HARAN RIVLIN (NO)
| WO2009129307A2 | 2009-10-22 |
| US20020011336A1 | 2002-01-31 | |||
| US8794334B2 | 2014-08-05 | |||
| EP0611874A1 | 1994-08-24 | |||
| US20040188083A1 | 2004-09-30 | |||
| NO20160907A1 | 2017-11-27 |
| IS Claims The invention, that is claimed is* 1. See fi ure t page 1 /14; gure 3g page 2/14; Figure 3 A; Figure SB and (ugure 3C, page 3/14; Figure 8, page 7/14. A aubsca wellhead assembly, om rising a tubing-hange block (TH-block) i l l, comprising: o a connection-hub 121 at the top of the TTb-b!ock, and o a vertical (longitudinal) bore : 3j, shaped to house and sustain the tubing banger (T.H) 1 , 49]; and o a horizontal (lateral) bore for die production flow f 5 ]; and a a horizontal (lateral) bore tor accessing the aenulus i yj: and o a (low-block [9], which is integrated with the ITi-bloek p.], wherein the How-block's horizontal bores for production ( 10] and arsnuma [1 1 ] interlace the horizontal, production- and annutas bores i 5. 61 in the TH-block, and direct their flow to vertical roducti n- and annulus botes [ 12, 1 1, parallel to the Tib-block's vertical (longi udinal) bore [21; and o (low connection drab [ 14] at the upper end of the (low -block [9]; and. comprising a Christmas tree (XT) Π ? |, comprising: a longitudinal bore [60], which is shaped to lit and house the tabhtg-hanger e tension ΠΉ -extension) 127] and is large enough to allow free through -passage of the TR [41, and o a housing for the hybrid nenetrator (HP) s 3 i i, which is mounted on the XT 117] so as to allow the R? [31 1 to mate the couplers [301 on the TH -cs tension [27 ] when the TH- extension [27] ts installed inside the XT [17], and o a production master valve (PMV) [40] and an annul us -master val e (AMY) [41 1 and o a prodnetion ttow -ioop i 1 ] and an amnnus flo -loop [16], to connect the PMV [40] and AMY [41 1 with the (low connector [391 on the XT [ 1 71 , aao o a flow connector (391, to connect the XT' [17] to the flo connecFon-iaib [14] on the flow-block [9] of the Ti t- block i l l. 2. Se F gure 1. page i / 14.; Figure 2, page 2/1 ; Figure 4A, Figure 4 sad Figure 5 A.: page 4/14, A subxea wellhead assembly aceoodhrg to claim ! , couiprisirtg a tubing hanger (ΊΉ) [4], com r sin : o lower vertical (longitudinal i bores tor production [1 S] and for annul ue [ 1 1, wherein wireline plugs [ 201 can be installed, to serve as barriers before the X'F is installed, and o upper vertical (longitudinal) bores for production [22] and annulus [23], wherein wireline plugs [21 1 can be installed, to serve as barriers after the XT i 17] is installed, and o hori ontal (lateral} bores tor production [ 7] and tor annulas 18], which split, from the TFFs vertical bores lor production [18, 221 and an.nah.ss [ 19. 23], and interface the horizontal (lateral) bores ib production [5] and annulus [61 in the T I -block [1 ], and o sealing flanges [481 which interface the Tl l-blocles bore [3] and prevent leakage IVo-o the Trl T horizontal bore 17, 8] towards the environment, and o a coupler-plate [24], housing hydraulic-- and electronic couplers [ 25 ] or- the upper idee of the ΤΉ [4], to hrterfaee vertically ie corresponding couplers [33] on the lower coupler-plate [32] at the bottom of the TB -extension [27], and o a iiange with orientation slot [ 26] at the top of the TFI [4], to orient the ΊΉ-extension [27] on the TH [41 3. See Figum 2, page 2/14; Figure 3,4, Figute 313 and Figure 3C, page 3/14; Figure 4B, page 4/14. A sabsea wellhead assembly according to any of claims 1 and 2, comprising a TH-extension [3 ]. to provide hydraulic- and electronic connection between ihe XT [17] aod. the TH | 41. comprising: c- a flange [28], ith an outer diameter slightly less than the inner diameter of the XT s re-entry hob [421, thus fitting inside the longitudinal bore [ 611] of the XT [17], a.nd o an upper coupler-plate [291, w th hydraulic- and electronic couplers [30], which interlace horizontally the hybrid peneirator [31 1, which is mounted on the XT [ 1 7], and a a lower coupler-plate [32], with hydraulic- and electrnoic couplers [3a], which Interface vertically the hydraulie-and-e!eetrorac-eoup!ers; 125 ] at the top ol the ΊΉ [41, anrl o hydraulic- and electronic lines [34] inside the IThextensiou [27], to connect the upper coupler-plate [291 to the lower counkr-piaie [32], and o an orientation bracket [35] or- the lower part of tire TFi-es ension 127], to guide ti;e The extension [27] rnto the orientation slot [26] on the Tf i [4], so as to ensure correct mating between the hydraulic- and electronic couplers [33] on the TH-ev tension [271 and tire hydraulic- and electronic coupler [ 251 on the TH 14]. o longitudinal access bores lor production [36] and auottius [371, interlFcmg the upper vertical, boms ibr production [ 22] and annulus [23] in the TH [4], through which, the wirehne plugs [20, 21/1 can be installed in the TH [41 or be removed, and toe production tubing can be accessed through the TFI [41, for well ititerveotion. 1? 4. See ibge;e ! , page ) /'I.4.; Figure 2, page 2/14 A TH -block according to any of claims 1 -3, wherein: o the TH- lock [ 1] and the wellhead flange [45] are integrated as one com ed block, and o the combined biock that comprises the 1 i b-biock [ 1] a d the web bead flange [45] is connected to the elfs conductor housing and casings in the same way as prior-art's wellheads are connected to the elfs conductor housing and casings. 5. Sec f [care b, page 5/14 ; Figure 7, page 6/14. A ΊΉ-b!ock according to any of claims I -5. comprising an auxiliary wellhead connector [44] that is located a d integrated at die bottom of the ΙΉ-hloek Id 1, ior connecting die TH-block [ 1 ] to the wellhead [45], 6. See Fis s £ it page 7/14. A TIT-block according to claim 1 s comprising: C: a longitudinal botx; [31, shaped snnbarb to the bore of prior-arcs horizontal XT, and o a standard prior-arcs horizontal 111 [491. which Is installed inside the 11 -f -block [1 1. and o a hybrid penetrator 131], which is mounted on the side wall of die Tib-block [ 1 1, and o a horizontal (lateral) bore for production 15], which interlaces the horizontal. (lateral) bore tot production [50] in the TH [491, and o a horizontal (lateral) bote for annuius i'6j. which interfaces the annulus cavity [511 in the TH -block [ I I. and a production primary valve (PPV ) [46], which is installed on the lateral production bore [5] in the Tfh block 1 1 ], to secure the ell when the XT [59] is not .Installed, and o an annuias primary valve {APV) [471, is installed on the I at cod atmu!us bote [61 in the TH -block [! ], to secure the well when the XT 159] is not installed., and o an auxiliary wellhead connector [ 44]. which is located, and. integrated at the bottom of the TH-block i l l I tor connecting the TH-block [1 1 to the wellhead 145]. 