SECC Delivers Industry First Straight Through Hot Stab

Industry First Straight Through Hot StabThe technology is being specified for a series of subsea injection and pumping projects in the Gulf of Mexico to help operators make significant improvements in achievable flow rates.

The Max Flow hot stab has been designed to achieve the highest stab connector flow rates in the industry with exceptionally low pressure drops.

Unlike traditional hot stabs, SECC’s Max Flow is based around a straight-through bore with no obstacle or change of bore angle to throttle the rate at which fluids can travel through it.

Measuring a quarter of an inch to four inches and with zero head loss caused by directional change, the innovative design enables operators to achieve very high flow rates using a smaller equivalent diameter bore without having to pump at higher pressures or use larger and heavier connectors and lines.

SECC’s stab uses pressure-balanced technology to eliminate net forces that would otherwise push the stab out of position and creates reliable connections. A simple J-Latch is used to align the ports and protect the connection against loads on the attached hose.

“In our industry, the use of conventional hot stabs introduces unnecessary restrictions in the flow and often equates to increases in cost,” says Gareth Black, Engineering Manager at SECC Oil & Gas. “That could be a result of having to use larger hoses and lines, or commissioning larger vessels to manoeuvre equipment into position and taking more time to complete projects.

“To combat the problem of pressure drop typically associated with conventional connectors, we have developed a unique high-flow solution that is ideal for subsea injection and pumping projects, including those involving high viscosity fluids and high flow requirements, such as tooling, intervention, testing and flooding.

“As well as reducing the cost implications of these types of projects, we are also helping operators reduce the risks associated with working at high pressures and protect the safety of personnel, equipment and the environment."

“Ultimately, we are helping service companies and operators to achieve high flow rates more efficiently and increase potential flow rate thresholds with significantly smaller bores than they might traditionally use.”