Wireline deployment apparatus and method

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a sheave (4) for use in a wireline rig-up system (1), wherein the sheave (4) is rotatably mountable to a support (40, 41), and wherein the rotational axis (A-A) of the sheave (4) is inclined from the horizontal.

Description

[0001] WIRELINE DEPLOYMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for deploying a wireline during well intervention operations, for example but not limited to deploying a wireline from a drum to a wireline pressure control string.

[0004] Summary

[0005] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a sheave for use in a wireline rig-up system, wherein the sheave is rotatably mountable to a support, and wherein the rotational axis of the sheave is inclined.

[0006] In this manner, the sheave is orientated so that its plane of rotation is vertically offset relative the plane of rotation of an adjacent sheave or drum, for example, but not limited to, a storage drum or a stuffing box sheave.

[0007] Optionally, the rotational axis of the sheave is defined by an axle of the sheave, wherein the axle rotates relative the support, e.g. the axle is bearing mounted to the support.

[0008] Optionally, the rotational axis of the sheave is defined by an axle of the support, wherein the sheave rotates relative the axle, e.g. the sheave is bearing mounted to the axle.

[0009] Optionally, the support comprises a bracket.

[0010] Optionally, the support comprises one or more arms.

[0011] Optionally, the arm or arms is / are swing arm(s).

[0012] Optionally, the one or more arms extend from a base plate. Optionally, the one or more arms or swing arms are swivably affixable to the base plate or a suitable mounting surface, for example but not limited to the body of a blow out preventer (BOP) or Christmas tree.

[0013] Optionally, the base plate is configured for attachment to a suitable mounting surface, for example but not limited to the body of a blow out preventer (BOP) or Christmas tree.

[0014] Optionally, the sheave is configured for wireline wrapping of 280° + / - 20° about its circumference.

[0015] Optionally, the sheave has a diameter in the range of 14 to 24 inches.

[0016] Optionally, the sheave has a diameter of in the range of 16 to 22 inches.

[0017] Optionally, the sheave has a diameter of 16, 20 or 22 inches.

[0018] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a wireline rig-up comprising at least one sheave in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, a stuffing box, and a winch apparatus having a rotatable drum, wherein the sheave is located intermediate the winch apparatus and the stuffing box, and is configured to receive a wireline extending between the drum of the winch apparatus and the stuffing box.

[0019] Optionally, the wireline is drawn from the top of the drum of the winch apparatus to the top of the sheave located intermediate the winch apparatus and the stuffing box.

[0020] Optionally, the stuffing box comprises a swivel bracket-mounted sheave around which a wireline is extensible before entering the body of said stuffing box.

[0021] Optionally, the stuffing box is located at the upper end of a lubricator, optionally wherein the lower end of the lubricator is in fluid communication with a wellhead via a blow out preventer (BOP) or Christmas tree or other suitable device or structure. Optionally, the sheave intermediate the winch apparatus and the stuffing box is orientated so that its plane of rotation is vertically offset relative the plane of rotation of the drum of said winch apparatus and / or the stuffing box sheave.

[0022] Optionally, the sheave intermediate the winch apparatus and the stuffing box is rotatably mountable to a suitable mounting means located in spaced apart relation from the stuffing box and lubricator assembly.

[0023] Optionally, the sheave intermediate the winch apparatus and the stuffing box is rotatably mountable to the body of the device or structure to which the stuffing box and lubricator assembly is mounted.

[0024] Optionally, the wireline rig-up is configured absent reverse wireline bending.

[0025] In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of deploying a wireline in rig-up system comprising a winch apparatus and a stuffing box, comprising the steps of: running the wireline from a drum of the winch apparatus to at least one sheave located intermediate the winch apparatus and the stuffing box, wherein the at least one sheave is orientated so that the plane of rotation of said sheave is vertically offset relative the plane of rotation of the drum of said winch apparatus; wherein the wireline is drawn from the top of the drum of the winch apparatus to the top of the sheave over which it is wrapped; and extending the wireline from the sheave to the stuffing box.

[0026] Optionally, the wireline is wrapped 280° + / - 20° around the circumference of the sheave.

[0027] Optionally, the at least one sheave is a sheave in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

[0028] The various aspects of the present invention can be practiced alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant arts. The various aspects of the invention can optionally be provided in combination with one or more of the optional features of the other aspects of the invention. Also, optional features described in relation to one aspect can typically be combined alone or together with other features in different aspects of the invention. Any subject matter described in this specification can be combined with any other subject matter in the specification to form a novel combination.

