Sub-Sea Valves

Tested by:

SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE

External Hydrostatic / Operational Testing: Simulated Test Depth Pressure 10,000 ft. (4,450 psig)

All testing at SwRI on the compact sub-sea valves was witnessed by Mr. Jamie Hinke of DNV Enery North America.

Internal Pressure 10,000 psig

Sealing Integrity: While at an external test pressure of 4,450 psig (simulated) equivalent

water depth of 10,000 feet, the valve was first subjected to a water ingress test. This test

consisted of increasing the external hydrostatic pressure on the valve to 4,450 +10/-0 psig.

With the valve in the open position, the internal bore pressure was increased to between

38 to 58 psig. This condition was maintained for a period of 15 minutes. During this time,

no indications of leakage into the valve were observed. Once the initial water ingress test was

complete, the valve was subjected to a repeated open/close cyclic test at maximum

external test pressure of 4,450 psig and internal bore pressure of 10,000 psig.

Open/Close Cyclic

To perform this portion of the testing, the valve was placed in the open position.

The internal bore pressure was increased to 10,000 +300/-0 psig. The valve was then

placed in the closed position. Once closed, the downstream pressure was reduced to 0 psig.

The valve was then opened against the full differential pressure of 10,000 psig. The bore

pressure would usually drop back to around 8,000 psig at this point. The bore pressure

would then be brought back up to the 10,000 psig level. Once stable, the process

would be continued. The valve was subjected to a total of 53 open/close cycles using

this process. During the cycling process, no visible signs of leakage were observed.

Once the cycling was complete, the valve was subjected to another water ingress test

similar to the first at the beginning of the test. No visible signs of leakage were observed.

At this time, all test pressures were reduced to 0 psig and the chamber opened.

A visual examination of the valve after testing revealed no anomalies.