An ultradeepwater well in the Gulf of Mexico, drilled to 17,715 ft [5,400 m], encountered 56 net feet of natural gas pay in Upper Miocene reservoirs. The well was capable of producing 5,000 bbl/d of condensate and 1 Bcf/d of gas.

The operator needed a reliable safety valve that would help preserve well integrity in the event of emergency at a depth greater than 13,000 ft [3,962 m], a record setting depth for safety valves.