Low Shear Valve Solutions

Transforming Control & Choke Valves for the Oil & Gas Industry

Effective flow control and phase separation are critical challenges in the oil and gas industry. Traditional control valves generate high shear forces, causing strong emulsification of oil-water mixtures, which increases separation time and operational costs. Our Low Shear Valve Solutions have been developed through hundreds of design iterations, combining Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling and experimental testing to create an innovative approach that minimizes turbulent mixing and emulsification and enhances phase separation. By inducing a controlled swirl, our solution significantly reduces separation time while improving overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Key Features & Benefits

Induced Swirl Trim Technology – Our advanced swirl trim induces rotational flow as multiphase fluid exits the trim, leveraging density differences to enhance separation. Unlike conventional valve designs that promote turbulent mixing and emulsification, our low shear trim reduces mixing and optimises separation, improving efficiency in downstream processing.

• Gradual Pressure Drop Control – Ensures a controlled reduction in pressure, preventing excessive shear stress on fluid components.
• Increased effective Pressure Drop Volume –increased effective volume reduces the shear energy and enhancing droplet stability.
• Linear & Equal Percentage Flow Characteristics – Ensures predictable and stable control valve performance across varying operating conditions.
• Retrofit Capability – Our solution is designed to seamlessly replace existing trims, offering a cost-effective upgrade for control and choke valve applications.

Add-on Swirler-Straightener Low-Shear Technology – Our additively manufactured swirler enhances flow performance downstream of the control valve. This retrofit solution uses the same principle of induced swirl to promote phase separation. This mechanism accelerates coalescence, improves droplet size distribution, and reduces separation time, leading to more efficient downstream processing.

• Enhanced Oil Recovery – Increases oil concentration in the pipe core, improving separation efficiency.
• Reduced Separation Time – Speeds up the coalescence process, minimizing processing delays.
• Minimised Emulsification – Reduces the formation of stable emulsions, easing downstream treatment.
• Reduces Emulsification: Fewer small droplets, less mixing, and faster settling.
• Retrofits Easily: Installs into existing valves with minimal pipe work.
• Cost-Effective Upgrade: Achieve low-shear efficiency with existing valve.

Applications

• Oil & Gas Production
• Petrochemical Processing
• Water Treatment & Separation Systems
• Subsea & Retrofit Valve Upgrades

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