Technical Manual

MSI Manually Adjustable Choke

MSI – A Division of Dixie Iron Works, Ltd.

300 W. Main St.
Alice, TX 78332
www.diwmsi.com
(800) 242-0059

Revision A
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1 WARNINGS .................................................................................................................. 1

SECTION 2 GENERAL DESCRIPTION ......................................................................................... 3
2.1 CHOKE DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................................... 3
2.2 CHOKE SPECIFICATIONS............................................................................................................... 3
2.3 CHOKE PERFORMANCE ................................................................................................................ 5
SECTION 3 PARTS ........................................................................................................................... 9
3.1 EXPLODED VIEW ......................................................................................................................... 9
SECTION 4 OPERATION .............................................................................................................. 12
4.1 CHOKE ADJUSTMENT................................................................................................................. 12
4.2 ORIFICE INDICATOR BEAN SIZING TABLE ................................................................................... 12
SECTION 5 MAINTENANCE ........................................................................................................ 14
5.1 PREVENTATIVE .......................................................................................................................... 14
5.2 DISASSEMBLY ........................................................................................................................... 14
5.3 INSPECTION ............................................................................................................................... 14
5.4 ASSEMBLY ................................................................................................................................ 15
5.5 PICTORIAL DISASSEMBLY .......................................................................................................... 16
5.6 PICTORIAL INSPECTION .............................................................................................................. 22
5.7 PICTORIAL ASSEMBLY ............................................................................................................... 25
 SECTION 1 WARNINGS

The MSI Adjustable Choke is used in high-pressure and high flow well service applications. High pressure
equipment, if not used and maintained properly, can cause serious injury or death and damage to equipment and
property. Not taking proper precautions and failing to perform routine maintenance and inspections can also
contribute to loss of well control, and such loss could cause serious injury or death and damage to equipment
and property.

The MSI adjustable choke is designed to decrease pressure in a fluid flow situation, as a result, the velocity of
the fluid stream increases drastically. Abrasive particles in the high velocity flow stream can cause excessive
and premature erosion to the choke components. The downstream side of the choke though is protected by long
wearing carbide thus reducing this wear. Therefore it is critical for safety and performance to ensure the choke
is installed such that the direction of flow is away from the bonnet on adjustable chokes. Improperly flowing
through the choke may cause damage and void the warranty. It is not recommended.

ALL OPERATORS AND MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY TRAINED

IN THE SAFE OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, AND INSPECTION OF THIS EQUIPMENT.

This product is not designed to be used for fully stopping the flow of fluids. In systems where this is required
proper isolation valves should be used in conjunction with the choke.
8
7
6
5
FLUID DIRECTION THROUGH CHOKE

INLET
4
3
2

OUTLET
1

G
C

D
A

F
 SECTION 2 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

2.1 Choke Description

Adjustable chokes are used in many oilfield applications to control the rate of flow. Usually an adjustable
choke is used as part of a manifold installed downstream of the wellhead. The choke is adjusted during
flowback of the well to control downstream pressure and flow rates. The MSI adjustable choke is comprised of
three main sub-assemblies. These sub-assemblies are the bonnet, tee, and nipple assemblies.

2.2 Choke Specifications

MSI chokes are available in ¾”, 1”, and 2” maximum orifice sizes. The components that comprise the choke
are made from various materials. The bonnet, tee, and nipple are made from forged alloy steel. The stem is
manufactured from stainless steel and utilizes a solid carbide tip. The choke seat is also made from stainless
steel that has been fitted with a carbide liner.
 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

NIPPLE ASSEMBLY TEE ASSEMBLY BONNET ASSEMBLY

CHOKE MAIN SUB-ASSEMBLIES

G
2.3 Choke Performance

MSI adjustable chokes are available in three trim sizes. Our 3/4” and 1” maximum trim sizes are available for
use with our chokes that use 2” 1502 or WS20 connections. The 2” maximum trim size is only available for use
with our chokes that use 3” 1502 or WS30 connections. See the flow coefficient ( ) graphs corresponding to
the different adjustable choke trim sizes available, in the following pages.

