Requirements for Changing Out WL/SSSV's

[Roberdeen]

The company I am working for has stated in their procedures that all their wireline retrievable safety valves have to be replaced after six years, if they have not failed before this period of course. In my experience, with other oil/gas companies, a wireline retrievable safety does not need to be replaced unless that SSSV has failed.

I would like to change this procedure so they only change the SSSV when it has failed. Of course the procedure will also state that the safety valve has to be integrity tested on a regular basis but will not be changed unless a failure has been observed.

Does anyone know whether what I have mentioned above is incorrect or they know of another spin on this topic?

 

[jwag]

I assume these are not "insert" type WL SSCSSVs that are back-ups to failed SCSSVs. In my experience you have a dome charge type and a spring type valve. Both should be evaluated once a year (or as needed for drastic changes in flow) for changes in flow characteristics of the well. A reduction in dome pressure, bean size, and/or spring size is needed for a declining pressure well. You need also pay attention to slugging that causes the valve to shut-in.

The MMS and most states have regulations with a set time duration for testing the wireline retreivable SSCSSVs. If the SSCSSV fails then replacing it or replacing the faulty part is needed. In the fields I have worked in, the SSCSSV is usually operational for more than 6 years.

I haven't seen a study on operational life of SSCSSVs, but I am sure the valve manufacturers or Service Company Rep may have data on the optimal life of these valves.

Good Luck in your analysis.

 

[DrillerNic]

Roberdeen- One my last project, the field I was responsible for had wireline retreivable SSSVs, and they simply tested them regularly and replaced them when they failed (or put storm choke in the SSSV nipple if the control line failed). They didn't replace them before failure, and I can't see any reason why your company is doing the same.