The present invention relates to the removal of tubing from a well and/or discarding the removed tubing, said tubing often being provided with one or more external cables and/or control lines.

Removing tubing from hydrocarbon well, in particular from subsea hydrocarbon wells is often a necessity in plug and abandonment procedures, i.e. when sealing off a well at the end of its economic lifetime. To seal off the well, permanent plugs need to be provided in the wellbore, which requires tubing mounted in the wellbore to be removed first. This because the tubing is often externally provided with cables and control lines, extending along the exterior of the tubing, which cables and lines may damage the integrity of the plugs over time. Therefore, to enable reliable and permanent seals to be mounted in the wellbore, the tubing needs to be removed first. It is noted that tubing differs from well casing in that the latter is often cemented in place during the drilling of the wellbore. This casing can often remain in the borehole and may serve as a support for plugs mounted in the borehole.

The tubing can be, for example, a production tubing for the production of hydrocarbon fluid from a subterranean formation. This tubing is often provided with one or more external cables, e.g. electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc. and/or control lines, that extend along the exterior of the tubing.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved rig and methods, in particular for use in plug and abandonment processes.

According to a first aspect, the invention provides a rig, methods and tools for in the firing line cutting the tubing and the cables and control lines provided alongside that tubing into sections. These sections of tubing, with cables and control lines, can subsequently be processed, on the rig or off site, for example be cut into smaller sections to enable transport by ship and/or lorry, and/or by separating the cables and/or control lines from the tubing, etc.

A rig for removal of tubing from a well, e.g. a hydrocarbon well, according to the first aspect of the invention comprises: a working floor having a well center, which well center defines a vertical firing line that is to be aligned with the well; a tower structure provided with a tripping operation elevator, adapted to engage an upper end of the tubing, preferably for engaging the tubing just below a connector of a tubular, and for lifting the tubing along the firing line out of the well; a slip device, arranged at the well center and adapted for engaging the tubing and to suspend the tubing in the firing line; a cable removal device, adapted to remove cables and/or control lines from the exterior of the tubing, to provide a cleared external support zone fit for engagement by the slip device, preferably while said tubing is supported by the elevator, the support zone preferably also comprising the connector part of a tubular of the tubing, to allow for the elevator to engage the tubing at, more in particular just below, a connector; a tubulars connection makeup and breaking device, e.g. an iron roughneck machine or mechanized tong device, and/or a tubing cutting device, which makeup and breaking device and/or tubing cutting device are/is located above the slip device, for in line braking out or cutting a e from the tubing suspended by the slip device. According to the first aspect of the invention, the rig is provided with a cable removal device adapted to remove cables and/or control lines from the exterior of the tubing, to provide a cleared external support zone fit for engagement by the slip device. The invention allows for in line, i.e. in the firing line, cutting of the tubing and the cables and control lines provided alongside that tubing into sections. The tubing is lifted from the well, supported and subsequently cut. Cutting the sections with cables and control lines allows for a quick process.

The sections of tubing, with cables and control lines, can subsequently be processed, on the rig or off site, for example be cut into smaller sections to enable transport by ship and/or lorry, and/or by separating the cables and/or control lines from the tubing, etc. In an embodiment, the support zone is provided such that it comprises the connector part of a tubular of the tubing, to allow for the elevator to engage the tubing at, more in particular just below, a connector. Thus, the elevator can be provided with a simple connector for engaging the tubing.

The sections of tubing are cut while the tubing is supported by the slip device. It Is submitted that the rig allows for cutting sections of tubing that are shorter than the length of the tubulars making up the tubing. As an alternative, tubing sections can be cut that comprise multiple tubulars, i.e. tubular stands. In an embodiment of a rig according to the first aspect, ,the rig further comprises a fingerboard device that is adapted to store separated tubulars stands, the fingerboard device preferably being associated with a pipe racker device, comprising a movable stand gripper assembly, for moving the tubulars stand between the firing line and the fingerboard device.

In an embodiment of a rig according to the first aspect, the rig further comprises a tubulars stand cutting and storage system, for off line cutting of a separated tubulars stand into sections, the cutting and storage system comprising:

a cutting device for cutting tubulars of a tubulars stand, preferably while in a vertical position; a tubular sections storage device, e.g. a tubular sections bin, for holding tubular sections; a tubular stand manipulator, for positioning a tubulars stand relative to the cutting device in a cutting position, preferably in a vertical direction, to enable cutting of the tubulars stand by said cutting device.

In a further embodiment of a rig according to the first aspect, the cutting device is located above the storage device, such that a tubulars can be held in a cutting position with its bottom end located in the storage device. In an embodiment of a rig according to the first aspect, cutting device is movable supported, such that it can be moved relative to the storage device, to enable multiple cutting positions.

In an embodiment of a rig according to the first aspect, the tubulars stand cutting and storage system comprises a storage device support adapted to support a storage device in a receiving position for receiving tubular stands sections, which storage device support preferably is adapted to tilt the storage device between the receiving position, in which the storage device holds the tubular stands sections in a vertical position, and a transport position, in which the storage device holds the tubular stands sections in a horizontal position, and which allows for transport of the storage device to a storage position.

In an embodiment of a rig according to the first aspect, the tubulars stand cutting and storage system further comprises a storage device transport device, e.g. a knuckle boom crane, for moving a storage device to a storage position, preferably for moving the a storage device between a transport position on the storage device support and a storage position. In a further embodiment of a rig according to the first aspect, the storage device transport device is a knuckle boom crane, which knuckle boom crane is provided with storage device coupling device, which coupling device comprise a linear displacement device. In an embodiment of a rig according to the first aspect, the cable removal device is located below the slip device, such that after providing the tubing locally with a cleared zone, e.g. close to an upper end connector of the tubing, the tubing is lifted upwards to position the zone for engagement by the slip device. In an embodiment of a rig according to the first aspect, the rig is embodied to be temporarily mounted on an offshore platform, preferably comprising a rig base structure that is mounted on an X-Y skid system for positioning the rig relative to the platform, and to thus enable the well center of the rig to be aligned with different wells of the platform. In an embodiment of a rig according to the first aspect, the rig further comprises a cable removal device, wherein the cable removal device is adapted to remove cables and/or control lines from the exterior of the tubing, to provide a cleared external support zone fit for engagement by the slip device, In a further embodiment of a rig according to the first aspect, the cable removal device is adapted to remove a section of cables and/or control lines from the exterior of the tubing to provide the external support zone, the cable removal device comprising:

- an upper cutting tool, for cutting the cables and/or control lines at an upper end of the support zone,

- a lower cutting tool, for cutting the cables and/or control lines at a lower end of the support zone,

In a further embodiment of a rig according to the first aspect, the cutting tools each comprise a substantially C-shaped cradle for receiving the tubing, preferably with the cables and/or control lines first,

wherein each C-shaped cradle comprises a door for closing said C-shaped cradle and thus lock the tubing with the cables and/or control lines in a cutting position inside the cradle.

In an embodiment of a rig according to the first aspect, the cable removal device further comprises: a cables and/or control lines attachment device for fixing the end of the cables and/or control lines at the lower end of the support zone to the tubing, preferably by applying a tie-wrap around the end of the cables and/or control lines and the tubing. In an embodiment of a rig according to the first aspect, the cable removal device further comprises:

a cables and/or control lines attachment device for fixing the end of the cables and/or control lines at the upper end of the support zone to the tubing, preferably by applying a tie-wrap around the end of the cables and/or control lines and the tubing.

In an embodiment of a rig according to the first aspect, the cable removal device is configured to be held by a wrench, such that the wrench, and preferably the positioning system of the wrench, can be used for positioning the cable removal device. In an embodiment of a rig according to the first aspect, the makeup and breaking device is a tubing cutting device for in line cutting the tubing at a cutting zone, for thus cutting a tubular stand from the tubing suspended by the slip device.

In a further embodiment of a rig according to the first aspect, the makeup and breaking device further comprises:

a cables and/or control lines attachment device for fixing the end of the cables and/or control lines at the lower end of the cutting zone to the tubing, preferably by applying a tie-wrap around the end of the cables and/or control lines and the tubing. In an embodiment of a rig according to the first aspect, the makeup and breaking device further comprises:

a cables and/or control lines attachment device for fixing the end of the cables and/or control lines at the upper end of the cutting zone to the tubing, preferably by applying a tie-wrap around the end of the cables and/or control lines and the tubing.

In an embodiment of a rig according to the first aspect, the makeup and breaking device is configured to be held by a wrench, such that the wrench, and preferably the positioning system of the wrench, can be used for positioning the tubulars connection makeup and breaking device.

In an embodiment of a rig according to the first aspect, the cable removal device is combined with a tubulars connection makeup and breaking device, preferably a tubulars connection makeup and breaking device according to one or more of the claims 17-20, into a cable removal and tubing cutting tool.

In a further embodiment of a rig according to the first aspect, the cable removal and tubing cutting tool is adapted to engage tubing with the tubing cutting tool located above a connector connecting two tubing sections, for cutting the tubing above said connector, preferably adjacent said connector or adjacent a cable clamp provided over said connector, and with the cable removal device located below said connector, for providing a support zone below said connector, preferably adjacent said connector or adjacent a cable clamp provided over said connector.

