TRC-II Safety Valve Ensures Operation in Ultradeepwater Environment

Deepwater drilling in the Gulf of Mexico

A large independent leaseholder in the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico uses a hub and spoke system of drilling and production facilities to bring discoveries on production quickly and cost effectively. Two safety valve systems were installed at a total setting depth of 3,808 m [12,494 ft] in water 2,438 m [8,000 ft] deep and with well production pressures estimated at 68.95 MPa [10,000 psi].

Searching for a reliable safety valve system that would meet all well, personnel, and environmental protection regulations in these extreme operating conditions, the operator selected the Schlumberger TRC-II safety valve because of its highly successful track record. TRC-II valves are reduced-operating-pressure valves that perform effectively at depths where other technologies do not.

Safety system tailored to deepwater well conditions

A 4.5-in TRC-II 10-series valve was installed April 2006 at a setting depth of 3,808 m [12,494 ft]. A similar valve was installed the following month. Both valves used 50-MPa [7,300-psi] gas spring system pressure.

TRC-II valves have redundant hydraulic actuation with integral-control fluid filters and debris-insensitive disconnect-type rod pistons for fail-safe operation. These valves also feature rod-piston actuators insensitive to tubing pressure and a rugged flapper-closure system with a leakage-acceptance criterion substantially more stringent than that required by API and ISO specifications.