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f)
c)
a)

e)
d)
b)

drop
drop
open

position
position

Loss of containment
Experienced failure

Choke cannot be run to fully

calculated for given pressure

calculated for given pressure
Flow through choke at closed
Choke cannot be run to closed

Higher flow through choke that

Lower flow through choke than

Actuator failure – mechanical failure

x
x

Too low material fracture toughness, too high Cage/nozzle collapse

x
x
x
x

actuator load, impact of heavy object

Too small choke body, high bulk rates, low Erosion to choke body or flange
x

upstream pressure, high sand load

Too small ports in cage Blockage of sleeve/ plug due to foreign object
x

stuck in cage (e.g. during or after improper

well clean-up)

Low choke opening, high pressure drop, low Erosion to cage port holes
x
(x)

SG, poor TC quality, high sand load

Root cause
Cause of failure

x
x
x

Low choke opening, high pressured drop, low Erosion to plug nose/ sleeve nose/ seat
SG, poor TC quality , high sand load
x

Cage port holes too small Plugging of cage/ nozzle

Sandy service operation of production chokes – typical combinations of failure modes and root-cause

High sand load or high potential for sand to Plugging of pressure balance chamber
x

travel up the pressure balance holes

x
x
x
x

Vibration, thermal shocking, insufficient Brittle failure of plug nose or cage

fracture toughness
Damage by sand to balance seal or dynamic
x
x

sealing surfaces
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