Orientation pin

Abstract

An orientation pin for subsea well equipment, the orientation pin (100) being configured for providing both orientation and communication. A blowout preventer comprising such an orientation pin (100). A system for orientating a tubing hanger orientation joint within a BOP of a well and for providing communication. Where the system comprises the blowout preventer (200), BOP; the orientation pin (100); and the tubing hanger orientation joint (300) orientatable, with the orientation pin (100), and arrangable within the BOP (200). The orientation pin (100) is configured for interacting with the tubing hanger orientation joint (300) and configured for providing communication between, on one hand, an outside of the BOP (200) and, on the other hand, the tubing hanger orientation joint (300) or other equipment within the well. A method for communicating between, on one hand, an outside of a BOP (200) and, on the other hand, a tubing hanger orientation joint (300) or other equipment within the well, wherein the orientation pin (100) is arranged in the BOP (200). The method comprises: orientating, with the orientation pin (100), the tubing hanger orientation joint (300) in relation to the BOP (200); and communicating between, on one hand, the outside of the BOP (200) and, on the other hand, the tubing hanger orientation joint (300) or other equipment within the well, via the orientation pin (100).

Description

[0001] ORIENTATION PIN

[0002] Field of the disclosure

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an orientation pin for subsea well equipment, a blowout preventer, BOP, comprising the orientation pin, a system for orientating a tubing hanger within a blowout preventer of a well and for providing communication, and a method for communicating between, on one hand, an outside of a BOP and, on the other hand, a tubing hanger orientation joint or other equipment within the well.

[0004] Background

[0005] The primary function of a BOP is to provide a critical safety barrier during drilling and well control operations. BOPs are installed on the wellhead and are designed to control wellbore pressure, prevent uncontrolled releases of blowouts, and maintain well integrity.

[0006] To ensure proper orientation, the BOP used at the wellhead is equipped with a guiding pin, such as a BOP orientation pin or an orientation pin. The orientation pin is typically connected and integrated into the BOP equipment and its primary function is to ensure the correct alignment and positioning of various components within the BOP. Especially the purpose of the orientation pin is to orientate a tubing hanger via tubing hanger orientation joint.

[0007] Oil and gas subsea umbilicals are specialized cables that are used to transport fluids and electrical power to and from subsea production systems. These umbilicals, which can be made of various materials such as steel, plastic, or composite fibers, typically include a combination of fluid lines, electrical conductors, and control lines. They are used in offshore oil and gas production to connect subsea production systems, such as wells and manifolds, to surface production facilities.

[0008] A tubing hanger installation, known as an installation process of a tubing hanger within a wellhead or a wellhead assembly. The tubing hanger is a component used in the oil and gas industry to suspend and seal the production tubing within the wellbore, allowing for the safe and controlled production of fluid from the reservoir to the surface. The installation of a tubing hanger is a step in the completion of a well. Currently, traditional tubing hanger installation is an expensive operation from both CAPEX and OPEX perspective. One of the significant part of this cost comes from the umbilical as a hardware and the time to run the umbilical subsea i.e. time used offshore. The communication is the usual communication between downhole and topside, which normally takes place through the umbilical in the string.

[0009] A technical problem associated with the known BOP is how to communicate from outside the BOP to something that is inside the BOP. A further technical problem is that any communication must function without a possibility to fail, fulfil technical and legal requirements, and be easy to use. It is desirable that any solution is simple, not expensive to produce, and is reliable. It is further a technical problem to avoid cumbersome arrangements that are expensive to manufacture or assemble.

[0010] Summary of the invention

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide an orientation pin for subsea well equipment, a blowout preventer, BOP, comprising the orientation pin, a system for orientating a tubing hanger orientation joint within a BOP of a well and for providing communication, and a method for communicating between, on one hand, an outside of a BOP and, on the other hand, a tubing hanger orientation joint or other equipment within the well. This object can be achieved by the features as defined by the independent claim. Further enhancements are characterized by the dependent claims. The invention is defined by the claims.

[0012] According to one embodiment, an orientation pin for subsea well equipment is disclosed, wherein the orientation pin 100 is configured for providing both orientation and communication. The orientation pin 100 may be configured for orientating a tubing hanger orientation joint 300. In one embodiment the orientation pin 100 may be configured to be arranged in a subsea element 200. The subsea element 200 may be a blowout preventer, BOP, or a spool piece. In an inverted version of the orientation pin 100 the subsea element 200 may be one of a landing string, a hanger, a tubing hanger orientation joint 300. An orientation of a tubing hanger orientation joint 300 in relation to the BOP 200 may be made with the orientation pin 100 or by the orientation pin 100 physically interacting with the tubing hanger orientation joint 300 or other equipment within the well, and communication, as described herein, may be made through the orientation pin 100.

