NOV (National Oilwell Varco) flow control valves are critical components in the oil and gas industry, primarily used to regulate, manage, and control the flow of fluids in various types of drilling, production, and well intervention systems. Here’s a comprehensive overview of NOV flow control valves:
1. Overview of NOV Flow Control Valves
NOV produces a wide range of flow control valves for downhole, surface, and subsea applications. These valves are essential for:
- Maintaining safe pressure and flow rates
- Enhancing production efficiency
- Protecting equipment from damage
- Improving reservoir management
2. Types of NOV Flow Control Valves
a. Choke Valves
Used to control fluid flow rate and pressure drop. Commonly installed at the wellhead or in choke manifolds.
- Adjustable Chokes – Allow manual or automated flow adjustments
- Fixed Chokes – Designed with a fixed orifice size
b. Gate Valves
Used for on/off flow control in drilling and production systems.
- Slab gate
- Expanding gate
- Can be manual, hydraulic, or pneumatic
c. Ball Valves
Offer quick open/close functionality with low pressure drop.
- Used in high-pressure service
- Available with various actuation methods
d. Globe Valves
Provide precise throttling and flow regulation.
- Suitable for erosive or high-pressure environments
e. Subsurface Flow Control Valves
Used inside the wellbore, such as:
- Sliding Sleeve Valves – Allow selective flow from multiple zones
- Downhole Safety Valves (DHSV) – Automatically shut off the well in case of emergency
- Gas Lift Valves – Regulate injected gas for artificial lift
3. Key Features of NOV Valves
- High pressure and temperature ratings
- Corrosion-resistant materials (Inconel, Stainless Steel, etc.)
- API and ISO certification
- Compatibility with harsh environments (H2S, CO2)
- Remote operation and automation compatibility
4. Standards & Compliance
NOV valves comply with:
- API 6A, 6D, 17D
- ISO 10423, 13628
- NACE MR0175 for sour service
NOTE:
Here’s a comparative overview of flow control valves from NOV, Cameron (a Schlumberger company), and Baker Hughes, highlighting their key features and applications.
🔧 NOV Flow Control Valves
Product Highlight: ReAct™ Inflow Valve (IFV)
- Type: Electronically actuated sleeve-type valve
- Application: Permanently installed in the wellbore to control flow through ports or installed chokes
- Features:
- Facilitates interventionless, sequential well start-up
- Electronically actuated for precise control
- Designed to extend the productive life of the reservoir
- Specifications: Detailed specifications are available on NOV’s official product pageNOV+2NOV+2dam.bakerhughes.com+2
🔩 Cameron (Schlumberger) Flow Control Valves
Product Highlight: Fully Welded Ball Valves
- Type: Fully welded ball valves
- Applications: Suitable for both onshore and offshore environments, including subsea installations
- Features:
- Conform to ASME/ANSI, ISO 14313/API 6D, ISO 10423/API 6A standards
- Available with accessories like high heads for remote operation and right-angle extensions for space-constrained installations
- Designed for high-pressure applications
Product Highlight: Control Chokes
- Type: Control choke valves
- Applications: Used in production, injection, artificial lift, flowback, and storage applications
- Features:
- Provide precise flow control throughout their operating range
- Available with plug & cage, external-sleeve, or multistage trim types
- Suitable for severe service conditions
⚙️ Baker Hughes Flow Control Valves
Product Highlight: Masoneilan™ 72000 Series Control Valve
- Type: Energy management and low noise control valves
- Applications: Designed for applications with large mass flow rates and high differential pressures, such as compressor surge control and gas to flare
- Features:
- Engineered to handle substantial levels of noise attenuation
- Available in various configurations to suit specific applications
Product Highlight: MultiNode™ Electric Flow Control Valve (eFCV)
- Type: Part of the MultiNode all-electric intelligent completion system
- Applications: Used to balance hydrocarbon flow in long wellbores and combat water breakthrough
- Features:
- Reduces or increases flow paths in production and injection zones
- Improves the quality of production and ultimate recovery