For liquid flow, the mathematical equation for determining is:

where:

(psi)
 16.0

14.0

12.0

10.0

8.0

6.0

Cv (GPM flow, 60°F water at ΔP=1 psi)

Cv (3/4" MAX ORIFICE)

4.0

2.0

0.0
0 /64 8 /64 16 /64 24 /64 32 /64 40 /64 48 /64
Choke Setting
 25.0

20.0

15.0

10.0

Cv (GPM flow, 60°F water at ΔP=1 psi)

Cv (1" MAX ORIFICE)

5.0

0.0
0 /64 8 /64 16 /64 24 /64 32 /64 40 /64 48 /64 56 /64 64 /64
Choke Setting
 130.0

120.0

110.0

100.0

90.0

80.0

70.0

60.0

50.0

Cv (GPM flow, 60°F water at ΔP=1 psi)

40.0
Cv (2" MAX ORIFICE)

30.0

20.0

10.0

0.0
0 /64 8 /64 16 /64 24 /64 32 /64 40 /64 48 /64 56 /64 64 /64 72 /64 80 /64 88 /64 96 /64 104 /64 112 /64 120 /64 128 /64
Choke Setting
 SECTION 3 PARTS

3.1 Exploded View

See the following drawings and bills of materials for replacement parts.
 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
MANUAL CHOKE BONNET STANDARD SERVICE H2S SERVICE MANUAL CHOKE BONNET STANDARD SERVICE H2S SERVICE
NO. DESCRIPTION QTY. 2" 1502 WS20 2" 1502 WS20 NO. DESCRIPTION QTY 2" 1502 WS20 2" 1502 WS20
1 HEX NUT 1 HC0012 11 THUMB SCREW 1 HC0013
A 2 FLAT WASHER 1 HC0014 12 STAY BALL 1 HC0177
3 HAND WHEEL 1 CC0014 13 GREASE FITTING 1 HC0199
4 INDICATOR 1 CC0013 14 STEM GUIDE 1 CC0029
5 SOCKET HEAD STAY BOLTS 2 HC0176 15 PACKING 1 CC0028
6 LOCK WASHER 2 HC0111 16 PACKING RETAINER 1 CC0030 CC0064 CC0030 CC0064
7 BONNET EXTENSION 1 CC0278 17 RETAINING RING 1 CC0044 CC0065 CC0044 CC0065
8 WINGNUT OR NUT MEMBER 1 UC0002 UC0118 UC0131 UC0118 18 STEM 1 CC0022
B
9 BONNET THREAD BUSHING 1 CC0281 19 SEAT 1 CC0037
10 BONNET 1 CC0016 CC0063 CC0016 CC0063 20 NUT RETAINER RING 1 N/A UC0116 N/A UC0116

WINGSEALTM BONNET

C
10
4

1
8 2
D 11
20
16
17 12
3
13
5
6
2" MANUAL CHOKE BONNET

7
E
15
17
19
9 8

10
F
14

16

18
G
 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
MANUAL CHOKE BONNET STANDARD SERVICE H2S SERVICE MANUAL CHOKE BONNET STANDARD SERVICE H2S SERVICE
NO DESCRIPTION QTY 3" 1502 WS30 3" 1502 NO DESCRIPTION QTY 3" 1502 WS30 3" 1502
1 HEX NUT 1 HC0012 10 BONNET 1 CC0284 CC0078 CC0006
A 2 FLAT WASHER 1 HC0014 11 THUMBSCREW 1 HC0013
3 HAND WHEEL 1 CC0008 12 STAY BALL 1 HC0177
4 INDICATOR 1 CC0034 13 BONNET BACK UP RING 1 OC0024 N/A OC0024
5 SOCKET HEAD STAY BOLTS 2 HC0203 14 BONNET O-RING 1 OC0023 N/A OC0023
6 LOCK WASHER 2 HC0111 15 PACKING /RETAINER KIT 1 CC0027
7 BONNET EXTENSION 1 CC0286 16 STEM 1 CC0059
8 WINGNUT OR NUT MEMBER 1 UC0009 CC0079 UC0005 17 SEAT 1 CC0007
B
9 BONNET THREAD BUSHING 1 CC0285 18 BONNET SEAL 1 N/A CC0076 N/A

WINGSEALTM BONNET

C
11

8
12

1
10 2
D

18

5 3
3" MANUAL CHOKE BONNET

E 17 6
7
4
8

10
F
13
14
15
16

G
 SECTION 4 OPERATION

4.1 Choke Adjustment

The equivalent orifice size of MSI manually operated chokes can be easily determined, adjusted, and set. To
adjust the choke, loosen the thumbscrew, BUT DO NOT REMOVE. Once you have loosened the
thumbscrew, turn the hand wheel either clockwise to throttle the choke closed, or counter-clockwise to throttle
the choke open. Once the desired rate is achieved tighten the thumbscrew, to lock down the stem at the desired
setting. All MSI manually adjustable chokes come with an indicator. Each number on the indicator represents
the equivalent orifice diameter in 1/64ths of an inch. Determining the flow bean size needed for a positive
choke can be determined by reading the number shown on the indicator at the indicator line located on the
bonnet extension. The orifice size can be determined by using orifice indicator bean sizing table, or you can
multiply the indicator number by 1/64 and that will give you the orifice size for the flow bean needed.

