The oil and gas division of Scotland-based Weir Group has launched the new SPM 2.0 valve and seat for well stimulation pumps that are used in shale plays worldwide.
Prior to the launch, the company carried out research and invested more than $1m in engineering and comprehensive testing of the new technology, which serves as a key component in helping oil and gas companies maximise their return on investment.
The SPM 2.0 valve and seat has been designed and manufactured in-house from various materials and processes and has a one-piece design.
SPM 2.0 represents Weir Oil and Gas’ new generation valve and seat technology that delivers a reduction in total cost of ownership.
Weir Oil and Gas pressure pumping vice president Chris Buckley said: "The real goal of creating new valve and seat technologies that perform better and longer is to minimise total cost of ownership.
"The new SPM 2.0 is not just another valve and seat. It is a vital component in helping our customers decrease costs in an economically challenging and continuously evolving industry."
The technology has been validated through extensive testing and delivers longer operational service life and increasing pumping hours.
Benefits of the new technology include bonded valves and improved performance and increased resistance to abrasion, extrusion and flow erosion.
It also eliminates moulding movement, leakage as well as separation from valve and sustains rigid quality control standards.
Weir Oil and Gas pressure pumping product manager Paul Lightfoot said: "The new SPM® 2.0 is our latest fully validated valve and seat technology, offering two times longer life, increasing uptime, and ultimately maximising return on investment."
SPM 2.0 valves and seats feature moulded urethane and material bonding and offer reduced vapour fraction, increased impact resistance and improved flow.
Image: The newly released Weir SPM 2.0 valve and seat. Photo: courtesy of The Weir Group PLC.
