Horizontal Vertical Deepwater Tree Barrier Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Subsea hydrocarbon production systems face challenges with vertical Christmas trees (VXTs) being incompatible with hanging off elements and horizontal trees (HXTs) being difficult to retrieve, while also requiring efficient power feedthrough and larger bore diameters without increasing tree weight.
Innovation Solution
A subsea hydrocarbon production system with a tubing hanger and Christmas tree configuration that includes multiple closure devices and a power feedthrough system, allowing for vertical well access, easy retrieval, and accommodation of larger bore diameters without increasing tree weight, by positioning barrier elements in the production outlet rather than the vertical production bore.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If barrier elements are positioned in the vertical production bore, then pressure containment is ensured, but retrieval becomes difficult and power feedthrough is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier function is segmented between two distinct components: the first barrier element remains in the production outlet for pressure containment, while the second barrier element (tree cap or wireline plug) is positioned in the production bore above the outlet. This segmentation allows the tree cap to be removed for retrieval operations while the first barrier element maintains pressure containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier function is extracted from the vertical production bore and relocated to the production outlet. By positioning the first barrier element in the production outlet rather than in the vertical bore, the patent enables easier retrieval operations while maintaining pressure containment through the outlet-positioned barrier.
2Adaptability or versatility
If larger bore diameters are used, then downhole equipment accommodation is improved, but tree weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement by positioning barrier elements in the production outlet rather than in the vertical production bore. This dimensional repositioning allows larger bore diameters to be used in the vertical section for better equipment accommodation without proportionally increasing the weight of pressure-containing components, as the barrier devices are located in the lateral outlet section.
3Ease of manufacture
If horizontal christmas tree configuration is used, then power feedthrough is simplified, but retrieval becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal tree configuration that combines features of both vertical and horizontal trees. The tree can accommodate power feedthrough arrangements similar to horizontal trees while maintaining the vertical configuration that enables easier retrieval. The multi-functional design allows the same tree structure to support both power transmission and easy retrieval operations.
4Reliability
If vertical christmas tree with FSC barrier valves is used, then pressure barriers are ensured, but compatibility with hanging off elements is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure barrier function is segmented between the first barrier element in the production outlet and the second barrier element (tree cap) in the production bore. This segmentation creates space above the first barrier element for hanging off elements while maintaining dual pressure barrier protection.
Solution Approach 2:
By repositioning the primary barrier element from the vertical bore to the lateral production outlet, the patent creates vertical space in the bore for hanging off elements while maintaining pressure containment through the outlet-positioned barrier. This dimensional relocation resolves the spatial conflict between barrier placement and hanging element accommodation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A subsea hydrocarbon production system comprises a tubing hanger which is positioned at an upper end of a well bore, a tubing string which extends from the tubing hanger into the well bore and is fluidly connected to the tubing hanger production bore, and a christmas tree which is positioned above the tubing hanger. The christmas tree comprises a production bore which is fluid!y connected to the tubing hanger production bore, a production outlet which is connected to the production bore, a first barrier element which is positioned in the production outlet, and a first closure device which is positioned in the production bore above the production outlet. In this manner access from above the christmas tree through the production bore does not require passage through a barrier element.