7. Sec Figtse b, page 7/14. A Chrisbuas tree (XT s [591 according to any of claims 1 and 6, comprising: ø a longitstdiiutl bore [601 in a straight continuation of the re-entry hub [421 and with the same inner dbnension as that of the re-enuv hob [42], and o a production master valve (PI V) [40] and snnakrs master valve (AMY) [41 ], and o a production ilow-loop ί 1.5] and an annuius ilow-ioop [ 16], to connect the PMV [401 and AMY [4i ] with die flow connector [39] on the XT [ 591. and a flow connector [391, to connect the XT [591 to the Oow eormection-'hub 1 1 ] on the flow-block [9] of the llXhiock [ 1 ]. 13 X Se Figure , pag β 14; Figure ) O, page 9/14; F igure 1 1, page ! 0/14, A subsea wellhead asseuddy according to aoy of the previous claims, with one modification wherein: o she combined flow- block [9] for production and annalus (which is featured io all. the couftgtu atfoos listed io any of the previous clakns) la replaced b two separate flow-blocks for production (52 1 and annnlus [53 k and o each (low block [52, 53] has its o n slow connection hob at its top | 54. 551, aod o she XT [ 1 7, S9] bos separate flow connectors tor production [56] and annnlus [57 k 9. See Figure 2, page 2/14; Figure FA and Pmnc FB and Figure 3FF page F/14; Figure X page 9/1 . A tvrelhod for cottfsgariug a subsea wellhead asseubrav, consisting of a TH --block [ 1 ] w th flow block Iw 52,53], XT [ 171 Ϊ4 (4 | and Tli -eatenslon [271, woereiro o the H I [41 Is installed Inside the 'TIT-bloes [ 1 j, and the XT [ 1 7] is Installed aod locks ooio the Tl F biocL [1 j by means of the wellhead connector [3Fj and (low connector [39, 56, 57], and o the horizontal (lateral) bores or ptViduetion [71 and anntuus [8] io toe TO [41 are connected through horizontal (lateral) botes for ptwdoelion [5] and arctulus [9] io the TH-b!ock [ kl to a flow-block [9, 52,53] that. is integrated in the 4 tl-klocfc [ 1 1, and inside that llow-h!oek [9, 52,53] the production and antndus are directed upward in vertieai bo es [12, 13], parallel to the vertieai (lo«g¾u ¾«a ) bore- [31 of the Ί'14 -block 1 ], and condone t rough a How connection-hob [14, 54, 55] at the top of the flow-Xfoek 19, 52,531 and through a. How connector [39, 56, 57] into the X ' 8 main ikwv -loons for production I 15] and anurous [ 16], which lead int the X'Ps production master valve [40] a.nd armtuus master valve [ 1 ], and o toe ΊΉ -οχΙοηΧοη 1271 is installed inside toe XT [ 17] and the T14--extensiosr s lower end extends into the TIT- block [ 1 j below, to interlace the II I [4] that is iostailed inside the Il k- block [ I F thus providing hydraulic- and electronic connections bwm toe XT 1 17] to tbc 41 1 14], aod o when the Ί'Η-cxtension [27] is removed from the XT [17], the 414 [4] with the tubmg pipes can he installed and retrieved through the XT [ 1 71, without having to retrieve the XT' betbrehaod, and C! when the XT wellhead connector [38] and Oow --counts, tea [39, 56, 571 arc opes, the XT [ 1 ] can be installed and retrieved, without having to retrieve the Til [4] with the tubing pipes beforehand. 10. Sec Fugue 1 , page 1/ 14; F-gurc 9, page 9/ 14, A method for configuriigg a subsea wellhead assendily aecordlng to elaun 9, consisting of wellhead iiange [451 TH-biock. [ I ] with (low block FX 52,53 j, whereon o the eoruhlneX- block of integrated wellhead flange [451 and T'H- block [ 1 j with Ho -block [9, 52, 53] is run and installed suhsea as ooe nolo and o the BOP is installed onto the TH -block [1 1, and o installing hie well's last casings is eoroplckvl thuagrh the BOP and through the ITkblock i l l, and o alter completing the v elk s casings, the Ti l [4] is installed io the 41 -block [ I ] through the BOP that is already installed on the Til-block, thus requiring only one BOP trip. 1.9 1 1. See Figure X page 5/14; Figure 7, page 14- A method lor c nfi urin a subsea wellhead assembly according to claim 9, consisting of a TH-- block [ 1 1 with how block 9, 52.55], Chose eas nco (XT) [ 1 ? :. aushbarv wellhead connector [441 and a standard prior-ariT wellhead 145]- w erein: o the Tbbbiock [1 ] is installed and locks onto a standard pnor- ao T wehhead [451- by means oh the auxiliary w ellhead connector [441, and o the T! b-bloek [11 functions as at) intennediary connection between tbe standard prior-art's wellhead. [451 and the XT [ 17], which is installed and locks onto the TIT- block [ 1] by means of the X'Ps wellhead connector [38] and bow connector [39, 5b, 571. 12- See !%snXi page 7/14. A ntethod for configuring a subsea wellhead assembly according io claim 9, consisting of a TB-bloek i 1] with, now block [9, 52,53 ], XT [59], auxillaty wellhead connector [44] hybrid penetrato [3 1 ], a standard prior-art's horizontal TFi [49] and a standard prior-arr s wellhead [45], wherein: o t e T -block [ 11 is installed and locks onto a standard prior-atTs wellhead [451 by means of the aushlaty wellhead connector [44], and o a standard prlor-artT horizons! TB [49] is installed inside the T! b-bloek [ 1 1, and o a hybrid penetrates [31] that Is mounted on the Thbblock [1 1 uitc- laces the TB [491 that is installed inside the 1 1 h-hiock [ 1 1, and o tbe horizontal { lateral) bore for roduction [SO] in the 1 11 [49] is connected through horizontal (lateral) bore for production [5] in the TB- block p ] to a How-block [9, 52] thai, is iraxtgrated in the TH-b!ock i l l, and o the annulus cavity [ 51] in the Tl b block i t ] is inlertXced by the horizontal (lateral) bore for aumnns [6] in tbe TK- lock [ 1 ] and contlnaes into to the flow-block [9, 531 that is integrated in. the TH~block [ 1 1- and o inside the flow-block [9, 52,531 the production and annul us are directed upward in vertical bores [ 12, 1 31, natal lei to the vertical (longitudinal) bore [31 of the TIT- block [ 1 1, and continue through a flow connection-hub [14, 54- 551 at the ton of the llow-biock [9, 52,53 ] arid huther through a flow connector [39, 5h, 57 ] Into the XTT main How-loops for production [I S] and annulus l ib], which lead into the productio master valve [40] and tbe annulus master valve [41 ] on the XT [591. and o the PPV [46] and APV [47 ] provide barriers towards ihe environment when. I he XT [59] is not installed on she ΊΤΙ -block [1 h and o the Ί Η -biock i I ] h.a:;ction.s as an imennediaty connection between the standard prior-art' s wellhead [45] and the XI' [59], which is installed and locks onto the TIT-biock [ 1 1 by means of ihe XT wellhead connector [381 and flow connector [39, 56, 57], and o when the BP [31 j is retracted and disconnected from the horizontal TB [49], tbe horizontal TB [491 reiih the tubing pipes cat? be installed and renseved through tbe XT [59], without having to renieve the XT [59] beforehand, and o when the XI" s wellhead connector [38 and Ho -connector 139, 56, 571 are open, the XT [ 59] can be installed and retrieved without having to retrieve the horizontal TB [491 with the tubing pipes beforehand . |
with Flexible Operation
Ares of Invention
T is invention relates to subsea wellhead systems. Specifically; the concerned it ms are:
wei!head. mbiogdisnger block, tubing hanger and Christmas tree.
