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Oliver Valvetek’s improvements to its Liquid Penetrant Inspection (LPI) line

In response to escalating demand and projected growth over the next half-decade, our company embarked on a rigorous analysis to identify potential bottlenecks within our production processes, aiming to safeguard and enhance our on-time delivery performance. Following a meticulous assessment, our Liquid Penetrant Inspection (LPI) line emerged as a significant bottleneck, posing a substantial threat to our overall production efficiency. The need to outsource certain tasks to meet demand was further compounded by delays stemming from subcontractor lead times, adversely impacting our timelines.

After conducting an exhaustive exploration of available alternatives, we pinpointed a solution poised not only to alleviate the bottleneck but also to redefine our production efficiency: the introduction of an electrostatic spray booth supplied by ATH NDT.

This state-of-the-art booth, distinguished by its overhead monorail system, presents an innovative approach to processing both large batches of small components and smaller batches of larger components with remarkable ease. In sharp contrast to our labour-intensive manual LPI line, this solution significantly streamlines the process, thereby not only enhancing efficiency but also uplifting operator morale.

However, the benefits of this innovative solution extend far beyond mere process efficiency. The adoption of the spray method ensures a more judicious use of penetrant, thereby minimizing waste and associated costs while simultaneously improving quality by reducing the likelihood of overlooked defects. Furthermore, the integration of a new activated carbon filter, which efficiently processes all penetrant wash-off, underscores our commitment to environmental sustainability, marking a significant step towards greener practices within our operations. Moreover, the elimination of subcontracting requirements empowers us with greater autonomy and control over our production schedules, facilitating more precise planning and execution of tasks.

By strengthening the efficiency of our LPI department, we are not only poised to meet the growing demands of our expanding clientele but also equipped to swiftly adapt to evolving customer requirements as our business continues to flourish and evolve. This strategic investment not only reaffirms our unwavering commitment to excellence but also positions us as a formidable force in a dynamic and competitive marketplace. As we steadfastly pursue our organizational objectives, this transformative solution stands as a testament to our ingenuity, resilience, and unyielding dedication to customer satisfaction and operational excellence.

In implementing this innovative solution, we are not only optimizing our operations but also enhancing the value we provide to our customers. By streamlining processes, improving quality, and ensuring timely delivery, we are committed to delivering superior products and services, ultimately driving greater satisfaction and loyalty among our valued clientele.

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Oliver Valvetek wins a multi-million-pound export order to manufacture Subsea Gate Valves

Manufacturing capacity, engineering excellence and client required product qualifications were the key drivers to securing the order, and it was placed on an expedited delivery with the first shipments due to leave the UK at the end of January 2024.

The order that includes a mix of ½” Hydraulic, ½”Manual and 1″ hydraulic Gate Valves which required extremely demanding and specialist client driven qualification testing. This was successfully completed by Oliver Valvetek engineers at our state-of-the-art Research and Development facility in Knutsford, England.

A total of 480 Gate Valves will be manufactured in Inconel 625 and Super Duplex materials and shipped directly to a tree manufacturer in Brazil where final assembly into twenty Subsea Christmas Trees will take place.

For more information on Subsea valves, contact Oliver Valvetek on +44 (0)1565 632 636 or email sales@valves.co.uk | www.valves.co.uk

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Oliver Valvetek to Supply North Sea Redevelopment Field

The Murlach offshore redevelopment oil field was previously known as Skua and is located in the North Sea, 203km off the coast of Aberdeen, Scotland. The project, jointly operated by BP Exploration Operating Company (BPEOC) and NEO Energy Central North Sea is due to commence production in June 2025.

To support the project, Oliver Valvetek is to supply a number of specialist subsea valves. Scope of supply includes 2 1/16″ API6A 10K rated Flanged valves with a 3/8″ bore Double Block and Bleed Needle valve bolted to the flange.

For more information on Subsea valves, contact Oliver Valvetek on +44 (0)1565 632 636 or email sales@valves.co.uk | www.valves.co.uk

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Oliver Valvetek hybrid Gate Valve designs meet customer specifications

Oliver Valvetek’s unique approach to Subsea valve design and manufacturing is exemplary and world-leading. Engineering teams often take-on, sometimes, very complex and difficult to manufacture valve concepts and specifications required by customers, and to see them on the production line is truly remarkable.

One recent example is a Subsea Gate Valve that was designed with the Actuator on an extension piece, and used in operation on a Total Moho Infill Subsea Project. This hybrid design allowed the valve to be fully covered by Christmas Tree insulation with the actuator on the outside of the insulation process.

For more information on Subsea valves, contact Oliver Valvetek on +44 (0)1565 632 636 or email sales@valves.co.uk | www.valves.co.uk

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Oliver Valvetek supplies first 15,000 Psi Trunnion Dual Stem Sealing Ball Valves for Exxon Mobil Uaru

Oliver Valvetek’s unique approach to Subsea valve design and manufacturing is exemplary and world-leading. They partner with one of the leading Subsea Tree and Subsea Distribution Units manufacturers in the world and is supplying valves to the Exxon Mobil Guyana Futures field.

