RE: EIA - Block 11F19 May 2019 18:55
Variable Flow Choke Valve
This type of valve is generally a type of extremely large needle valve. It has a calibrated opening for workers, so the device can be customized using 1/64 inch sized measurements.
Variable flow choke valves are very expensive; and are typically made of stainless steel, steel, or tungsten carbide steel. Since the valve requires the ability to tolerate the high speed flow of the various abrasive materials, a high quality steel must be used. In most cases, this will help safeguard against damages for several years.
Due to financial reasons and the productivity volume, ¾ inch valves are most commonly used. However, high productivity wells typically require variable choke valves of 1 inch or more.
Each valve is carefully marked to identify the specific opening size. You can indicate the size of a fully open valve by the last number. For instance, if the valve is 32; it is 32/64ths or ½ inch.
It is important to keep up with all aspects of the well. For instance, if there is any paraffin or salt water in the oil, it can cause the opening to clog. Therefore, it is recommended to periodically have the choke open to higher settings for short intervals; followed by periods of opening and closing it back up. This allows the well flow to clean out the seat and eliminate any buildup gathered within the variable flow choke valve.
On occasion, this type of valve can be set to productivity speeds permitting water to collect at the base of the well by dropping back down through the tubing string. As the water pools, it will slowly start to prevent the oil productivity; and at times, can even destroy the well.
When this occurs, it will be necessary to use a swabbing unit to swab from the tank battery to the water blanket in order to obtain proper flow. Increasing the flow rate in the choke by widening the opening for short intervals can help to prevent this issue.
"The rate of 1,100 bbl/d produced through an 1/4 inch choke significantly exceeded the Company's target rate of 325 bbl/d, triggering an immediate requirement to upgrade production infrastructure. While the Company addresses production capacity and offtake requirements, the diameter of the choke has been reduced as of 13 April 2019 from 1/4 inches (~6 millimetres) to 1/8 inch (at just over 3 millimetres, the smallest size possible), scaling back production from 1,100 bbl/d to a rate of around 700 bbl/d".
SO what will this produce when the valve is opened.
1/4inch and 1/8th inch is indeed considered small.
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