The Role of the Subject Matter Expert in Valve Selection and the Offshore Environment

As valve and process systems become more complex, especially in an offshore environment, the role of the Subject Matter Expert (SME) has increased in importance.

By Adrian Croft, Specialist Valve Engineer

In an offshore environment, where oil and gas reserves in shallow waters are more or less exhausted, there is more oil and gas exploration and production in deeper waters. The resulting system pressures mean that systems including piping, pumps, and valves are subject to greater pressures and pressure drops but must still function with the minimum amount of intervention. In many cases, new developments in systems and processes result in new applications that have never previously been experienced. As such, there are likely to be no historic reference points or even engineers with the skills to define the optimum equipment solution.

This is where consulting with an SME can be a very important tool in the process engineer’s armory. The SME covers a single specialism, such as pumps, ball valves, control valves, and more. They are largely engineers who have had a long history in a specific industry. Although they could be asked to consult on a new process or application, they are likely to have had past experience in similar applications. This experience and know-how means they can give an informed opinion about how the process should be handled and ensure the physical characteristics of the equipment being supplied are specified to handle the conditions.

As the offshore industry is still advancing at a rapid pace and new technologies are constantly being developed, it is often part of the SME’s remit to keep abreast of the available technologies and to be able to conclude which technology on the market will be the most suitable for a specific application. This often involves having an in-depth dialogue with both the end user to understand the application, and the supplier to understand how the technology can be applied to solve the particular issue.

Overall, the SME is often asked by the end user or the EPC to develop a specification to enable bidders to quote. More importantly, the SME must try to evaluate quotations to determine if they meet the specification and if the most suitable technologies have been applied (without over-specifying the product). Over-specification could ultimately cost the end user much more money to procure, without any real added benefits. By working with the end user or EPC, the SME can define and specify the right product for the right application.

The role of the SME does not stop there. The role can be as broad or as narrow as defined by either the process systems engineer or the SME themselves.

Largely speaking, the SME will be independent and not linked to any one supplier. They are often appointed for specific tasks. The independence of the SME means that they can act independently in the interests of the contractor, end user, or EPC, rather than being swayed by any one manufacturer.

The role of the SME is not confined to new systems or applications. Those working in the oil and gas industry know that there are problem applications. In some cases, the process system changes resulting in different or unexpected issues, which, for example, can lead to accelerated erosion of the equipment. The role of the SME often extends to reviewing the problem and suggesting a solution. For example, there might be more sand present in a system than initially expected. This can result in accelerated erosion of valves or pumps. In these situations, consulting with an SME can often be a huge benefit to the equipment user. Invariably, the SME will have previously been able to suggest solutions for similar applications and will often know which solution will and will not work.

To disseminate their knowledge, the SME is often requested to mentor engineering personnel. In the process industry, engineers often have a general knowledge of process systems but do not have specific product knowledge. For example, on control valves, the process engineer might be able to know the recommended fluid velocity in a pipe, but they might not be aware of the recommended fluid velocities in a control valve. Also, there could be factors that impact the recommended fluid velocities. For example, in an offshore environment, if sand is present, standard valve velocities are often too high and could result in accelerated erosion. Although there are often years of knowledge and experience to impart, mentoring means that experience and knowledge are shared with new generations of engineers.

The acknowledged importance of the SME is now being recognized in both company and national standards. The following sample text is extracted from a typical document:

Selection and technical bid reviews for special service control valves shall be performed by a suitably experienced subject matter expert as approved by Company responsible engineer. The decision on SME engagement shall be recorded in the Project Design Verification Plan.

Overall, the role of the SME is becoming more and more important in the offshore industry. By consulting an SME, the end user or EPC ensures that they are getting sound advice in their particular field of interest.