In an embodiment of a rig according to the first aspect, the cable removal and tubing cutting tool further comprises:

a cables and/or control lines attachment device for fixing the end of the cables and/or control lines at the lower end of the support zone to the tubing, preferably by applying a ty-rap around the end of the cables and/or control lines and the tubing, and

a cables and/or control lines attachment device for fixing the end of the cables and/or control lines at the upper end of the cutting zone to the tubing, preferably by applying a ty-rap around the end of the cables and/or control lines and the tubing.

In an embodiment of a rig according to the first aspect, the cable removal and tubing cutting tool is configured to be held by a wrench, such that the wrench, and preferably the positioning system of the wrench, can be used for positioning the cable removal and tubing cutting tool. A method for removal of tubing from a well, preferably from a hydrocarbon well, according to the first aspect of the invention, preferably using a rig and/or a cable removal device and/or a tubulars connection makeup and breaking device and/or cable removal and tubing cutting tool according to the first aspect of the invention, comprises the steps of:

- engaging an upper end of the tubing;

- lifting the tubing out of the well into a cable removal position;

- locally removing cables and/or control lines from the exterior of the tubing to provide the tubing with a cleared external support zone for engagement by a slip device;

- bringing, preferably further lifting, the tubing into a support position, in which the support zone is positioned for engagement by the slip device; e.g. said slip device being located in or on a working deck of a rig, - engaging the tubing at said support zone with the slip device, and suspending the tubing with said slip device, such that a tubulars stand located above the slip device can be separated from the suspended tubing;

- separating the tubulars stand from the suspended tubing by cutting or braking out.

A further method according to the first aspect comprises the steps:

preferably prior to locally removing cables and/or control lines from the exterior of the tubing, attaching the cables and/or control lines to the tubing at opposite sides of and adjacent to the support zone, preferably using tie-wraps or similar attachment devices.

In an embodiment, a method according to the first aspect of the invention comprises the steps: moving the separated tubulars stand from the firing line to a storage position, for example a fingerboard. According to a second aspect, the invention provides a rig, methods and tools for in the firing line stripping the cables and/or control lines from the tubing and subsequently cutting the tubing in the firing line into sections. The cables and/or control lines can thus be stored, for example on a reel, and processed separate from the tubing sections. The sections of tubing, without cables and control lines, can subsequently be processed, on the rig or off site, for example be cut into smaller sections to enable transport by ship and/or lorry, etc.

A rig for removal of tubing from a well, e.g. a hydrocarbon well, according to the second aspect comprises: a working floor having a well center, which well center defines a vertical firing line that is to be aligned with the well; a tower structure provided with a tripping operation elevator, adapted to engage an upper end of the tubing, preferably for engaging the tubing just below a connector of a tubular, and for lifting the tubing along the firing line out of the well; a slip device, arranged at the well center and adapted for engaging the tubing and to suspend the tubing in the firing line; a cable clamp removal device, adapted to remove cable clamps from the tubing and to thus enable stripping the cables and/or control lines from the exterior of the tubing, to provide tubing having an exterior cleared from cables and/or control lines, and a tubulars connection makeup and breaking device, e.g. an iron roughneck machine or mechanized tong device, and/or a tubing cutting device, which makeup and breaking device and/or tubing cutting device are/is located above the slip device, for in line braking out or cutting a tubulars stand from the tubing suspended by the slip device.

In a further embodiment of a rig according to the second aspect, the rig further comprising a fingerboard device that is adapted to store separated tubulars stands, the fingerboard device preferably being associated with a pipe racker device, comprising a movable stand gripper assembly, for moving the tubulars stand between the firing line and the fingerboard device.

In an embodiment of a rig according to the second aspect, the rig further comprising a tubulars stand cutting and storage system, for off line cutting of a separated tubulars stand into sections, the cutting and storage system comprising:

a cutting device for cutting tubulars of a tubulars stand, preferably while in a vertical position; a tubular sections storage device, e.g. a tubular sections bin, for holding tubular sections; a tubular stand manipulator, for positioning a tubulars stand relative to the cutting device in a cutting position, preferably in a vertical direction, to enable cutting of the tubulars standby said cutting device.

In an embodiment of a rig according to the second aspect, the cutting device is located above the storage device, such that a tubulars can be held in a cutting position with its bottom end located in the storage device.

In an embodiment of a rig according to the second aspect, cutting device is movable supported, such that it can be moved relative to the storage device, to enable multiple cutting positions.

In an embodiment of a rig according to the second aspect, the tubulars stand cutting and storage system comprises a storage device support adapted to support a storage device in a receiving position for receiving tubular stands sections, which storage device support preferably is adapted to tilt the storage device between the receiving position, in which the storage device holds the tubular stands sections in a vertical position, and a transport position, in which the storage device holds the tubular stands sections in a horizontal position, and which allows for transport of the storage device to a storage position.

In an embodiment of a rig according to the second aspect, the tubulars stand cutting and storage system further comprises a storage device transport device, e.g. a knuckle boom crane, for moving a storage device to a storage position, preferably for moving the a storage device between a transport position on the storage device support and a storage position. In a further embodiment of a rig according to the second aspect, the storage device transport device is a knuckle boom crane, which knuckle boom crane is provided with storage device coupling device, which coupling device comprise a linear displacement device. In an embodiment of a rig according to the second aspect, the cable removal device is located below the slip device, such that after providing the tubing locally with a cleared zone, e.g. close to an upper end connector of the tubing, the tubing is lifted upwards to position the zone for engagement by the slip device. In an embodiment of a rig according to the second aspect, the rig is embodied to be temporarily mounted on an offshore platform, preferably comprising a rig base structure that is mounted on an X-Y skid system for positioning the rig relative to the platform, and to thus enable the well center of the rig to be aligned with different wells of the platform. In an embodiment of a rig according to the second aspect, the cable clamp removal device comprises:

a movable supported wedge adapted to be inserted between the clamp, or at least a section thereof, and the tubing, and a power source, e.g. a hydraulic cylinder, adapted to drive the wedge between the clamp, or at least a section thereof, and the tubing to thus break loose the clamp, or at least a section thereof, from the tubing.

In an embodiment of a rig according to the second aspect, the cable clamp removal device further comprises a hold to block movement of the clamp and tubing away from the wedge, while the wedge is driven between the clamp and the tubing.

In an embodiment of a rig according to the second aspect, the cable clamp removal device further comprises a stop, which stop is adapted to be located adjacent the tubing, preferably to be temporarily fixed to the tubing, such that the clamp, or at least a section thereof, is located between the wedge and the stop and the stop blocks movement of the clamp, or at least a section thereof, while the wedge is driven between the clamp and the tubing.

In an embodiment of a rig according to the second aspect, the wedge has a semi-circular shaped body with a substantially C-shaped edge, which C-shape substantially fits the circumference of the tubing. In an embodiment of a rig according to the second aspect, the cable clamp removal device is adapted for removing a clamp having a top ring and a bottom ring, and wherein the cable clamp removal device comprises:

a top wedge for being inserted between the top ring of the clamp and the tubing, and wherein the cable clamp removing device is configured for driving the top wedge into a downward direction, and

a bottom wedge for being inserted between the bottom ring of the clamp and the tubing, and wherein the cable clamp removing device is configured for driving the bottom wedge into an upward direction.

In a further embodiment of a rig according to the second aspect, the cable clamp removal device further comprises one or more holds to block movement of the clamp, in particular of the bottom ring and top ring of the clamp, and tubing away from the wedges, while the respective wedges are driven between the rings and the tubing

In an embodiment of a rig according to the second aspect, the cable clamp removal device further comprises a stop, which stop is adapted to be located adjacent the tubing, preferably to be temporarily fixed to the tubing, such that the top ring of the clamp is located between the top wedge and the stop, and the bottom ring of the clamp is located between the bottom wedge and the stop, and the stop blocks movement of the top ring and the bottom ring while the respective top wedge and bottom wedge are driven between the top ring and the tubing and the bottom ring and the tubing.

In an embodiment of a rig according to the second aspect, the wedges each have a semi- circular shaped body with a substantially C-shaped edge, which C-shape substantially fits the circumference of the tubing.

In an embodiment of a rig according to the second aspect, the cable clamp removal device is configured to be held by a wrench, such that the wrench, and preferably the positioning system of the wrench, can be used for positioning the cable clamp removal device.

In an embodiment of a rig according to the second aspect, the cable clamp removal device is combined with the tubing cutter, so that they can be moved into and out of position at the same time, and have predefined (adjustable) positions relative to each other.

In an embodiment of a rig according to the second aspect, the rig further comprises a cable guide system, said cable guide system having a guide wheel for guiding the cables and/or control lines away from the tubing, preferably to a cables and/or control lines storage device, for example a reel, when the cable clamp has been removed and the tubing is lifted out of the well. In a further embodiment of a rig according to the second aspect, the cable guide system further comprises a reel for storing the cables and/or control lines.