[0013] According to at least one embodiment, the orientation pin 100 may comprise a transmitter / receiver 410, 420 for the communication. The orientation pin 100 may comprise an electrical connection, and / or an inductive coupling, configured for the communication. The orientation pin 100 may further be configured for transporting a fluid, preferably a hydraulic fluid and / or a liquid chemical.

[0014] According to one embodiment, a BOP comprises the orientation pin 100, according to anyone of the embodiments describing the orientation pin 100. The orientation pin 100 may be arranged on the BOP 200.

[0015] According to one embodiment, a system for orientating a tubing hanger orientation joint, THOJ, within a BOP 200 of a well and for providing communication is disclosed. The system comprises a BOP 200, and the system comprises the orientation pin 100 according to anyone of the embodiments describing the orientation pin 100, configured for providing both orientation and communication. The system further comprises the tubing hanger orientation joint 300 orientatable with the orientation pin 100 and arrangable within the BOP 200. The orientation pin 100 is configured for interacting with the tubing hanger orientation joint 300 and configured for providing communication between, on one hand, an outside of the BOP 200 and, on the other hand, the tubing hanger orientation joint 300 or other equipment within the well. The communication may be via the orientation pin 100 and via the THOJ 300 to any other equipment within the well. The system may further comprises a sealing element 120 protecting entry of debris between the orientation pin 100 and the tubing hanger orientation joint 300.

[0016] According to one embodiment, a method is disclosed for communicating between, on one hand, an outside of a BOP 200 and, on the other hand, a tubing hanger orientation joint 300 or other equipment within the well, wherein an orientation pin 100, according to anyone of the embodiments describing the orientation pin 100, is arranged in the BOP 200. The method comprises the following separate steps: orientating, with the orientation pin 100, the tubing hanger orientation joint 300 in relation to the BOP 200; and communicating between, on one hand, the outside of the BOP 200 and, on the other hand, the tubing hanger orientation joint 300 or other equipment within the well, via the orientation pin 100. Alternatively, the method comprises the following separate steps: orientating, through the orientation pin 100 physically interacting with the tubing hanger orientation joint 300 or other equipment within the well, the tubing hanger orientation joint 300 in relation to the BOP 200; and communicating between, on one hand, the outside of the BOP 200 and, on the other hand, the tubing hanger orientation joint 300 or other equipment within the well, via the orientation pin 100. The steps may be taken in any order. According to at least one embodiment, the method may further comprise transporting fluid via the orientation pin 100; axially move at least a part of the orientation pin 100 to connect for communication; axially move at least a part of the orientation pin 100 to connect for transporting fluid; and / or preventing debris between the orientation pin 100 and the tubing hanger orientation joint 300 with a sealing element 120.

[0017] The above embodiments provide one or more solutions to the problems and disadvantages with the background art. Other technical advantages of the present disclosure will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims. Various embodiments of the present application obtain only a subset of the advantages set forth. No one advantage is critical to the embodiments. Any claimed embodiment may be technically combined with any other claimed embodiment or embodiments.

[0018] Brief description of the drawings

[0019] The following drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and serve to explain, by way of example, the principles of the disclosure:

[0020] Figure 1 is a diagrammatic and schematic illustration of a subsea well equipment according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure; and

[0021] Figure 2 is a diagrammatic and schematic illustration of a subsea well equipment according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure; and

[0022] Figure 3 is a diagrammatic and schematic illustration of a more detailed view of a cut through the orientation pin according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0023] Detailed description

[0024] Figures 1 and 2 are diagrammatic and schematic illustrations of a subsea well equipment on the seabed showing a BOP 200 on top of the well. The sea bed and any downhole equipment are not illustrated for sake of clarity. Figure 1 also illustrates a Remotely Operated Vehicle 500, ROV, that may operate at least a part of the BOP and the orientation pin. Figure 3 is a diagrammatic and schematic illustration of a more detailed view of a cut along the axis of the orientation pin in a part of the BOP 200with a part of a tubing hanging orientation joint 300, THOJ, inside the BOP. Figure 1 illustrates an orientation pin 100 for subsea well equipment, which is configured for providing both orientation and communication. In the prior art the orientation pin only ensures the correct alignment and positioning of a tubing hanger orientation joint 300, THOJ, within the BOP 200. However, according to the present disclosure the orientation pin 100 is not configured only for orientation, but is also configured for communication. Preferably the communication can be made through the orientation pin 100 once the orientation pin 100 has been used for orientation. The communication may be communication of information, for example data transfer of information such as command instructions, sensor data, etc. This allows for communication via the orientation pin 100 from on one hand, an outside of a BOP 200 and, on the other hand, an inside of the BOP 200.

