Baker Hughes develops electrically operated valves for subsea/dry tree wells

Baker Hughes has expanded its intelligent completions portfolio by introducing SureCONTROL Plus interval control valves (ICVs).

These are designed to provide electrical remote operations for better zonal control of subsea and dry tree wells, replacing multiple hydraulic lines with a single electrical line.

Benefits, the company says, include simplifying complex installations, reduced rig time, faster times to production and lessened need for costly interventions. 

SureCONTROL Plus, it adds, can control a higher number of zones than traditional hydraulic ICVs. The digital telemetry system provides continuous data, supporting asset performance management and maintenance of downhole tools. 

Electric topside-to-downhole arrangement for offshore operations

Another development from the company is a new all-electric subsea production system for shallow and deepwater fields, providing what it says is the first fully electric topside-to-downhole arrangement for offshore operations.

The modular system enables existing tree designs to be updated for electric operations, while electro-hydraulic trees in operation on mature fields can be retrofitted for full electrification.

These changes, Baker Hughes says, should improve production control and reliability, with reduced carbon emissions throughout field life of the field. Elimination of hydraulics should also cut the costs, time and complexity of subsea installations, it adds.

Potential applications include long-offset subsea tiebacks and subsea carbon capture, utilization and storage.