Pressure ratings similarly, have not suddenly increased there have been incremental rises over a number of years.
We have been designing and building valves for over 50 years and our developments fastidiously mirror the increasing trend for higher integrity product including these higher pressure requirements. 10,000 psi is now ‘business as usual’ with our current capabilities up to 16,500 psi.
Research and development hasn’t stalled however, demand starts to reach 20,000 psi the technological challenges fall into the hands of the metallurgists. With these types of pressures and the associated temperatures the metals used in valves and pipelines need to be revisited.
Operators and vendors are therefore jointly faced with the challenge of developing safe, environmentally and economically viable technology solutions for deepwater HPHT applications that will deliver thermal performance, structural reliability and technical assurance.