[0025] The orientation pin 100 is configured for providing both orientation and communication. The orientation and the communication can be made simultaneously, or one before the other, or one starting first and the other starting before the first ends. The orientation may be any one, or a combination, of the following: stopping a subsea element; rotating a subsea element; and positioning a subsea element in a predetermined position. The orientation may be made by physical contact, for example guiding, stopping, restricting, etc. The subsea element may be a THOJ 300. The communication may be any one, or a combination, of the following: data communication / transfer; an electrical connection; flow of electrons; power; and transporting a fluid, for example a hydraulic fluid and / or a fluid comprising chemicals. In addition to the orientation provided by the orientation pin 100, the communication provided by the orientation pin 100 may comprise power, for example electric power or hydraulic power. The communication may go through the orientation pin 100, for example through the inside of the orientation pin 100.

[0026] The orientation pin 100 may first be used for orientating a subsea element, such as a landing string, preferably a THOJ 300, within the BOP 200. When the orientation pin 100 has reached its final position, for example in an alignment plate or a slot, the orientation pin 100 may be located in a data communication position, for example making an electrical connection, and / or an inductive coupling, for transferring data. The data communication may be high speed communication. The communication may be communication in-riser and comprise one or more of the following: an electrical connector, an inductive connector. The inductive connector may be a pin-less connector. The communication may be electric signals through the electric connection, and / or the communication may be electromagnetic induction through the inductive coupling. The communication may be high speed communication of data, for example a higher speed of communication than a speed of communication going through an umbilical.

[0027] The data communication in the open water, for example from the orientation pin 100 to the top side, may be different from the data communication via the orientation pin 100. The data communication in the open water may be one or more of the following: radio signals, light, ultrasound, and high frequency signals. This is not the communication between the orientation pin 100 and the THOJ 300, instead this is the communication going from the orientation pin 100 to one or more of: a top side, a subsea station, a remotely operated vehicle, ROV, or BOP umbilical. This is the communication outside the string, outside the BOP 200 in the open water.

[0028] The orientation pin 100 may be configured to be arranged in a subsea element 200. The subsea element 200 may be a blowout preventer 200, BOP 200, or a spool piece. The subsea element 200 may be part of a subsea well equipment. As illustrated best in figure 3, the orientation pin 100 may reach through the BOP 200 and protrude into and make contact to a THOJ 300. However, in an inverted version of the orientation pin 100 the subsea element 200 may be one of a landing string, a hanger, a tubing hanger orientation joint.

[0029] The orientation pin 100 may be used and configured for more than only orientation and communication. According to one embodiment, the orientation pin 100 may be further configured for transporting a fluid, preferably a hydraulic fluid and / or a liquid chemical. This allows a fluid communication from on one hand, an outside of a BOP 200 and, on the other hand, an inside of the BOP 200. Fluid connectors may make fluid connections through, for example, an axial movement of the orientation pin 100. For example, the orientation pin 100 may comprise a fluid connector at its axial end or ends, or along an outside between the ends of the orientation pin 100. Axial movement of the orientation pin 100 may open or close one or more fluid connectors. For example, the orientation pin 100 may comprise an internal fluid conduit 110 along its axial direction. In figure 3 transmitters / receivers have been illustrated by items 410 and 420, but these items 410 and 420 may also illustrate an example where connectors for fluid communication may be arranged, in addition to transmitters and receivers.

