Gas Blowdown Testing
Flow Component Testing Facilities

Image: SwRI’s gas blowdown facility allows for high-velocity, high-pressure-drop testing of valves, downhole tools, and other oil field products.

SwRI’s gas blowdown facility allows for high-velocity, high-pressure-drop testing of valves, downhole tools, and other oil field products.

A unique blowdown facility capable of generating large differential pressures and high gas stream velocities exists at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI). The facility utilizes a large storage of high-pressure nitrogen gas that is injected into the flow article and then discharged to atmosphere. Upstream and downstream pressure and flow control is available. This setup allows for low-cost testing of a variety of products at field or near-field conditions.

Types of Gas Blowdown Testing

Testing can be performed on:

  • Safety valves
  • Downhole tools
  • Chokes
  • Control valves
  • Eductors

Complementary Technologies

SwRI has a wide range of expertise in complementary technologies such as noise and vibration that can be utilized for various projects.

Specific Gas Blowdown Facility Capabilities

Specific capabilities of the blowdown facility include:

  • Operating pressures up to 3,000 psig
  • Flow rates up to 230 MMSCFD (million standard cubic feet/day)
  • Differential pressures over 2,000 psi
  • Gas source volume: 1,125 ft3
  • All instrumentation calibrated at regular intervals

Benefits of Testing at the FCTF

  • Independent, third-party testing services


    SwRI is an independent, nonprofit research and development organization.

  • Complete confidentiality


    All work done at the FCTF is governed by a confidentiality policy that protects client names, results, and other information obtained in connection with the work performed.

  • Technical excellence


    SwRI has an international reputation for technical excellence, and the FCTF is an industry-recognized leader in third-party verification testing.

  • Resources


    All projects at the FCTF have access to SwRI world-class laboratories and staff of more than 3,000 in 11 technical divisions, which provide one of the most comprehensive design, development, and testing resources in the world.

Related Terminology

API 14A  •  API 6AV1  •  ISO 10432  •  safety valve testing  • flow component testing   •  BS 6364   •  fugitive emissions  •  cryogenic valve  •  valve testing  •  flow products  •  cryogenic testing  •  fugitive emissions

Benefiting government, industry and the public through innovative science and technology
Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, is a multidisciplinary, independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 11 technical divisions.
01/03/13