Choke Erosion Monitoring

Add analytics to choke data capture

Cameron employee using blow torch on silver valve.

Six choke valves in a line in the warehouse.

Assessing degrees of erosion in plug and cage control chokes operating in high-sand-producing wells is required to proactively plan for equipment maintenance and avoid catastrophic choke failure.

Add the element of analytics to choke data capture with the Cameron choke erosion monitoring program, which monitors the state of control choke deterioration from erosion in the field and reduces unplanned downtime.

How it works

The system comprises position, pressure, and flow sensors that route data through a distributed control system and main control station to generate a real-time curve and software analysis. The output is a traffic-light display (acceptable, warning, or high-risk) in which choke status is intuitively communicated through the level of deviation between actual and calculated C_v values.

Algorithms have been generated based on years of experience sizing chokes and utilizing ISAS75-02 equations. We reviewed field data from our large installed base of chokes and generated acceptable operating criteria and implemented these requirements within the algorithms.

Case study

In a recent field trial, a major operator observed the benefits of the erosion monitoring program on their most prolific wells. The collected data also identified other problems such as restrictions within the operator's system and erratic function of the multiphase flowmeter.