[0030] The orientation pin 100 may also charge batteries stored either in the THOJ 300 or another special joint above the BOP 200. The orientation pin 100 may also power a motor, or a tool or an equipment, in the THOJ 300 or connected via the THOJ 300 or another special joint above the BOP 200. The orientation pin 100 may be configured for this in addition to provide for data communication, for example sending and receiving signals to control functions within the THOJ 300 or another special joint above the BOP. The orientation pin 100 may be configured to provide communication and electric power between, on one hand, an outside of a BOP 200 and, on the other hand, an inside of the BOP 200.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the communication through the orientation pin 100 may be data transfer between, on one hand, one or more of: a top side, a subsea station, a remotely operated vehicle, ROV, or BOP umbilical, and, on the other hand, one or more of: downhole equipment, a control module and / or other equipment in a hanger or a string, sensor, and downhole gauge. The communication may be data transfer of information, for example data information such as command instructions, sensor data, etc. The communication may be high speed communication of data, for example a higher speed of communication than a speed of communication going through an umbilical. The speed of communication in an umbilical may be for example 50 Mbps or less. This allows for communication from a top sides such as offshore platform, or from a subsea station, trough the BOP 200 and the orientation pin 100 to downhole equipment, and back. The communication is thus between from on one hand, an outside of a BOP 200 and, on the other hand, an inside of the BOP 200, and there is no need for an umbilical or communication line inside the tubing up to the sea surface. This also allows for several operations to be performed when installing the THOJ 300 since data communication for downhole operations is immediately available.

[0032] The orientation pin 100 may comprise a transmitter / receiver for the communication. The THOJ 300 may comprise a transmitter / receiver for the communication. In figure 3 transmitters and receivers have been illustrated by items 410 and 420. Transmitters / receivers 410 and 420 are components used for communication that enable real-time communication such as monitoring, control, and data collection, contributing to the safe and efficient operation of well equipment. The components 410 and 420 can transmit and receive data. The data communication may include data from sensors measuring parameters such as temperature, pressure, flow rates, and levels of fluids of the well equipment. The data collected by these sensors may be transmitted through the orientation pin 100. The transmitters / receivers 410 and 420 for the communication may be located one in the orientation pin 100 and one in the subsea element 200, such as illustrated in Figures 1 and 3. A transmitter / receiver 410 may be arranged in the orientation pin 100 and a transmitter / receiver 420 may be arranged within the THOJ 300. An axial movement of the orientation pin 100 towards the THOJ 300 may make the connection for communication via the transmitters / receivers 410 and 420.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the orientation pin 100 may comprise an electrical connection, and / or an inductive coupling, configured for the communication. In figure 3 transmitters / receivers have been illustrated by items 410 and 420, but these items 410 and 420 may also illustrate an example where the electrical connection, and / or the inductive coupling may be arranged. The electric coupling may be, for example, two pins to be received in two opening, for example a plug and socket. The inductive coupling may be two conductors configured in a way such that a change in current through one wire of one conductor induces a voltage across the ends of another wire of the other conductor through electromagnetic induction. An axial movement of the orientation pin 100 towards the THOJ 300 may make the connection for communication via the electrical connection, and / or the inductive coupling.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the communication may be one or more of the following: radio signals, light, ultrasound, and high frequency signals. For example, a wireless communication arrangement allows flexible alignment of the transmitters / receivers 410 and 420 of the orientation pin 100 and the subsea element 200, for example a THOJ 300. This arrangement provides reliable and resilient data communication even under extreme environmental conditions. The communication being one or more of the radio signals, light, ultrasound, and high frequency signals provides secured data communication and safety for personnel, is reliable, and precisely timed even under extreme conditions below the surface. The communication through the orientation pin 100 may take place when the BOP 200 and the orientation pin 100 is subsea in the open water with the tubing hanger orientation joint 300 oriented and aligned within the BOP 200.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the orientation pin 100 may be configured to orientate a tubing hanger orientation joint 300, THOJ, in a subsea well, and the orientation pin 100 may be configured for providing communication between a top side of the subsea well and downhole equipment. Usually, the communication between downhole equipment and the topside of the subsea well takes place through an umbilical in the string. However, embodiments described herein allows for communication via the orientation pin 100, thus without an umbilical in the string. Best illustrated in figure 1 , an ROV 500 with its own umbilical 510 may be used to operate and / or communicate with well equipment via the orientation pin 100. The ROV 500 may be controlled from a top side via the ROV umbilical 510. The ROV may connect to and operate the orientation pin 100. In this way, for example, a top side may communicate via the ROV umbilical 510 and the ROV 500, via the orientation pin 100, to the subsea element, for example the THOJ 200.