For the past 5 years, Oliver Valvetek has provided more than 3000 pieces of ½” 10,000psi rated Subsea Trunnion style Ball Valves for the full field development. Due to changes in production, control system requirements, and an operation pressure increase, Exxon Mobil also required a 15,000psi rated valve.

Oliver Valvetek successfully qualified a valve to API6A PR2F and API17D 3rd Ed and included specialist testing and materials that were specific to the pressure and process media application.

For more information on Subsea valves, contact Oliver Valvetek on +44 (0)1565 632 636 or email sales@valves.co.uk | www.valves.co.uk

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Oliver Valvetek supplies first 15,000 Psi Trunnion Dual Stem Sealing Ball Valves for Exxon Mobil Uaru

Oliver Valvetek’s unique approach to Subsea valve design and manufacturing is exemplary and world-leading. They partner with one of the leading Subsea Tree and Subsea Distribution Units manufacturers in the world and is supplying valves to the Exxon Mobil Guyana Futures field.

For the past 5 years, Oliver Valvetek has provided more than 3000 pieces of ½” 10,000psi rated Subsea Trunnion style Ball Valves for the full field development. Due to changes in production, control system requirements, and an operation pressure increase, Exxon Mobil also required a 15,000psi rated valve.

Oliver Valvetek successfully qualified a valve to API6A PR2F and API17D 3rd Ed and included specialist testing and materials that were specific to the pressure and process media application.

For more information on Subsea valves, contact Oliver Valvetek on +44 (0)1565 632 636 or email sales@valves.co.uk | www.valves.co.uk

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Oliver Valvetek qualify Trunnion Ball Valve in 316 Stainless Steel to +121 Deg C

Working in close collaboration with Oliver’s Research and Development Centre, Oliver Valvetek has successfully designed, qualified and manufactured a range of 3/8” Trunnion mounted small bore valves in 316 Stainless Steel tested to temperatures of +121 Deg C.

The use of 316 Stainless Steel material isn’t normally selected for operating temperatures above +60 Deg C due to NACE requirements, however, our engineering team have developed valves in both 2-way and 3-way configurations that can be used specifically on Hydraulic lines and not in contact with well bore fluid (H2S contact). This valve offers a commercial cost saving over the use of other materials such as Super Duplex, which would be typically used for such applications.

For more information on Subsea Ball valves, contact Oliver Valvetek on +44 (0)1565 632 636 or email sales@valves.co.uk | www.valves.co.uk

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SIL 3 Certification for Oliver Twinsafe

Oliver Twinsafe Trunnion Mounted valves and Floating Ball Valves have successfully been SIL certified at level 3. This new and important milestone provides operators with safety assurances at the highest level and has resulted from many months of engineering design, QA reviews, and audits.

 

A SIL (Safety Integrity Level) is a measure of safety system performance, in terms of probability of failure on demand (PFD). The higher the SIL level, the higher the associated safety level, and the lower probability that a system will fail to perform properly. SIL 3 is the highest rating that can be given to a valve.

 

High Integrity Pressure Protection Systems (HIPPS) and remotely located well-head manifolds are normally associated with SIL certification. Operators are to gain additional safety assurances from installing our ball valves, in that, when the valve is required to perform its fail-safe function, the probability of it not performing is extremely low.

 

SIL 3 certification has been awarded by Exida, a third-party safety assessment organisation. The certification covers our range of Single Isolate valves, and Double Block and Bleed valves comprising two separate isolates within the assembly. Bore sizes for Trunnion Mounted valves range from 1” – 16” and 1” – 3” on Floating Ball valves.

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Oliver Valvetek Double Gate Valves on the Norwegian Continental Shelf

Oliver Valvetek has manufactured a number of 1” Double Block Subsea Gate Valves with manual and hydraulic actuation destined for the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS).

This dual functioning valve consists of a 1” hydraulic gate valve and a 1” multi-turn manual Gate valve both positioned on a single unitary forged valve block for dual redundancy and functionality.  This unique and customised design brings additional benefits to subsea tree engineers in that it now provides flexibility to be used as stand-alone and fully functioning valves on other applications of the tree due to its standardised valve footprint.

To date, Oliver Valvetek has manufactured more than 150 double gate valves with the hydraulic gate valve being a coil spring design as specified by the end-user.

Interestingly, a continental shelf is a shallow and relatively flat stretch of seabed that extends from the shoreline to water depths of around 200 metres, before dropping off to deeper waters in what’s called the continental slope.

The importance of the continental shelf to Norway is that it holds huge natural resources such as oil and gas, but also fishing. The best-known fishing areas are found on the Shelf and at the edges where it meets the deep sea. Under international law, coastal states are entitled to their continental shelf up to 200 nautical miles from their shores with some exceptions made to lengthen this, with NCS being one.

For information on how Oliver Valvetek can provide subsea valve solutions for your project, telephone +44(0)1565 632 636 or visit our website at www.valves.co.uk