In an embodiment of a rig according to the second aspect, the clamp removal device and/or the cable guide system are located below the working floor, i.e. below the slip device, and wherein the rig comprises a second working floor for supporting personnel working with the cable clamp removal tool and/or the cable and/or control lines storage device.

In an embodiment of a rig according to the second aspect, the clamp removal device and/or the cable guide system are located below the working floor, i.e. below the slip device, and wherein the rig comprises a second working floor for supporting personnel working with the cable clamp removal tool and/or the cable and/or control lines storage device.

In an embodiment of a rig according to the second aspect, the rig further comprises a cable scoop device, which cable scoop device is located adjacent the slip device, either above or below the slip device, and

which scoop device is adapted to engage cables and/or control lines provided along the exterior of the tubing supported in the firing line, and to move said cables and/or control lines away from the tubing, to thus enable slips of the slip device to engage the outside of the tubing.

In an embodiment of a rig according to the second aspect, the cable scoop device comprises:

a scoop having a scoop end adapted for engaging the cables and/or control lines;

and a scoop actuator which is adapted to move the scoop, or at least the scoop end thereof, between a scoop position, in which the scoop end is located adjacent the tubing for engaging the cables and/or control lines, and a holding position, in which the scoop end is located away from the tubing for holding the cables and/or control lines at a distance from the exterior of the tubing. In an embodiment of a rig according to the second aspect, the cable scoop device comprises: one or more pivotally mounted scoops, each scoop comprising an arm and scoop end, for pivoting in a plane substantially perpendicular to the firing line, i.e. the central axis of the tubing, which one or more scoop ends have a front for scooping the cable and/or control line and a back, and wherein the one or more scoops are each resiliently held in a scoop position such that by moving the cable and/or control line against the back of the scoop end, the scoop pivots away from the tubing to enable the cable and/or control lines to pass between the scoop and the tubing towards the front of the cable scoop, and for subsequently moving the cable and/or control lines in an opposite direction to thus enable the scoop to engage the cables and/or control lines, and subsequently move the cables and/or control lines in a direction away from the tubing, e.g. in a holding position.

In an embodiment of a rig according to the second aspect, the cable scoop device is rotatable supported such that the cable scoop device can pivot about an axis that coincides with the firing line, and such that by pivoting the cable scoop device with the one or more scoops in the scoop position, the one or more respective scoop ends is/are moved alongside the circumference of the tubing.

In an embodiment of a rig according to the second aspect, the rig further comprises a second cable scoop device, and one cable scoop device is located adjacent and above the slip device, and one cable scoop device is located adjacent and below the slip device, for in unison scooping the cables and/or control lines and moving said the cables and/or control lines into a holding position at a distance from the exterior of the tubing.

A method for removal of tubing from a well, preferably from a hydrocarbon well, according to a second aspect of the invention, preferably using a rig and/or a cable clamp removal device and/or a tubulars connection makeup and breaking device and/or a cable scoop device according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprises the steps of:

- engaging an upper end of the tubing;

- lifting the tubing out of the well into a cable and/or control lines scoop position;

- scoop the cables and/or control lines from the exterior of the tubing to provide the tubing with a cleared external support zone for engagement by a slip device, which support zone is preferably located below a cable clamp mounted to the tubing;

- bringing, preferably further lifting, the tubing into a support position, in which the support zone is positioned for engagement by the slip device; e.g. said slip device being located in or on a working deck of a rig; - engaging the tubing at said support zone with the slip device, and suspending the tubing with said slip device, such that a tubulars stand located above the slip device can be separated from the suspended tubing;

- remove the cable clamp from the tubing, preferably by driving a wedge between a ring of the clamp and the tubing;

- separate the tubulars stand from the suspended tubing by cutting or braking out;

- lifting the tubing out of the well into a cable and/or control lines scoop position while guiding the cable and/and or control lines away from the tubing, preferably winding said cable and/or control lines onto a storage reel;

- repeat the above steps.

A further method according to the second aspect comprises positioning the cables and/or control lines relative to the cable clamp removal device by pivoting the cable clamp removal device about the tubing, i.e. in a plane perpendicular to the firing line about an axis that coincides with the firing line.

An embodiment of a method according to the second aspect, further comprises positioning the cables and/or control lines relative to the cable clamp removal device and/or the cable scoop device and/or the cable guide system by pivoting the tubing, i.e. pivoting the tubing about an axis that coincides with the firing line, e.g. using the slip device, for example in the form of rotary table, or the tripping operation elevator to pivot the tubing, the tripping operation elevator for example comprising a top drive for rotating the tubing.

An embodiment of a method according to the second aspect, further comprises performing the steps for removing cable clamps one or more times without cutting the tubing, to remove one or more intermediate cable clamps, e.g. cable clamps located on the tubing section halfway between the connector ends of that tubing section.

The present invention also relates to a method for discarding of tubing stands removed from a well bore, wherein the method comprises the steps of: off line cutting the tubulars stand into tubing sections, preferably after temporarily storage of the tubulars stand in a fingerboard.

It is submitted that the above method according to the invention can be a method according to the first aspect of the invention and a method according to the second aspect of the invention. It is however noted that a tubings stand provided by the rig and/or methods and/or tools according to the first aspect of the invention, is still provided with cables and/or control lines, and thus the sections cut from these tubular stands are provided with cables and/or control lines as well. In contrast, sections cut from a tubings stand provided by the rig and/or methods and/or tools according to the second aspect of the invention, are cleared of cables and/or control lines prior to being cut from the tubulars stand.

Preferably the method according to the invention also comprises moving the tubulars stand into a cutting position relative to a cutting device, and supporting the tubulars stand, preferably with a substantially vertical orientation and preferably with a bottom end of the tubulars stand in a tubing section storage device, in said cutting position and cutting the tubulars stand into one or more sections.

Preferably after a section has been cut from the tubulars stand, the tubulars stand is lowered into the section storage device and a second section is cut from the tubulars stand. Thus, it is prevented that the section drops into the storage device.

Preferably, with a method according to the invention a tubulars stand manipulator is used, for positioning a tubulars stand relative to the cutting device in a cutting position, preferably in a vertical direction, to enable cutting of the tubulars standby said cutting device. Orientation of the tubulars stand in a vertical direction allows for lowering the tubulars stand into the section storage device prior to cutting a section from the tubulars stand. Also, after being cut, the cut off section will drop away from the cutting device.

Preferably, with a method according to the invention the tubulars stand and the cutting device and/or the storage device are repositioned relative to each other between cutting the tubulars stands.

In an embodiment, a method according to the invention further comprises tilting the storage device, preferably using a storage device support, between a receiving position, in which the storage device is positioned for receiving a bottom end of the tubulars stand held in the cutting position, into a transport position, in which the storage device is positioned for supporting the stored sections in a substantially horizontal position.

In an embodiment, a method according to the invention further comprises moving the storage device to a storage position, which storage position preferably is part of a storage located on the rig. In an embodiment, a method according to the invention further comprises moving the rig from a first well bore to a second well bore, preferably by using a rig positioning system for positioning the rig relative to the rig support base.

It is noted that cable clamps, e.g. cross coupling cable protectors, are used for securing cables and/or control lines to the tubing. Such a cable clamp typically comprises a ring that is adapted to receive the cables and/or control lines and to be fixed around the tubing. When the clamp is embodied as a cross coupling cable protector, the clamp comprises a first ring and a second ring, connected via a back bone. When mounted onto the tubing, the first ring and second ring are fixed around the tubing on opposite sides of a connector, i.e. the connection of two tubulars. The backbone extends over said connector and often shields the cables and/or control lines, or parts thereof.

In an embodiment, the tower structure may also be configured in the form of a RAM RIG using rams/cylinders for lifting the tubing out of the well.

In another embodiment, a tensioner device, comprising multiple endless tracks for supporting and advancing the tubing in the firing line, is used for lifting the tubing out of the well. It is submitted that tensioning devices for supporting tubulars, more in particular for supporting tubulars and enabling them to be lifted or lowered, are well known in the prior art, and are therefore not discussed in detail.

In an embodiment, the tripping operation elevator comprises a slip type elevator for engaging and supporting the tubing, in contrast with supporting tubing by engaging the a tubing below a connector of a tubular and engaging said connector from below to support the tubing. Using such a slip type elevator allows for cutting a tubing section for example half way between the connectors of the tubing section, since the slip type elevator does not require a connector to be present at the top of the tubing for engaging, i.e. supporting and lifting, said tubing. Thus, using a slip type elevator enables use of a tubing cutting device located just above the slip device for cutting the tubing into sections shorter than a single tubular.

With a rig, methods and tools according to the first aspect, the cable removal device is provided to locally remove cables and/or control lines from the exterior of the tubing, to provide a cleared external support zone fit for engagement by the slip device.

With a rig, methods and tools according to the second aspect, the cable clamp removal device is provided to remove cable clamps from the tubing to enable stripping the cables and/or control lines from the exterior of the tubing, to thus provide tubing having an exterior cleared from cables and/or control lines, i.e. fit for engagement by the slip device.