[0029] Various aspects of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. Still other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the entire description thereof, including the figures, which illustrates a number of exemplary aspects and implementations. The invention is also capable of other and different examples and aspects, and its several details can be modified in various respects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, each example herein should be understood to have broad application, and is meant to illustrate one possible way of carrying out the invention, without intending to suggest that the scope of this disclosure, including the claims, is limited to that example. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein is solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. In particular, unless otherwise stated, dimensions and numerical values included herein are presented as examples illustrating one possible aspect of the claimed subject matter, without limiting the disclosure to the particular dimensions or values recited. All numerical values in this disclosure are understood as being modified by "about". All singular forms of elements, or any other components described herein are understood to include plural forms thereof and vice versa.

[0030] Language such as "including", "comprising", "having", "containing", or "involving" and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Thus, throughout the specification and claims unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” or variations thereof such as “comprises” or “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters formed part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.

[0031] In this disclosure, whenever a composition, an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase "comprising", it is understood that we also contemplate the same composition, element or group of elements with transitional phrases "consisting essentially of”, "consisting", "selected from the group of consisting of”, “including”, or "is" preceding the recitation of the composition, element or group of elements and vice versa. In this disclosure, the words “typically” or “optionally” are to be understood as being intended to indicate optional or non- essential features of the invention which are present in certain examples but which can be omitted in others without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0032] References to directional and positional descriptions such as upper and lower and directions e.g. “up”, “down”, “top” , “inclined”, “horizontal”, “vertical” etc. are to be interpreted by a skilled reader in the context of the examples described to refer to the orientation of features shown in the drawings, and are not to be interpreted as limiting the invention to the literal interpretation of the term, but instead should be as understood by the skilled addressee. In particular, orientation references such as “horizontal” and similar terms are will be to be understood in the context of the normal orientation of the rotational axis of a drum of a winch apparatus of a wireline rig-up when located on the ground, and “vertical” and similar terms will be interpreted as relating to a direction orthogonal to the rotational axis of a drum of a winch apparatus of a wireline rig-up when located on the ground.

[0033] It will be understood that the term “wireline” shall be understood to encompass cables of any kind used in oil or gas well-intervention activities, such as, but not limited to, multi-conductor wires or cables, single conductor wires or cables, communication cables, slicklines, digital slicklines, braided lines, sheathed slicklines. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0034] In the accompanying drawings:

[0035] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a wireline rig-up assembly according to an example of the invention;

[0036] Figures 2a and 2b are detailed front and rear views of an exemplary wireline stuffing box of the exemplary wireline rig-up assembly of Figure 1 ;

[0037] Figure 3a is a detailed view of a winch device and sheave of the exemplary wireline rig-up assembly of Figure 1 , the winch device shown in partial cut away view;

[0038] Figure 3b is a schematic end view of the sheave of Figure 3a;

[0039] Figures 4a and 4b are schematic views of exemplary wireline rig-up assemblies in which the sheave is affixed to a suitable fixing point on a wireline rig-up assembly;

[0040] Figures 5a and 5b are front and rear perspective views of an exemplary wireline rig- up assembly in which the sheave is affixed by way of example to a blow out preventer;

[0041] Figure 6a is an end view of a sheave affixed by way of example to a blow out preventer;

[0042] Figure 6b is a schematic detailed end view of the sheave of Figure 6b;

[0043] Figures 7a is a schematic side view of an exemplary reverse bend wireline cable configuration;

[0044] Figures 8a is a schematic side view of an exemplary non-reverse bend wireline cable configuration; and

[0045] Figures 9a and 9b are exemplary illustrations of a failure mode of a wireline. Detailed Description

[0046] With reference to Figure 1 , there is shown an exemplary wireline rig-up 1 comprising a winch apparatus 2, a stuffing box 3, a sheave 4 and a wireline 5. Optionally, wireline 5 is a slickline. Sheave 4 is located intermediate the winch apparatus 2 and the stuffing box 3. In the context of the rig-up, sheave 4 may thus be referred to as an intermediate sheave.

[0047] Wireline 5 extends between a horizontal storage drum 21 of, or mountable to, the winch apparatus 2 and the intermediate sheave 4. From intermediate sheave 4, the wireline 5 extends in the direction of the stuffing box 3, which may be located at the upper end of a lubricator 33. Examples of suitable winch apparatuses 2 operational to spool the wireline 5 to and from the horizontal storage drum 21 are known in the art.