Example below the indicator is at 42 this would be equivalent to an orifice bean size of 42/64.
4.2 Orifice Indicator Bean Sizing Table

Indicator Orifice Indicator Orifice Indicator Orifice Indicator Orifice

# Size # Size # Size # Size
1 1/64 33 33/64 65 1 1/64 97 1 33/64
2 2/64 34 34/64 66 1 2/64 98 1 34/64
3 3/64 35 35/64 67 1 3/64 99 1 35/64
4 4/64 36 36/64 68 1 4/64 100 1 36/64
5 5/64 37 37/64 69 1 5/64 101 1 37/64
6 6/64 38 38/64 70 1 6/64 102 1 38/64
7 7/64 39 39/64 71 1 7/64 103 1 39/64
8 8/64 40 40/64 72 1 8/64 104 1 40/64
9 9/64 41 41/64 73 1 9/64 105 1 41/64
10 10/64 42 42/64 74 1 10/64 106 1 42/64
11 11/64 43 43/64 75 1 11/64 107 1 43/64
12 12/64 44 44/64 76 1 12/64 108 1 44/64
13 13/64 45 45/64 77 1 13/64 109 1 45/64
14 14/64 46 46/64 78 1 14/64 110 1 46/64
15 15/64 47 47/64 79 1 15/64 111 1 47/64
16 16/64 48 48/64 80 1 16/64 112 1 48/64
17 17/64 49 49/64 81 1 17/64 113 1 49/64
18 18/64 50 50/64 82 1 18/64 114 1 50/64
19 19/64 51 51/64 83 1 19/64 115 1 51/64
20 20/64 52 52/64 84 1 20/64 116 1 52/64
21 21/64 53 53/64 85 1 21/64 117 1 53/64
22 22/64 54 54/64 86 1 22/64 118 1 54/64
23 23/64 55 55/64 87 1 23/64 119 1 55/64
24 24/64 56 56/64 88 1 24/64 120 1 56/64
25 25/64 57 57/64 89 1 25/64 121 1 57/64
26 26/64 58 58/64 90 1 26/64 122 1 58/64
27 27/64 59 59/64 91 1 27/64 123 1 59/64
28 28/64 60 60/64 92 1 28/64 124 1 60/64
29 29/64 61 61/64 93 1 29/64 125 1 61/64
30 30/64 62 62/64 94 1 30/64 126 1 62/64
31 31/64 63 63/64 95 1 31/64 127 1 63/64
32 32/64 64 1 96 1 32/64 128 2
 SECTION 5 MAINTENANCE

5.1 Preventative

The choke stem will periodically need to be lubricated. If the choke has a grease fitting, inject a few strokes of
general purpose grease. 3” chokes do not have a grease fitting. To lubricate the stem first ensure there is no
pressure in the system. Rotate the hand wheel counter clock-wise until it is fully open. Remove the hand
wheel, indicator, and bonnet extension. There should be approximately 3 inches of exposed thread. Apply a
light coat of thread anti-seize compound. Replace bonnet extension, indicator, and hand wheel. Turn hand
wheel clock-wise until the choke is fully shut. You will need to calibrate the indicator. Refer to step 9 in
section 5.4 assembly for directions.

5.2 Disassembly

1. Bleed off any pressure from the choke assembly.

2. Loosen the thumbscrew and turn the hand wheel counter-clockwise to disengage the tip of the stem from
the seat.
3. Loosen the wingnut and disconnect the bonnet assembly from the choke tee assembly.
4. Remove the seat from the choke tee assembly using an appropriate choke seat wrench.
5. Remove the hand wheel by removing the hex nut and washer. Use a 15/16” wrench.
6. Loosen the setscrew in the indicator using a 5/32” hex key and slide the indicator off the stem.
7. Remove the stem by grasping it by the carbide-tipped end and rotating counter-clockwise until the threads
disengage the bonnet thread bushing. NOTE: DO NOT USE ANY PLIERS, WRENCHES ON THE
SEALING SURFACE OF THE STEM. DAMAGE WILL OCCUR! THE HANDWHEEL MAY
BE USED TO LOOSEN THE STEM.
8. Remove the snap-ring or spiral retaining ring. Then remove the packing retainer, packing, and stem
guide. NOTE: The packing retainer and stem guide only apply to chokes with 2” connections.
9. As needed: The thread bushing may be removed for inspection or replacement. Using a 3/16” hex key
remove the two socket-head stay bolts, lock washers, and bonnet extension. Unscrew the thread bushing.
If the thread bushing is tight use a 1-5/8” combination wrench or an adjustable wrench.
10. As needed: Remove the thumbscrew so that the wingnut may be removed if necessary. Loosely replace
thumbscrew, so as not to lose the stem stay ball.
11. Remove the bonnet o-ring and bonnet back up ring. NOTE: This is only applicable to chokes bonnets
with 3” 1502 connections.
12. Degrease and clean all parts

