Manifold
A manifold is an assembly of pipes, valves and fittings that combines, distributes or redirects flow between multiple inlets and outlets. In oil and gas operations, production manifolds gather flow from several wells and route it to test or production separators; choke manifolds control well pressure during drilling and well testing by diverting returns through adjustable or fixed chokes; and injection manifolds distribute water or gas to injection wells. Smaller instrument manifolds are used to isolate, equalize and vent pressure transmitters. Choke and kill equipment is covered by API Spec 16C, high-pressure wellhead-type valves and fittings by API Spec 6A, and process piping manifolds are designed to ASME B31.3. Selection parameters include working pressure, bore size, number of inlets and outlets, valve type and actuation, material and sour-service class, and skid arrangement.
Examples
- Choke manifold for well control on a drilling rig
- Production test manifold routing wells to a test separator
- Three-valve instrument manifold for a differential pressure transmitter