One Trip BOP Cleaning and Pressure Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods require two separate trips to clean debris from a blowout preventer (BOP) and conduct a pressure test, leading to delays and additional costs.
Innovation Solution
A bottom hole assembly (BHA) with a plug and cleaning tools is used to clean the BOP during the same trip as the pressure test, allowing the plug to be either retrieved or left in the well, enabling simultaneous debris removal and integrity testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate trips are used for cleaning debris from the BOP and conducting pressure testing, then each operation can be performed thoroughly, but the total time and cost increase due to multiple trips
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cleaning operation and pressure testing operation into a single trip by integrating a cleaning tool with a pressure testing assembly. The cleaning tool cleans the BOP internal components while the pressure testing assembly simultaneously tests the BOP, eliminating the need for separate trips and reducing total time while maintaining effectiveness of both operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The toolstring is designed with multi-functional components that can perform both cleaning and pressure testing functions. The cleaning tool includes nozzles for debris removal, while the pressure testing assembly includes valves and pressure sources, allowing a single toolstring to execute multiple operations that previously required separate specialized equipment and trips.
2Reliability
If two separate trips are used for cleaning and pressure testing, then each operation can be completed independently, but the operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cleaning operation and pressure testing operation into a single integrated process. The cleaning tool and pressure testing assembly work together in one trip, maintaining the independence and accuracy of each operation while significantly improving operational efficiency by eliminating the need for multiple trips and reducing overall operational cost.
3Reliability
If a plug is set below the BOP for pressure testing, then the pressure test can be conducted, but the plug must be retrieved or left in the well affecting subsequent operations
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is set below the BOP as a preliminary action to enable pressure testing. The plug remains in place during the pressure test to maintain integrity, and after testing, the toolstring can be retrieved while leaving the plug in the well for subsequent drilling operations, or the plug can be retrieved if needed. This preliminary positioning of the plug facilitates both the pressure test and subsequent operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A bottom hole assembly (BHA) has a plug below a debris catcher and an optional telescoping joint. A cleaning tool is above the debris catcher with another cleaning tool further up the BHA that is designed to clean the riser that extends up from the BOP. The plug is spotted and released to commence the BOP cleaning and the riser cleaning. The cleaning tools can be reconfigured to allow through flow after the cleaning is done so that the rams can be closed around a drill collar and a pressure test take place. With the BHA above the BOP the rams can be closed against each other for another pressure test from above. In a variety of options for the method, the plug can be retrieved after released or left in the hole in the set position.