5.3 Inspection

After degreasing the parts, visually inspect for abnormal wear, corrosion, erosion, or any other physical damage.

1. Inspect the threads, packing area, shaft and carbide tip of the stem and replace as necessary. The cone of
the carbide tip should be smooth and without grooves or cracks.
2. Inspect the threads and carbide liner of the seat and replace as necessary. The entry bevel of the carbide
liner should be smooth and without grooves or cracks. Look down the orifice for washouts in the mid-
section of the liner.
3. Always discard the packing when removed from the bonnet. Replace with new packing.
 4. Replace the wingnut if the lugs are excessively deformed or damaged.

5.4 Assembly

Note - Always use high quality graphite grease or anti-seize during assembly. Lubricate all parts thoroughly,
especially threads.

1. If previously removed: Screw the thread bushing clock-wise into the bonnet. Attach the bonnet extension
using the two socket-head stay bolts and lock washers.

2. Apply light grease or anti-seize in the packing gland of the bonnet and install the following in order:

a. Stem guide. NOTE: Not applicable in 3” chokes

b. Packing set. The "V" of the chevron segments should face outward away from the hand wheel.

c. Packing retainer. NOTE: Not applicable in 3” chokes

d. Snap ring or spiral retaining rig.

e. Apply light grease to the inside of the packing.

3. Apply anti-seize to the threads of the stem. Insert the threaded end of the stem into the packing and carefully
push straight in until the threads of the stem meet and engage the threads of the bonnet. Rotate the stem
clockwise until the safety shoulder of the stem makes contact with the packing retainer.

4. If previously removed: Once again remove the thumbscrew. Slide the wingnut onto the bonnet body, and
loosely re-attach the thumbscrew, so as not to lose the stem stay ball.

5. Slide the choke indicator onto the stem with "zero" end away from the bonnet, do not tighten set screw.

6. Attach the hand-wheel, washer, and hex nut onto the stem. Temporarily position the indicator up against the
hand wheel and tighten set screw.

7. Apply grease to the bonnet o-ring groove and install new o-ring and back up ring. Applies to chokes with 3”
1502 connections only.

8. Apply anti-seize to threads of choke seat. Using an appropriate choke wrench install the seat by rotating
clockwise into the choke tee assembly and tighten to approximately 30-50 ft-lbs.

9. Mount the bonnet assembly to the choke tee assembly and make up the union properly. Crank the hand-
wheel clockwise until the stem bottoms out firmly into the choke seat. This is the full closed position.

10. Loosen the indicator set screw, and line up the "zero" calibration of the indicator with the indicator groove
on the end of the bonnet extension and tighten the indicator setscrew. Note-This step is required whenever the
bonnet assembly has been disengaged from the tee assembly.

11. Grease the bonnet using the grease fitting on the side of the bonnet. NOTE: This applies only to 2” chokes.

12. Back the stem off the choke seat and tighten the thumbscrew for transport in the open position.
5.5 Pictorial Disassembly

WARNING: BLEED OFF ANY PRESSURE

FROM CHOKE ASSEMBLY BEFORE
ATTEMPTING REPAIR.

Loosen the thumbscrew. Don’t remove at this

time.

Rotate hand wheel counter clockwise to ensure

the stem is disengaged from the seat.

Loosen wing nut and remove bonnet assembly

from tee assembly.
 Remove the seat from the choke tee assembly
using an appropriate choke seat wrench.

Using a 15/16” wrench or socket, remove the

hand wheel by removing the hex nut and washer.

Using a 5/32” hex key, loosen the indicator

setscrew.
Slide the indicator off the stem.

Remove the stem by grasping it by the carbide-

tipped end and rotating counter-clockwise until
the threads disengage the bonnet thread bushing.

WARNING: DO NOT USE ANY PLIERS,

WRENCHES ON THE SEALING
SURFACE OF THE STEM. DAMAGE
WILL OCCUR!

Remove the snap-ring or spiral retaining ring.

