scope:

ABSTRACT

This report presents the findings of a study for the Production Department of the American Petroleum Institute entitled, "Subsurface Safety Valve Research Study--Year 1". The purpose of the work is to define potential changes to API Specification 14A for Subsurface Safety Valve Equipment such that the document remains at the forefront of technology and applicable to the harsher downhole conditions (pressure, temperature, and chemistry) in which current and future equipment must perform. A technically strong specification benefits the industry by helping minimize equipment failures and malfunctions and improving operational safety.

The program has included three tasks. The first task was to discuss with production well operators and subsurface safety valve manufacturers the performance and operational requirements for the equipment. The second task was to assemble and evaluate the operator and manufacturer responses relative to functional and performance testing requirements in the Specification. The third task was to identify potential changes to Specification 14A and summarize and document the findings to the American Petroleum Institute.

The study has identified several areas in the testing requirements of Specification 14A which potentially need changing. These potential changes include modifications of the testing requirements for Class 1 and Class 2 service to more appropriately reflect field service conditions. In addition, the study has shown that the inclusion of a new performance test for Class 3 service (for harsh environments) is needed. Elements for this new test have preliminarily been identified.

This report also includes a recommended course of action for completing the development of the potential modifications to API Specification 14A identified in the first year of the study.