What is a choke valve?
Choke valves are used to control flow rate and reduce pressure for downstream processing of generated fluids. Effective chokes lower the possibility of downstream equipment damage, allow for a longer production timespan, and relieve stress from field operators by keeping them away from the wellhead.
What is the need for a choke valve?
The requirement for a choke valve is very high in the oil and gas production industries; various variables have enhanced the necessity for a choke valve, and they include. Increasing operational pressure, safety, and dependability. Many oil and gas production plants require the choke valve in order to produce oil and gas reserves in a safe and lucrative manner.
Why choke valve is necessary?
The requirement for a choke valve is very high in the oil and gas production industries; various variables have enhanced the necessity for a choke valve, and they include. Increasing operational pressure, safety, and dependability. Many oil and gas production plants require the choke valve in order to produce oil and gas reserves in a safe and lucrative manner.
Types of Choke Valve
- Regulating choke valves
- Non-Regulating choke valves
Parts of choke valve
- Seat
- Stem
- Body
- Retainer Ring
- Bonnet
- Washer
- Handwheel
- Nut
Seat
These are the discs that sit between the body of the valves and the ball. Seats are designed to act as a barrier between the valve’s body and the ball.
Stem
The stem is the shaft that connects the internal ball to the valve’s exterior, allowing the ball to revolve.
Body
The valve body, which also houses the disc and stem, is the principal pressure-retaining component. This also permits flow from the valve; its end connection is a pipe; depending on the size and pressure of the piping system, this end can be welding type, threaded, or a variety of others.
The valve body can be cast or forged in a range of materials, including cast steel, stainless steel, and alloy steel, depending on the application.
Retainer Ring
Retaining rings, also known as snap rings or circlips, are metal fasteners that are inserted into a groove on a shaft, as well as in a housing or bore, to hold an assembly in place. The devices use a compact, lightweight design that requires fewer machining processes than traditional fastening procedures.
Bonnet
The Bonnet is the second pressure-retaining component of the valve. It is also known as a cover. We can attach a valve enclosure to the system by bolting, welding, or threading it.
The valve stream can pass through the opening in the gate, stop, or diaphragm wall. During maintenance, the bonnet enables access to the valve’s internals.
Washer
Thrust washers are flat washers that are used to link a rotating component to a stationary component. They provide axial support or side-to-side motion on a shaft while also inhibiting movement along that shaft. A thrust washer is a surface on which a bearing can rest.
Handwheel
The handle rotates a ball in the valve, which has a hole or port in it. Flow continues through the valve if the hole is parallel to the pipe; if the hole is perpendicular to the pipe, flow stops at the valve.
Nuts
Nuts are used to tighten various small parts of the equipment to each other. It also strengthens the equipment
Advantages and Disadvantages of Choke Valve
Advantages of Choke Valve
- Less noise due to less pressure recovery
- High rangeability and safety
- Good reliability.
- Erosion can be controlled
Disadvantages of Choke Valve
- Can’t open or close quickly
- By looking at the handle position, it is difficult to figure out whether the valve is open or closed.