Skip to main content

What are Subsea Isolation Valves?

A Subsea Isolation Valve (SSIV) is an important safety device used in subsea oil and gas production systems, designed to isolate and shut off the flow of oil and gas in the event of an emergency or unplanned shutdown, this helps to prevent damage to equipment and to ensure the safety of personnel. The SSIV is located in the subsea production system, at strategic points such as on the production tree or at the wellhead and is connected to a control system on the production platform. When an emergency or shutdown event occurs, the control system sends a signal to the SSIV, causing it to close and shut off the flow of oil and gas.

SSIVs are designed to operate in subsea environments which are very harsh. High pressures, extreme temperatures and corrosive conditions are held at bay by the construction of high-strength materials such as stainless steel which are designed to withstand the forces and stresses associated with subsea production.

Benefits of using Subsea Isolation Valves

Improved Safety
Subsea isolation valves can help to prevent the release of hazardous materials in the event of a leak or other emergency.

Increased Efficiency
Subsea isolation valves can help to improve the efficiency of oil and gas production by allowing for the isolation of individual wells or pipelines.

Reduced Costs
Subsea isolation valves can help to reduce the costs of oil and gas production by preventing the need for costly repairs or shutdowns.

Types of Subsea Isolation Valves

Ball Valves
Ball valves are a type of subsea isolation valve that uses a ball with a hole in it to control the flow of material. Ball valves are typically used for high-pressure applications.

Butterfly Valves
Butterfly valves are a type of subsea isolation valve that uses a disc with a hole in it to control the flow of material. Butterfly valves are typically used for low-pressure applications.

Gate Valves
Gate valves are a type of subsea isolation valve that uses a gate to control the flow of material. Gate valves are typically used for high-pressure and high-temperature applications.

Plug Valves
Plug valves are a type of subsea isolation valve that uses a plug to control the flow of material. Plug valves are typically used for low-pressure and low-temperature applications.

Conclusion

The Subsea Isolation Valve is an indispensable element of subsea oil and gas production systems. It ensures the safety of personnel and equipment and facilitates the efficient and reliable extraction of oil and gas from underwater reservoirs.

Umbilicals for Subsea Isolation Valves

Fibron’s umbilicals for SSIVs (Subsea Isolation Valves) are specialized cables that provide power and control signals to the SSIVs in subsea oil and gas production systems. They are made up of multiple components, including electrical conductors, hydraulic hoses, and fiber optic cables.

The umbilicals for SSIVs are used to transmit power and control signals from the production platform to the SSIVs, enabling remote operation and control of the valves. The control signals can be used to open or close the valves, or to monitor their status and performance.

Our umbilicals for SSIVs are designed to withstand the harsh conditions of subsea environments, including high pressures, extreme temperatures, and corrosive fluids. They are made from materials such as high-strength steel or titanium, and are coated with specialized insulation and protection layers to ensure their durability and reliability.

These specialised umbilicals can also be used to transmit data and communication signals between the subsea production system and the production platform. For example, they can be used to transmit data from subsea sensors and instruments, or to provide real-time video and audio feeds from subsea operations.

Designing Umbilicals Subsea Isolation Valves

When designing an umbilical for a subsea isolation valve, several factors are taken into account, including water depth, pressure, temperature, corrosion resistance from seawater, abrasion resistance from currents and waves, and cost. The water depth determines the length and material of the umbilical, the water pressure determines the strength required, and the water temperature determines the materials that can be used. Additionally, the umbilical must be designed to resist corrosion from seawater and abrasion from the marine environment, while also being cost-effective.

At Fibron, our expert team of designers and engineers, can carefully craft a solution to meet your requirements.