What are differences between Back Pressure Valve (BPV) and Two-Way Check Valve (TWCV)?

Learn key differences between Back Pressure Valve (BPV) and Two-Way Check Valve (TWCV) so you can choose the right one for a particular operation.

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What are Surface Controlled Subsurface Safety Valves (SCSSV)?

Surface Controlled Subsurface Safety Valves (SCSSV) are a critical component of well completions, preventing uncontrolled flow in the case of catastrophic damage to wellhead equipment. SCSSV’s are strategically positioned within the tubing string beneath the surface, or mudline in offshore scenarios. Their primary function is to automatically close and secure the well in the event of a catastrophic incident at the surface that poses a risk of severe damage or loss to the wellhead. These valves are governed by a slender steel control line, running externally from the surface down to the valve. In the unfortunate scenario where the wellhead sustains significant damage, leading to the rupture of the control line, the resulting loss of pressure prompts the valve to close, effectively sealing off the tubing. The image below show the actual SCSSV prepared for completion string.

Certainly! Here's a rewritten version of the article: Surface Controlled Subsurface Safety Valves (SCSSV)


Certainly! Here’s a rewritten version of the article:
Surface Controlled Subsurface Safety Valves (SCSSV)

There are primarily 2 designs for these valves: wireline retrievable and  tubing retrievable. Wireline retrievable valves offer the advantage of extracting and servicing or replacing the major components of the valve (excluding the body) without the need to pull the entire tubing string from the well. On the other hand, the tubing retrievable model necessitates the removal of the tubing string from the well to gain access to the valve. These valves, often referred to as “flapper type,” can be secured in the open position using wireline tools. This facilitates access to the tubing string beneath the valve, enabling additional wireline operations as needed.

Surface Controlled Subsurface Safety Valves (SCSSV) can be called in different names ie Tubing Retrievable Valve (TRSV), Down Hole Safety Valve (DHSV), Sub Surface Safety Valve (SSSV). If you see these names, they are  (SCSSV).

References

Cormack, D. (2007). An introduction to well control calculations for drilling operations. 1st ed. Texas: Springer.
Crumpton, H. (2010). Well Control for Completions and Interventions. 1st ed. Texas: Gulf Publishing.
Grace, R. (2003). Blowout and well control handbook [recurso electrónico]. 1st ed. Paises Bajos: Gulf Professional Pub.

Why do we use High-Vis Sweep in drilling operation?

In oil and gas industry, a specialized drilling fluid known as high-vis sweep is often used and its primary purpose is to optimize hole cleaning and remove cuttings from the wellbore. What distinguishes this fluid is its heightened viscosity, a quality achieved by incorporating polymers or other additives into the base drilling fluid. This augmented viscosity empowers the sweep fluid to transport cuttings up the annulus out of the well.

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What is a Back Pressure Valve (BPV)?

A Back Pressure Valve (BPV), also known as a tubing plug, serves as a one-way check valve typically placed within a specially machined profile in the tubing hanger or plug bushing. Its primary function is to impede the flow of fluids and gases through the hanger while permitting the pumping of fluid into the tubing string. These valves find application in various well operations such as removing the production tree, facilitating the initial nipple up of the Blowout Preventer (BOP) stack, installing the tree during the nippling down of the BOP stack, and handling heavy lifts over the wellhead.

The installation or removal of BPVs can be carried out with either the tree or BOP stack nipple up on the tubing head. Moreover, they can be installed with or without pressure on the tubing. If the BPV needs to be installed through the tree with pressure on the well, a lubricator is necessary. Wellhead manufacturers offer diverse designs for Back Pressure Valves, which depend on the size and make of the hanger and wellhead. It’s crucial to note that only personnel specifically trained by wellhead manufacturers should undertake the installation and removal of these valves.

There are typically two types of BPVs: type “B” and type “H,” illustrated in the diagram below. Both types fulfill the same function. The choice between type “B” and “H” depends on the tubing hanger models. Some hangers may be equipped with type “B,” while others may require type “H.” Therefore, wellhead manufacturers can provide guidance on which types of tubing hangers are suitable for specific models.

 

 

References

Cormack, D. (2007). An introduction to well control calculations for drilling operations. 1st ed. Texas: Springer.
Crumpton, H. (2010). Well Control for Completions and Interventions. 1st ed. Texas: Gulf Publishing.
Grace, R. (2003). Blowout and well control handbook [recurso electrónico]. 1st ed. Paises Bajos: Gulf Professional Pub.