Retractable Guide Pin for Horizontal Tree Tubing Hanger Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea wellhead systems face challenges in orienting tubing hangers without damaging components like electrical submersible pumps and require additional costly trips to install orientation sleeves, especially when drilling through trees before the last casing string is run.
Innovation Solution
A retractable guide pin is mounted in the horizontal tree's sidewall, which extends to engage the tubing hanger's orientation sleeve, allowing for smooth bore passage during drilling and component lowering, and retracts after orientation to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If an orientation sleeve with a guide edge is used to orient the tubing hanger, then the tubing hanger can be properly oriented in the horizontal tree, but larger components such as electrical submersible pumps and their power cables may catch and be damaged on the guide edge
Solution Approach 1:
The guide pin is made retractable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically change position between extended (for orientation) and retracted (for safe passage). This dynamic characteristic resolves the contradiction by providing the orientation function only when needed while eliminating the harmful obstacle during pump installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide pin is extended in advance to perform the orientation function before the pump is lowered. After orientation is complete, the pin is retracted before the pump passes through, preventing damage. This preliminary action ensures the orientation function is fulfilled while avoiding interference with subsequent operations.
2Manufacturing precision
If an orientation sleeve is installed in the tree before running the tree to orient the tubing hanger, then the tubing hanger can be oriented, but the inner diameter of the through-bore is reduced and the sleeve must be protected from damage during drill string passage
Solution Approach 1:
The guide pin transitions from a fixed orientation sleeve to a retractable component, dynamically adjusting the bore diameter. When retracted, the pin minimizes interference with the drill string, maintaining a larger effective bore diameter. When extended, it provides the necessary orientation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation function is separated from the tree structure by using a movable guide pin that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the pin to be retracted during drilling operations to maintain bore diameter, then extended later for orientation, decoupling the two functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the tree is landed on the high pressure wellhead housing before the last casing string is run (in a drill-through system), then drilling can proceed to final depth, but no orientation sleeve is available on the tree lower end to orient the tubing hanger
Solution Approach 1:
The guide pin is pre-installed in the tree in a retracted position, allowing the tree to be landed and used for drilling operations first. After drilling is complete and the casing string is run, the guide pin can be extended to provide the orientation function for the tubing hanger. This preliminary setup enables drill-through operations while preserving future orientation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable guide pin provides adaptability for different operational sequences. It remains retracted during drilling to allow drill-through operations, then can be extended afterward to provide orientation capability, making the system adaptable to both drill-first and case-first scenarios.
4Manufacturing precision
If an orientation sleeve is installed in the tree or wellhead housing after drilling is completed and the casing hanger run, then the tubing hanger can be oriented, but an additional trip from the surface to the subsea wellhead assembly is required
Solution Approach 1:
The guide pin is installed in the tree before drilling operations begin, in a retracted position that does not interfere with drilling. This preliminary installation eliminates the need for a later trip to install the orientation device, as the orientation capability is already in place and can be activated after drilling by extending the pin.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide pin serves multiple functions: it acts as a non-obstructive component during drilling operations (when retracted) and provides orientation capability afterward (when extended). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate orientation installation trips, reducing time and cost.
Data Source
AI summary
A horizontal tree has a lateral passage extending from its bore. A tubing hanger having a lateral passage lands in the bore of the tree. The tubing hanger has an orientation guide mounted to it. A retractable pin is mounted in the sidewall of the tree. The orientation guide on the tubing hanger engages the pin to rotate the tubing hanger as it is being landed.