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Permalink Reply by Philip Brutz on January 23, 2015 at 4:14am

http://gomarcellusshale.com/forum/topics/how-much-of-a-choke-is-typ...

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Permalink Reply by Brian Powers on January 24, 2015 at 6:24am

George - well chokes are available in two basic designs, fixed or variable. The fixed chokes are machined orifices that are held in a carrier placed in the flow line downstream if the Christmas tree. To change chokes, the well is shut -in and the line pressure is bled off. Once the old choke plate (bean) is removed and replaced, the well is then re-opened to production.

There are also variable choke valves available for wells where frequent choke changes are being made.

Partially opening a gate-valve part way to choke a well is possible, but is not a recommended practice. High velocity gas flow or gas mixed with fluid slugs can erode the gate or seat surface or dry out the packing grease, rendering the valve incapable of attaining a seal. Dealing with leaking or passing gate valves is a well tender's nightmare.

Brian 

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