Choke Manifold Operating Procedures

Step by step Procedures

By Clay Leonard

Content ID: 3932324 Validation Date: Sep 13, 2004

Purpose
The purpose of the operating procedures is to verify that the 15k choke manifold located on
the rig floor is operated correctly. The aim of these procedures is to give step by step operating
instructions to be followed during choke switches, regardless if they are fixed chokes or adjustable
chokes, from active chokes to inactive chokes. These procedures are sequence intensive and must
be carried out in the order.

1.0 Open well to adjustable choke on the Choke Manifold.

Make sure that all pre flow checks have been made and that all personnel and all equipment
are ready to flow.
Verify line up to Surge Tanks, verify pilots are lit and charts are ready.
Open adjustable choke to begin flowing well to the Facility Surge Tanks, one at a time. The
Back Pressure Valve (BPV) on the Surge Tanks will be set wide open.
Increase adjustable choke size as directed by the Client, filling out Clean-Up Sheet every 15
minutes, take samples as necessary.
Fill the Surge Tanks to approximately 52 BBL maximum, switching at reading times with the
three-way valve between the Surge Tanks.
Before the first transfer of fluid to the Ship, call DP Operator and verify that the Marine
Department is still ready to receive fluid in to the ship’s tanks..
Depending on the fluid to be pumped out of the Surge Tanks, divert the fluid to the proper
tank in the ship. (oil or slop).
Throughout the unload verify that the Flare Boom’s pilots have remained lit and that all charts
are keeping time.
At the first sign of gas or oil, establish a methanol injection rate at the Choke Manifold inlet to
prevent hydrates downstream of the Choke Manifold. Establish the asphaltene inhibitor injection rate
to the Choke Manifold.
When the pressure on Surge Tanks begins to build, double check that the HP Separator is
ready to flow into, with the BPV set and Manual Valves downstream of BPV are open.

Page 1 of 4
This information is CONFIDENTIAL and must not be copied in whole or any part and should be filed
accordingly by the addressee. It must not be shown to or discussed with anyone outside the
SCHLUMBERGER organization.
Choke Manifold Operating Procedures

2.0 Switch from an active Choke to an inactive Choke

Scope

This procedure describes the steps required to switch from an active Adjustable or Positive Choke
(Choke #1) to an inactive Adjustable or Positive Choke (Choke #2) and inspect the 1st Choke.

Requirements
The Chokes of the 15k Choke Manifold provide well control for the Facility while flowing the well. The
Choke Manifold can receive full well head pressure. All steps of this procedure must be performed.
- Relevant Documents
- Schlumberger Basic Production Testing Manual.
- Materials and Equipment
- The Facility.
- Safety

The Choke Manifold is operating at high pressure. The fluids should be considered as hostile
and the gases as volatile hydrocarbons.
Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), use extreme caution and always assume that there
is trapped pressure.

Quality
There are no specific quality control issues in this procedure.

Procedures
These procedures are sequence intensive and must be carried out in this order.

2.1.0 Installing a Positive or Adjustable Choke in Choke #2

2.1.1 Check that Choke #2 is isolated from the wellstream by making sure its upstream and
downstream valves are closed.
2.1.2 Check for trapped pressure by opening the bleed needle valves upstream and downstream of
Choke #2. If you have an adjustable choke in Choke #2, then open it 100%.
2.1.3 You must still assume that there is trapped pressure in Choke #2, so slowly loosen the cap or
bonnet of Choke #2, positioning yourself away from where the pressure will escape.
2.1.4 After removal of the cap or bonnet, then remove the choke or adjustable seat from the body.
2.1.5 Grease the proper size new choke or adjustable seat and install it in Choke #2.
2.1.6 Inspect the bonnet or cap seal and sealing area for damage. Replace seal if necessary. Clean
and grease seal and sealing area and install and tighten the cap or bonnet.
2.1.7 Close the bleed needle valves upstream and downstream of Choke #2. If an adjustable choke
was installed, zero it and then set it to the desired size.
2.1.8 Open the upstream valve of the Choke #2, slowly checking for leaks.
2.1.9 One man will open the downstream valve of Choke #2 while another man simultaneously closes
the upstream valve of Choke #1.

