Self-controlled valves (automatic control valves) are widely used in the upstream (exploration, mining), midstream (storage, transportation, pipelines) and downstream (refining, sales) of the oil industry. Their core function is to achieve precise control, safe isolation and emergency protection of fluid media. The following are detailed applications and key points:

1. Main application scenarios
(1) Upstream (oil and gas field mining)
Wellhead control:

● High-pressure wellhead valve: a gate valve or stop valve that can withstand high pressure (up to 10,000 psi or more) to control the opening/closing of oil wells.

● Throttle valve: regulates wellhead fluid pressure and flow (such as critical flow rate control of gas wells).

● Safety valve: prevents blowouts (such as downhole safety valve SSSV, which automatically cuts off in abnormal situations).

● Water injection/gas injection system: regulating valve controls water injection pressure and maintains formation pressure (such as EOR enhanced oil recovery).

(2) Midstream (Pipeline and Storage and Transportation)
● Long-distance pipeline:

- Trunk shut-off valve: Electric or pneumatic ball valve, remote control pipeline segment isolation (quick cut-off in case of leakage).

- Pressure reducing valve: Maintain pipeline pressure stability (such as natural gas distribution station).

● Storage tank area:

- Breathing valve: Balance the pressure inside and outside the storage tank to reduce VOCs emissions.

- Emergency shut-off valve (ESD valve): Linked with the fire alarm system to prevent the spread of accidents.

(3) Downstream (Refining and Sales)
● Refinery:

- High temperature and high pressure regulating valve: Used for catalytic cracking, hydroprocessing and other equipment (material must be high temperature resistant alloy).

- Corrosive medium control: For example, fluorine-lined valves or duplex steel valves are used in hydrochloric acid and hydrogen sulfide environments.

● LNG receiving station:

- Ultra-low temperature valve (-196℃): Used for loading and unloading and storage of liquefied natural gas (such as butterfly valves or ball valves, made of 304L/316L stainless steel).

2. Special requirements of the oil industry
● Adaptability to extreme working conditions:

High pressure (such as shale gas extraction), high temperature (refinery cracking furnace), low temperature (LNG), high corrosion (sulfur crude oil).

● Explosion-proof and safety certification:

Complies with API 6D and API 607 ​​fire protection standards, and the explosion-proof level meets ATEX/IECEx (such as offshore platforms).

● Sealing:

Zero leakage (such as V-level sealing) prevents the leakage of hydrocarbon media and complies with environmental regulations (such as EPA LDAR).

● Remote control:

Integrated with SCADA system, supporting satellite or wireless transmission (such as desert/offshore oil fields).

3. Typical cases
● Offshore drilling platform:

The subsea production system (Subsea) uses hydraulic control valves to withstand deep-sea high pressure and salt spray corrosion.

● Crude oil pipeline leakage monitoring:

The main line shut-off valve is linked by a pressure sensor to isolate the leaking section within 10 seconds.

● Refinery hydrogenation unit:

High-pressure hydrogen regulating valves are made of Inconel material to prevent hydrogen embrittlement failure.

Summary
Automatic valves are key equipment for ensuring safety and improving efficiency in the oil industry. Their selection needs to comprehensively consider medium characteristics, working conditions and automation requirements. With the development of digitalization and low carbonization, intelligent valves and environmentally friendly designs will become the mainstream technology.