Regular preventative maintenance of the Xmas tree gate valves should be performed, and function/pressure integrity testing. The long term performance of the gate valves in production operations can be greatly increased by using a high performance valve lubricant.
In the production stage, the production tree, (often referred to as ‘christmas tree’, ‘Xmas tree’ or ‘XT’) is one of the most critical pieces of equipment. The gate valves on the tree are functional well barriers, which control the flow of hydrocarbons.
They form part of the overall well system, from the tubing in the reservoir to the tree production and choke wings. If these Xmas tree gate valves leak, then it impacts significantly on well integrity, and can lead to an uncontrolled hydrocarbon release. If the valves do not function correctly, then control of the well can be impaired.
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