NOTE; this Invention applies to both production wells and water-irrjeetion wells, Whenever the term ' roduction' is used - it applie also to Xvaterd ectkar ,
Term tTs btmAk
AMV Ann u ins master valve
APV Anrrul.ua orimarv valve
BOP Blowout preventer
Eh i Electronic
HP H brid penetrates
Hyd. Hydraulic
MVB e block
P V Production roaster v alve
PPV Production primary valve
TH Tubing hanger
IT! -Block Tubing hanger block
THArxtension Tubin banger' extension
XT Subsea Christmas tree
Back round
During the l fetim of subsea wellhead systems, both the Christinas tree- (XT) and tu ing with tubing hanger (TH) have to be retrieved for miiunteuance or wed interv ention. With today A technology, you either have to retrieve the XT .;n order ' to pull out the tubing (in vertical XTsy or null out die tubing in order to retrieve the XT (in horizontal XTx).
This lack of operational flexibility translates into huge expenses: Retrieving the XT only in order to null out the TH coostdutes a significant cost. Retrieving the TH only in order to be able to retrieve the XT constitutes yet much larger cost Also, these additional operarions present safety and environmental risks, as in any subsea operation.
Prior Art
Srtbsea Petroleum Wells
Ail subsea wells for oil and gas comprise the following three items: wellhead, tubing hanger (TH) and Christmas tree (XT?. Many additional com ne ts complement ie subsea well, but are not concerned by this patent, are! are therefore no discussed here.
1 he wellhead is always installe subsea before the TB and XT. Tite wellhead flange connects with. a. set of casings that are inserted into the ground and suspend at the upper part of the flange. These casings are not concerned by this patent, and arc therefore not discussed.
The upper part of the wellhead features a connection-hub that interfaces the XT, In. most modem wells, the external profile of the connection du at the top ofthe wellhead is identical, no matter who produces tiiem and who operates them. That eonnection-hubA profi le and d mension are an. international industry standard.
The internal pro h ie of the upper part ofthe wellhead cart either be a simple round bote, with an .inner diameter of 18 ¾ inch (476 nun), or it can be shaped to bouse and interface the Ti l. in the eases where the TH is installed inside the wellhead. That wail be described further below. Types *rf Christmas Trees
There ere many ty es of X Ts in the subsea industry, but m t of toe different types can be grouped within the main two categories: horizontal XT and vertical XT. The main operational diirerence between the two categories is this: the horizontal tree is installed subsea prior to installing vhe gibing pipes aad 1 H. while the vertical tree is installed sebsea after the tubing pipes aad TIT have been installed
The reason tor the names · » horizontal or vertical - is this: in the horizontal XT she flow of oil through the production master valve is on the horizontal plane, while in the vertieal XT, the ilovv of oil through, the preelection, master valve is on the vertical plane
However, the names toil very little about die real dtflerences between the ho izontal- and vertical XTs. It is the ordet of installation and retrieval thai constitutes the niosi important operational di fference.
Blowout Fee venter
The blowout preventer ( BOP) is a central Item la the snbsea operation. The role of the BOP Is to secure the well agaaist uncontrolled spill of oil during installation and maintenance of the sebsea components.. The BOP can be installed ot? top of t e wellhead, or on lop of the XT, The BOP constitutes a si ton beam cost, since it is open-ecu front costly vessels and only running it subsea can take 24 hours, before it is operational.
Installation &ηύ Retrieval Sepuenee
Here is whore the differences between the horizontal - and vertical XTs matters. To start with installation: a .horizontal XT requires two trips of the BOP. The first time- Is for drilling and running the casings of toe well; the second time is for drilling and running the tubing, The reason for that is thai the TH is installed inside the horizontal T. alter the XT has been installed on the wellhead. The BOP therefore must be retrieved I Vote the wellhead - to allow installation of the horizontal XT - and then installed again, this time oa ton ot the XT.
The vertical XT ' s I I I with nfoleg is crashed directly auo she wellhead, before the vertical XT is installed sebsea. The BOP, lucre lore, is required to run sebsea only - are lime, during which both the casings and tubing are drilled-Tor and installed.
During the we! i ? s lifetime, the choice of XT type - imrizontal or vertical - will affecl the cost of operation and maintenance. Retrieving a vertical tree hbr maintenance is much cheaper, since you dond have to null cast the tubing first. But if you want to access the well and null out the tubing ···· yoa will have to retrieve the XT ' first, and that constitutes of course an extra cost.
With the horizontal XT it is the opposite: you don't have to retrieve the tree in order to pell out the tubing; hut if you have to mtneve the XX for maintenance - yoa mast pull out the tebing iirst. A recent estimate nuts the cost of that additional operation at the area of 40 million dollar,
Des gn of ttie Oolsteas Trees
Besides the aforesaid operational differences between die horizontal- and vertieal XTs, there are Significant differences as their desiga, and consequently hi the way they interface their respective tebing hangers (TK r The horizontal-- and vertieal tubing hangers ate very diOTretu.