In addition or as an alternative, the rig according to the second aspect further comprises a cable scoop device, which cable scoop device is located adjacent the slip device, either above or below the slip device, and which scoop device is adapted to engage cables and/or control lines provided along the exterior of the tubing supported in the firing line, and to move said cables and/or control lines away from the tubing, to thus enable slips of the slip device to engage the outside of the tubing.

Furthermore, according to the first and second aspect, the invention furthermore provides rig, wherein the rig further comprises:

a top drive system; and

a vertical motion drive adapted to cause vertical motion of the top drive system relative to the drilling tower in order to perform drilling and tripping operations,

wherein the tower is provided with one or more vertical rails parallel to a vertical firing line that extends through the well center.

In a further embodiment, according to the first and second aspect, the invention provides a rig wherein the top drive system comprises:

- a traveling carriage that is vertically mobile along said one or more vertical rails of the drilling tower by means of said vertical motion drive,

- a top drive unit supported by said carriage and comprising a top drive motor and a rotary torque output member, e.g. a rotary stem, adapted to be engaged with a top end of a drilling tubulars string extending in a firing line through the well center to impart torque to said drilling tubulars string in order to perform drilling operations.

According to the first aspect, the invention furthermore provides a cable removal device, a makeup and breaking device, and a cable removal and tubing cutting tool.

According to the second aspect, the invention furthermore provides a cable clamp removal device, and a cable scoop device.

In an embodiment, the cable clamp removal device according to the second aspect of the invention is further provided with a cable clamp receiving device for receiving the

components of a removed cable clamp. In an embodiment, the cable clamp removal device comprises a shroud, for example in the form of a chain mail shroud, that is adapted to stop components of the clamp propelled from the tubing by inserting a wedge between the cable clamp and the tubing to thus break the cable clamp, and a receiver, for example a table or bowl extending around the tubing, below said shroud for catching the components stopped by the shroud. Preferably, the receiver is provided with a cable clamp removal device, for example a slide or conveyor, for removing the cable clamp components form the receiver to for example a storage bin.

It is submitted that removal of tubing from a hydrocarbon well may in some cases also be a necessity prior to the end of t economic lifetime of the well, i.e. prior to sealing of a well. For example the tubing may have become damaged due to operational factors like corrosion to the point where well integrity is threatened. The tubing needing replacement.

In other circumstances, the reason for a workover may not be that the completion itself is in a bad condition, but that changing reservoir conditions make the former completion unsuitable. For example, declining productivity means the reservoir can no longer support stable flow through a wide bore, so that the tubing needs t be replaced with tubing having a narrower bore.

In such cases, the tubing, and the cables and control lines provided thereon, is removed and subsequently replaced with new tubing, and cables and control lines provided thereon.

These types of activities, e.g. removal and replacement of the production tubing string, are also referred to as well workover, i.e. the repair or stimulation of an existing production well for the purpose of restoring, prolonging or enhancing the production of hydrocarbons.

It is submitted that the invention according to the first and second aspect also provides a rig, methods and tools for removing tubing from a well in work over activities, or any other activities that require the removal, and optional the replacement, of production tubing from a well, e.g. a hydrocarbon well.

It is furthermore submitted that, although the invention according to the first and second aspect is discussed in relation to removing tubing from hydrocarbon well, in particular from subsea hydrocarbon wells, the invention according to the first and second aspect also provides a rig, methods and tools for removing tubing from a land based well. In such an embodiment, the rig may be embodied in the form of a mobile rig, e.g. a modular or containerised rig configured to facilitate transportation by road travel or even a mobile rig in the form of a truck based rig or trailer based rig.

Thus, the invention also provides methods according to the first and second aspect of the invention employed on a land based rig, and/or a mobile rig. Advantageous embodiments of the invention and the method according to the invention are disclosed in the sub-claims and in the description, in which the invention is further illustrated and elucidated on the basis of a number of exemplary embodiments, of which some are shown in the schematic drawing. Whilst primarily presented for illustrative purposes with reference to one or more of the figures, any of the technical features addressed below may be combined with any of the independent claims of this application either alone or in any other technically possible combination with one or more other technical features.

In the drawings: Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a rig according to the invention temporarily mounted on an offshore platform, here a jacket type offshore platform, for performing removal of tubing from a well and discarding the removed tubing, e.g. in view of a plug and abandonment operation,

Fig. 2 shows a lower portion of the rig and the top of the offshore platform, with an X-Y skid system in between allowing to perform plug and abandonment on multiple wells accessible from the platform, e.g. the deck having two rows of openings associated with wells,

Fig. 3 shows a top portion of the rig with the mast, top drive unit, tripping elevator, and traveling carriage, finger board device, and pipe racker, etc. e.g. as described in co-pending NL2014988 incorporated herein by reference,

Fig. 4 shows an enlarged detail of figure 3,

Fig. 5 shows the rig from above,

Fig. 6 shows a side view of the lower portion of the rig and the skid system with the rails on deck of the platform, and the cable removal device, which cable removal device is located below a working deck,

Fig. 7 shows the rig in front view and illustrates the step of locally removing by means of the cable removal device of one or more cables and/or control lines from the exterior of the tubing that is removed from the well in view of later gripping said tubing at said location by a slip device,

Fig. 8 shows the rig in front view and illustrates the step of engaging the slip device on the location of the tubing where the one or more cables and/or control lines have been removed, Fig. 9 shows the rig in front view and illustrates the step of either breaking the lower connection of the multiple joint strand that is to be removed above the slip device or severing the tubing above the slip device, e.g. in case the connection can no longer be broken, Fig. 10 shows the rig in front view and illustrates the step of placing the separated tubing stand with remaining cables and/or control lines thereon in a fingerboard by means of the pipe racker device,

Fig. 1 1 shows the rig in front view and illustrates the step of removal of a separated stand from the fingerboard for the process of cutting the stand into sections and storage of said sections in a tubular sections storage device, the step involving the use of a tubular stand manipulator which positions the stand in substantial vertical orientation above the tubular sections storage device,

Fig. 12 shows the rig in front view and illustrates the step of placing a lower section of the stand in the storage device,

Fig. 13 shows the same as figure 12 on a larger scale, and schematically shows the cutting device adapted to cut the stand into multiple stand sections.,

Fig. 14 shows the rig in front view and illustrates the disconnection of the lower section of the stand, whilst the remainder is still held by the tubular stand manipulator above the storage device,

Fig. 15 shows the rig in front view and illustrates the lowering of a central section of the stand into the storage device, which is then severed from the top section of the stand,

Fig. 16 shows the rig in front view and illustrates the lowering of the top section of the stand into the storage device,

Fig. 17 shows the rig in side view, with an example of the tubular stand sections storage device in substantially vertical orientation,

Fig. 18 shows the same as figure 17 on a larger scale,

Fig. 19 shows the rig in side view, with the filled storage device being tilted into a horizontal orientation for further transportation away from the rig,

Fig. 20 shows a crane, here a knuckle boom crane, adapted to handle storage devices filled with stand sections in the horizontal orientation, e.g. in view of stacking and unstacking of such storage devices, and

Fig. 21 shows a close up of a working deck of a rig similar to the one shown in Fig. 1 , which rig is provided with an alternative cable removal device that is combined with a tubing cutting device, which combined cable removal device and tubing cutting device are located above a working deck, according to the first aspect of the invention,

Fig. 22 shows the tubing cutting device of Fig. 21 in a second working position,

Fig. 23 shows the tubing cutting device of Fig. 21

Fig. 24 deleted

Fig. 25 shows a schematic side view of a rig according to the second aspect of the invention, which rig comprises a cable clamp removal device and a tubing cutting device, both located above a working deck, according to a second aspect of the invention, Fig. 26 shows a schematic side view of the cable clamp removal device and the tubing cutting device of Fig. 25 in a first working position,

Fig. 27 shows a schematic side view of the cable clamp removal device of Fig. 25 in a second working position,

Fig. 28 shows a schematic side view of the cable clamp removal device of Fig. 25 in a third working position,

Fig. 29 shows a schematic side view of the tubing cutting device of Fig. 25 in a second working position,

Fig. 30 shows a schematic side view of the rig of Fig. 25, with a cut off tubing section being moved out of the firing line,

Fig. 31 shows a schematic side view of the rig of Fig. 25, with a tripping operation elevator engaging a top end of the tubing in the firing line,

Fig. 32 shows a schematic side view of the rig of Fig. 25, with the tripping operation elevator lifting the tubing section out of the well,

Fig. 33 shows a schematic perspective view in isolation of a cable scoop according to the second aspect of the invention in subsequent working positions,

Fig. 34 shows a schematic perspective view in isolation of an alternative cable scoop according to the second aspect of the invention in subsequent working positions,

Fig. 35 shows the alternative cable scoop of Fig. 34 in a first working position,

Fig. 36 shows the alternative cable scoop of Fig. 34 in a second working position, and Fig. 37 shows a rig according to the second aspect of the invention.

The first aspect of the invention will now be described with reference to the figures 1-23, which show an exemplary rig 1 according to the invention.

