Unitech Offshore AS has designed a new subsea high pressure connector using non-porous, low friction tungsten carbide coating from Hardide Coating. The subsea connector is ROV operated and comes along with an integrated ball valve which can be used in important applications such as gas lift, chemical injection and wellhead control.
The subsea UH-500 connector combines a 2” reduced bore ball valve into a standard male stab connector measuring 550 2”. This arrangement results in a short and compact assembly.
The ball valve is closed and opened at full pressure of 10,000 psi by a handle mechanism which is carried out by the ROV manipulator. While this happens the ROV is still connected to the female connector along with its class 4 torque tool. BP is currently using the tool at its Block 31 field located in Angola. Cameron too is using this tool at present. According to the General Manager of Unitech Germany, the ball and sealing cartridges required a coating that was wear resistant, low friction, non-porous and offered a smooth finish on the surface. The coating from Hardide proved to be cost effective solution for the tool which is used under severe conditions. The company has installed 120 units on the field till now. Coatings from Hardide are used in various applications such as power generation, valves, aerospace, food manufacturing, drilling tools, chemicals and oil and gas downholes.