Elastomers Are Eliminated in High-Pressure Surface-Controlled Subsurface Safety Valves

Abstract

Summary Industry well completions are currently limited by the uncertain finite life of elastomers. The useful life of subsurface equipment with elastomeric seals is shortened by temperature, pressure, amines, acids, and completion fluids. All-metal, hydraulically operated surface-controlled subsurface safety valves (SCSSV's) that meet and exceed all regulatory requirements and standards are now available with no elastomeric seals. This fully developed design, awarded the Special Meritorious Award for Engineering Innovation in May 1983, has been completely laboratory and field tested and is being used in critical service well completions. Development of subsurface high-pressure completion equipment indicates that at 10,000-psi [69-MPa] working pressure; elastomers perform at minimum acceptable levels. The longevity of subsurface completion equipment is limited and uncertain. Combining sound engineering principles with state-of-the-art metallurgy, reducing galling tendencies of high-nickel/chrome alloys, and using diffused-surface alloys have resulted in the technology for all-metal hydraulically operated equipment. This technology is expandable to an entire subsurface completion system without any elastomers.