PSL 3G Frac Valve Program for South American Unconventional Well Development — JLD Energy

التحدي

An independent operator developing the Vaca Muerta shale play in Argentina required a reliable supply of high-pressure frac valves for a 50-well multi-well pad development program. The frac conditions were extreme: surface treating pressures up to 12,500 PSI, proppant concentrations of 5 PPA (pounds per gallon), and pump rates exceeding 100 BPM. The operator had experienced premature valve failures (gate erosion after 80–100 stages) with their previous supplier and needed valves that could consistently deliver 250+ stages between rebuilds. All valves required PSL 3G gas-tested seats and full documentation in Spanish and English.

الحل

JLD Energy implemented a dedicated frac valve program for the operator. The valve specification was optimized for the specific Vaca Muerta frac conditions: Model JL-BSO manual frac valves with solid tungsten carbide gate and seat trim for maximum erosion resistance, 15,000 PSI working pressure, 5-1/8" bore for high-rate flow, and Stellite 6 hardfaced stem packing for extended seal life. Each valve was manufactured to PSL 3G (gas-tested) with nitrogen seat testing at full working pressure. Documentation was prepared in both English and Spanish per the operator's requirements. A consignment stock arrangement was established at the operator's wellsite warehouse with 12 valves in inventory to ensure zero downtime during the frac campaign.

النتيجة

The first batch of 18 valves has completed over 3,800 cumulative frac stages (average 211 stages per valve before first rebuild) — more than double the previous supplier's performance. Valve rebuild turnaround time was reduced to 5 working days via JLD's field rebuild kit program. The operator placed a follow-on order for 24 additional valves for their 2027 drilling program and added JLD Energy to their global preferred supplier list for frac valves.

المواصفات

Configuration: Model JL-BSO Frac Valve, Manual Handwheel | Pressure: 15,000 PSI API 6A PSL 3G | Bore: 5-1/8" Full Bore | Trim: Tungsten Carbide Gate & Seat | Service: Vaca Muerta Shale, 12,500 PSI Treating Pressure | Testing: Nitroge Seat Test (PSL 3G) | Life: 211 avg stages between rebuilds (project to date)