[0036] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, a blowout preventer 200, BOP, comprises the orientation pin 100, according to any one of the embodiments described herein. When the orientation pin 100 is arranged at the BOP 200, the orientation pin 100 may orientates the THOJ 300 and provide the communication between, on one hand, an outside of the BOP 200 and, on the other hand, the THOJ 300 or other equipment within the BOP 200 and / or within the well. As best illustrated in figure 3, the orientation pin 100 is arranged at the BOP 200 and may reach through the BOP 200 and protrude into and may make contact to the THOJ 300. The orientation pin 100 may have an angle for example three to ten degrees, to the horizontal, the horizontal being perpendicular to the axis of the THOJ 300, as well as the axis of the BOP 200. The orientation pin 100 may be arranged perpendicular to the axis of the THOJ 300, i.e. perpendicular to the axis of the BOP 200. An angle may be advantageous for the orientation of the THOJ 300 within the BOP 200.

[0037] According to one embodiment, hydraulic power may be established through a separate subsea based system which is integrated to the THOJ 300, therefore in combination with what has been described herein, this may eliminate the need for an umbilical. Alternatively, and as described herein, hydraulic power may also be supplied through the orientation pin 100. A link between the orientation pin 100 and the surface may be made, for example, via an ROV 500. For example, when the orientation pin 100 reaches its final position in an alignment plate in the THOJ 300 it may step into an electrical connection interface slot for hydraulic power and data communication.

[0038] According to one embodiment, a system for orientating a tubing hanger orientation joint 300 within a BOP 200 of a well and for providing communication is disclosed. The system comprises the BOP 200. The system comprises the orientation pin 100, according to anyone of the embodiments herein describing the orientation pin 100. The orientation pin 100 is configured for providing both orientation and communication. The system further comprises a tubing hanger orientation joint 300 that can be orientated with the orientation pin 100 and arranged within the BOP 200. The orientation pin 100 is configured for interacting with the THOJ 300 and configured for providing communication between, on one hand, an outside of the BOP 200 and, on the other hand, the THOJ 300 or to other equipment within the well via the THOJ 300. The system may comprise any further elements or embodiments mentioned herein, for example for transporting fluid through the orientation pin 100, and / or transmitters / receivers 410 and 420, and / or an electrical connection and / or an inductive coupling for the communication.

[0039] The communication provided by the system may be data transfer between, on one hand, an outside of a BOP 200 and, on the other hand, an inside of the BOP 200 or a THOJ 300 or other equipment within the well. The communication through the orientation pin 100 may be data transfer between, on one hand, one or more of: a top side, a subsea station, a remotely operated vehicle, ROV, or BOP umbilical, and, on the other hand, one or more of: downhole equipment, a control module and / or other equipment in a hanger or a string, sensor, and downhole gauge. This communication goes via the orientation pin 100 and the THOJ 300.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the system may further comprise a sealing element 120 protecting entry of debris between the orientation pin 100 and the tubing hanger orientation joint 300. For example, the sealing element 120 may protect against entry of debris or marine riser fluid between an axial end of the orientation pin 100 and the tubing hanger orientation joint 300. The sealing element 120 may be a flapper valve or a sliding sleeve integrated to the orientation pin 100. The sealing element on the orientation pin 100 may limit exposure to debris and / or marine riser fluid during all phases of the operation.

[0041] According to one embodiment, a method is disclosed for communicating between, on one hand, an outside of the BOP 200 and, on the other hand, the THOJ 300 or other equipment within the well. An orientation pin is arranged in the BOP 200. The orientation pin 100 is according to any one of the embodiments described herein. The method comprise the following separate steps: orientating, with the orientation pin 100, the THOJ 300 in relation to the BOP 200, and communicating between, on one hand, the outside of the BOP 200 and, on the other hand, the inside of the BOP 200 or the THOJ 300 or other equipment within the well, via the orientation pin 100. Orientating with the orientation pin 100 the THOJ 300 in relation to the BOP 200 may be done with the assistance of the orientation pin 100 and this may comprise, for example, physical interaction for orientating, physical interaction for positioning for subsequent orientation, initiating the orientation, and / or providing communication so that the orientation can be done. Alternatively, the method comprises the following separate steps: orientating, through the orientation pin 100 physically interacting with the tubing hanger orientation joint 300 or other equipment within the well, the tubing hanger orientation joint 300 in relation to the BOP 200; and communicating between, on one hand, the outside of the BOP 200 and, on the other hand, the tubing hanger orientation joint 300 or other equipment within the well, via the orientation pin 100. For example, the orientation of the tubing hanger orientation joint 300 in relation to the BOP 200 may be done by the orientation pin 100 physically interacting with the tubing hanger orientation joint 300 or other equipment within the well. The physical interaction may for example be an engagement, a touching, or a guiding. The steps may be taken in any order or at the same time.

