Floating Production, Storage and Offloading vessels (FPSOs) are complex offshore assets that operate as floating oil and gas processing plants. These vessels are designed to receive hydrocarbons from subsea wells, process them onboard, and store the oil before offloading it to tankers.
At the heart of every FPSO’s operation are valves — critical components that control, isolate, and regulate the flow of fluids across topside and subsea systems. From crude oil processing to seawater cooling, each valve plays an indispensable role in ensuring safety, reliability, and efficient production.
As a Singapore-based marine and industrial valve stockist and distributor, Aik Soon Hardware supports FPSO operators, EPC contractors, and offshore engineers with reliable valve solutions built to withstand harsh offshore conditions.
This article covers the most common valve types found on FPSOs, their uses, materials, and where they are typically located across the vessel.
1. Gate Valves
Description:
Gate valves are linear-motion valves that open or close the flow path using a wedge-shaped gate. They provide tight shut-off and minimal flow restriction when fully open.
Use Cases:
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Isolation of pipelines during maintenance
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Process lines for crude oil, gas, and produced water
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Manifolds and transfer lines
Common FPSO Locations:
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Topside process modules: Crude oil separation trains, water injection systems
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Hull piping: Ballast systems, cargo oil transfer lines
Selection Considerations:
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Ideal for full-flow or shut-off operations
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Not suitable for throttling or flow control
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Choose rising or non-rising stem types based on space constraints
Materials:
2. Globe Valves
Description:
Globe valves use a movable disc and stationary seat to regulate flow. They offer excellent control and are often used where flow regulation is required.
Use Cases:
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Flow regulation in process systems
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Cooling and utility water control
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Steam and condensate lines
Common FPSO Locations:
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Process areas: Separator outlets, heater treaters, and gas scrubbers
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Utility systems: Steam distribution, chemical dosing, and cooling water systems
Selection Considerations:
Materials:
3. Ball Valves
Description:
Ball valves are quarter-turn valves that use a rotating ball with a bore to open or close flow. They are known for quick operation and tight sealing.
Use Cases:
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Isolation of process and utility lines
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Emergency shut-down (ESD) systems
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Subsea control systems (in specialized designs)
Common FPSO Locations:
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Topside process modules: Hydrocarbon, gas, and water lines
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Offloading systems: Crude oil loading manifolds
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Engine room or pump rooms: Fuel and lube oil systems
Selection Considerations:
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Excellent for quick shut-off and emergency service
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Available in trunnion-mounted or floating types depending on pressure and size
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Fire-safe design required for hydrocarbon service
Materials:
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Stainless steel, duplex, or nickel alloys for corrosive or high-pressure service
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Carbon steel for non-corrosive, general service
4. Butterfly Valves
Description:
Butterfly valves use a rotating disc to regulate flow. They are compact, lightweight, and well-suited for large-diameter, low-to-medium pressure applications.
Use Cases:
Common FPSO Locations:
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Hull and utility systems: Ballast tanks, cooling water intakes and discharges
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Topside utilities: Fire main and HVAC water loops
Selection Considerations:
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Compact and lightweight for limited-space installations
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Select between concentric, double-offset, or triple-offset designs depending on pressure and sealing requirements
Materials:
5. Check Valves
Description:
Check valves allow flow in one direction and automatically prevent backflow. They protect pumps, compressors, and process equipment from reverse flow or pressure surges.
Use Cases:
Common FPSO Locations:
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Pump discharge lines: Seawater lift pumps, crude transfer pumps
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Gas compression modules: To prevent reverse gas flow
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Cooling systems: To prevent seawater backflow into machinery
Selection Considerations:
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Choose swing, lift, or dual-plate check valves based on flow direction and pressure
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Verify cracking pressure requirements to ensure proper operation
Materials:
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Stainless steel, duplex, or super duplex for offshore corrosive service
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Alloy steel for high-temperature process service
6. Pressure Relief and Safety Valves
Description:
Pressure relief valves (PRVs) and safety valves automatically release excess pressure to protect vessels, pipelines, and equipment from overpressure conditions.
Use Cases:
Common FPSO Locations:
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Topside processing modules: Compressors, separators, heat exchangers
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Cargo tanks: Vapour relief and emergency vent systems
Selection Considerations:
Materials:
Key Factors When Selecting Valves for FPSOs
When choosing valves for FPSO applications, engineers and procurement specialists should evaluate:
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Fluid Type: Hydrocarbon, seawater, gas, or chemicals
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Pressure & Temperature Ratings: Match the valve class with system design pressure
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Corrosion Resistance: Use duplex, super duplex, or nickel alloys for seawater exposure
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Actuation Method: Manual, pneumatic, electric, or hydraulic depending on location and control requirements
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Certifications: Ensure compliance with offshore standards such as API 6D, API 607 (fire-safe), DNV, or ABS
Conclusion
Valves play a vital role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of FPSO operations, handling everything from hydrocarbon processing to seawater cooling and cargo transfer. The correct selection of valve type, material, and configuration is crucial to withstand offshore conditions and maintain reliability over time.
At Aik Soon Hardware, we supply a wide range of offshore-grade marine and industrial valves from trusted global brands, tailored to meet the demanding needs of FPSO operations. Our expertise ensures your systems run smoothly, safely, and in full compliance with international standards.
For more information or procurement support, contact Aik Soon Hardware – your trusted Singapore-based valve stockist and distributor for the marine and offshore industry.