Hot Spot - Proposed New API Subsea Standard Development for Manifold Valves and Actuators

What is it?

As previously publicised in Hot Spot BV002413 IOGP JIP33 have conducted a supplier feedback questionnaire on subsea manifold valves and actuators. The results indicate supplier support for a new combined standard for subsea valve and actuators located on subsea structures excluding wellheads. Consequently, JIP33 have now proposed to API that a new subsea valve and actuator standard should be developed.

The proposed new standard will be based upon API 17D, API 6DSS and SSX requirements along with current JIP33 specifications, S-708 covering subsea manifold valves and S-731 for subsea operators and pipeline valves. If the proposal is accepted by API at their SC17 meeting in January work on the standard could follow a fast track approach with a completed specification available by the end of 2022.

API standard development procedures allow non API member companies to participate in the development work via the online working group meetings. This presents a cost-effective opportunity for BVAA members to be involved in influencing the development of this potentially new subsea valve standard. Given sufficient member interest, a BVAA subsea TEG group could be set up to shadow and participate in this work. If you are interested in being involved as a technical expert, then please register your interest and inform the BVAA secretariat by 14-1-22.

Why is it Important?

If the JIP33 proposal is adopted by API SC17 it will result in the creation of a single standard that unites the requirements of API 17D, API 6DSS and SSX with JIP33 specs S-708 and S-731 for valves and actuators used on subsea production equipment. The aim of this work is to create a specification, that with IOGP support will be adopted by all major operators and make it unnecessary to apply numerous end user and contract specific specifications which increase complexity and supply chain costs.

Involvement in the API standard working group will allow BVAA members to influence the development of this important new subsea standard and also gain an understanding of its overall approach to ensure that their own products are ahead of the game and compliant for future projects.

Continuous Improvement

Did we miss anything?

Hot Spots are intended to alert members and provide a brief overview of new standards, activities or procedures that are being introduced in the industry. If there is key information missing that would be helpful, please let us know so that we can improve our future service.

Please Note: This Hotspot is for information purposes, and we invite comments from BVAA members only. Please also note that at time of publication ballots may be closed. For more information, please contact the Secretariat.

BVAA Members: Did you know we have a hotspot tab on the BVAA website? Head over to www.bvaa.org.uk/login-here.asp and log into the member only area. You then need to select ‘Hotspots’ for the latest. For information on how to access the member only area of the website please contact laura@bvaa.org.uk

Published: 27th January 2022