The project examined the leakage rates for surface safety valves (SSV), underwater safety valves (USV), and subsurface safety valves (SSSV) and the reliability of certified SPPE versus non-certified SPPE. The project also tested two subsurface-controlled SSSV to see how closely they operated to their designed performance. The project specifically examined the differences between the leakage rates specified by MMS regulations and API 14 and 6AV1.
Results:
The project is complete and their findings are available in the final report. The highlights of the project are:
1. MMS' more stringent leakage rates may not significantly increase the level of safety when compared the leakage rates recommended by API; however, a complete hazards analysis should be conducted prior to revising the regulations.
2. Test results indicated that there is no statistical difference in the performance between certified and non-certified SSV.
3. There was preliminary evidence that MMS' concerns about velocity valve sizing and predicting valve performance may be valid. Further testing of should be conducted to gain enough information to make a clear judgement about the use of velocity valves.
Project is complete.