The vertieal X I " ·, 1 I I sits inside the wellhead, and its two vertical beans - one for production and one for a ramies ·· ■■ interlace toe XT, which sits on lop of the wellhead above il, by two vertical stingers. The vertieal production - and annelus bores inside the vortical X master valve block (MVB r- also known as ; spoor ·- foatare valves that control the How through those bores.
The horizontal XI X TH sits inside the MVB of lire horizontal XT, and interfaces Imrizontal bores in the horizontal XTs MVB, T he horizontal production- and aonttles bores in the horizontal XTs MVB .feature valves that control foe flow through those bores. Iftforfece th t Well's Hydrm k- ta Electronic Lh
Another im ant difrerenoe between horizontal and vertical Iris is the they interface the hydraulic- and electronic lin s that come fos the XT and go through di TH and the tubing down to the welds bole.
n. the horizontal XT, a b.yd,raniicoind--eiectronic-penetrator - also known as 'h br d nenetrator - is mounted on. the wall of the MVB and accesses the TB tbrongb a set of corresponding male- female couplers- The couplers can urate only after the ΤΉ has been, installed inside the XTs MV . Mating is performed hy a remotely operated vehicle, which strokes too hybrid penetratods movable couplers into the Tibs couplers, inversely.; the hybrid peneirator couplers are retracted iron; the TH before nulling out the ΤΉ and the tubing bem the XT,
In the vertical X f . there is no hybrid peneirator. The hydraulic and electronic lines are led through the XTs MVB S and end with couplers at the bottom of the XT, When toe XT lands onto the wel lhead (and thereby also on. top of the TH) 5 the couplers at the bottom of die XT ' mate their corresponding couplers at the top of the TB.
Wireline Pings
Wireline plugs are barriers that block the bores in the TH, mainly during installation and maintenance. These plugs are installed into the bores of the TB, both in the horizontal - and vertical XT. The wireline pings constitute barriers inside the TfFs bores, and hinder passage of oil to the environment.
The wirelines plugs in. the vertical TH are removed during norma! operation of the vertical XT. ' in the horizontal XT, the wireline ping rema ins in the upper end of the production bore of the horizontal TB during normal operation of the horizontal XT.
In both horizontal- and vertical XTs, limited maintenance operations of the tubing pipes are possible through the production bores of the IBs. To allow that, the wireline plugs must be removed.
Christinas Tree Re-Entry 1Mb
Horizontal XTs feature a bub at their top (also known as re-entry hob). Wi h an external profile that is identical to the onvhie of the wellhead ' s connection-hub. That allows the BOP and other workover equipment to land and lock onto the XT, in order to run or pull out the tubing, or for any other intervention in the well.
Vertical XTs can have different hubs at their top, since there Is no scenario thai necessitates landing the BOP on ton of a vertical XT. That allows the vertical XTs MVB to have slimmer profile, thereby reducing weight and cost.
OB the hub of the vertical XT sits a pressure ca during normal operation. Tins is to secure against oil leakage, since da: vertical bores in the VB inua Oca; da: well and .reach ail the way to die top of the MVB.
On du huh of the horizontal XT there roust he a debris ca ; but not always this cap is also a pressure cap, since the pressure may be contained in the TB by mean of the wireline plugs.
Remainin Fe Tnres of the Christmas Tree
All other features of the horizontal- and vertical XTs are similar, and are not a lee led by this patent, Therefore we do not mention them here. D awb cks of the Exist ng Teefmotogy
The most remarkable drawback of the vertical- and horizontal XTs is the lack of operational flexibility, i.e., yoe either ha e to retrieve the XT i n order to pal! out die tubing tin venieal XTs), or poll out the tub g rn order to retrieve the XT (in horizontal X i s), Retrtev g the XT only in order to access the TH constitutes a significant cost. Retrieving the TB only -n order to be able to retrieve the XT constitutes yet much larger cost. Also, these additional operations present safety and environmental risks, .-> in any subsea operation.
Conse uently, oil companies may postpone maintenance operations, which wauh in decreased production and loss of ' nc me,
Moreover, planning the field and deciding which XT to use - horizontal or vertical - becomes much more complicated and expensive, in fact, it is partly a gambling game, predicting how the reservoir will behave during the expected 25 years (average life time) of production, and which component will have to be retrieved more often doting the wed a lifetime. Of course, a wrong decision spells a gigandc cost to the operator, in form of additional retrieval operations from very expensive rigs.
Review of Several Examples of Prior-Art's Solutions
The following patents represent typical Christmas tree solutions:
US 20Θ 0188083 A!
Description copied from d;^
A How completion system tor controlling the tlow of tluid from a well bore comprises a tobing spool svhich includes a central bore that extends a x ac!y therethrough and a production outlet which communicates with the central bore. A tubing banger is supported in die central bore and includes a production bore that extends axially therethrough and production passageway thai communicates between the production bore and the production outlet. A. first closure member is positioned in the ptViduciion bore above the production passageway, and a first metal seal is positioned concentrically between the tubing banger and the centra! bore above the production passageway. In addition, a second closere member is positioned in the preduehoa bore above the first closure member, and a second metal seal is positioned concentrically between the tubing hanger and the central bore above the first seal. In this maimer, die first closure member and the first seal comprise a first pressure-containing barrier between the well bore and a surrounding environment, and the second closure member and the second seal comprise a second pressu e- containing barrier between the well bore and the environment.
US 61176605 A
Description copied from ikS^
A suhsea wellhead assembly has a tubular housing having a sidewail, an axial bore, and a housing lateral passage extending from the bore through the sidewalk A blocking sleeve fits around the housing to block the housing lateral passage while drilling through the housing, A timing hanger is seemed to a suing of tubing and landed in t he housing. The tubing hanger has a vertical passage which communicates with the tithing and a tubing lateral passage which extends fro the vertical passage and register s with the housing lateral passage, A lower am ah as port is in the sidewail of the housing below the lower sea! arai leans to a tubing nnnuius. An upper aanaius port is in the sidewail of the housing above the upp r seal and leads to the bore of the housing. A tree block having a centra! opening lor receiving the housing is lowered over the housing after removal of the blocking sleeve. T he tree block has a tree production passage which tegisters with the housing lateral passage for directing flow of production fluid from the well, A productio valve is mounted to the tree block for opening and closing the tree production passage. A bypass passage in the tree block cormects the upper and lower annul us ports to communicate the bore above the tubing hanger with the tubing aramies. Solutions That A em t Oper tional Flexibility
We know of the following patents that offer independen retrieval of die XT or ΤΉ:
US 201 0048278 Al
Description copi ed iVmo |;gtp
Subsea well assembly having Xmas tree and wellhead. From a tubing hanger a tubing extends into the well. A par of a production flow passage extends vertically from the tubing hanger in a vertical bore of the Xmas tree. A fed close production master valve is arranged in the production fl passage, The tubing hanger is arranged below the Xmas tree, such as in (he wellhead. The Xmas tree exhibits a branch that deviates from the vertical bore, which branch constitutes pari of the production flow passage. The fail close type production master valve is arranged in the branch,
EP 0611874 B!