Note: watch pressure on both the upstream and downstream gauges to keep from setting off
PSL & PSH.

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This information is CONFIDENTIAL and must not be copied in whole or any part and should be filed
accordingly by the addressee. It must not be shown to or discussed with anyone outside the
SCHLUMBERGER organization.
Choke Manifold Operating Procedures

2.1.10 Close the downstream valve of Choke #1.

2.2.0 Switching to an Adjustable Choke that is already installed in Choke #2 and inspecting Choke #1
2.2.1 Set the adjustable choke in Choke #2 to the desired size and make sure that both of its bleed
needle valves (upstream and downstream) are closed.
2.2.2 Open the upstream valve of Choke #2 slowly checking for leaks.
2.2.3 One man opens the downstream valve of Choke #2 while another man simultaneously closes
the upstream valve of Choke #1.

Note: watch pressure on both the upstream and downstream gauges to keep from setting off
PSL & PSH.

2.2.4 Close the downstream valve of Choke #1.

2.2.5 Double check that both the upstream and downstream valves of Choke #1 are fully closed.
Ensure that the Bleed Off Pot and Gas Buster are lined up correctly and ready to be used: the Pot’s
inlet valve from Choke #1 is open, the Pot’s drain valves are closed, the Pot’s gas outlet valve is
open, the 1” and 2” ball valves at the Gas Buster are open, and the tubing between the Pot and the
Gas Buster is in good shape.
2.2.6 Slowly open Choke #1 downstream bleed needle valves (until they re fully open) to allow the
trapped pressure to bleed through the hose over to the Bleed Off Pot. If there is an adjustable choke
installed on Choke #1, then open it fully.
2.2.7 After waiting a minute check for pressure at the upstream needle valve of Choke #1; if no
pressure escapes then proceed. If there is still pressure at this upstream needle valve of Choke #1,
then close it off and determine why and then check for pressure again. Only proceed when there is no
pressure escaping from the upstream needle valve.
2.2.8 You must still assume that there is trapped pressure in Choke #1, so slowly loosen the cap or
bonnet of Choke #1 while being positioned away from where it would escape.
2.2.9 After removal of the cap or bonnet, then remove the choke or adjustable seat from the body by
unscrewing it.
2.2.10 Grease the proper size new choke or adjustable seat and install it in Choke #1. If installing a
positive choke, show the new choke to the Company Rep. To verify choke size before installing it in
the choke body.
2.2.11 Inspect the bonnet or cap seal and sealing area for damage. Replace seal if necessary. Clean
and grease seal and sealing area and install and tighten the cap or bonnet.
2.2.12 Close the bleed needle valves upstream and downstream of Choke #1. If an adjustable choke
was installed, zero it and then set it to the desire size.

2.3.0 Switching to an Adjustable Choke that is already installed in Choke #2

2.3.1 Set the adjustable choke in Choke #2 to the desired size and make sure its bleed needle valves
are closed.
2.3.2 Open the upstream valve of Choke #2 slowly checking for leaks.
2.3.3 One man opens the downstream valve of Choke #2 while another man simultaneously closes
the upstream valve of Choke #1.

Note: watch pressure on both the upstream and downstream gauges to keep from setting off
PSL & PSH.

2.3.4 Close the downstream valve of Choke #1.

2.4.0 Switching to a Positive Choke that is already installed in Choke #2

2.4.1 Make sure the bleed needle valves of Choke #2 are closed.
2.4.2 Open the upstream valve of Choke #2 slowly checking for leaks.
Page 3 of 4

This information is CONFIDENTIAL and must not be copied in whole or any part and should be filed
accordingly by the addressee. It must not be shown to or discussed with anyone outside the
SCHLUMBERGER organization.
Choke Manifold Operating Procedures

2.4.3 One man will open the downstream valve of choke #2 while another man simultaneously close
the upstream valve of Choke #1.

Note: watch pressure on both the upstream and downstream gauges to keep from setting off
PSL & PSH.

2.4.4 Close the downstream valve of Choke #1.

Page 4 of 4

This information is CONFIDENTIAL and must not be copied in whole or any part and should be filed
accordingly by the addressee. It must not be shown to or discussed with anyone outside the
SCHLUMBERGER organization.