HV04 RDP906HV04 RDP907HV04 RDP908HV04
V5 seat RDP901HV05 RDP902HV05 RDP903HV05 RDP904HV05 RDP905HV05 RDP906HV05 RDP907HV05 RDP908HV05
V6 screws RDP901HV06 RDP901HV06 RDP903HV06 RDP904HV06 RDP904HV06 RDP904HV06 RDP904HV06 RDP904HV06
V7 valve seal JOIN020N01 JOIN025N01 JOIN033N01 JOIN044N01 JOIN038N01 JOIN048N01 JOIN057N01 JOIN058N01
V8 ball BIL1600H01 BIL2000H01 BIL2540H01 BIL2800H01 BIL3200H01 BIL4000H01 BIL5000H01 BIL5000H01
V9 ball spring RDP901HV09 RDP902HV09 RDP903HV09 RDP904HV09 RDP905HV09 RDP905HV09 RDP907HV09 RDP907HV09
V10 nose RDP901HV10 RDP902HV10 RDP903HV10 RDP904HV10 RDP905HV10 RDP906HV10 RDP907HV10 RDP908HV10
L1 sub body NC 26
3 3/8 OD
TRIM
RDP901TL01
NACE
RDP901NL01
NC 31
4 1/8 OD
TRIM
RDP902TL01
NACE
RDP902NL01
NC 38
4 3/4 OD
TRIM
RDP903TL01
NACE
RDP903NL01
4 1/2 REG
5 3/4 OD
TRIM
RDP904TL01
NACE
RDP904NL01
NC 46
6 OD
TRIM
RDP905TL01
NACE
RDP905NL01
NC 50
6 1/2 OD
TRIM
RDP906TL01
NACE
RDP906NL01
NC 50
6 1/2 OD
TRIM
RDP907TL01
NACE
RDP907NL01
NC 50
6 1/2 OD
TRIM
RDP908TL01
NACE
RDP908NL01
NC 31
4 1/8 OD
TRIM
RDP901TL11
NACE
RDP901NL11
NC 38
4 3/4 OD
TRIM
RDP902TL11
NACE
RDP902NL11
NC 46
6 OD
TRIM
RDP904TL11
NACE
RDP904NL11
NC 50
6 1/2 OD
TRIM
RDP905TL11
NACE
RDP905NL11
6 5/8 REG
8 OD
TRIM
RDP906TL11
NACE
RDP906NL11
6 5/8 REG
8 OD
TRIM
RDP907TL11
NACE
RDP907NL11
6 5/8 REG
8 OD
TRIM
RDP908TL11
NACE
RDP908NL11
L2 sub sleeve RDP901HL02 RDP902HL02 RDP903HL02 RDP904HL02 RDP905HL02 RDP906HL02 RDP907HL02 RDP908HL02
L3 sub seals JOINR27N01 JOIN132410 JOINR33N01 JOINR36N01 JOINR36N01 JOINR39N01 JOINR42N01 JOINR43N01
L4 nut RDP901HL04 RDP902HL04 RDP903HL04 RDP904HL04 RDP905HL04 RDP906HL04 RDP907HL04 RDP908HL04
L6 sub pin RDP901HL06 RDP901HL06 RDP901HL06 RDP901HL06 RDP901HL06 RDP901HL06 RDP901HL06 RDP901HL06
Seal kit RDK901H001 RDK902H001 RDK903H001 RDK904H001 RDK905H001 RDK906H001 RDK907H001 RDK908H001
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3.4 Repair kits
In order to simplify the maintenance of our
equipment, one type of kits are available.
Seal kit: includes sealing
components of the check valve; i.e. O
ring seals, springs and screw set.
Standard version and H2S service
versions (Items V6(qty 2), V7 (qty 2) &
V9)
Landing subs and overshots have to be replaced
as full assemblies. These sub assemblies do not
feature repair kits.
Please specify on orders:
Valve type : RDCV
Valve version : (standard or H2S service)
Series : 90x
Type of kit : Seal kit or sub assembly
(Overshot, Landing sub)
Kit part number : (see part number tables)
3.5 Disassembly procedure
Valve disassembly
The valve is disassembled using a pipe wrench
and a screw driver.
The following steps are to be followed:
1. Unscrew the latch nut (item V2).
2. Unscrew the nose (item V10).
3. Unscrew the two screws located on the side
(item V6).
4. Separate all remaining components by pulling
them (item V1, V3, V4, V8 & V9).
5. Remove valve seals (Item V7) from the seat
(item V5)
Landing sub disassembly
Landing sub repairing is so unusual that SMFI do
recommend a full replacement of the landing sub
when it is getting some wear.
If disassembly is necessary, the following steps
have to be followed:
1. Remove the snap ring (item L5) with pliers
Nota: there is no snap ring on H
2
S service
products. It is replaced by a rilsan pin
2. Unscrew the nut (item L4).
3. Pull out the sub sleeve (item L2) - or push it
from the sub pin end.
4. Remove sub seals O rings (item L3) from
their grooves.
5. Clean, lubricate and exchange the seals.
Overshot
Overshots are assembled in our workshops and
are not to be disassembled as this sub assembly is
a tool which is not involved in the sealing,
3.6 Check valve assembly
After thoroughly cleaning the internal parts and
the body, carry out a visual inspection of parts.
Lubricate with oil the parts that are to be used for
reassembly, in order to protect them from rust.
All worn parts have to be replaced only by
genuine SMFI parts. See paragraph 3.4 for kits
composition.
3.7 Compatibility with SMFI kelly cocks
As the retrievable drop in check valve may be
required to pass through the kelly cock, the
compatibility of these safety valves is an
important factor. The table below shows the
compatibility between SMFI KC2S and KC4S
kelly cocks and RDCV drop-in check valves.
RDCV Smallest kelly cock required
series KC2S
series
KC4S
series
901 202 402
902 203 404
903 204 404
904 204 404
905 206 406
906 207 407
907 207 407
4 HYDRAULIC TESTING
Each new RDCV is hydraulic bench tested
according to API spec 7 (latest edition) and
delivered with its individual pressure record
sheets.
The test is carried out in two steps:
a SHELL TESTING during which the landing
sub is pressurized to the test pressure (see
table below) for 3 minutes, then depressurized
and pressurized again for at least 10 minutes
without leakage or pressure decrease.
a SEAT TESTING during which the assembly
(landing sub fitted with check-valve) is
pressurized from the pin end to its working
pressure (see table below) for at least
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5 minutes without leakage or pressure
decrease.
PRESSURE TESTING TABLE
Working pressure Test pressure
(PSI) (Mpa) (PSI) (Mpa)
10 000 68.9 15 000 103.4
15 000 103.4 22 500 155.1
For used valves, we highly recommend a seat
testing (at working pressure) after disassembly
and reassembly of the valve as per API spec 7,
section 2, 2.6.2 (latest edition).
5 SPECIAL RDCV
A standard RDCV check valve can fit different
landing subs according to special requirements
such as shorter or longer sub, larger or smaller
diameters, different type of connections.
SMFI is a major manufacturer of customized
valves to meet any special requirements for these
systems. SMFI will meet any customer's special
requirement subject to engineering department
approval.
6 SMFI AFTER-SALES
SUPPORT
For further information or specific adaptation of
our standard products, please contact your
nearest SMFI regional office.
HEADQUARTERS / MARKETING DIVISION /
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
SMF International
7, rue des frres Lumire
58202 COSNE COURS SUR LOIRE cedex
Phone: (33) 3 86 39 52 00
Fax: (33) 3 86 39 52 01
Telex: 800216
Email: smfihq@smf-international.com