Description copmd h¾ lugm
iThis link is to another patent, which in its description contains a description of EP 0611874 Bl,} a subsea wellhead assembl adapted in s ch way that h e operator ears remove die tubing without removing the Xmas tree, and remove the Xmas tree without remov ng the tubing, The tubing is suspended in a lower tubing hanger arr n e in die wellhead housing. The tubing can be removed through the Pee and a blowout preventer ( BOP ?. When removing the tree, a plug is set the lower tubing hanger within the wellhead housing. During pr duction, the production flow is guided horn the lower tubing banger up to upper tubing hanger that exhibits a lateral port that registers with an outlet port in the tree. The upper tubing hanger (referred to as a false tubing hanger) and a tree can installed in the tree constitute two barriers.
US 20070246220 Al
Description copied from h ngm^y^^
A subsea wellhead assembly has a tubing hanger landed in a wellhead housing. A spool lands on the wellhead housing and ha a bore with a laterally extending production flow outlet. A tree cap having an ax.ial.ly extending how passage and a laterall extending production flow outlet lands within the bore of the spool, tipper and iowe seals on the uve cap seal between the tree cap and the bore oi the spool above and below the production flow outlet of the spool , An isolation btbe on a lower end oi the tree cap sealing! y engages the production flow passage of the tubing hanger, The tree cap may he ran with the spool as an assembly as-d retrieved ifom the spool for wed. over operations.
R mainin Drawbacks of the Flexible Solutions
Some of the solutions that oiler independent retrieval of the XT and Tti have the T ii installed in a spool, which is installed on top of the wellhead before installi ng fee T.H in that spool. That process requires two pips of the BOP to complete the well. This is in opposition to the recent trend in the subsea pehxdeum industry, which prioritizes vertical XXs feat require only one BOP trip for completing the well. That additional BOP-oost reduces the ad vantage of operational flexibility. A XT that will offer an oper tional flexibility without scarifying the ; ingle -ΡΟΒ-ΐπρ' principle will appeal much more to the oil companies.
The aforesaid solutions, which offer independent retrieval of the XT and Til, require a costly R&D- and approval for their new components, so as to meet the rigorous .industry requireu-euts. A XT that will offer operational flexibility while usiug existing proven components will increase its chance to move from the drawing table to reality. Tim fevent n; Suhsm Wellhead S ste wit Flexible Opsraikm
The imto aimrs Ihlsreipat of the Irrven ion
The in en ed flexible wellhead system is based on existing designs of XT, wellhead and 111, but a lies nullifications that eliminate the vertical linear dependency be ween the XT and the TH. Tha is achieved by breaking the direct connection between the TH and die XT ' , and instead, leading the production-flow through, a bypassing (low -block thai, runs outside the 111 and XT and bridges between there. By hreakiug the direct connection be-wcon the TH and the XT, u is possible to are, ah and. retrieve them independently of each other.
Summar Description of the fovea turn
The descriptions below refer to claims I (page 15) thro 4 (page 1 ' / ;.
iOatrns 5 then b cover additional cooilgnruiions.
The flexible wellhead system allows retrieval and re-running of either the snbsea XT or the Til u¾dependently of each other, ahereby c nsti utin a significant saving in operating expenses (OPEX), Over a siabse weiFs lifetime, the saving in OPEX is estimated to be at least 10 obi lion S, The innovation is achieved tnrongh bx modular concept, which arranges nunmuhly-nmdifkd existing components in a new way, thus requiring little re-design aod approval of components.
The operational flexibility Is achieved by breaking the vertical diuear-dependeucy between the XT and TIL wi ch in conventional XT-systems locks them In a rigid order over each other,
Tire key component of tire invention is a tubing-hanger block, which Is sses the TIE A flow-block is integrated in the T l-block, and together they facilitate the bypassing function that breaks the direct connection, and dependency between, the TH and the XT ' ,
Breaking the dependency between tire XT and the Ti l is achieved by a dual innovation:
1 . According to claims 1 i nane 15 h 2 ipage i b) and 7 (page 1 b), the prodociion flow is diverted from the 111 to a bypassing Ho -block, which runs parallel to the TO -block, and leads the flow into the X T.
Thanks to this bypass, the production flow occurs without a direct contact between the TH and the XT,
2. According ha claim 5 (page 1 e) and 9 (page 1 Sy the tubing hanger (TH ; is divided into two parts, wherein the upper part - tubing-hanger extension - provides the hydraulic- and electronic uumecuon between the XT and the Th! .
7 hanks to this removable tubrngb:! anger extension, the hydraulic and electronic oounections occur without a direct contact between the XT and the TI L
All the bafflers (valves, connectors and pings) are either identical, to existing barriers that are used m prio -ar 's wellhead systems, ox based on. pmven. design, and materials. That provides leakage safet with rnmi wri R&D cost.
This invention of a flexible wellhead system contains several configurations, which share the same innovative principle.
The configuration that is represented by claims a (page 1 } and t o (page l b), maintains the bsingle-BOP-trlp' r c al, repulsing only one BOP trip lor completing the subsea well.
Except for the configuration covered by claims b (page 17) and 12 (page 19), all components that are subject to wear are tndepetvdently retrievable, as patt of either the Christmas tree or Ti b The Christmas tree and the 717 can he installed or retrieved i ho t ha wa to retrieve the other pan beforehand. fart umb rs Index
The numbers i the table below are used to- identify the c m onent on the illustrations. Overview o t - illustrations
Psgm v 1 , iigure-page 1 /1 : TB-B!oek .Inte rated in Wed bead, with Tuhiag Hanger
f igure ! A, figure-page I C.4 : flow-Block's Pressure Cap
igure 2, figure-page A] 4; Stack-lip of Chrlsunas Tree on 1 ' -Block integrated, in Wellhead
Figure 3 A, figure-page .V i.4; Stack-Bp of Christmas Tree on T i f-Block,. Snowing Tubing Banger
Figure. 3 B, figure-page 3/14; Tubing Banger with Tubing- anger Extension.
tugarr 3(3 hgure-page 3C4 : Tubing-Hanger Extension
fugue; 4A , figure-page 4/ 14: Tubing Banger General Vluo
Figure 4B, Ugere-page 4/ 14: Tubing Banger with Couplers Shown.
