Plug Tooling Sequence Valves for Subsea Plug Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subsea wellhead operations require efficient handling of plugs, which is challenging due to the large and complex nature of production trees, often necessitating separate vessels for installation and retrieval, leading to economic inefficiencies and logistical complexities.
Innovation Solution
A pressure actuated sequencing valve assembly is used in a plug handling tool with an end effector and coupling assembly, allowing selective engagement and disengagement of the plug, enabled by a sequence valve that controls fluid flow to perform plug anchoring and retrieval operations, utilizing a remotely operated vehicle for pressure control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a production tree is installed on the wellhead housing before running the tubing, then the tree does not need to be disconnected for pulling the tubing during workover operations, but the tubing would have to be pulled if the tree needs to be retrieved for repair
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a separable plug handling system that can independently retrieve plugs from the tubing hanger without requiring tree disconnection or tubing pulling. The system segments the plug retrieval operation from the tree-tubing assembly, allowing selective plug access while maintaining the intact tree-tubing connection.
Solution Approach 2:
A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) equipped with a plug handling tool serves as an intermediary device. This mediator can access and retrieve plugs from the tubing hanger through the production flow passage without requiring disconnection of the tree from the wellhead housing or pulling of the tubing, thus resolving the contradiction between connection stability and operational ease.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tree is a large, heavy and complex assembly run on a string of drill pipe, then the running procedure requires a vessel with a derrick, but it is not economical to utilize the same vessel that drilled the well to complete the well and install the tree
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the plug handling function from the complex tree assembly operations. By using a separate ROV-equipped plug handling tool, the system eliminates the need for heavy derrick equipment and separate tree installation operations, allowing well completion to proceed economically with the drilling vessel already in position.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug handling tool utilizes a pressure actuated sequencing valve assembly that controls fluid flow to perform plug anchoring and retrieval operations. This hydraulic/pneumatic control system enables complex plug manipulation functions to be performed by a relatively simple ROV-operated tool, reducing the overall device complexity and eliminating the need for heavy mechanical equipment.
3Productivity
If a pressure actuated sequencing valve assembly is used to control fluid flow for plug anchoring and retrieval, then efficient and controlled plug handling is enabled, but the system requires integrated sequence valves and multiple fluid communication pathways
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple valve functions into an integrated sequence valve assembly. The power supply valve body and vent valve body are combined in a single integrated structure with coordinated pilot valves, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining the necessary complex fluid control functions for efficient plug handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The sequencing valve assembly is pre-configured with specific fluid communication pathways and pilot valve settings that automatically sequence the plug anchoring and retrieval operations. This preliminary configuration ensures that the complex multi-step plug handling process executes efficiently and reliably without requiring complex real-time control decisions.
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 controlled handling of plugs in subsea wellhead assemblies, reducing the need for multiple vessels and improving operational efficiency by allowing plug anchoring and retrieval without disconnecting the production tree from the wellhead housing.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure actuated sequencing valve assembly is used in a plug handling tool with an end effector and coupling assembly, allowing selective engagement and disengagement of the plug, enabled by a sequence valve that controls fluid flow
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a remotely operated vehicle for pressure control
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method of handling a plug in a tubing hanger includes a pressure actuated sequence valve that has multiple outlets. Hydraulic fluid from a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) provides hydraulic fluid that selectively flows through the valve for operating a tool that handles the plug. The valve outlets are ported to separate lines for operating different functions of the tool. Flow to a specific outlet occurs by sequencing the valve to a corresponding position, where the valve is sequenced by changing pressure of the hydraulic fluid. The sequence valve is disposed in a piston that is axially movable within the tool. A stroking rod attaches to the piston, and is actuated by diverting flow to sides of the piston.