Offshore valves and actuators help in controlling the flow of recovered oil and gas, condensate, and water on offshore infrastructure to enable safe operations. Oil and gas ball valves and actuators should be corrosion-resistant and made of robust materials.
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Finding suppliers of oil and gas valves and actuators
Offshore Technology has listed leading providers of valves and actuators, including oil and gas ball valves, block and bleed plug valves, vacuum and air release valves, and forged steel ball valve systems, based on its intel, insights, and decades-long experience in the sector.
The list includes providers of marine breakaway coupling systems, valve control systems, quick connect couplings, automated control ball valves, and butterfly valves and actuators.
The information contained within the download document is designed for valve technicians, instrument and mechanical technicians, pipeline engineers and technicians, field service technicians, pressure drilling technicians, and pump valve system service engineers.
The download contains detailed information on the suppliers and their product lines, alongside contact details to aid your purchasing decisions.
Types of oil and gas valves and actuators
The offshore sector utilises various types of valves to start/stop the flow of oil, gas and other liquids and fluids as well as control their flow. The most common types of valves are:
- Control valves
- Pinch valves
- On-off valves
- Check valves
- Gate valves
- Emergency shutdown valves
- Oil and gas ball valves, including forged steel ball valve
- Butterfly valves
- Globe valves
- Chemical valves, and
- Seawater valves
Titanium, nickel aluminium bronze alloy, and duplex stainless steel are the major materials used in the manufacture of valves.
Actuators are mechanical devices used for operating the valves and are of three basic types – hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical, based on the energy used for operation. Actuators are mainly used are drilling, extraction, transportation, processing and storage. The actuators should be able to withstand adverse marine environments and explosions.
Marine breakaway coupling systems
Marine breakaway coupling systems are part of hose transfer systems that are used for offloading oil onto offshore tankers and loading terminals. They are designed to prevent environmental pollution and the risk of costly oil clean-ups resulting from oil spills in case of a tanker breakout or a sudden increase in pipeline pressure.
Petal valve marine breakaway coupling, safety breakaway coupling, emergency release coupling, dry-disconnect coupling and flip-flap marine breakaway coupling are some of the common marine breakaway coupling systems.
FAQs for Oil and Gas Valves and Actuators in Offshore Applications
1. What types of valves are used in the offshore oil and gas industry?
Common valves include ball valves, gate valves, check valves, control valves, and butterfly valves. These valves help regulate, direct, and control the flow of oil and gas in pipelines and processing systems.
2. How are actuators used in offshore valve systems?
Actuators automate valve operation, controlling them through hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric power. They ensure safety, efficiency, and precision in offshore drilling and processing.
3. Why is corrosion resistance important for valves in offshore environments?
Valves must withstand harsh marine environments, including exposure to seawater and chemicals. Materials like stainless steel, nickel alloys, and titanium are often used to prevent corrosion and ensure durability.
4. What is an emergency shutdown valve (ESD), and why is it critical?
ESD valves automatically shut off the flow in emergencies, protecting personnel and equipment. They are vital for preventing leaks, blowouts, or accidents in hazardous offshore environments.
5. How can offshore operators ensure proper valve maintenance?
Regular inspections, lubrication, and pressure testing help maintain valve performance. Offshore operators must follow strict maintenance schedules to ensure operational integrity and safety compliance.