Figure 3A , flgare- nage 4/ 1 : Tul:bng-Batnger Extension General View
Figure 3B, figure-page 4/ 14: Tubing-Banger Extension w ith By ds ache and Electric Lines Shown.
Fuuee of iigure-page 3/ 14; mtennediary TM- Block with Atrxibsr Wellhead Connector
Fugue A i gure-page 6/ 14; Stack-Up of Chtisti as lYee on Intermediary TB -Block with Auxiliary Wellhead Connector
Figure 13 ngune-page A] 4: Stack- Up of Chrisunas Tree est intermediary TB-Biodc with Valves and Hybrid Penetrator
In the following .0 lustrations, the same configurations that ate shown in the previous Illustrations are shown with a single modification: instead o! one flow- block, there are two flow blocks.
Figure 3, figure-page 3/ 14 : TH- Block integrated in Wellhead, wuh Tubing Hanger, with Two Flow Slocks
Fig re 10, figure-page 9/14: Christmas Tree with Two Flow Connectors
Fs u « I I , figure-page BA14: Stack-Up or Christinas Tree on Til-Block Integrated In Wellhead, with Two Flow Blocks
f igure 12, figure-page 1 I B 4; Intermediary Hi-Block with Auxiliary Wellhead Connector, with Two Flow Blocks
Figure 13, figure-page 12/14: Stack-Up of Christinas Tree on intermediary I B-Block with.
Au>: diary Wellhead Connector, with T wo Flow Blocks
Fignte .14, figure-page 13/14: intermediary TH-B!oek with Valves and iilyhrkl l¾¾eir tor, with Two Flow Blocks
Figure 15, iigure-page 14/1 .: Stack-lip or Christmas Tree on intermediary Ϊ ΐ-Slock with Valves and Bybxki Peneantor, w th Two Flow Blocks Descri ion of Its Inven ion in Details
lis she inflowing description, numbers in brackets reins' as the components as ho n in die inustrabons.
For Overview of the ihtwrrahoos, see page S above.
TF!--btock m Details
See Figure I , page 1 /14; Figure I A., page 1 /14 ; Figure 2, page 2/1 4.
The TFkbiock. [ 1 ] has at its top a connection-hub \2 \ of 18 ¾ inch ( 76 nuts), which, is similar to inn eonncedosvhebs on prior-arf s wellheads.
The longitudinal bore 13 ] of the TlT-block is shaped to host tbn 111 [4],
The TFh block hiss laters! bores lor product ion [51, and annuius [bl, which interface the TFi's corresponding lateral bores■-- production [71 and annuius [8T Through these bores, the petroleum production flows out and the annuius Is accessed.
A Oo -b!oek [k] is integrated in the ΤΉ -block [ 1 ] arid eonstitutes part of the TO -block, wherein:
* The lateral bores tbr production 5| and annuius [6] in the IT! -block [1 J Interface
corresponding lateral bores kw production [ Iff] and annuius [1 1 m the flow-block 91.
* The flow-block [to directs the production- and annuius bores into vertical corresponding bores tor production [1 2] and annnhts [13], parallel to the longitudinal bore [31 of the TF1 -block.
* A Oow connection -hub [ 14] at the uppe end of the How-block h] f nc io s as an interface between die flow --block ' s vertical bones - produelion [12]- and annuius, 1 131 - and the flow -loops - production [15] and annuius [ I 0] - on the XT Π 7] This connection is accomplished by the How connector [39].
* A pressure cap [43] is installed on the flo -block's flow connection-hub [ 14] when the XT
[ 1 7] is not installed the TFI-block [11,
Tubing Han e 1st Derails
See Fi ure I > page I - \ 4; ¥m 3, page 2/14; Figu e 4A and Figure 4 B, page 4 14
The T ' fi [4] of fhe flexible wellhead system is installed inside the TH-block [ 1 1, similarly to the TFi in prior-arks horkontal XTs,
' Fhe TH [4-1 interlaces the well by vertical bores lor production [18] and annuius [Ik], from ' whi split the Ti-fs lateral bores tor production [7] and annuius [8].
While the TH in horieomal XTs has typically only one bore. For production, in this invention of flexible wellhead system the 111 has an annuius bore [ 1 , 23, 8] in addition hi tbe production, boty [ 18, 22, 71, Leading tbe annuius through a bore h the TH makes it possible to tsolate die annuius with wireline plugs f 20 |. in the same way that the production bore is Isolated, Soeh barriers are necessary hen the XT [ 17] is not installed on the TH -block f I ].
The lateral bores for production [7] and annuius [XI in the ' Fit [41 Interface the lateral bores for production [51 arid annuius [bl its the TFbb!ock [II , in the same way that the TH in horizontal XTs Inter Faces the lateral bore in the XT ' s MYB
The top of the ill [4] features a coupier-plaie [241 with I drauhc- and electronic couplers 1251, providing hydraulic supply and electronic conn ction to tie; hydraulic- and electronic cosnponents down the we!Ps hole.
A things; with orientation slot [2b] at the top of the TH [41 serves to orient the tubing-hanger extension. [27] on the Ti l [4], Wireline plogs can isolate the 1 1 1 in o arrangements;
1 - Either wireline plugs in a lower position [20], in the TFIX lower vertical bores ibr production
[ 18] and annnius ί 191, below the ΊΉΧ lateral bores for production [7] and annulus [%]
2. Or wireline plugs in an upper position [21 ], in the Til's upper vertical bores for production
[221 and annul us [23], above the TFI X lateral bores for production [7] and annulus [8].
ί uncti ns of the wireline plugs:
* When the wireline plugs are removed, it is possible to access the TFIX vertical production bore [ l b, 22] for welbkrterventiom just as in. any vertical- or horizontal XT.
* When the wireline plugs 1 0 ; a- c installed below the Til X lateral bores [ 7, S], they effectively secure dve well against leakage during the installation, phase, and when the XT [ 1.7] is not installed on Ore Tii-block [ 1 ].
* When the wirelines plugs [ 21 ] arc installed above the Tifs lateral bores [7, 81, they;
Permit the flow of production through the THX lateral production bore [ 7] to the flow-block [9] and u -s ough the flow connection-hub [ 14] to the XT [ 171;
o Pcnrat access to the welPs annulus from the XT [17] and through toe flow conneotioo-bub [.14] and flow-block [9] to the I l l ' s lateral annulus bore I K ( ;
o Secure against leakage to the environment from the ' 1 1 IX upper vertical bores tor production
[22] ajRd annulus [23].
