The largest choke valves ever produced have been delivered to an unmanned production platform in the North Sea.
Text & image by IMI
IMI has successfully delivered what are believed to be the largest production choke valves ever manufactured to a landmark unmanned processing platform in the North Sea.
The 100D DRAG® multi-stage, multi-turn control valves, manufactured at the company’s IMI CCI production facility in Austria, measure 20” x 20” and are rated to ASME 4500. With a design pressure of 686 barg, the valve body and bonnet comprise of forged ASTM A182 F22 Cl, while a full internal Inconel 625 weld overlay offers enhanced corrosion resistance. Leveraging the patented DRAG™ technology, the trim is made from solid tungsten carbide to provide extreme durability in high-pressure, erosive service.
Following the successful completion of factory acceptance testing in Austria, three 100D DRAG® valves have now been delivered to the site.
Unique operational challenge
Ronald Simon, Principal Engineer for Oil & Gas, and Valve Doctor, at IMI, said: “The successful production and delivery of the 100D DRAG® valves underscores our capability to provide cutting-edge flow control solutions for high-pressure, high-flow offshore applications.
“Designed for use within an unmanned offshore platform, which itself presents a unique operational challenge, these valves are built to the highest quality standards, which are essential to ensuring reliable, safe, and efficient production in remote environments.”
Mr Simon added: “Ultimately, this delivery marks a significant engineering milestone for IMI and reaffirms our commitment to supplying industry-leading flow control solutions for the most demanding offshore applications.”
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