Weatherford deep-set safety valve achieves V1 rating

HOUSTON -- Weatherford International's new model WUDP-10 deep-set safety valve has been certified to V1 standards under the American Petroleum Institute (API) Specification 14A.

The valve is designed for deepwater applications, and is effective at depths in excess of 12,000 ft (3,658 m). Additionally, because it operates independent of tubing pressure, the valve can also be set in shallow applications.

The tubing-retrievable valve uses conventional hydraulic functionality to provide long-term, reliable operation that is not dependent on nitrogen storage. The simple design minimizes leak paths and incorporates a heavy power spring for fail-safe closure.

“The WUDP-10 deep-set valve is one element in a larger portfolio of V1- and V0-rated completion technologies for use in deep water,” said Mark Hopmann, V.P. of completions at Weatherford. “Together, these integrated technologies create a toolbox of modular solutions for operators looking to increase efficiency and reliability on offshore rigs.”