The rig 1 for removal of tubing 16 from a well, e.g. a hydrocarbon well, according to the first aspect of the invention comprises: a working floor 17 having a well center 33, which well center defines a vertical firing line 34 that is to be aligned with the well; a tower structure 5 provided with a tripping operation elevator 55, adapted to engage an upper end of the tubing 16, preferably for engaging the tubing 16 just below a connector 18 of a tubular 19, and for lifting the tubing 16 along the firing line 34 out of the well; a slip device 38, arranged at the well center 33 and adapted for engaging the tubing 16 and to suspend the tubing 16 in the firing line 34; a cable removal device 120, adapted to remove cables and/or control lines 7 from the exterior of the tubing 16, to provide a cleared external support zone 8 fit for engagement by the slip device 32, preferably while said tubing 16 is supported by the elevator 55, the support zone 8 preferably also comprising the connector part of a tubular 19 of the tubing 16, to allow for the elevator 55 to engage the tubing 16 at, more in particular just below, a connector 18; a tubulars connection makeup and breaking device 29, e.g. an iron roughneck machine or mechanized tong device, and/or a tubing cutting device 130, which makeup and breaking device 29 and/or tubing cutting device 130 are/is located above the slip device 32, for in line braking out or cutting a tubulars stand 100 from the tubing 16 suspended by the slip device 32.

As indicated the rig 1 is now primarily explained with reference to a process for removing of tubing 16 from a hydrocarbon well and discarding said tubing, wherein said tubing may be provided with one or more external cables and/or control lines 7, e.g. as often seen in production tubing. The removal and discarding of tubing is often a necessity in plug and abandonment procedures, i.e. when sealing off a well at the end of its economic lifetime.

To seal off the well permanent plugs, e.g. of concrete, need to be provided in the wellbore, e.g. at different depths, which requires that tubing installed in the wellbore has to be removed first. This tubing is often provided with one or more cables, e.g. electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc. and/or control lines, that extend along the exterior of the tubing. Such external cables and lines cannot remain in the wellbore as they may damage the integrity of the plugs over time. Therefore, to enable reliable and permanent seals to be mounted in the wellbore, the tubing needs to be removed first.

It is noted that tubing differs form well casing in that the latter is often cemented in place during the drilling of the bore hole. This casing can often remain in the borehole and may serve as a support for plugs mounted in the borehole. The tubing can be, for example, a production tubing for the production of hydrocarbon fluid from a subterranean formation.

It is noted that the rig 1 is also able to perform other task related to plug and abandonment processes. In general figure 1 shows an offshore platform 10, here a jacket type offshore platform, on which the rig 1 is temporarily mounted for performing removal of tubing 16 from a well and discarding the removed tubing, e.g. in view of a plug and abandonment operation. As shown in figure 2 an X-Y skid system 20 is present between the platform 10 and the rig 1 allowing to perform plug and abandonment on multiple wells accessible from the platform, e.g. the deck having two rows of openings associated with wells as is rather common in the field. An example of a skid system 20 is described in co-pending NL2015090 which is incorporated by reference herein.

The deck 1 1 of the platform has two rows of openings, each associated with a well in the subsea formation.

In the embodiment shown, the rig 1 is embodied to be temporarily mounted on an offshore platform, comprising a rig base structure 30 that is mounted on an X-Y skid system for positioning the rig 1 relative to the platform, and to thus enable the well center of the rig to be aligned with different wells of the platform.

As shown in figure 3 a rig 1 is used having a base structure 30 positioned on the X-Y skid system 20, with a work deck or drill floor 31 , a mast 40 raised above the floor 31. The mast 40 is provided with one or more rails that guide a traveling carriage 45 supporting a top drive unit 50. The traveling carriage 45 is suspended from draw works driven cable or cables allowing to move the carriage up and down along the mast 40. Also movable up and down along the mast 40, e.g. connected to the top drive 50 or directly to the carriage 45 is an elevator 55. The elevator 55 is adapted to retain a top end of the tubing 16, e.g. by engaging the tubing below the connector.

In or on the floor 31 a slip device 32 is arranged in the firing line 34, which slip device 32 is able to engage on the tubing 16 that has to be removed and to suspend the tubing therefrom.

Preferable the mast 40, traveling carriage 45, top drive unit 50, and/or elevator 55 is or are embodied as described in co-pending NL2014988 which is incorporated herein by reference. In an embodiment according to the invention, the rig 1 comprises a fingerboard device 60, 61 that is adapted to store separated tubulars stands 100, the fingerboard devices shown being associated with a pipe racker device 70, comprising a movable stand gripper assembly 71 , for moving the tubulars stand 100 between the firing line 34 and the fingerboard device 60, 61. Figure 3 also shows the presence of one or more fingerboard devices 60, 61 , here at opposite side of the front open U-shaped cross-section mast 40.

Figure 3 also shows the presence of pipe racker device 70 that is adapted to remove a separated tubulars stand 100 from the firing line 34 and to place the tubulars stand in a fingerboard device 60, 61.

As is preferred the rig is adapted to perform the fast tripping process of the separate stand as is described in co-pending NL2014988 which is incorporated herein by reference. In an embodiment according to the invention, the rig 1 further comprises a tubulars stand cutting and storage system, for off line cutting of a separated tubulars stand 100 into sections 12. The cutting and storage system comprises a cutting device 130 for cutting tubulars 19 of a tubulars stand 100, preferably while in a vertical position, a tubular sections storage device, in the embodiment shown tubular sections bins 80, 81 , for holding tubulars 19 or tubular sections 12, a tubular stand manipulator 90,91 , for positioning a tubulars stand 100 relative to the cutting device 130 in a cutting position, preferably in a vertical direction, to enable cutting of the tubulars stand 100 by said cutting device 130.

Figure 5 shows the rig 1 from above. In front of the mast 40 the base structure forms a deck on which two stand section storage devices 80, 81 e.g. embodied as pipe tubs as known in the field, are temporarily stored.

As shown the rig 1 also comprises a tubular stand manipulator 90, here embodied as a revolving telescopic boom crane provided with a stand gripper 91 adapted to grip a separated stand 100.

As shown the rig 1 also comprises a crane 1 10 adapted to handle the storage devices 80, e.g. to bring an empty storage device 80 into a loading position and to remove a filled device 80 from said position.

Figure 6 shows a view of the lower portion of the rig and the skid system with the rails on deck of the platform. Also shown schematically is cable removal device 120 according to the first aspect of the invention, here below the slip device 32 as is preferred. The cable removal device 120 is adapted to remove cables and/or control lines 7 from the exterior of the tubing 16, to provide a cleared external support zone fit for engagement by the slip device. Thus, after providing the tubing 16 locally with a cleared zone 8, e.g. close to an upper end connector of the tubing, the tubing can be lifted upwards to position the zone 8 for engagement by the slip device 32.

The cable removal device 120 is adapted to remove a section of cables and/or control lines 7 from the exterior of the tubing 16 to provide the external support zone 8, the cable removal device comprising an upper cutting tool 121 , for cutting the cables and/or control lines at an upper end of the support zone 8, and a lower cutting tool 122, for cutting the cables and/or control lines at a lower end of the support zone. Each cutting tool comprises a cutter for cutting the cables and/or control lines. Preferably, the cutting tools each comprise a substantially C-shaped cradle for receiving the tubing, preferably with the cables and/or control lines first, wherein each C-shaped cradle comprises a door for closing said C-shaped cradle and thus lock the tubing with the cables and/or control lines in a cutting position inside the cradle. In a further embodiment, the cable removal device further comprises a cables and/or control lines attachment device for fixing the end of the cables and/or control lines at the lower end of the support zone to the tubing, preferably by applying a tie-wrap around the end of the cables and/or control lines and the tubing. In a further preferred embodiment, the cable removal device further comprises:

a cables and/or control lines attachment device for fixing the end of the cables and/or control lines at the upper end of the support zone to the tubing, preferably by applying a tie-wrap around the end of the cables and/or control lines and the tubing.

In an embodiment, the cable removal device is configured to be held by a wrench, such that the wrench, and preferably the positioning system of the wrench, can be used for positioning the cable removal device.

In the embodiment shown, the makeup and breaking device 29, is embodied as an iron roughneck machine or mechanized tong device and the cable removal device 120 is configured to provide the external support zone 8 that comprises the connector, such that the cables do not hamper functioning of the iron roughneck when separating the pipe stand form the tubing.

In an alternative embodiment, the makeup and breaking device is a tubing cutting device for in line cutting the tubing at a cutting zone, for thus cutting a tubular stand from the tubing suspended by the slip device. The cutting zone can be at or near the connector, but preferably is located away from the connector, such that the cutting tool has to severe tubing only, and not the connector or parts thereof.

