Subsea Well Assembly with Independent Xmas Tree Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
In subsea hydrocarbon wells, existing technologies face challenges in allowing the removal of the Xmas tree without removing the tubing hanger and vice versa, and in efficiently utilizing an electric submersible pump for fluid production.
Innovation Solution
A subsea well assembly design featuring a tubing hanger arranged below the Xmas tree, with a fail-close production master valve in a branch of the production flow passage, and the option to install an electrical submersible pump via a suspension string, allowing for independent operation of the Xmas tree and tubing hanger, and enabling ESP-assisted production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tubing hanger is installed in the Xmas tree, then the tree and tubing hanger can be removed together, but the operator cannot remove the tree without removing the tubing hanger
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: the tubing hanger assembly (with lower tubing hanger and suspension plug) and the Xmas tree assembly (with upper tubing hanger and tree cap). This segmentation allows independent removal and installation of each component, resolving the contradiction by enabling flexible removal operations while maintaining clear installation procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the production flow passage branches horizontally from the vertical bore, then the PMV can be arranged in the horizontal passage, but the tubing hanger must be installed within the vertical bore
Solution Approach 1:
The solution introduces a vertical dimension to the flow passage system by adding an upper tubing hanger in the vertical bore of the Xmas tree that connects to the horizontal branch. This dimensional extension allows the PMV to be positioned in the horizontal passage while the tubing hanger remains accessible in the vertical bore, resolving the spatial conflict.
Data Source
AI summary
Subsea well assembly having a Xmas tree (107, 207) and wellhead (103). From a tubing hanger (113) a tubing extends into the well. A part of a production flow passage extends vertically from the tubing hanger (113) in a vertical bore (111) of the Xmas tree. A fail close production master valve (PMV) (117) is arranged in the production flow passage. The tubing hanger (113) is arranged below the Xmas tree (107), such as in the wellhead (103). The Xmas tree (107) exhibits a branch (115) that deviates from the vertical bore (111), which branch constitutes part of the production flow passage. The fail close type production master valve (PMV) (117) is arranged in the branch (115).