Pressure Regulation in Oil & Gas Production and Desalination
Industries: Oil & Gas Production – Onshore, Offshore, FPSO; Desalination & Electro-chlorination
Media: Hydrocarbons, Seawater, Brine, Fresh Water
Valve Requirement: Pressure Reducing Valves (PRV), Back Pressure Regulating Valves (BPRV)
The Oil & Gas industry and associated desalination processes hold an abundance of applications for pressure regulating valves. From upstream at the well head, to early dewatering and processing, to downstream Oil & Gas refining, pressure reducing valves and back pressure regulators play a major role in process pressure control. In this application page, we discuss some of the specific uses of pressure regulators in the production process and in associated desalination applications.
Onshore and Offshore Production
Whether onshore or offshore, the early processing of crude oil and natural gas begins close to the well head, at production plants located near the production fields where the oil and gas are extracted. The purpose of these facilities is to separate and purify the fluids extracted.
In the case of crude oil, that means separating any sediments and water, capturing useful hydrocarbon-containing gases, and eliminating any volatile or toxic gasses.
Initial natural gas processing separates and purifies the gas, removing sediments, water, crude oil, and contaminants like hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide. It also involves condensing and capturing any useful natural gas liquids (NGL). This crucial step prevents pipeline clogging and corrosion, ensuring the gas meets pipeline quality standards for transportation and that every BTU of potential energy is captured.
Natural gas and crude oil production also occurs offshore, relatively close to well fields, using either fixed or floating production platforms.
Onshore Oil and Gas Production
The Mark 60 Sliding Gate Pressure Regulator and Mark 68G Series Pressure Regulator are widely used for onshore oil and gas processing applications. Below is a picture of two parallel Mark 60 Series pressure regulating valves used for precision pressure control in a processed crude oil line, set up for redundant bypass or for an extended flow range beyond the turndown of a single valve.
The Mark 68G could also be used as a more competitive offering for equal or more 2″ pipe installations on similar oil applications. The MK68G is also ideal for industrial gas service with its optional thermoset elastomer soft seats.
Offshore Oil and Gas Production
Offshore platforms and FPSOs rely on the same precision pressure control as onshore facilities, with added requirements for compact footprint, vibration tolerance, and material compatibility with marine environments. Below is a picture of technicians installing Mark 60 valves aboard an FPSO. These Mark 60s were used for processed crude oil pressure control.
Beyond hydrocarbon service, Jordan Valve regulators are widely deployed on the utility side of offshore facilities – including safety-critical fresh water supply. Below is a Mark 68G reducing the pressure of fresh water at an eye irrigation station.
Firefighting Seawater Supply Stations
The LowFlow Model MK6800HP Series pressure reducing valve and the Jordan Mark 50 Series back pressure regulators are used for firefighting seawater supply stations on offshore platforms. High pressure seawater discharge during a firefighting system test on an offshore platform – the type of duty cycle the MK6800Hp is built to handle.
The Mark 6800HP Series barstock body, bonnet and spring housing components are machined from salt water-compatible materials, making the valve a strong choice for high pressure (400 psig body rating) seawater used for firefighting service.
The Mark 50 sliding gate back pressure regulator in aluminum bronze is used for seawater pump protection on offshore platforms, FPSOs, and onshore coastal oil patch seawater firefighting systems.
Desalination and Electro-chlorination
Mark 60 units in exotic materials such as aluminum bronze, monel or, in some cases, super duplex stainless steel are typically requested for seawater and brine applications. Pressure control for on- and offshore desalination and electro-chlorination systems are common examples.
A long-time customer uses Mark 60 aluminum bronze models for pressure control in their desalination and electro-chlorination systems. The Mark 50, in the same materials, can be used for sea or fresh water pump protection in these systems.
Need Help With An Application?
Talk with a Jordan Valve application engineer about pressure control on your oil & gas, FPSO or desalination project. We'll help you select the right model, materials and trim for your specific service.
Mark 50 Series 
Mark 60 Series