NORSOK M-710 is a rigorous standard developed by the Norwegian petroleum industry for qualifying non-metallic sealing materials, primarily elastomers (rubber-like polymers), for permanent subsea use. It ensures seals in critical equipment like subsea valves, wellheads, Christmas trees, control systems, and manifolds withstand extreme conditions: high pressures (up to 20,000 psi), low temperatures (-50°C), corrosive fluids (H2S sour gas), hydrocarbons, and rapid pressure changes.
Why Critical for Subsea Valves? Subsea valves operate in harsh deepwater environments where seal failure risks leaks, blowouts, or environmental disasters. NORSOK approval mandates third-party testing (e.g., by MERL or Element) for individual components, not just assemblies, boosting reliability and reducing downtime costing billions annually.
Key Testing Requirements:
Rapid Gas Decompression (RGD/Explosive Decompression): Seals absorb gases under pressure; sudden depressurization causes blistering/cracking. Tests use CO2/CH4/H2S mixes at 100-200°C, 150-300 bar, with 10+ cycles. Damage rated 0-5; max rating 3-4 accepted (no full cracks).
Sour Gas Aging (H2S): Exposure to 2-10% H2S fluids for weeks at 180-230°C. Measures hardness (±10), volume swell (±25%), tensile changes (±50%), no blistering.
Aligns with ISO 23936-2 for global compliance.
Approved Materials: Common elastomers include HNBR (e.g., XploR H9T20), FKM/Viton (V9T82), FFKM/Perlast for ultimate resistance. Providers like Trelleborg (21 compounds), Parker (e.g., KA183-85 HNBR), and PPE offer certified O-rings, T-seals, spring seals.
Applications & Benefits: Used in valve stems, gates, balls for dynamic sealing. Benefits: Extended life (reduced extrusion/wear), RGD resistance prevents failures, sour compatibility ensures integrity in aggressive media. Enhances safety, cuts maintenance in ultra-deepwater ops.
In summary, NORSOK M-710 approval guarantees rubber seals deliver proven performance in subsea valves, minimizing risks in oil & gas exploration
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