In an embodiment, the makeup and breaking device is configured to be held by a wrench, such that the wrench, and preferably the positioning system of the wrench, can be used for positioning the tubulars connection makeup and breaking device. This si especially beneficial when the makeup and breaking device is embodied as a tubing cutting device.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the makeup and breaking device further comprises: a cables and/or control lines attachment device for fixing the end of the cables and/or control lines at the lower end of the cutting zone to the tubing, preferably by applying a tie-wrap around the end of the cables and/or control lines and the tubing, and/or

a cables and/or control lines attachment device for fixing the end of the cables and/or control lines at the upper end of the cutting zone to the tubing, preferably by applying a tie-wrap around the end of the cables and/or control lines and the tubing.

Thus, the rig 01 allows for removal of tubing from a hydrocarbon well, using a cable removal device 120 and a tubulars connection makeup and breaking device 29.

First, the tubing top end, which typically is supported in the well head, will be lifted from the well and up to the surface.

The upper end of the tubing 16 is engaged, and is lifted out of the well such that the tubing is moved into a cable removal position. Then the cables and/or control lines are locally removed from the exterior of the tubing to provide the tubing with a cleared external support zone for engagement by a slip device.

The tubing is subsequently lifted into a support position, in which the support zone is positioned for engagement by the slip device, said slip device being located in the working deck of the rig.

The tubing is engaged at said support zone with the slip device, and is suspended with said slip device, such that a tubulars stand located above the slip device can be separated from the suspended tubing.

Then, the tubulars stand is separated from the suspended tubing by cutting or braking out.

In the preferred embodiment shown, prior to locally removing cables and/or control lines from the exterior of the tubing, attaching the cables and/or control lines to the tubing at opposite sides of and adjacent to the support zone, using tie-wraps or similar attachment devices In an alternative embodiment, a cable removal and tubing cutting tool, an examplary embodiment of which is discussed in more detail referring to figures 21 and 22 further below, is used instead of a cable removal device and a tubulars connection makeup and breaking device.

In such an embodiment, the cable removal device is combined with a tubulars connection makeup and breaking device into a cable removal and tubing cutting tool. Preferably, the cable removal and tubing cutting tool is adapted to engage tubing with the tubing cutting tool located above a connector connecting two tubing sections, for cutting the tubing above said connector, preferably adjacent said connector or adjacent a cable clamp provided over said connector, and with the cable removal device located below said connector, for providing a support zone below said connector, preferably adjacent said connector or adjacent a cable clamp provided over said connector.

In a further preferred embodiment, the cable removal and tubing cutting tool further comprises a cables and/or control lines attachment device for fixing the end of the cables and/or control lines at the lower end of the support zone to the tubing, preferably by applying a ty-rap around the end of the cables and/or control lines and the tubing, and

a cables and/or control lines attachment device for fixing the end of the cables and/or control lines at the upper end of the cutting zone to the tubing, preferably by applying a ty-rap around the end of the cables and/or control lines and the tubing.

In a preferred embodiment, the cable removal and tubing cutting tool is configured to be held by a wrench, such that the wrench, and preferably the positioning system of the wrench, can be used for positioning the cable removal and tubing cutting tool. Thus, a conventional rig can simply be adapted into a rig according to the invention.

Figure 11 shows the storage device 80 being arranged in substantially vertical orientation, slightly at an angle, in order to receive therein, section by section, the stand 100 to be discarded.

Figure 12 illustrates the step of placing a lower section 101 of the stand 100 in the storage device 80.

Figure 13 schematically shows the cutting device 130 that is adapted to cut the stand 100 into multiple stand sections. In the preferred embodiment shown, the cutting device 130 is located above the storage device 80, such that the tubulars stand 100 can be held in a cutting position with its bottom end located in the storage device. In a further preferred embodiment, the cutting device is movable supported, such that it can be moved relative to the storage device, to enable multiple cutting positions. Figure 14 illustrates the disconnection of the lower section 101 of the stand, whilst the remainder is still held by the tubular stand manipulator 90 above the storage device 80.

Figure 15 illustrates the lowering of a central section 102 of the stand 100 into the storage device, which is then severed from the top section 103 of the stand.

Fig. 16 illustrates the lowering of the top section 103 of the stand into the storage device 80.

In the preferred embodiment shown, the tubulars stand cutting and storage system comprises a storage device support 82 adapted to support the storage device, in the particular embodiment shown pipe tubs 80, 81 , in a receiving position for receiving tubular stands sections. The storage device support 82 is adapted to tilt the storage device 80, 81 between the receiving position, shown in figures 17 and 18, in which the storage device holds the tubular stands sections in a vertical position, and a transport position, shown in figure 19, in which the storage device holds the tubular stands sections in a horizontal position, and which allows for transport of the storage device to a storage position.

Figures 17 and 18 show the tubular stand sections storage device 80 in substantially vertical orientation. Figure 19 shows the filled storage device being tilted into a horizontal orientation for further transportation away from the rig 1.

In the preferred embodiment shown, the tubulars stand cutting and storage system further comprises a storage device transport device in the form of a knuckle boom crane 110, for moving a storage device to a storage position, and, in the embodiment shown, for moving the a storage device between a transport position on the storage device support, shown in figure 19, and a storage position shown in figure 5.

Fig. 20 shows the knuckle boom crane, adapted to handle storage devices filled with stand sections in the horizontal orientation, e.g. in view of stacking and unstacking of such storage devices 80. The knuckle boom crane preferably is provided with storage device coupling device, which coupling device comprise a linear displacement device. Fig. 21 shows a close up of a working deck 1031 of a rig 1001 similar to the one shown in Fig. 1 , which rig is provided with an alternative cable removal device 1120 that is combined with a tubing cutting device 1 130, which combined cable removal device and tubing cutting device are located above a working deck, according to the first aspect of the invention.

In the preferred embodiment shown, the cable removal and tubing cutting tool 1120, 1 130 is configured to be held by a wrench, such that the wrench, and the positioning system of the wrench, can be used for positioning the cable removal and tubing cutting tool. Thus, a conventional rig can simply be adapted into a rig according to the invention.

According to the first aspect of the invention, the cable removal device 1120 is adapted to remove cables and/or control lines 1 117 from the exterior of the tubing 11 16, to provide a cleared external support zone 11 15 fit for engagement by the slip device 1 138. It is noted that in contrast with the cable removal device 120 shown in the preceding figures, the cable removal device 1 120 is located above the work deck 1031. In an alternative embodiment, the cable removal device can be located below the work deck 1031 , similar to the cable removal device 120. It is furthermore noted that the method for removing the tubing from a well according to the first aspect of the invention, i.e. by cutting the tubing into sections, can be performed the cable removal device located above the working deck and with the cable removal device below the working deck. According to the first aspect of the invention, the cable removal device 1120 is adapted to remove a section of cables and/or control lines 1 117 from the exterior of the tubing 11 16 to provide the external support zone 1 115 along the outside of the tubing 11 16.

It is noted that in Fig. 21 the tubing is positioned with the cables and/or control lines 11 17 located at the side of the tubing facing the cable removal device.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 21 , the cable removal device 1120 comprises an upper cutting tool 1121 , for cutting the cables and/or control lines 11 17 at an upper end of the support zone 11 15, and a lower cutting tool 1 122, for cutting the cables and/or control lines 1 117 at a lower end of the support zone 11 15. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 21 , the cable removal device 1 120 the cutting tools 1 121 , 1122 each comprise a substantially C-shaped cradle for receiving the tubing. Because the tubing 11 16 is positioned with the cables and/or control lines 1 117 located at the side of the tubing facing the cable removal device, when the cable removal device is moved towards the tubing for engaging the tubing it engages the cables and/or control lines first.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 21 , each C-shaped cradle comprises a door 1 123 for closing said C-shaped cradle and thus lock the tubing with the cables and/or control lines in a cutting position inside the cradle. In the working position shown in Fig. 21 , the cable section removal device is engaging the tubing, and the doors 1 123 are still open. In the working position shown in Fig. 22, the doors have been closed, and the cable section removal device is ready to cut a section out of the cables and/or control lines 11 17. Fig. 23 shows the tubing cutting device 1130 of Fig. 21 in isolation, as well as part of a torque wrench 1131 engaging the cutting tool. In the embodiment shown, the cutting device comprises a pivotably mounted cutting blade and an actuator in the form of a hydraulic cylinder for pivoting that cutting blade to thus cut the tubing.

In the preferred embodiment shown, the cutting device 1 130, and the cable section removal device that is combined with the cutting tool, are supported by the wrench 1 137, so that they can be moved into and out of position at the same time, and have predefined (adjustable) positions relative to each other. In an alternative embodiment, the cable section removal device and/or the tubing cutting device can be provided as tools having their own support so there is no need of a torque wrench or similar device for positioning and using them. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 21 , the cable removal device 1 120 comprises a cables and/or control lines attachment device for fixing the end of the cables and/or control lines at the lower end of the support zone to the tubing, in the embodiment shown by applying a tie-wrap 1134 around the end of the cables and/or control lines and the tubing. Also, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the makeup and breaking device, in the exemplary embodiment embodied as a tubing cutting device 1 130, comprises a cables and/or control lines attachment device for fixing the end of the cables and/or control lines at the upper end of the cutting zone to the tubing, preferably by applying a tie-wrap around the end of the cables and/or control lines and the tubing. In the embodiment shown, the tubing is provided with cable clamp 1 135 that clamps the cables and/or control lines at both sides of a connector 1136, i.e. at the top end of the support zone and at the lower end of the cutting zone. Thus, when the cable section has been removed and the tubing is cut, the remaining cables and control lines are held to the tubing by the tie wraps and the cable clamp. Thus cut of tubing sections can easily be handled, transported etc. in combination with the cables and/or control lines. In an alternative embodiment, additional cables and/or control lines attachment devices can be provided, for example to enable removal of cable sections and/or cutting of tubing away from cable clamps.

