PetrolValves BRAVA Valve Set for Groundbreaking Gulf of Mexico Installation

PetrolValves is poised to redefine subsea operations with the upcoming installation of its innovative BRAVA valve in the Gulf of Mexico. This deployment marks a significant milestone, showcasing the valve’s advanced design and its ability to perform reliably in extreme subsea environments.

The BRAVA valve represents a revolutionary advancement in valve technology, featuring a patent-pending, boltless design that significantly reduces weight and dimensions while simplifying maintenance and service. This innovative approach, developed in collaboration with VSI, focuses on optimizing the total cost of ownership (TCO) through a novel architecture.

BRAVA: A Leap Forward in Subsea Valve Technology

The BRAVA (Boltless Reliable Advanced VAlve) technology leverages a proven compression retaining ring system, widely used in challenging oil and gas applications. This design eliminates traditional bolting, allowing for a more compact and efficient valve structure. The retaining ring acts as a shoulder, securing the body closures and bonnet, and ensuring continuous contact under all service conditions and external loads.

Key Advantages of the BRAVA Valve:

  • Reduced CAPEX and OPEX: Lower costs, shorter delivery times, and simplified installation and maintenance.
  • Significant Weight Reduction: An average of 25% weight savings compared to conventional bolted systems.
  • Simplified Design: Fewer components, reducing the need for spare parts and tools.
  • Lower CO2 Footprint: Reduced material usage and machining.
  • Optimized Dimensions: Improved piping layout and overall plant design.
  • Faster Assembly Time: Assembly time reduced by up to 30%.

Proven Performance in Rigorous Testing:

PetrolValves has conducted extensive testing to validate the BRAVA valve’s performance and reliability. Prototypes have undergone rigorous factory acceptance tests (FAT), hydrostatic shell tests, and qualification tests for subsea service, including:

  • 200 cycles PR2 Test (API 6A / ISO 10423)
  • 200 cycles Endurance Test (API 17D / ISO 13628-4)
  • 200 cycles Hyperbaric Test (API 17D / ISO 13628-4, 2,000m water depth)
  • External Bending Moment Test (leading O&G company specification)

These tests have demonstrated the BRAVA valve’s ability to withstand extreme conditions and maintain its integrity, ensuring reliable operation in demanding subsea environments.

Seamless Integration and Versatility:

The BRAVA valve is designed for seamless integration into existing process configurations and is compatible with various valve types, including ball, gate, globe, and check valves. This versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of applications in the oil and gas, LNG, petrochemical, and power industries.

Gulf of Mexico Installation: A Testament to BRAVA’s Capability:

The upcoming installation in the Gulf of Mexico will serve as a real-world demonstration of the BRAVA valve’s exceptional performance and reliability. This deployment underscores PetrolValves’ commitment to delivering innovative solutions that enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability in the energy sector.

PetrolValves continues to focus on customer-centric innovation, driving advancements that meet the evolving needs of the industry and optimize total cost of ownership. The BRAVA valve is a testament to this commitment, representing a significant step forward in subsea valve technology.