Hanger Assembly for ESP Deployment in Vertical Production Trees
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Solution Overview
Problem
In oil and gas production, vertical production trees often require artificial lift mechanisms like electric submersible pumps (ESPs) due to insufficient well pressure, and existing methods for deploying ESPs in vertical trees are inefficient, particularly in retrofitting existing wellheads.
Innovation Solution
A hanger assembly with an annular piping spool and a vertical penetrator allows for the deployment of ESPs through a vertical production tree, enabling electrical connection and fluid bypass, facilitating the insertion and control of ESPs without removing the production tree, and includes a method for sealing and aligning components to ensure secure and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing methods are used to deploy ESPs in vertical production trees, then the deployment can be accomplished, but the process is inefficient and requires removing or replacing the production tree
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a hanger assembly as a separate, modular component that can be installed within the existing production tree structure. This segmentation allows the ESP deployment system to be added without removing the production tree, dividing the overall system into independent functional modules (production tree, hanger assembly, ESP) that can be assembled and deployed separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The hanger assembly is designed to be nested within the existing production tree structure. The hanger assembly includes a hanger that suspends from the production tree and a penetrator that passes through the production tree structure, allowing the ESP to be deployed through the existing wellhead infrastructure without removal or replacement of the production tree.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the production tree is removed or replaced to deploy ESP, then ESP installation is possible, but operational time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger assembly is designed and prepared in advance as a pre-assembled unit that can be quickly installed within the existing production tree. The hanger, penetrator, and ESP are configured together beforehand, allowing for rapid deployment without the need for time-consuming removal or replacement of the production tree structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hanger assembly acts as an intermediary component that bridges the existing production tree infrastructure and the new ESP system. This intermediate structure allows the ESP to be integrated into the existing wellhead without direct modification or replacement of the production tree, enabling efficient retrofitting while maintaining the original production tree structure.
3Ease of operation
If a hanger assembly with side openings is used, then electrical connection and fluid bypass are enabled, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger assembly is designed with multi-functionality to justify its structural complexity. The side openings serve multiple purposes: providing electrical connection pathways for power and control signals to the ESP, enabling fluid bypass around the ESP, and allowing for the passage of the penetrator. This multi-functional design consolidates several required functions into a single integrated component.
Data Source
AI summary
A hanger assembly for use in a vertical production tree that includes an annular piping spool member having a side opening, and a hanger having an outer surface profiled to selectively land in the piping spool member and a side opening registered with the side opening of the piping spool member. The hanger assembly also includes a vertical penetrator having an end selectively connected to a submersible device and an opposing end inserted into the hanger, and that is in communication with the side openings.