It is noted that the cable section removal device can cut out a section of the cables and/or control lines while the tubing is not yet supported by the slip device. However, when the tubing is cut by the cutting device, the tubing is supported by the slip device, i.e. the slips 1 139 of the slip device 1 138 engage the support zone of the tubing.

Thus, the rig 1 id configured for removal of tubing from a well, preferably from a hydrocarbon well, according to the first aspect of the invention, using the rig 1 , the cable removal device 120 and a tubulars connection makeup and breaking device 29. The method comprises the following steps:

- engaging an upper end of the tubing 16, and lifting the tubing out of the well into a cable removal position, shown in figure 7; - locally removing cables and/or control lines 7 from the exterior of the tubing 16 to provide the tubing with a cleared external support zone 8 for engagement by a slip device 38, this also shown in figure 7, in which figure the cable removal device has been moved from an off line position into an in line position in which it can engaged the cables and/or control lines 7 on the outside of the tubing 16;

- bringing, preferably further lifting, the tubing 16 into a support position, in which the support zone 8 is positioned for engagement by the slip device 32; e.g. said slip device being located in or on a working deck of a rig,

- engaging the tubing 16 at said support zone 8 with the slip device 32, and suspending the tubing with said slip device, which is shown in figure 8, in which figure the tubing is supported in the slip device; such that a tubulars stand 100 located above the slip device can be separated from the suspended tubing 16;

- separating the tubulars stand from the suspended tubing by cutting or braking out, which step is shown in figured 10, in which figure the tubulars stand 100 has been moved out of the firing line, in the exemplary embodiment shown from the firing line towards a storage position in a fingerboard.

The additional processing and storing of the tubulars stand 100 is shown in figures 1 1-20, of which figures 1 1-16 show the off line cutting the tubulars stand 100 into tubing sections, after temporarily storage of the tubulars stand in a fingerboard.

Moving the tubulars stand 100 into a cutting position relative to a tubulars stand cutting device 130 is shown in figures 11 and 12, which also depict supporting the tubulars stand 100 with a substantially vertical orientation and with a bottom end of the tubulars stand in a tubing section storage device 80, in said cutting position, figure 14-16 show the subsequent cutting of the tubulars stand into multiple sections.

After a section has been cut from the tubulars stand 100, the tubulars stand is lowered into the section storage device 80 and a second section is cut from the tubulars stand, which is shown in figure 15.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the tubulars stand manipulator 90,91 is used, for positioning the tubulars stand 100 relative to the cutting device 130 in a cutting position, preferably in a vertical direction, to enable cutting of the tubulars standby said cutting device.

Figures 17-19 show the tilting the storage device 80, once it has been filled with sections of tubulars stand, using a storage device support 82, between a receiving position, shown in figure 17, in which the storage device is positioned for receiving a bottom end of the tubulars stand held in the cutting position, into a transport position, shown in figure 19 in which the storage device is positioned for supporting the stored sections in a substantially horizontal position.

Figure 20 shows moving the storage device 80 to a storage position, which storage position is part of a storage located on the rig.

Fig. 25 shows a schematic side view of a rig 2001 for removal of tubing from a well, e.g. a hydrocarbon well, according to the second aspect of the invention. The rig 2001 comprises a working floor 2031 having a well center 2033, which well center defines a vertical firing line 2034 that is to be aligned with the well. In the embodiment shown, the rig 2001 is similar to the rig 1 shown in Fig. 1. The rig is an offshore platform, e.g. a jacket type offshore platform, on which the rig 2001 is temporarily mounted for performing removal of tubing from a well and discarding the removed tubing, e.g. in view of a plug and abandonment operation. In an embodiment, an X-Y skid system is present between the platform and the rig 2001 allowing to perform plug and abandonment on multiple wells accessible from the platform, e.g. the deck having two rows of openings associated with wells as is rather common in the field. An example of a skid system is described in co-pending NL2015090 which is incorporated by reference herein.

Furthermore, a tower structure 2005 is provided with a tripping operation elevator 2055, adapted to engage an upper end of the tubing 2016, preferably for engaging the tubing just below a connector of a tubular, and for lifting the tubing along the firing line out of the well, a slip device 2032, arranged at the well center 2033 and adapted for engaging the tubing and to suspend the tubing in the firing line 2034.

According to the second aspect of the invention, for removal of tubing from a well, the rig 2001 comprises a cable clamp removal device 2120 and a tubing cutting device 2130, both located above a working deck 2031 , according to a second aspect of the invention.

In an alternative embodiment, the clamp removal device and/or a cable guide system are located below the working floor, i.e. below the slip device, and the rig comprises a second working floor for supporting personnel working with the cable clamp removal tool and/or a cable and/or control lines storage device.

The cable clamp removal device 2120 is adapted to remove cable clamps 2135 from the tubing 2016 and to thus enable stripping the cables and/or control lines 21 17 from the exterior of the tubing 2016, to provide tubing having an exterior cleared from cables and/or control lines.

The tubulars connection makeup and breaking device, in the embodiment shown a tubing cutting device 2130, is located above the slip device 2032, for in line cutting or braking out a tubulars stand from the tubing suspended by the slip device. Fig. 26- 32 show the cable clamp removal device 2120 and the tubing cutting device 2130 in different working positions. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the cable clamp removal device 2120 is adapted for removing a cable clamp 2135 having a top ring and 2136 a bottom ring 2137, shown in Figs. 26-28. The cable clamp removal device 2120 comprises: a top wedge 2121 for being inserted between the top ring of the clamp and the tubing, and wherein the cable clamp removing device is configured for driving the top wedge into a downward direction, and a bottom wedge 2122 for being inserted between the bottom ring of the clamp and the tubing, and wherein the cable clamp removing device is configured for driving the bottom wedge into an upward direction. In the particular embodiment shown, a hydraulic cylinder 21 19 is provided for moving the top wedge and the bottom wedge towards each other, and thus respectively between the upper ring and the lower ring of the cable clamp and the tubing.

The wedges each have a semi-circular shaped body with a substantially C-shaped edge, which C-shape substantially fits the circumference of the tubing. In the embodiment shown, the cable clamp removal device 2120 is combined with the tubing cutting device 2130, so that both can be moved into and out of position at the same time, and have predefined (adjustable) positions relative to each other.

In the preferred embodiment shown, the cable clamp removal device 2120 and the tubing cutting device 2130, are adapted such that they can be supported by the wrench 2138, so that they can be moved into and out of position at the same time using said wrench, more in particular the positioning system of that wrench.

The rig further comprises a cable guide system, said cable guide system 2140 having a guide wheel 2041 for guiding the cables and/or control lines away from the tubing, in the preferred embodiment shown to a cables and/or control lines storage device in the form of a reel 2042, when the cable clamp has been removed and the tubing is lifted out of the well. In the embodiment shown, a guide wheel 2041A is provided on a pivot arm, such that the guide wheel can be moved into and out of a position adjacent the tubing, and a guide wheel 2041 B is provided for guiding the cables and/or control lines from the guide wheel 2041A to the reel 2042 for storage. Other configurations of the cables and/or control lines guide system can also be used.

In a preferred embodiment, the rig further comprises a cable scoop device, which cable scoop device is located adjacent the slip device, either above or below the slip device, and which scoop device is adapted to engage cables and/or control lines provided along the exterior of the tubing supported in the firing line, and to move said cables and/or control lines away from the tubing, to thus enable slips of the slip device to engage the outside of the tubing.

Fig. 33 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a scoop device 3000 according to the invention in different working position. Figs. 34-36 show an alternative embodiment of a cable scoop 4000 according to the invention in different working positions.

The cable scoop device 3000 comprises multiple scoops 3001 having a scoop end 3002 adapted for engaging the cables and/or control lines 3003. In the Fig. the tubing and cables and/or control lines are shown in cross section. The cable scoop device 3000 further comprises a scoop actuator for each scoop 3001 , in the embodiment shown in the form of a hydraulic cylinder 3004, which is adapted to move the scoop, or at least the scoop end thereof, between a scoop position, in which the scoop end is located adjacent the tubing for engaging the cables and/or control lines, and a holding position, in which the scoop end is located away from the tubing for holding the cables and/or control lines at a distance from the exterior of the tubing. The fifth figure of Fig. 33 shows two scoops 3001 in both the scooping position and the holding position.