Tubing-Banger Extension n Details
See Figure 2, page 2/ 14 ; Figure 3 A, Figure 3.8 and f gure 3F, page 3X 4;
Figure 4Λ, Figure 4 B, Figure 5.X and Figure 5B. : page 4/ 14.
The Tubing- harsges; extension. (TlX-extension) [27] is installed inside tl e block of the XT ( 17).
The " ΠΊ -ex tension [27] interfaces the XT [ 17] an TI4 [4 g to provide hydraulic- and electronic connection between the XT [ 171 and the Til [41.
The Ti l-extension [27] is independently retrievable. Therefore:
* When the T!T-e tension [271 is removed, there is no direct contact between the XT [ 17] and Ti l [41, and that allows foe independent installation and retrieval of the XT and TIT
* b is then possible to- o Either pull out the TH [4] through the XT [1 ?] without removing tire XT ' [1 1;
o Or- retrieve the XT [ 1 1 without removing the TH [41
1 ne T ' H -extension [27] features a flange [281, with an outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the X I X re-entry hub [421, wherein:
* The outer dimension of the TFhexiensionX flange [2bj is larger than that of the larger sealing flange [48] on die I ' H [41. Correspondingly, the dimension of the longitudinal bore [60] of the XT [ 1 71 is larger than that of he TH [4]; that allows the I ' l l [41 to pass through the XT [ 17] for installation or retrieval of the T 1:1
* The TiF-exiensiouX ilange [ 281 f eatures a coupler-plate [291 with hydraulic- and electronic couplers [30], which interface hormontaiiv the hybrid penetrator [31 1, which is mounted on she X I N T] '
* The interface between foe ' TTI-extension eotiplers [ 301 and the hybrid penetrator [31 ] on the XT ' [171 is similar to th interface in prior-artX horizontal XTs, and the method of stroking the hybrid penetrator and mating the couplers is as with prior-artX horizontal XTs, The FFbextensioo 12 " ! features a lower eoup!er-plsto [32] who i dtaulie- and electronic couplers 33). : which. hwerfoee vertically the h d 3rdk-arrd--ol e0:o d.e oi^ler [ 251 oe. ihe coupler-plate [24] at ihe o of the TO [4], "
Hydraulic- a d electronic lines [34] inside the TH -extension [27] coooeet the Ti l-extension tlsngew coupler-plate [29] to tlw TH-extension w lower coupler-plate [331.
An orientation bracket 1351 on the lower part of ihe ΊΉ-extenxion [27] grades the TH-exieesion into a eotrespoodiog orientation slot [26] on the 113 [4], to ensure correct orientation of the ΙΉ-exteoaioo [27] and the Til [4].
This eoaures correct mating between the TH -exlensionw lower couplers [3.3] and the
TH 's couplers [25].
The ITb ev tension [ 271 matures longitudinal access bores for production [36] and annulus [37], hwerfochrg ihe upper vertical bores for production [22] and an ul us [23] in the TH [4], wherein: * Through the access bores in the ΊΊΤ-e tension [27], the wireline plugs [20, 2 1 ] can be
installed in the 1 1 1 and removed,
« The " ΓΗ extensioms psxfotschon access bore [361 allows access to the production tubing, tor well hitetxention through the TH [4].
Tbe Connection between the TIi-BI»ck m XT In Details
See f igure L page 1/14; Figure 2, page 2/14..
The XI ' [ 17] lands and locks onto the TH-block 1 j by means of a wellhead connector [ 38], which is identical. to tire wellhead, connectors in prior-art's horizontal- and vertical XT .
The flow connector 1391 on the T [ ' 171 lands and locks ooto the flo connection -hub [ 14] at the rrpper end of the ilow-bloek [ 91, which is integrated in the TB-block [ 1 ].
I ' be XT's wel lhead connector 13S] and flow connector 1391 land slnumanoousiv on the
T i h hiockT connecikm-hub [21 sod the t ow-block/s iiow connection-hub : I4j.
Both connectors [38, 39] are operated Iwvlrsfoieally through the XTs running took and both connectors have a mechanical release option.
The production ma n tlow loop 15 and annulus main flow-loop [ 161 lead f om the
ilow oonrmctioo-htrb 1 14] on. the flow-block [9] to foe production master valve [40] and the annuias master valve [4.1 ] on foe XT [ 1 71.
From the production master valve [40] and annulus master valve 141], ail the remaining components of the flexible wellhead system are smaiar to the prior-are s horizontal- and vertical XTs, mciudmg all. toe main veatutes sueh as t mw loops, wing valves, tlow module and control module. These components are not affected by this invention, and. are not discussed here,
Mod fied Confi ura ions of e Invention
Tire following modifications maintain the principal innovation of this invention, which eliminates the direct connection between the tubing hanger (Tlf } and Christmas tree (XT), and instead leads the ■ production* flow d;rouah a bypassing fl w ' -block thai nan outside the l s and XT, and bridges between then:,
Thereby they maintain the advantage of the invention, which is the possibility of independent installation and retrieval of the 111 and . intermediary TH-Btoek wife Atniltay Wellhead Connector
See F g re 6, gage 5/14; Figure 7, page b/14.
This configuration, teatares a modification wherein the IT! -block [1] is not integrated a - the welihead, hut instead foticiions as an itttermedtary connection-spool h n eea a prlor-arFs wellhead and d e XT [ 17] . For this purpose, an auxiliary wellhead connector 144] is integrated at d e bottom of the TH- block [1 g and serves to install and lock the ΊΉ -block [1 ] onto the prior-art ' s wellhead. Besides th modification, all other features of d e invention remain die same.
Frlor-ArtX Tubing Hanger and Hybrid Fcnetraior Installed In the Intermediary TH-Mocfc
See Fsgtsr T page 7/14.
in this configuration, the IT! -block is shaped to host a prior-art ' s horizontal tubing hanger [49], as well as hybnd peoetrator [31 ] and primary valves tor production [46] and annulus [471.
The invented TH [4] and Til-extension [271 are not user! in this configuration.
Ail other teatares of the invention remain the same,
Also in this configuration, the TH-bioek [ 1 ] functions as an intermediary connection-spool between a pour- art ' s wellhead and the XT 1 1 ?]. For this purpose, a a auxtitary wellhead connector [44] is integrated ar the bottom of the Til-block [ I ], and serves to install and lock the 111 -block 11 1 onto the prior-art s wellhead.
Separate Flow Blocks f r Production sod AnmrUss
OTE: this modification applies to ail tne configurations that have been described before.
