What Does
Adjustable Choke Mean?
An adjustable choke (or variable choke) is a type of valve used in well control operations including well testing, choke manifold and well-cleaning operations. In a closed wellbore, the adjustable choke helps in reducing the pressure of a fluid from high pressure to atmospheric pressure.
Since it is adjustable i.e. can be opened and closed, it can be adjusted to closely control the pressure drop.
For well completion operations, the adjustable choke located near the Christmas tree controls the production of fluid from a well.
Trenchlesspedia Explains Adjustable Choke
During a drilling operation, mud circulation is done through a choke manifold when the blowout preventers are closed.
A choke manifold is an arrangement consisting of high-pressure valves and piping with two adjustable chokes. These chokes are made strong enough to resist wear and tear when fluids with solids flow by them during well control operations.
During production operations, the adjustable valve affects the rate and pressure at which the production fluids flow through the pipeline. It is connected to an automated control system for close control over the production parameters of individual wells.