Crown Plug Setting and Retrieval Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for setting and retrieving crown plugs in horizontal subsea trees are time-consuming, complex, and costly, requiring extensive equipment and multiple re-connections, while also necessitating reconfiguration of tools between operations, which increases operational complexity and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a mandrel device, outer housing, snap sleeve, and locking element with force threshold mechanism, allowing for axial displacement to lock and unlock connections to the crown plug, enabling multiple uses without surface reconfiguration, and maintaining well integrity through fluid flow and secure connection mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional methods (wireline BOP, LRP, or standard drilling setup) are used to set and retrieve crown plugs, then well control and safety are ensured, but operational time, complexity, and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the crown plug setting and retrieval functions into a single integrated device that can perform both operations without requiring separate tools or reconfiguration. The device includes a setting mechanism with locking elements and a retrieval mechanism with gripping elements, both integrated into one tool assembly that can be deployed and operated in a single intervention window.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed as a multi-functional tool that can set crown plugs, retrieve crown plugs, and potentially perform other well intervention tasks without requiring removal to surface for reconfiguration. The universal design allows the same device to handle multiple operations that previously required different specialized tools.
2Reliability
If conventional methods are used, then well integrity is maintained through multiple barriers and equipment, but the number of equipment pieces and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions (setting, retrieving, locking, gripping) into a single device assembly, reducing the total number of separate equipment pieces needed. The device combines setting mechanisms with locking elements and retrieval mechanisms with gripping elements in one integrated tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal device design eliminates the need for multiple specialized tools and their associated reconfiguration procedures. A single multi-functional device replaces what previously required separate setting tools, retrieval tools, and multiple reconfiguration steps.
3Ease of operation
If wireline crews and multiple re-connection operations are used, then crown plug retrieval is achieved, but operational cost and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges setting and retrieval operations into a single deployable unit that can perform both functions during one intervention window, eliminating the need for separate wireline operations for setting and retrieving.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is pre-configured with both setting mechanisms and retrieval mechanisms before deployment. The locking elements and gripping elements are prepared in advance, allowing immediate action upon deployment without requiring reconfiguration or additional equipment during the operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If standard drilling setup with additional equipment is used, then crown plug operations can be performed, but the amount of extra equipment and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed as a universal tool that can perform setting, retrieving, and potentially other well intervention tasks without requiring additional specialized equipment. The multi-functional design reduces the total equipment inventory needed while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple operational capabilities are merged into a single device assembly, reducing the quantity of separate equipment pieces. The integrated design combines setting mechanisms, locking elements, retrieval mechanisms, and gripping elements in one deployable unit.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for setting and retrieving a crown plug in a well head. The device has a mandrel device, an outer housing device, a snap sleeve device downwardly protruding from the lower end of the mandrel device and a locking element. The device has an upper plug connection device and a lower plug connection device for connection to the upper connection interface and a lower plug connection device of the crown plug, respectively. An annular compartment is provided radially outside at least parts of the locking element and radially inside a lower end section of the mandrel device. An upper end of the snap sleeve device is provided axially displaceable in the annular compartment. The lower plug connection device may be configured between a locked state and an unlocked state by axial displacement of the snap sleeve device in relation to the locking element.