①Disassemble the manual and hydraulic API choke manifold valve covers, remove the valve trims, and thoroughly clean them. Inspect the valve seats, locating pins, piston rods, and cylinders of the hydraulic choke valves. Check if the valve seats, locating pins, square drives, valve trim retaining bolts, and seals of the manual choke valves are intact, and repair or replace any damaged components.
②Open all gate valves, clean the internal and external cavities, and check for any damage, eccentric wear, or other issues. Inspect and replace the steel rings in the middle flanges, and apply sealant grease.
③Ensure that all gate valves operate smoothly and can be opened and closed manually by one person with ease.
④ Open and inspect any gate valves that require excessive force to operate or do not fully open or close. Repair or replace them as necessary.
⑤Connect the choke control panel, operate the hydraulic choke valves, and check their stroke, opening and closing times, seals, and quick connectors for proper functioning and any sticking issues.
⑥Lubricate the valve stem bearings by applying grease.
⑦ Inspect and adjust the tightness of the connecting bolts, ensuring even and uniform tightening.
⑧Install and adjust the high and low-pressure gauges as required, ensuring the observation direction is optimal and verifying that the pressure gauge calibration is within the valid period.
⑨Pressure Testing: Conduct pressure testing from the inner to the outer valves and pipe sections, incrementally pressurizing to the rated working pressure. Hold the pressure for 15 minutes, and ensure no visible leakage and a pressure drop not exceeding 0.7 MPa for a successful test.
Field Usage Precautions
①After opening or closing the manual gate valves on the API choke manifold, rotate the handwheel 1/4-1/2 turn to allow the valve plate to float, facilitating proper seating on the valve seats for a more reliable seal.
②The manual gate valves on the API choke manifold must be in the fully open or fully closed position during operation to prevent damage from high-pressure fluids.
③Regularly apply lubricating grease (yellow grease) to the bearings on the valves.
④For exposed valve stems on manual gate valves, implement dust prevention measures.
⑤Use clean water for pressure testing in summer and anti-freeze fluid or #20 diesel for pressure testing in winter, and take appropriate winterization measures.
⑥If the stem packing leaks slightly during operation, inject 7903 sealant grease through the single-flow valve on the valve cover.
⑦Operate the choke valves once a week to prevent the valve trim from sticking to the valve cover guide due to dried mud, which can increase the operating force.
⑧Perform testing or trial operation of the API choke manifold once a week.
Vigor will provide you with a reliable solution, Please contact us at info@vigorpetroleum.com.