[0048] As shown in Figures 1 , 2a, 2b, 4a to 5b, stuffing box 3 may comprise a swivel bracket-mounted sheave 31 around which the wireline 5 extends before entering the body 32 of said stuffing box and onward through the lubricator 33. Examples of such stuffing boxes 3 are well known in the art.

[0049] As shown in Figures 1 and 4a to 5b, the lower end of lubricator 33 is in fluid communication with a wellhead via a blow out preventer (BOP) or Christmas tree 34 or other suitable device or structure.

[0050] As shown in Figures 1 and 3 to 6a, intermediate sheave 4 is rotatably mounted to a suitable mounting, for example a bracket or support 40, 41. As shown by way of example in Figures 1 and 3, in one possible arrangement intermediate sheave 4 may be located in spaced apart relation from the stuffing box 3 and lubricator 33 assembly.

[0051] Optionally, as shown in Figures 4 to 6a, in another possible arrangement, intermediate sheave 4 may be mounted via a bracket or support 40, 41 to a suitable fixing point, for example the body of a blow out preventer (BOP) or Christmas tree 34, associated with the stuffing box 3 and lubricator 33 assembly. As shown most clearly in Figures 5a, 6a and 6b the bracket or support 40, 41 may comprise a base plate 44. Base plate 44 is configured for attachment a suitable mounting surface, for example but not limited to the body of a blow out preventer (BOP) or Christmas tree. As shown most clearly in Figures 4a to 5b, bracket or support 40, 41 may be swivably affixed to the base plate 44 and / or a suitable fixing point via swivel joint 42. In examples, the bracket or support 40, 41 may be a swing arm.

[0052] With reference to Figures 5a, 5b and 6a, the rotational axis A-A of the sheave 4 may be defined by an axle 43 of the sheave 4, wherein the axle rotates relative the support 40, 41 , e.g. the axle 43 is bearing mounted to the support. Alternatively, the rotational axis A-A of the sheave 4 may be defined by an axle of the support, wherein the sheave rotates relative the axle, e.g. the sheave is bearing mounted to the axle 43.

[0053] Optionally, the sheave may have a diameter in the range of 14 to 24 inches. Further optionally, the sheave may have a diameter of in the range of 16 to 22 inches. Still further optionally, the sheave may have a diameter of 16, 20 or 22 inches.

[0054] As shown in Figures 3b, 6a and 6b, intermediate sheave 4 is arranged with its rotational axis A-A inclined at an angle 0 relative the horizontal. For ease of reference, this is shown in exaggerated form in Figures 3b and 6b. By arranging the rotational axis of the intermediate sheave 4 at an angle, the plane of rotation of intermediate sheave 4 is vertically offset relative the plane of rotation of the horizontal storage drum 21. Similarly, the plane of rotation of intermediate sheave 4 is vertically offset relative the plane of rotation of stuffing box sheave 31. In other words, intermediate sheave 4 is specifically arranged with vertical angularity (or twist) relative the horizontal storage drum 21. Similarly, intermediate sheave 4 is specifically arranged with vertical angularity (or twist) relative the sheave 31 associated with stuffing box 3.

[0055] In conventional rig-ups, schematically shown by way of example in Figures 7a and 7b, wirelines 5 are wound in a ‘reverse bend’ configuration whereby the wireline undergoes a sequence of reverse bending as it travels from the winch drum 21 to the ground sheave 4 and onwards to the stuffing box or turn around sheave 31. Typically, a standard rig-up will feature at least two reverse bends. In the example shown in Figure 7a, the exemplary wireline 5 undergoes a clockwise - counter clockwise - clockwise bending sequence. Over time, the effects of reverse fatigue caused by this arrangement can result in failure of the wireline, as shown by way of example in Figures 9a and 9b in which the outer sheath of a wireline 5 is prematurely split 51.

[0056] With an increase in wireline cable cost, as well as an increase of new cable types to the market, extending wireline cable life has become increasingly critical.

[0057] Conventionally, mitigation of the effects of fatigue bending on wirelines is achieved by increasing the bend radii of the sheaves, however to extend wireline life to a meaningful degree, the sheaves radii become prohibitively large.