[0042] The method may further comprise transferring power to the tubing hanger orientation joint (300), or equipment inside the BOP (200), via the orientation pin (100). The power may for example be electric power and / or hydraulic power. The power may be between, on one hand, the outside of the BOP (200) and, on the other hand, the tubing hanger orientation joint (300) or other equipment within the well, via the orientation pin (100).

[0043] The method may further comprise transporting fluid via the orientation pin 100. The orientation pin 100 may be movable in its axial direction to make a fluid connection, for example via a fluid connection, such as a quick connect coupling. The method may further comprise preventing debris or marine riser fluid between the orientation pin 100 and the tubing hanger orientation joint 300 with a sealing element 120, such that no contamination enters or disturbs the fluid connection, for example as described herein.

[0044] The method may further comprise axially moving at least a part of the orientation pin 100 to connect for communication. For example, when the orientation pin 100 reaches its final position in an alignment plate in the THOJ it may step into an electrical connection interface slot for hydraulic power and / or data communication. The axial movement of the orientation pin 100 may bring the transmitters / receivers 410 and 420 in proximity to each other such that data communication may be made. The data communication may be made using an electrical connection and / or an inductive coupling. The axial movement of the orientation pin 100 may bring electric connector together or inductive couplings together such that data communication may be made. A connection for transporting fluid via the orientation pin 100 may also be made by axially moving at least a part of the orientation pin 100. The axial movement may connect couplings for transporting fluid. The axial movement may be made by a separate piston arrangement as best illustrated by figure 3, or by a ROV 500 as best illustrated in figure 1.

[0045] The method may further comprise preventing debris between the orientation pin 100 and the THOJ 300 with a sealing element 120. The method may further comprise opening the sealing element 120 on the orientation pin 100 just before, or during, making the connection between the orientation pin 100 and the THOJ 300, thereby preventing debris or marine riser fluid to contaminate the connection. This prevention may be made by using as the sealing element 120 a flapper valve or a sliding sleeve arranged to the orientation pin 100.

[0046] The method may further comprise communicating between, on one hand, the outside of the BOP 200 and, on the other hand, the THOJ 300 or other equipment within the well, using, via the orientation pin (100), one or more of the following an electrical connection, and / or an inductive coupling. The communication via the orientation pin 100 may be the only way to communicate with the THOJ 300 or other equipment within the well. Thus, there may not be another way of communicating to the THOJ 300 or other equipment within the well.

[0047] The communication through the orientation pin 100 may be between, on one hand, one or more of: a top side, a subsea station, a remotely operated vehicle, ROV, or BOP umbilical, and, on the other hand, one or more of: downhole equipment, a control module and / or other equipment in a hanger or a string, sensor, and downhole gauge. The data communication between the orientation pin 100 and the THOJ 300 may be made via an electrical connection, and / or an inductive coupling. Other data communication may be made using one or more of the following: electric signal, conductive signals, radio signals, light, ultrasound, and high frequency signals. While the communication goes through the BOP 200 as explained herein, the communication may be, for example, from a top sides such as offshore platform, or from a subsea station, trough the BOP to downhole equipment, and back. The communication is thus between from on one hand, an outside of a BOP 200 and, on the other hand, an inside of the BOP 200, and there is no need for an umbilical or communication line inside the tubing up to the sea surface. This also allows for several operations to be performed when installing the THOJ since data communication for downhole operations is immediately available. The communication may be communication of information, for example data information such as command instructions, sensor data, etc. According to one embodiment, the communication through the orientation pin 100 is between, on one hand, one or more of: a top side, a subsea station, a remotely operated vehicle, ROV, or BOP umbilical, and, on the other hand, one or more of: downhole equipment, a control module and / or other equipment in a hanger or a string, sensor, and downhole gauge.

