Subsea Satellite Well Daisy Chaining via Offset Landing Positions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea satellite well systems require significant upfront investments and costly processes for expansion, as they necessitate the retrieval of the Christmas tree to change out flow bases, limiting flexibility and increasing capital expenditure.
Innovation Solution
A subsea satellite well structure with distinct landing positions for the Christmas tree and connection modules, allowing for independent installation and retrieval without disturbing the Christmas tree, enabling flexible expansion and connection of additional wells without mobilizing the tie-in system, using offset landing positions and flexible connections like flex loops to accommodate movement and well growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flow base is changed out to connect an additional well to the export line, then the system can be expanded, but the Christmas tree must be retrieved which increases cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the well system into separate functional modules: the Christmas tree module remains fixed on the wellhead, while a separate connection module is introduced that can be independently installed and removed from the export line. This segmentation allows expansion without disturbing the Christmas tree, resolving the contradiction between system adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a connection module as an intermediary component between the Christmas tree and the export line. This mediator enables the connection and disconnection of additional wells without requiring retrieval of the Christmas tree, thereby maintaining system versatility while avoiding increased operational complexity.
2Strength
If the Christmas tree module covers the entire area between guide posts, then it provides structural support, but it makes it difficult to incorporate a secondary frame for landing a flow base
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the landing area by providing dedicated guide posts for the connection module separate from the Christmas tree guide posts. This allows the connection module to land in a distinct location without interfering with the Christmas tree's structural coverage, maintaining both structural integrity and adaptability for flow base operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention resolves the spatial conflict by utilizing a different dimensional arrangement - placing the connection module's landing position offset from the Christmas tree's landing envelope in the horizontal plane. This dimensional separation allows both modules to coexist without interference, preserving structural support while enabling flow base capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If prior art solutions are used for daisy chaining, then additional wells can be connected, but large investments are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates a pre-configured connection module with integrated flow base functionality during the initial field development. This preliminary action eliminates the need for future flow base replacements and associated costly interventions, achieving daisy chaining capability while reducing capital expenditure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection module is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a structural support element and as a connection interface for additional wells. This universal design consolidates multiple functions into a single component, reducing the need for additional expensive equipment and interventions for system expansion.
Data Source
AI summary
It is disclosed a satellite well structure (300) and method for expanding a subsea satellite well system. The subsea satellite well structure (300) comprising:—a seabed-based foundation (330) supporting a subsea wellhead (340);—a first landing position (310) configured to receive a Christmas tree module (200) for interfacing the subsea wellhead (340);—a second landing position (320) configured to receive a subsea connection module (100) for connecting the Christmas tree module (200) to a hydrocarbon fluid export flowline; and—a plurality of Christmas tree guide posts configured to support the installation of the Christmas tree module; wherein the first landing position has a landing envelope defined by the plurality of Christmas tree guide posts, and wherein the second landing positions is arranged offset the landing envelope of the first landing position, (allowing:—the subsea connection module (100) to be landed on and retrieved from the seabed-based well structure (300) with the Christmas tree module (200) landed in the first landing position (310); and—the Christmas tree module (200) to be landed on and retrieved from the seabed-based well structure (300) with the subsea connection module (100) landed in the second landing position (320).