[0058] As noted above, in examples of the present invention, the plane of rotation of intermediate sheave 4 is vertically offset relative the plane of rotation of the horizontal storage drum 21.

[0059] As a consequence of the vertical angularity (or twist) of the intermediate sheave 4 relative the horizontal storage drum 21 , wireline 5 can be wrapped around intermediate sheave 4 approximately 280° + / - 20° of its circumference as illustrated by way of example in Figure 8a. In this manner, reverse bends in the rig-up can be eliminated, with all the cable bends being in the same direction. This is shown by way of example in Figures 1 and 3, in which the wireline 5 is shown drawn off or spooled from the top of the storage drum 21 and wrapped over the top of the intermediate sheave 4. In this configuration, the wireline undergoes counter clockwise bending only.

[0060] In the example shown in Figure 8a, the exemplary wireline 5 undergoes a clockwise only bending sequence.

[0061] Eliminating reverse bends in this manner reduces the propensity for fatigue failure, with testing of slick line cables demonstrating a doubling of cable life.

Claims

Claims1. A sheave for use in a wireline rig-up system, wherein the sheave is rotatably mountable to a support, and wherein the rotational axis of the sheave is inclined from the horizontal.

2. A sheave as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the sheave is orientated so that its plane of rotation is vertically offset relative the plane of rotation of an adjacent sheave or drum in use.

3. A sheave as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the rotational axis of the sheave is defined by an axle of the sheave.

4. A sheave as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support comprises a bracket, optionally wherein the support comprises one or more arms.

5. A sheave as claimed in claim 4, wherein the arm or arms is / are swing arm(s).

6. A sheave as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the one or more arms extend from a base plate.

7. A sheave as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein, the one or more arms or swing arms are swivably affixable to the base plate.

8. A sheave as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said sheave is configured for wireline wrapping of 280° + / - 20° around its circumference.

9. A sheave as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein sheave has a diameter of in the range of 14 to 24 inches.

10. A wireline rig-up comprising: at least one sheave as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9; a winch apparatus having a rotatable drum; and a stuffing box; wherein the sheave is located intermediate the winch apparatus and the stuffing box,and is configured to receive a wireline extending between the drum of the winch apparatus and said stuffing box.

11. A wireline rig-up as claimed in claim 10, wherein the sheave intermediate the winch apparatus and the stuffing box is orientated so that its plane of rotation is vertically offset relative the plane of rotation of the drum of said winch apparatus.

12. A wireline rig-up as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11 , wherein the wireline is drawn from the top of the drum of the winch apparatus to the top of the sheave intermediate the winch apparatus and the stuffing box.

13. A wireline rig-up as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein stuffing box comprises a swivel bracket-mounted sheave around which a wireline is extensible before entering the body of said stuffing box.

14. A wireline rig-up as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the stuffing box is located at the upper end of a lubricator, wherein the lower end of the lubricator is in fluid communication with a wellhead via a blow out preventer (BOP) or Christmas tree or other suitable device or structure.

15. A wireline rig-up as claimed in claim 14, wherein the sheave intermediate the winch apparatus and the stuffing box is rotatably mountable to a suitable mounting means located in spaced apart relation from the stuffing box and lubricator assembly.

16. A wireline rig-up as claimed in claim 15, wherein, the sheave intermediate the winch apparatus and the stuffing box is rotatably mountable to the body of the blow out preventer (BOP) or Christmas tree or other suitable device or structure.

17. A wireline rig-up as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 16 wherein the sheave is configured for wireline wrapping of 280° + / - 20° around its circumference.

18. A wireline rig-up as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein the sheave has a diameter of in the range of 14 to 24 inches.

19. A wireline rig-up as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 18, wherein the wireline rig-up is configured absent reverse wireline bending.

20. A method of deploying a wireline in rig-up system comprising a winch apparatus and a stuffing box, the method comprising the steps of: running the wireline from a drum of the winch apparatus to at least one sheave located intermediate the winch apparatus and the stuffing box, wherein the at least one sheave is orientated so that the plane of rotation of said sheave is vertically offset relative the plane of rotation of the drum of said winch apparatus, wherein the wireline is drawn from the top of the drum of the winch apparatus to the top of the sheave over which it is wrapped; and extending the wireline from the sheave to the stuffing box.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the wireline is wrapped 280° + / - 20° around the circumference of the at least one sheave located intermediate the winch apparatus and the stuffing box.

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