Compact Wellhead System Using Nested Hangers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surface wellhead systems have a high above-ground profile, which poses challenges in environmentally restricted areas where height is a concern, and they often require multiple BOP connections and complex installations, leading to potential leakage and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The development of low-profile wellhead systems with nested hanger systems, annular monitoring, and internal lock-downs, which allow for a compact design with only one BOP connection, reducing the height of the wellhead and minimizing leak paths, and enabling installation in environmentally restricted areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional surface wellhead systems are used, then they provide standard wellhead functionality, but they have a high above-ground profile which is problematic in environmentally restricted areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested hanger system where multiple hangers are arranged concentrically within each other. The inner hangers are positioned inside outer hangers, creating a compact nested configuration that significantly reduces the overall height of the wellhead assembly while maintaining all necessary functional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a vertical stacking arrangement to a radial/nested arrangement by positioning hangers in concentric circles rather than stacking them vertically. This dimensional change allows multiple components to occupy the same vertical space by utilizing radial space, thereby reducing the wellhead's above-ground profile.
2Reliability
If multiple BOP connections are used in conventional systems, then standard wellhead configuration is maintained, but the number of potential leak paths increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple BOP connection functions into a single integrated BOP connection point. The nested hanger configuration allows all hydraulic and control lines to converge at one common connection interface, eliminating the need for multiple separate BOP connections and thereby reducing potential leak paths while maintaining all necessary wellhead functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The single BOP connection in the invention serves multiple functions that would traditionally require separate connections. This universal connection point handles all hydraulic control lines for the nested hanger system, providing multi-functionality through a single interface that reduces complexity and improves reliability.
3Productivity
If conventional wellhead systems with cellars and gate valves are used, then standard installation procedures are followed, but installation time and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the cellar and gate valve components from the traditional wellhead system. The nested hanger design and single BOP connection configuration allow the wellhead to be installed directly at the surface without requiring a cellar structure or separate gate valve assemblies, thereby simplifying installation and reducing material requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested hanger system is pre-configured and pre-assembled in a compact arrangement before installation. This preliminary configuration allows the entire assembly to be installed as an integrated unit, eliminating the need for on-site assembly of cellars and gate valves, and significantly reducing installation time and complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A low-profile wellhead system having a nested hanger configuration, annular communication, elastomeric seals, and seal verification is provided.