Wellhead flowline protection and testing system with esp speed controller and emergency isolation valve

Abstract

An ESP variable speed drive controller functions in conjunction with a safety logic solver, dedicated pressure sensors and a surface emergency isolation valve, or safety shut-off valve (SSV), to perform a full functional test of the complete wellhead flowline system. The method includes the step of using a plurality of pressure transmitters to monitor the flowline pressure during normal operations and during a full stroke test of the safety shutoff valve and adjusting the speed of the downhole ESP during the test to maintain the pipeline pressure within predetermined safe pressure limits. This wellhead flowline protection system and method utilizes the downhole ESP speed controller and an SSV to ensure that dangerous pressure levels are not reached and provides for full functional safety testing of the wellhead system. The ESP motor speed controller is used to permit functional testing and remove the pressure source from protected downstream flowline piping.

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a protection system for a wellhead pipeline flowline pressurized by a downhole electric submersible pump (ESP) to protect downstream low pressure rated delivery and distribution pipelines and also provides fully automated safety and fault testing capabilities. Background technique

[0002] A Wellhead High Integrity Protection System (HIPS) protects the flowline connected to the wellhead from overpressure if the downstream block valve closes. The pressure source may be oil-bearing formation pressure. This pressure is known as the wellhead shut in pressure and it is based on geological parameters, it is continuous, it cannot be controlled, ie it is not "shut in" in the traditional sense of the term. Downstream of the wellhead pressure source, multiple automated block valves in succession are required so that in the event of one valve leaking or failing to close, another will perform the closing duty.

[0003] Although t...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0041] The invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which depict a wellbore casing 12 from which extends production tubing 14 constructed of high pressure rated tubing at the surface The safety shut-off valve terminates at 20. Downstream of the SSV 20, a conventional pipeline 16 rated for lower pressure is installed for delivery and distribution of the product.

[0042] The downhole end of the production tubing 14 is attached to an electric submersible pump 30 that delivers a pressurized flow of reservoir gas and / or oil for eventual transport and distribution through the downstream flowline tubing network. In accordance with the present invention, variable speed drive controller 40 is operatively connected to downhole pump 30 and is also connected to safety logic solver 60 .

[0043] A plurality of pressure transmitter sensors 50 are mounted on the high pressure rated flowline conduit 14 and are in data communication with a safety logic...

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a protection system for a wellhead pipeline flowline pressurized by a downhole electric submersible pump (ESP) to protect downstream low pressure rated delivery and distribution pipelines and also provides fully automated safety and fault testing capabilities. Background technique

[0002] A Wellhead High Integrity Protection System (HIPS) protects the flowline connected to the wellhead from overpressure if the downstream block valve closes. The pressure source may be oil-bearing formation pressure. This pressure is known as the wellhead shut in pressure and it is based on geological parameters, it is continuous, it cannot be controlled, ie it is not "shut in" in the traditional sense of the term. Downstream of the wellhead pressure source, multiple automated block valves in succession are required so that in the event of one valve leaking or failing to close, another will perform the closing duty.

[0003] Although t...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0041] The invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which depict a wellbore casing 12 from which extends production tubing 14 constructed of high pressure rated tubing at the surface The safety shut-off valve terminates at 20. Downstream of the SSV 20, a conventional pipeline 16 rated for lower pressure is installed for delivery and distribution of the product.

[0042] The downhole end of the production tubing 14 is attached to an electric submersible pump 30 that delivers a pressurized flow of reservoir gas and / or oil for eventual transport and distribution through the downstream flowline tubing network. In accordance with the present invention, variable speed drive controller 40 is operatively connected to downhole pump 30 and is also connected to safety logic solver 60 .

[0043] A plurality of pressure transmitter sensors 50 are mounted on the high pressure rated flowline conduit 14 and are in data communication with a safety logic...

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