WIVO VALVES, a global leader in high-performance fluid control systems, has unveiled its groundbreaking AbyssGuard™ Titanium Valve Series, specifically engineered to withstand the crushing pressures and corrosive environments of deep-sea oil and gas exploration. The announcement was made at the Offshore Technology Conference in Oslo, where industry leaders gathered to address the challenges of ultra-deepwater extraction.
As energy companies venture into deeper waters—where pressures exceed 15,000 psi and temperatures near freezing—standard valves often fail, risking catastrophic leaks and costly downtime. WIVO's AbyssGuard™ valves, crafted from aerospace-grade titanium alloy and featuring a patented nano-coating, are rated for depths up to 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) and boast a 50% longer lifespan than conventional alternatives.
"The deep sea is the final frontier for energy, and reliability isn’t optional," said WIVO’s Subsea Division Director, Ingrid Solberg. "AbyssGuard™ doesn’t just survive these conditions—it thrives, ensuring zero failures even in the most extreme scenarios."
In partnership with EquiNor Energy, WIVO deployed prototype valves at the Ormen Lange gas field in the Norwegian Sea, one of the world’s harshest subsea environments. Over 18 months, the valves maintained flawless performance despite saltwater corrosion, seismic activity, and pressures equivalent to 300 elephants standing on a single valve.
EquiNor’s Chief Engineer, Erik Lund, confirmed: "WIVO’s valves eliminated unplanned maintenance stops, saving us $2.8 million in downtime costs. This is a game-changer for deepwater projects."
Beyond durability, the AbyssGuard™ series addresses environmental concerns. Its leak-proof design prevents methane seepage—a potent greenhouse gas—while the titanium construction eliminates toxic anti-fouling coatings typically used on subsea equipment. WIVO estimates global adoption could reduce underwater emissions by up to 120,000 tons of CO2-equivalent annually.
WIVO is already adapting the technology for renewable energy applications, including tidal power and offshore hydrogen pipelines. The company also revealed plans for a "smart" version with embedded sensors to transmit real-time integrity data to surface teams via underwater acoustic networks.
Slated for commercial release in Q1 2025, the AbyssGuard™ series has pre-orders from 12 major energy firms. WIVO will also offer a leasing program to lower upfront costs for smaller operators.
With 75+ years of expertise, WIVO VALVES designs mission-critical fluid control solutions for energy, marine, and industrial sectors. Its innovations power projects where failure is not an option—from the ocean floor to outer space.
