3sun Group’s subsea division has installed its first Time Delay Block Valve (TDBV) for use on hydrocarbon producing wells.

The exclusive valve was designed and manufactured by Bifold Group, specialists in hydraulic and pneumatic stainless steel directional control valves and accessories for hazardous, corrosive and subsea environments, in accordance with a Qualification Specification approved by 3sun Group. The prototype TDBV was installed in June 2015 on a North Sea Platform and has since been operating at excellent capacity.

Graham Hacon, CEO, explained: “Hydrocarbon producing wells have a Down Hole Safety Valve (DHSV or SCSSV – Surface Controlled Sub Sea Safety Valve) which shuts the well quickly when required, and is usually controlled hydraulically from the surface. Due to the large amount of solid debris (mainly sand) carried in the recovered hydrocarbons, contamination damage commonly occurs to the DHSV, causing leakage into the hydraulic control line. This can result in escaping gases which are toxic to the surrounding workforce with high risk fire/explosion potential.

Tags: 3sun Group