Subsurface safety valves

Since the late 1950s, SLB has led the industry in subsurface safety valve (SSV) design innovations. We’ve achieved many industry firsts, from the first valve to use a flapper to the first low-operating-pressure gas spring valve for ultradeep water. As the pioneer of deepwater safety valves, we have continually improved our designs through consistent innovation.

SSVs are critical components of well completions, preventing uncontrolled flow in the case of catastrophic damage to wellhead equipment. Fail-safe closure must be certain to ensure proper security of the well. However, this is not the only function where the valve must be reliable—it must remain open to produce the well. SLB SSVs exceed all ISO 10432 and API Spec 14A requirements for pressure integrity, leakage acceptance criteria, and slam closure.

Setting-depth flexibility

Our API Spec 14A–certified SSV portfolio offers operational flexibility to overcome any challenge in the industry. Multiple actuation options are available for shallow-set, deepset, and ultradeepset applications.

Which SSV actuation type is best for your application?

Standard spring valves are suitable for shallow-set (100 ft below the surface or mudline) and deepset (up to 6,000-ft TVD) applications. These valves use actuation systems that are tubing-pressure sensitive and remain fail-safe closed without requiring tubing-pressure assist in closure.

For deepset (6,000- to 10,000-ft TVD) and ultradeepset (beyond 10,000-ft TVD) applications, both balanced-line and nitrogen-charged hydraulic actuation systems are available. These unique systems are tubing-pressure insensitive, so they can be operated at pressures below tubing pressure while remaining fail-safe closed.