Remove the packing retainer. Applies only to
chokes with 2” connections.

Remove packing.

NOTE: THE PACKING IS NOT

INTENDED TO BE RE-USED AFTER
REMOVED FROM BONNET. ALWAYS
REBUILD WITH NEW PACKING

Remove stem guide. Applies only to chokes

with 2” connections.
As needed: The thread bushing may be
removed for inspection or replacement.

Loosen socket-head stay bolts with a 3/16” hex

key.

Remove the stay bolt and lock washer if

applicable.

Remove bonnet extension.

Unscrew the thread bushing. NOTE: If the
bushing is too tight use an adjustable wrench or
a 1 5/8” open end wrench.

If the wingnut needs replacement:

Remove the thumbscrew. Do not loose stem

stay ball, as it might come out.

Remove the wingnut.

NOTE: Loosely replace the thumbscrew to

keep from losing the stem stay ball.
5.6 Pictorial Inspection

Clean and degrease the parts, and visually

inspect for abnormal wear, corrosion, erosion, or
other physical damage.

Inspect the stem threads.

SEALING
SURFACE

Inspect stem packing sealing surface and shaft.

Inspect carbide tip of the stem. The cone of the

carbide tip should be smooth and without
grooves or cracks.

Replace stem as necessary

Inspect the threads of seat.

Inspect the entry bevel of the carbide liner. It

should be smooth and without grooves or cracks.

NOTE: THE SEAT DEPICTED AT LEFT

SHOWS CRACKING AND IS CHIPPED THIS
NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.

Look down the orifice for washouts in the mid-

section of the liner.
 BONNET SEALING
SURFACE

Inspect the bonnet sealing surface and packing

gland sealing surface.

PACKING GLAND
SEALING SURFACE

Inspect wing nut for excess wear and damage.

WARNING: WING NUT DEPICTED AT

RIGHT AND BOTTOM IS BEYOND
SERVICEABLE LIFE AND IS A SAFETY
HAZARD. IT SHOULD BE REPLACED.
5.7 Pictorial Assembly

NOTE - ALWAYS USE HIGH QUALITY

GRAPHITE GREASE OR ANTI-SEIZE
DURING ASSEMBLY. LUBRICATE ALL
PARTS THOROUGHLY, ESPECIALLY
THREADS.

Lubricate the thread bushings internal and

external threads.

Screw the thread bushing into bonnet.

NOTE: Prior to reinstalling the bonnet

extension onto the bonnet ensure the extension
indicator line is on the same side as the
thumbscrew tapped hole and grease fitting
Use lock washers and socket head stay bolts to
attach the bonnet extensions to the bonnet.

Use a 3/16” hex key wrench to tighten the stay

bolts.

Lubricate the packing gland of the bonnet with

light general purpose grease.
Install the stem guide. Applies only to chokes
with 2” connections.

Install new packing.

INSERT THIS END FIRST

Install packing retainer. Applies only to chokes

with 2” connections.
Install retaining ring.

Lubricate the inside of packing with light

general purpose grease.

Lubricate the stem threads.

Insert the threaded end of the stem into the
packing and carefully push straight in until the
threads of the stem meet and engage the threads
of the bonnet.

Rotate the stem clockwise…

…until the safety shoulder of the stem makes

contact with the packing retainer.
Slide wing nut onto bonnet body.

Install stem stay ball and thumbscrew, but do

not tighten.

Slide the indicator onto the stem. Do not tighten

set screw.

NOTE: THE END OF THE INDICATOR

WITH THE SET SCREW MUST BE
INSTALLED AWAY FROM THE BONNET.
Install hand wheel, washer, and hex nut.

Temporarily position the indicator up against the

hand wheel and tighten set screw.

Lubricate the choke seat threads.

Install choke seat into tee body.

Tighten choke seat using the appropriate choke

seat wrench.

Mount the bonnet assembly to the choke tee

assembly. Ensure the union connection is
properly made up and tight. Rotate the hand
wheel clockwise to shut the choke.
Loosen the indicator set screw. Rotate and slide
the indicator into position, so that the “0” is
aligned with the indicator groove on the bonnet
extension.

Tighten the indicator set screw. Now the choke

is zeroed out.

Rotate the hand wheel counter clockwise to

unseat the stem from the choke seat. Tighten the
thumbscrew to lock the stem into an open
position. This is the position to transport the
choke.
MSI – A Division of Dixie Iron Works, Ltd.
300 W. Main St.
Alice, TX 78332
www.diwmsi.com
(800) 242-0059
(361) 664-6597