Subsea Wellhead Utility Skid Tree Support System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In deep water subsea well operations, existing systems face challenges with insufficient well fluid pressure to flow fluids from the sea floor to processing facilities, and the use of downhole pumps is rare due to installation difficulties and hazards associated with large utility skids.
Innovation Solution
A utility skid tree support system that allows precise mounting and interfacing with subsea wellheads, utilizing an extended production wing block to transfer loads and enable the installation of boosting, metering, and separation equipment, with a conventional choke fitted outboard for efficient fluid management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If large utility skids are used to move equipment to and from the subsea well from the surface, then equipment can be installed for flow boosting and other functions, but the skids are cumbersome and manipulating them with respect to the well becomes very difficult and hazardous to operators and the well installation
Solution Approach 1:
The utility skid system is divided into modular components that can be independently handled and assembled. The tree assembly with integrated utility skid interfaces allows equipment to be installed in segments rather than requiring manipulation of entire large skid assemblies, reducing operational difficulty and hazards while maintaining installation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary tree assembly that serves as a interface between the wellhead and utility skids. This intermediary structure provides standardized mounting points and load transfer mechanisms, enabling equipment installation without direct manipulation of large cumbersome skids by operators, thus resolving the contradiction between installation capability and operational safety
2Productivity
If downhole electrical submersible pumps are used in surface wells, then well fluid can be pumped, but periodic maintenance is required and they are not normally employed downhole in a subsea well due to installation difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The pump equipment is pre-assembled and tested on the utility skid at the surface before being deployed to the subsea well. This preliminary preparation allows complex pumping equipment to be installed as a complete unit rather than assembled downhole, making installation feasible and reducing the difficulty that would otherwise prevent downhole pump deployment in subsea wells
Solution Approach 2:
The utility skid acts as an intermediary platform that enables pump installation and maintenance operations. The skid provides a stable mounting structure and access interface, allowing pumps to be installed and serviced without requiring direct downhole manipulation, thus making subsea pump deployment practical despite the inherent installation difficulties
Data Source
AI summary
A utility skid tree system for subsea wellheads enables a tree to be mounted by and interface with utility skids. Production bore access is provided through an extended production wing block. The system reacts and transfers installation loads and potential snag loads to the conductor. The tree accepts skids for flow boosting, metering, water-oil separation, etc. A conventional choke may be fitted outboard of the utility insert profile.