Secondary Pressure Boundary Tool for Christmas Tree Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for servicing downhole valves in hydrocarbon exploration are time-consuming and costly due to the need for multiple trips into the wellbore to create and maintain pressure boundaries, which complicates maintenance and operations like valve replacement.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a pressure boundary tool with a plug body, seal, and plate assembly, along with an installation and retrieval tool, allows for the creation of a secondary pressure boundary within a Christmas tree without requiring additional trips into the wellbore, using different coupling mechanisms for installation and retrieval to maintain operational valve functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional methods are used to service downhole valves, then pressure boundaries can be maintained, but multiple trips into the wellbore are required which increases time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the pressure boundary function into two parts: a primary pressure boundary provided by existing downhole valves, and a secondary pressure boundary provided by the removable tool with plug body and seal assembly. This segmentation allows the secondary boundary to be installed and removed without affecting the primary boundary, enabling single-trip operations for maintenance while maintaining pressure control.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary pressure boundary tool acts as an intermediary device between the wellbore and surface equipment. It provides an additional pressure boundary that can be independently installed and removed, serving as a mediator that enables valve servicing without requiring trips into the wellbore, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining pressure boundaries and reducing operational time.
2Productivity
If a secondary pressure boundary tool is installed, then valve servicing can be done without additional trips, but the tool adds complexity to the system
Solution Approach 1:
The installation tool is designed with multiple functions: it can install the secondary pressure boundary tool, retrieve it, and maintain it in position. The tool includes threaded engagement features for installation, retrieval mechanisms with couplers, and positioning capabilities. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized tools, thereby managing complexity while improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary pressure boundary tool is designed to be nested within the Christmas tree structure and existing valve assemblies. The plug body fits within the valve body, and the seal assembly nests against existing sealing surfaces. This nesting approach integrates the additional functionality into the existing system architecture, minimizing the increase in overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If the plate is positioned to energize the seal, then a pressure boundary is created, but the valve member cannot be operated
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is designed to be movable between two positions: a first position where it energizes the seal against the valve body to create a pressure boundary, and a second position where it is retracted to allow the valve member to operate freely. This dynamic positioning capability, achieved through the threaded engagement with the installation tool, allows the system to switch between pressure boundary mode and valve operation mode, resolving the contradiction between creating pressure boundaries and maintaining valve operability.
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 maintenance of wellbore pressure boundaries by allowing the installation and removal of a secondary pressure boundary tool through existing valves, reducing the need for multiple trips into the wellbore and maintaining valve operability during operations.
Implementation Method 1
a seal arranged within a seal groove formed between the plug body and the plate
Implementation Method 2
The pressure boundary tool also includes a threaded connection arranged at the second end to engage the installation and retrieval tool
Implementation Method 3
The pressure boundary tool may include a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator positioned at the second end
Implementation Method 4
The pressure boundary tool may include a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator positioned at the second end
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a Christmas tree (XT) having at least one valve, the XT being coupled to a wellbore. The system also includes a pressure boundary tool adapted to provide a secondary boundary for the XT. The pressure boundary tool includes a plug body to be positioned against a valve member of the at least one valve; a seal to be energized into a valve body of the at least one valve; and a plate arranged proximate the seal, the plate being moveable between a first position and a second position, the first position energizing the seal and a second position deenergizing the seal. The pressure boundary tool is positioned within the XT on a side of the valve member closer to the wellbore.