The scoop 3000 scoop device thus comprises multiple pivotally mounted scoops, each scoop comprising an arm and scoop end, for pivoting in a plane substantially perpendicular to the firing line, i.e. the central axis of the tubing, which one or more scoop ends have a front for scooping the cable and/or control line and a back, and wherein the one or more scoops are each resiliently held in a scoop position such that by moving the cable and/or control line against the back of the scoop end, the scoop pivots away from the tubing to enable the cable and/or control lines to pass between the scoop and the tubing towards the front of the cable scoop, and for subsequently moving the cable and/or control lines in an opposite direction to thus enable the scoop to engage the cables and/or control lines, and subsequently move the cables and/or control lines in a direction away from the tubing, e.g. in a holding position.

In an embodiment, the cable scoop device is rotatable supported such that the cable scoop device can pivot about an axis that coincides with the firing line, and such that by pivoting the cable scoop device with the one or more scoops in the scoop position, the one or more respective scoop ends is/are moved alongside the circumference of the tubing. In an alternative embodiment, the tubing is pivoted, for example by using the slip device.

Figs. 36 show an alternative cable scoop device 4000 for moving the cables and/or control lines away from the tubing, and to thus enable a slip to engage the tubing in a support zone cleared from cables and or control lines. The scoop 4000 is provided with two scooping blades 4001 and 4002, in the embodiment shown each embodied as double scooping blades. The scooping blades are pivotably mounted on a sled 4008, which sled can move the blades into a scooping position adjacent the tubing (which position is shown in the figures) and a positon away from the tubing. Each scooping blade is provided with an actuator in the form of a hydraulic cylinder for pivoting the blades. It is noted that other actuators and configurations can be used as well.

The scooping blades are adapted to lie against the tubing, and move along the

circumference of the tubing, when the scooping device is in its scooping position, the scooping blades furthermore each have a C-shaped scoop for engaging the cables and/or control lines, and for moving these away from the tubing by pushing the blades towards each other. The latter is shown in Figs 35 and 36, wherein Fig. 35 shows the scoop blades in a pre-scoop position and fig. 36 shows the pivotally mounted scoop blades after they have been moved towards each other, holding the cables at a position away from the tubing. To further move the cables and/or control lines away from the tubing, the scoop can be moved away from the tubing, for example be retracted into a holding position.

In a further embodiment according to the second aspect of the invention, the rig further comprises a second cable scoop device, and one cable scoop device is located adjacent and above the slip device, and one cable scoop device is located adjacent and below the slip device, for in unison scooping the cables and/or control lines and moving said the cables and/or control lines into a holding position at a distance from the exterior of the tubing.

The second aspect of the invention provides a method for removal of tubing from a well, preferably from a hydrocarbon well, preferably using a rig and/or a cable clamp removal device and/or a tubulars connection makeup and breaking device and/or a cable scoop device according to the second aspect of the invention. The method according to the second aspect of the invention ay comprise overlap, i.e. comprise similar steps, with the method for removal of tubing from a well according to the first aspect of the invention, in particular regarding the handling of the separated stands, which may be cut in sections, preferably while being stored in a tubular bin or similar storage device, as was already disclosed with respect to the first aspect of the invention.

The difference between the method according to the second aspect and the method according to the first aspect of the invention is that with the latter cables and/or control lines are present on the tubing sections, or stands, cut from the tubing. With a method according to the second aspect of the invention, the cables and/or control lines are removed from the tubing. Furthermore, to facilitate supporting the tubing with the cables and/or control lines provided thereon, in a preferred method a cable scoop device is employed, which cable scoop device is located adjacent the slip device, either above or below the slip device, and which scoop device is adapted to engage cables and/or control lines provided along the exterior of the tubing supported in the firing line, and to move said cables and/or control lines away from the tubing, to thus provide a support zone clear form cables and/or control lines and enable slips of the slip device to engage the outside of the tubing.

A combination of a scoop device and a slip device facilitates supporting the tubing with wires and/control lines in the slip device, and, since the slip device is typically supported in or on the working deck or drill floor, thus allows for all processing steps, i.e. removing of clamps, cutting and/or removing of cables and/or control lines, cutting of tubing, to take place above the deck, while the tubing is supported in the slip device. It is submitted that scoop device thus forms an external support zone not by cutting and removing sections of cables and/or control lines, but by repositioning the cables and/or control lines relative to the tubing.

In an alternative to the method disclosed with respect to the first aspect of the invention, the tubing can be supported in the slips by using a scoop device instead of cutting and removing section of cables and/or control lines. The cutting and subsequent handling of the tubulars stand do not need to be significantly be adapted to enable use of the scoop device.

In yet an alternative method according to the invention, the slip device is configured to receive the cables and/or control lines between the slips, e.g. to receive the cables and/or control lines in one or more recesses located between the slips. Thus, the slip device can support the tubing with cables and/or control lines, and thus allow for cutting a tubulars section form the tubing. Such a slip device can also be combined with a tubulars connection makeup and breaking device, e.g. an iron roughneck machine or mechanized tong device, and/or a tubing cutting device as disclosed herein to provide a further rig or method, similar to the first or second aspect of the invention, according to the invention.

Figures 26-32 show different steps in a method for removal of tubing 2016 from a well according to the second aspect of the invention

The method comprises the steps of:

- engaging an upper end of the tubing 2016, shown in figure 31 ;

- lifting the tubing 2016 out of the well into a cable and/or control lines scoop position, shown in figure 32; - scoop the cables and/or control lines 21 17 from the exterior of the tubing 2016 to provide the tubing with a cleared external support zone 2115 for engagement by the slip device 2032, which scoop device is shown in figure 25;

- bringing, in the embodiment shown further lifting, the tubing 2016 into a support position, in which the support zone created by the scoop device is positioned for engagement by the slip device 2032; e.g. said slip device being located in the working deck 2031 of the rig 2001 ;

- engaging the tubing 2016 at said support zone with the slip device, and suspending the tubing with said slip device 2032, such that a tubulars stand located above the slip device can be separated from the suspended tubing, which situation is shown in figures 25-30; - remove the cable clamp 2135 from the tubing 2016, in the embodiment shown by driving wedges between the rings of the cable clamp and the tubing 2016;

- separate the tubulars stand 2100 from the suspended tubing 2016 by cutting or braking out, shown in figure 30.

The separated tubulars stand can subsequently be processed, e.g. cut in smaller sections, and/or be stored.

After the separated tubulars section 2100 has been removed from the firing line, in the embodiment shown by a tubulars stand manipulator 2090 similar to the one shown in figure

2, a new tubulars stand can be separated from the tubing by repeating the above steps, i.e. starting with engaging and lifting the remaining tubing 2016 out of the well into a cable and/or control lines scoop position, while lifting the tubing, the cable and/and or control lines can be guided away from the tubing, preferably are stored by winding said cable and/or control lines onto a storage reel.

It is submitted that if the cables and or control lines of a tubulars stand section of the tubing are secured with intermediate securing devices, for example clamps, these should be removed to enable guiding the cable and/and or control lines can be guided away from the tubing. Thus, a method according to the invention may comprise additional steps involving removing cable clamps one or more times without cutting the tubing, to remove one or more intermediate cable clamps, e.g. cable clamps located on the tubing section halfway between the connector ends of that tubing section.

If wanted, the tubing can be provided with a support zone and be supported in the slip device, prior to removing. However, if the tubulars section is not yet to be cut of, because the securing device is an intermediate securing device and the tubulars section is not yet fully lifted from the well, this may not be necessary. Instead of supporting the tubing with the slip device during the removal of the cable securing device, e.g. cable clamp, the tubing can in such a case be supported by for example the tripping elevator 2055. Regarding the handling, processing and storing of the tubulars stand 2100 cut from the tubing 2016 according to the second aspect of the invention, this can be identical to the handling, processing and storing of the tubulars cut from the tubing string 2016 as disclosed for the first aspect of the invention, and for example shown in figures 9-20. Thus, the layout of the rig 2001 can also be similar to the layout of the rig 1 disclosed with respect to first aspect of the invention, e.g. be provided with fingerboards, with storage bins, with a tubulars stand cutting device located above the storage device for cutting the tubulars stand into sections, etc. For the sake of brevity, these steps are not again discussed herein. It is submitted that when the cable clamp removal device is moved into a position at th firing line for engaging a cable clamp, the configuration of the cable clamp and/or of the cable clamp removal device may require a further poisoning of the cable clamp removal device and the cable clamp to be removed. In a preferred method, the cable clamp is positioned relative to the cable clamp removal device by pivoting the cable clamp removal device about the tubing, i.e. in a plane perpendicular to the firing line about an axis that coincides with the firing line. In this way, the cables and/or control lines can also be positioned relative to the cable clamp removal device, for example to make sure that removal of the cable clamp does not severe the cables and/or control lines. In addition or as an alternative, the cables and/or control lines provided on the outside of the tubing can be positioned relative to the cable clamp removal device and/or the cable scoop device and/or the cable guide system by pivoting the tubing, i.e. pivoting the tubing about an axis that coincides with the firing line, e.g. using the slip device, for example in the form of rotary table, or the tripping operation elevator to pivot the tubing, the tripping operation elevator for example comprising a top drive for rotating the tubing.