Stuff About Energy Production

In this episode we are joined by Kyle Andrews, Product and Applications Trainer at Kimray, who explains the practice of double block and bleed.  Topics include: When is the process needed? Why is it recommended? Why do some operators skip this step? What can happen if this procedure is not followed? Resources mentioned in this episode: Why You Should Always Double Block and Bleed.   High...

In this episode we are joined by Kyle Andrews, Product and Applications Trainer at Kimray, who explains how producers use a Gas Dehydration System to remove moisture from their natural gas. Topics include: What is a Gas Dehydration System? What is glycol? Where and why do producers use dehydration systems? What are the key pieces of equipment in a Gas Dehydration System? Resources mentioned in thi...

In this episode we are joined by Will Swetnam, Account Manager at Kimray OKC, who explains how oil and gas producers use a liquid level controller to maintain vessel levels, achieve interface, and separate their production. Topics include:  What does a liquid level controller do? What does “pneumatic” refer to? Why is liquid level control important for oil and gas operations? What is interfac...

In this episode, Chase Hendley talks about his experience with Natural Gas Compressor Stations. Topics include:  What does a gas compressor station do? What are the key components? Why is it important in oil/gas operations? Where do you typically find gas compressors?  Resources mentioned in this episode:  How a Gas Compressor Station Works https://blog.kimray.com/midstream-oil-and-...

Have you ever seen a control valve on site with frost around it? Weird, right?  In this episode of Stuff You Should Know About Oil and Gas, Kyle explains what causes this phenomenon of freezing in oil and gas production.  Topics include how to calculate for the "JT Effect," what problems freezing can cause, and a few solutions we recommend to prevent freezing.  Resources mentioned i...

Critical Flow Factor (Cf) is an essential number to know when sizing your control valve. In this episode of Stuff You Should Know about Oil and Gas, Kyle explains what Cf is and how to calculate it.  Topics include the difference between Critical Flow Factor (Cf) and Flow Coefficient (Cv), how Cf is used, and a simple tool available for calculating Cf.  Resources mentioned in this episod...

The versatile High Pressure Control Valve can work in several of applications, including as a dump valve, pressure regulator, and suction controller.  However, it won't work on its own. It needs a few other pieces to do what it's supposed to.  In this episode of Stuff You Should Know about Oil and Gas, Kyle explains how to identify those pieces and what each does to support operation of...

In this episode, Kyle Andrews, Product Applications Trainer at Kimray, explains how a pneumatic actuator works. Topics include: What is an actuator?  Why does a control valve need an actuator?  What all can be considered pneumatic?   Why do some producers use compressed air to power their valves?  Why are the advantages and disadvantages of pneumatic actuators?  Resou...

In this episode, Kyle Andrews, Product Applications Trainer at Kimray, explains what a 3-Phase Separator does. Topics include: Why is separation so critical in oil and gas production?  What are the 3 phases?  Where are these types of separators found?  What are the key components of a separator?  What type of controllers do 3-phase separators require?    Resources men...

In this episode, Kyle Andrews, Product Applications Trainer at Kimray, explains what a back pressure regulator does.  Topics include:  What’s the difference between a regulator and valve?  What does a back pressure regulator do?  How is a production separator like a water gun?  What would happen in a separator if there were no back pressure held on it?  What are...

In this episode of Stuff You Should Know about Oil and Gas, Kyle explains the importance of control valve CV. They walk through the definition, why it’s so important, how to determine CV, and common challenges related to incorrect calculation and operation. Resources mentioned in this episode: Kimray Sizing Calculator: https://bit.ly/364GkT7  What is Valve Flow Coefficient (CV)? htt...

In this episode, Kyle Andrews, Product Applications Trainer at Kimray, explains the three primary types of control valve trim: Snap Trim, Nominal Trim, and Equal Percentage Trim. Topics include: Which trim is best for liquid dump valves, gas back pressure valves, pressure relief valves and more. Resources mentioned in this episode: 3 Types of Control Valve Trim: https://bit.ly/2Z6ksWg Kimray High...

In this first episode of the Stuff You Should Know about Oil and Gas Podcast, Kyle Andrews, Product Applications Trainer at Kimray, explains control valve fail positions. Topics include: What is a valve fail position? How does fail position affect operation of oil and gas separators and other production vessels? How should you set up a back pressure valve to fail? How should a pressure reducing re...