[0048] As described herein with reference to figures 1 to 3, the orientation pin 100 is configured to orientate a tubing hanger orientation joint 300 in a subsea well, and the same orientation pin 100 is configured for providing communication between, for example, a top side of the subsea well and, for example, downhole equipment. The orientation pin 100 described herein allows for orientating, with the orientation pin 100, a THOJ 300 onto a hanger; and communicating via the orientation pin 100, between the top side and equipment of the subsea well 400, by using one or more of the following: electric signal, conductive signals, radio signals, light, ultrasound, and high frequency signals. Preferably the orientation pin 100 comprises an electrical connection, and / or an inductive coupling, configured for the communication. The orientation pin 100 may be extended against the THOJ 300 on the end of the landing string once the string is initially landed for installation or retrieval of the THOJ 300. The string may move the THOJ to allow the orientation pin 100 to rotate, orientate, the THOJ 300 by the orientation pin 100 engaging an alignment slot 310, as best illustrated in figure 2. The string is fully landed when the orientation pin reach its final position within the alignment slot 310 thereby orientating the THOJ. The orientation pin 100 may be hydraulically actuated to extend or retract the orientation pin 100 from the BOP bore, alternatively the orientation pin 100 may be moved by electric and mechanical means.

[0049] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using the orientation pins and performing the methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method for communicating between, on one hand, an outside of a BOP (200) and, on the other hand, a tubing hanger orientation joint (300) or other equipment within the well, wherein an orientation pin (100) for providing both orientation and communication is arranged in the BOP (200), the method comprising the following separate steps: orientating, with the orientation pin (100) or through the orientation pin (100) physically interacting with the tubing hanger orientation joint (300) or other equipment within the well, the tubing hanger orientation joint (300) in relation to the BOP (200); and communicating between, on one hand, the outside of the BOP (200) and, on the other hand, the tubing hanger orientation joint (300) or other equipment within the well, via the orientation pin (100).

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the method further comprises transferring power to the tubing hanger orientation joint (300) or equipment inside the BOP (200) via the orientation pin (100).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the method further comprises axially moving at least a part of the orientation pin (100) to connect for communication.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the method further comprises axially moving at least a part of the orientation pin (100) to connect for transporting fluid.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the method further comprises preventing debris between the orientation pin (100) and the tubing hanger orientation joint (300) with a sealing element (120).

6. An orientation pin for a tubing hanger orientation joint (300), the orientation pin (100) being configured for providing both orientation and communication.

7. The orientation pin according to claim 6, wherein the orientation pin (100) is configured to be arranged in the tubing hanger orientation joint (300).

8. The orientation pin according to claim 6, wherein the orientation pin (100) is configured to be arranged in a blowout preventer, BOP (200), or a spool piece.

9. The orientation pin according to claim 6, wherein the orientation pin (100) is configured to transfer power between an outside of a BOP (200) and equipment within the BOP (200).

10. The orientation pin according to any one of the preceding claims 6 to 9, wherein the orientation pin (100) is further configured for transporting a fluid, preferably a hydraulic fluid and / or a liquid chemical.

11. The orientation pin according to any one of the preceding claims 6 to 10, wherein the communication through the orientation pin (100) is data transfer between, on one hand, one or more of: a top side, a subsea station, a remotely operated vehicle, ROV, or BOP umbilical, and, on the other hand, one or more of: downhole equipment, a control module and / or other equipment in a hanger or a string, sensor, and downhole gauge.

12. The orientation pin according to any one of the preceding claims 6 to 11, wherein the orientation pin (100) comprises a transmitter / receiver (410, 420) for the communication.

13. The orientation pin according to any one of the preceding claims 6 to 12, wherein the orientation pin (100) comprises an electrical connection, and / or an inductive coupling, configured for the communication.

14. The orientation pin according to claim 6, wherein the orientation pin (100) is configured to orientate a tubing hanger orientation joint, THOJ, in a subsea well, and wherein the orientation pin (100) is configured for providing communication between a top side of the subsea well and downhole equipment.

15. A blowout preventer, BOP, comprising the orientation pin (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 6 to 14.

16. A system for orientating a tubing hanger orientation joint within a BOP of a well and for providing communication, the system comprising: the blowout preventer (200), BOP; the orientation pin (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 6 to 14; and the tubing hanger orientation joint (300) orientatable, with the orientation pin (100), and arrangable within the BOP (200); wherein the orientation pin (100) is configured for interacting with the tubing hanger orientation joint (300) and configured for providing communication between, on one hand, an outside of the BOP (200) and, on the other hand, the tubing hanger orientation joint (300) or other equipment within the well.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the system further comprises a sealing element (120) protecting entry of debris between the orientation pin (100) and the tubing hanger orientation joint (300).

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