See Figure 9, page B/14; Figure t ig page 9/ 14; Figure 1 1 , page 1 0/14; Figure 7, page 1 1 /14; Figure 1 .7, page 12/ 14; Figure 14, page 13/14; Figure 1 5, page 14/14 ,
Instead of leading the production and annulus through a joint bow block [9], there are two separate flow blocks for production [ 521 and annulus [S3], Consequently, instead of a joint flow connector [39], there arc two separate tlow connectors for production [ 54] and annulus [55], Ail other features of the invention remain the same. Installation Se¾««J€« of he Subs » Wellhead tema n e ails
NOTE: th s; a lie to claims 1 thru -h where the TH -block [1 1 is integrated with the wellhead [45). See Figure i , page 1 / 14: Figur 2, page 2/14; sd.gure 4 B nd i re 5/0 page 4/ 14.
1 , The pressure can [431 is instal led on the flo eousieciiou-bub [141, at the top of ihe flo -block [91.
2, The block of combined wellhead [45] and Tfl-biock [ 1 1 with integrated flow-block [91 is installed so-bsea, sismlarly to installation of prior-arf s wellheads,
3. The blowout preventer (BOF) lauds and locks onto the ΤΉ-blocOs eoimeetion-hub [2],
4. The last casings are installed through the BOP, snniiarly in bstallh g of prior-art ' s casings,
5. Drilling to the petroleum .formation is do on through dre BOP.
6. Before rembsrg the TH [4] subsea, the varetine plugs are Installed in their lower position [20] the TITs lowe vertical bores tor production Π 81 and annulus [ 1.9].. below the TITs horizontal lateral bores for production [7] and annulus [8],
7, Using the 1 1 ! : s running took the t b ng pipes and TH [4] are run. subsea through the BOP and cmes^sc T h-biook Π f
8, The Tl 1 [4] is oriented eoovoby inside the 11-hioek by guide brackets aed the TITs running took . The Til 14] lands and locks inside the TO- block I I I.
1.0. The BOF is removed
1. 1.. T he pressure cap [43] is removed torn the flow connecnon-hub { 14], at top of the tlow-biock [91.
1.2. The XT [ 1.71 is rtsn subsea by a rusnnng tool and lands on the Tl-l.-block as the X X:
wellhead connector [34] and how connector [39] orient and land sis-mutaneousiy or; the TH -block's ce meciion-htib [2] and the flow -block's Mow eonnectlon-heb [ 141.
1 . The XTs wellhead connector [381 and t;o - connector [39] lock to use ' ! H-hO-dds
conneetloe-bub [2] and b e tlow-bloek's Oow cooneetiost-hub [ 14]..
14. The XT running tool is removed,
.15. The work-over tool lands and locks onto d e XT's re-entry bub [421.
16. Using a wireline-plugs ' took the ire line plugs are removed irons thei lower position [201 to their upper position [211, in the Ti l ' s upper vertical bores tor production [22] and
aamthss [23 p above d e T! F lateral bores for production [71 and annulus 181.
17, The work-over tool is retrieved from the XI " [ 171.
1.8. Using the TFUextensioiV running tool, the TH-ex tension [271 is installed inside the XT [171.
NOTE: Optionally, the !Tb-e tension. [27] can. be installed inside the XT [Π] before nmn.b the XT subsea. That will, make this step ( 18 s redundant and save work and time.
19. The TM-ex.tensiosF hydraulic and elecsronle couplers [35] mate their corresponding I l l ' s couplers [23],
NOTE; If the TH-estensiOn I27j had been installed essido the XT [17] he lore running the XT subsea, this step is nOondant. since the hydraulic and eleetsonlc couplers have already snated during landing of the XT 1 17] onto the T M-h!ock ; 1 I, according to step 12 above,
20. The Til-extension 5 running tool is rernoved,
NOTE: if the ITUex tension [27] was installed inside the XT [ 17] before running the XT subsea, Pus step is redntidant.
21. Using a tree-eap rumutig took the tree-cap lands and locks onto the XT's re-entry hub [4.2],2.2. The hybrid penewaior [3 1 ] is stroked and mates the hydraulic- and eieetrosno couplers [30] on the TB -ex tension IksngcT couplers-plate 129].
NOTE: If the IT! -extension [27] was installed inside the XT [ 1 7] before running the XT subsea, tins step is redundant.
3. The remaining installation- and oosmeetion operations ol the XT arc as with prio.r-as:Fs XTs. 4 The operation and production, from the XT Is as with prmo-artX XTs. Retrieval Bequms* of the XT In Details
NOTE: this applies to claims 1 thru S.
See Fig e 1, page 1/14; Figure 2, page 2/14; Figure 6, page 5/14; Figure 7, page 6/1 .
1. Slanting die production and preparations tor retrieval are performed as i h prior-art's XTs.
2. Using a tree-cap running tool, the tree-cap is removed from the XTs re-entry hub [42],
3. The work-over tool rues and locks onto the X ' Ps re-entry hub [421.
4. Using a wireline- pings' iooh the wireline plugs are removed from their upper position [21] to their lower position [20 J in the lower vertical bores tor production f i8j and auuulus 1 19] i.o the Tfl [41 below the TH's lateral bores for production [7] and annulus [Bp
5. The work-over tool is retrieved from the XTs re-entry ' hub [42].
6. The XT running tool lands and locks to the XT ' .
7. Using the XT s running iooh the wellhead counselor [38] and flo connector [391 are opened, and the XT ( 171 is retrieved.
h. Optionally, using a tree-cap running tool the tree-cap is installed on the TH -block's
connection-hub [2], to secure the well.
9. Optionally, using a flow -block cap naming took die Dow -block's pressure can [4 ] is installed, on the i!ow connection- hul> [141 at the top of he flow -block [91, to secure the well.
Po1 ng»Oni Se uence of the 'I ' M with Tubing, In De ails
NOTE; this applies to claims 1 thru S,
See Figure 2, page 2/14; Figure 3A and Psga; e 3B and Figaro 3C page 3/14; Figure 7, page 6/14.
1. Shutting the production and preparing the welt for tubmg retrieval are as with prior-art ' s X I s.
2. Using a U'ee-can rt ning tool, the tree-eap is removed from the XT [ I ' ?].
3. Using an ROT. the hybrid penetrator [31] is retracted from the hydraulic and eieoPOnie
couplers [301 on the TB-extension's flange [28],
4 Using the TB- extension's running tool, the Trh-extension [27] is retrieved from the XI ' [ 1 ].
5, The BOP lands and locks onto the XTs re-entry hub [42].
6, Using the " Π l " s running took the Tl I [4] and the tubing are pulled out thrmtgh the BO.tT using the same procedures and methods as with prior-art ' s weHbead systems.
7, The well is made secured, using the BOP and the same methods as with prior-art's XTs.
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