High-Pressure Flow Control Equipment

Choke Valve

Choke valves provide controlled pressure drop and flow-rate regulation. Union-end models use 2 in and 3 in nominal sizes, while listed API 6A flanged ends extend through 4 1/16 in; pressure ratings range from 5,000 psi (35 MPa) to 20,000 psi (140 MPa). Displayed configurations include positive (fixed-bean), needle and sleeve-adjustment types.

1. Product Overview

High-pressure choke valves create a controlled pressure drop by varying or fixing the flow area. Selection must consider required flow coefficient, pressure differential, fluid phase, solids loading, erosion and actuation method.

Positive chokes use a fixed choke bean. Displayed adjustable models use needle/stem-and-seat or sleeve trim; any cage or orifice-plate configuration must be identified by its own approved model drawing. Manual and hydraulic actuation are available by model.

Listed union-end models use 2 in and 3 in sizes, while specified API 6A flanged end sizes extend through 4 1/16 in. Pressure ratings range from 5,000 psi to 20,000 psi.

Manual choke valve

2. Design Features

The flow-adjustment position can be read directly from the scale, allowing operators to quickly judge valve opening and adjustment status on site.

Choke beans, stem tips and seats use specified cemented-carbide materials, including tungsten-carbide grades where required, to improve erosion and wear resistance.

Needle, sleeve and fixed-bean trim is selected for the required flow area and pressure drop. High-velocity or solids-laden service requires model-specific trim selection and erosion inspection.

On models with a separate outlet flange or body section, the arrangement provides access to the seat and trim after isolation and depressurization.

Union and flange interfaces must be verified against the adjacent manifold by size, pressure rating, seal profile, ring groove or Fig designation and approved mating dimensions.

Fixed choke beans use inch sizes for compatibility with common high-pressure flow-control equipment and standardized spare-parts management.

3. Choke Valve Main Technical Parameters

ModelNominal SizePressure RatingOverall Dimensions (mm)Connection TypeAdjustment TypeService
2" Fig 1502,
15,000 psi, F × M, Fixed Choke Bean
2 ″15,000 psi154206Fig 1502 (F×M)Fixed Choke BeanStandard
2" Fig 1502,
15,000 psi, F × M, Needle Adjustment
2 ″15,000 psi154206Fig 1502 (F×M)Needle AdjustmentStandard
3" Fig 1502,
15,000 psi, F × M, Needle Adjustment
3 ″15,000 psi243243Fig 1502 (F×M)Needle AdjustmentStandard
2 1/16" API 6A Flange,
5,000 psi, Sleeve Adjustment
2 1/16″5,000 psi2142142 1/16 in API 6A flange, 5,000 psiSleeve AdjustmentStandard
2 1/16" API 6A Flange,
5,000 psi, Needle Adjustment
2 1/16″5,000 psi2031752 1/16 in API 6A flange, 5,000 psiNeedle AdjustmentStandard
2 1/16" API 6A Flange,
10,000 psi, Needle Adjustment
2 1/16″10,000 psi2251952 1/16 in API 6A flange, 10,000 psiNeedle AdjustmentStandard
2 1/16" API 6A Flange,
15,000 psi, Needle Adjustment
2 1/16″15,000 psi2622262 1/16 in API 6A flange, 15,000 psiNeedle AdjustmentStandard
2" Fig 2002,
20,000 psi, F × M, Needle Adjustment
2 ″20,000 psi205240Fig 2002 (F×M)Needle AdjustmentStandard
2 9/16" API 6A Flange,
10,000 psi, Needle Adjustment
2 9/16″10,000 psi2982642 9/16 in API 6A flange, 10,000 psiNeedle AdjustmentStandard
2 9/16" API 6A Flange,
15,000 psi, Needle Adjustment
2 9/16″15,000 psi2982672 9/16 in API 6A flange, 15,000 psiNeedle AdjustmentStandard
3 1/8" API 6A Flange,
5,000 psi, Needle Adjustment
3 1/8″5,000 psi2892263 1/8 in API 6A flange, 5,000 psiNeedle AdjustmentStandard
3 1/16" API 6A Flange,
10,000 psi, Needle Adjustment
3 1/16″10,000 psi2982643 1/16 in API 6A flange, 10,000 psiNeedle AdjustmentStandard
3 1/16" API 6A Flange,
15,000 psi, Needle Adjustment
3 1/16″15,000 psi2952643 1/16 in API 6A flange, 15,000 psiNeedle AdjustmentStandard
3 1/16" API 6A Flange,
15,000 psi, Sleeve Adjustment
3 1/16″15,000 psi2403123 1/16 in API 6A flange, 15,000 psiSleeve AdjustmentStandard
4 1/16" API 6A Flange,
5,000 psi, Sleeve Adjustment
4 1/16″5,000 psi2982644 1/16 in API 6A flange, 5,000 psiSleeve AdjustmentStandard
4 1/16" API 6A Flange,
10,000 psi, Needle Adjustment
4 1/16″10,000 psi2922524 1/16 in API 6A flange, 10,000 psiNeedle AdjustmentStandard

4. Choke Valve Structure Diagram

① O-ring I ② Washer ③ Support ring ④ Composite seal ring ⑤ Seal retaining ring ⑥ O-ring II ⑦ O-ring support ring

Rated Working Pressure: 5,000 psi to 20,000 psi

Nominal Bore: 2″ to 3″

Rated Operating-Temperature Range*: -29 °C to 121 °C

Applicable Product Specification: API Spec 6A and/or API Spec 16C, as documented for the ordered model. API Monogram eligibility is limited to the licensed scope shown on the Certificates page.

* Actual temperature capability depends on the documented material, elastomer, lubricant and ordered service configuration.

Downloads & Technical Articles

Choke Valve Resources

Technical Articles & Selection Guides

  1. Where Choke Valve Fits in Oilfield High-Pressure Systems