Schlumberger has announced the release of the Fortress isolation valve at the Offshore Europe 2011 Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition. The Fortress valve simplifies the transition from upper completion to production without the need for intervention. The Fortress valve is designed for deepwater and other harsh environments where debris accumulates and actuation requires more force.
The Fortress ball does not have gaps or passageways that allow solids to accumulate in critical spaces, which would prevent the ball from rotating. Friction is reduced and the ball is allowed to open under higher differential pressures through the use of simplified cages, a simplified arm and wiper rings, which reduce the amount of solids that can enter the ball housing space.
The Fortress ball does not have gaps or passageways that allow solids to accumulate in critical spaces, which would prevent the ball from rotating. Friction is reduced and the ball is allowed to open under higher differential pressures through the use of simplified cages, a simplified arm and wiper rings, which reduce the amount of solids that can enter the ball housing space.
The valve effectively minimizes frictional effects and shifting force variability caused by debris. The valve also optimizes the actuation energy available, allowing the valve to be operated in wells with high differential pressures of up to 4500psi across the ball. A South American operator selected the Fortress isolation valve for use in a deepwater horizontal well.
The valve was successfully installed at a water depth of 5148ft in a deepwater horizontal openhole gravel pack completion. After 30 days of suspension time the valve was successfully remote-actuated from surface.