Modular Wellbore Recovery System for Offshore Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for retrieving wellbore components, such as tubing hangers, require large rigs or ships for offshore operations, leading to high costs and inefficiencies, especially during plug and abandon operations.
Innovation Solution
A modular wellbore system comprising an upper and lower body with a passage and latch piston, allowing for hydraulic unlocking and recovery of components using a wireline from a light well intervention vessel, enabling open water recovery without the need for a rig, with visual indicator/overpull rods for secondary recovery and modular design for easy maintenance and configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large rigs or ships are used for offshore retrieval operations, then reliable recovery of wellbore components is achieved, but operational costs and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The retrieval system is divided into modular components including a deployment tool, retrieval tool, and various adapters that can be independently selected and combined. This segmentation allows for optimized, lighter equipment to be deployed for specific retrieval tasks, eliminating the need for large rigs while maintaining recovery reliability through proper component selection and combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment tool and retrieval tool are designed as multi-functional devices that can handle various wellbore components (tubing hangers, tree caps, etc.) through interchangeable adapters. This universal design enables a single lightweight vessel to perform multiple retrieval operations that previously required different specialized large-scale equipment, reducing both time and cost.
2Reliability
If large rigs or ships are used for offshore operations, then successful component retrieval is ensured, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic, adaptable configurations where the deployment tool and retrieval tool can be adjusted and reconfigured for different retrieval scenarios. This dynamic capability allows lightweight vessels to efficiently handle varying retrieval needs without requiring heavy, expensive fixed infrastructure, thereby reducing operational costs while maintaining success rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The retrieval tools utilize hydraulic actuation mechanisms (including latch pistons and gripping components) that provide substantial unlocking and gripping forces despite the lightweight design of the overall system. This hydraulic power transmission enables reliable component retrieval using smaller, more cost-effective vessels rather than large rigs.
3Ease of operation
If modular design is implemented for easy maintenance and configuration, then ease of operation and maintenance improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct modular components (deployment tool, retrieval tool, adapters, gripping components) that can be independently manufactured, tested, maintained, and replaced. This segmentation simplifies maintenance procedures and reduces the skill level required for operations, as individual components can be serviced without affecting the entire system, offsetting the increased complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components are designed with standardized interfaces and universal features that allow them to work together in various configurations. This universality reduces the number of different component types needed, simplifies training and operations, and enables easy replacement and maintenance, thereby improving ease of operation despite the modular complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and cost-effective retrieval of wellbore components like tubing hangers and horizontal internal tree caps, reducing operational costs and time, while providing substantial unlocking forces and modular interchangeability for various configurations, facilitating easy service and inspection.
Implementation Method 1
the latch piston being moveable responsive to an applied pressure via the passage
Implementation Method 2
the gripping component being movable responsive to a pressure applied via the first passage and the second passage
Data Source
AI summary
A wellbore system includes an upper body, a lower body, removably coupled to the upper body, and a passage extending through both the upper body and the lower body, the passage being aligned and extending through an interface between the upper body and the lower body. The wellbore system also includes a latch piston, confined to the lower body, the latch piston being moveable responsive to an applied pressure via the passage. The wellbore system further includes a latch piston retaining ring, confined to the lower body.