Baker Hughes announced the commercial release of its Vault™ barrier valve, which provides an ISO-qualified barrier in the wellbore to help protect the lower completion and minimise costly fluid loss during well construction. Because of its high-pressure/high-temperature (HP/HT) ratings, debris-tolerant design and ability to perform multiple open/close cycles, the valve offers increased operational reliability and flexibility.
The Vault barrier valve is designed primarily for sand control applications and can be used in both cased and openhole wellbores. It is rated to 200°C, and can withstand pressures up to 15,000 psi for sealing integrity and well control. The valve’s large debris sump enables trouble-free opening and closing, even if large amounts of debris accumulate on top of the valve, helping to minimise interventions.
The Vault barrier valve can be opened as many times as needed using remote, resettable hydraulic actuation, avoiding multiple trips in costly offshore environments. A shifting tool can easily close or open the valve. When the Vault barrier valve is run with the Baker Hughes SC-XP™ frac-pack system, which features a gas-tight sliding sleeve, the need for an inner string is eliminated, further increasing efficiency and reducing cost.
