Subsea Wellhead Annulus Access Adapter for Pressure Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing well completion technologies face challenges in providing continuous access and monitoring of the pressure in the 'B' annulus, the annulus around the outside of the innermost casing string, due to the need for secure sealing during drilling operations, which limits the ability to detect pressure extremes that could compromise the structural integrity of the production casing.
Innovation Solution
An annulus access adapter with a selector device and valve system that allows controlled access to the casing hanger annulus during well operations, enabling fluid monitoring and pressure management through hydraulic operation, either temporarily or permanently, using sensors and a control system to communicate fluid information and adjust porting as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the BOP stack is removed and replaced by a Christmas tree, then the well can be converted for production, but access to the production casing annulus is blocked preventing pressure monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The Christmas tree is segmented into modular components including a spool tree, a B annulus access adapter, and a tubing hanger assembly. The B annulus access adapter is a separate module that can be installed independently to provide annulus access without interfering with the main production flow path, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining production capability and enabling annulus monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
A B annulus access adapter is introduced as an intermediary component between the Christmas tree and the production casing annulus. This adapter provides a dedicated access path to the B annulus through porting in the spool tree or adapter body, allowing pressure monitoring without compromising the sealed production configuration. The adapter acts as a mediator that enables both production and monitoring functions simultaneously.
2Reliability
If the B annulus is securely sealed during drilling operations, then structural integrity is maintained, but continuous pressure monitoring becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The B annulus access adapter with its selective porting and valve system serves as an intermediary that maintains the sealed configuration for structural integrity while providing a controlled access path for pressure monitoring. The adapter can be configured to seal the B annulus during drilling operations but provide monitoring capability during production, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and information loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic elements including valves and selective porting that can change the configuration of the B annulus access over time. The adapter can transition between sealed and accessed states, allowing the system to maintain structural integrity during drilling while enabling pressure monitoring during production operations.
3Productivity
If a conventional Christmas tree is installed, then production flow is enabled, but the tubing hanger installation prevents access to the production casing hanger for opening a passageway to the B annulus
Solution Approach 1:
The Christmas tree system is divided into separate functional modules: the spool tree for production flow control and the B annulus access adapter for annulus monitoring. This segmentation allows the production flow path and the B annulus access path to be independently configured and operated, resolving the contradiction between enabling production flow and maintaining access to the production casing hanger.
Solution Approach 2:
The B annulus access adapter is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as part of the Christmas tree assembly for production operations and as a dedicated access point for B annulus monitoring. The adapter can provide both production flow control and annulus access through its selective porting capability, eliminating the need for separate access mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables continuous monitoring and management of the B annulus pressure, allowing for timely corrective actions to prevent burst or collapse of the production casing, thereby ensuring the structural integrity and extending the well's operational life.
Implementation Method 1
An annulus access adapter with controlled annulus porting lands in a wellhead and incorporates a selector device that will open or close a path allowing casing hanger annulus access during well operations. Hydraulics may be supplied by a subsea tree or tubing spool.
Data Source
AI summary
A subsea completion assembly for a subsea well including installed casing and a wellhead. The assembly includes a production casing forming a B annulus between the outside of the production casing and the installed casing. The assembly also includes an annulus access adapter installed in the wellhead, the adapter including a manipulatable valve controlling fluid communication with the fluid in the B annulus across the annulus access adapter. A property of the fluid in the B annulus can be monitored by fluid communicated across the annulus access adapter.