Subsea Xmas Tree Plug Tool Nesting for Annulus Bore Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

The limited space in conventional subsea wellheads restricts the ability to perform wireline operations on deviated annulus bores, making it difficult to access and isolate the tubing hanger annulus bore, which is essential for plug installation and retrieval in subsea Xmas tree assemblies.

Innovation Solution

A subsea Xmas tree assembly with a plug tool and tool accommodation compartment that allows for the installation and retrieval of plugs within the tubing hanger annulus bore, independent of wireline operations through the Xmas tree annulus bore, using a tool stem and cylinder system activated by hydraulic pressure, enabling plug locking and retrieval without relying on wireline access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional vertical Xmas tree with deviated annulus bore is used, then the wellhead dimensions are standardized, but wireline tools cannot access the tubing hanger annulus bore for plug installation and retrieval

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireline access to annulus boreVSAvoidXmas tree structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The plug tool is nested within the Xmas tree body, specifically housed in a tool accommodation compartment formed in the annulus isolation valve. This allows the tool to be stored and operated within the existing Xmas tree structure without requiring external wireline access through the deviated annulus bore.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The tool accommodation compartment acts as an intermediary space that provides direct access to the tubing hanger annulus bore from the Xmas tree annulus bore, bypassing the need for wireline tools to navigate through the deviated annulus bore from topside.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If wireline operations are used to set plugs in the annulus bore, then plug installation is possible, but the deviated annulus bore prevents tool access to the tubing hanger annulus bore

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplug installation capabilityVSAvoidtool access to annulus bore

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The plug tool is extracted from the conventional wireline operation approach and integrated directly into the Xmas tree structure, allowing plug installation and retrieval operations to be performed locally without relying on topside wireline access through the deviated annulus bore.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Shape

If the annulus bore is deviated to accommodate wellhead standards, then wellhead dimensions are standardized, but the space for vertical annulus path is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveannulus bore orientationVSAvoidspace for wireline operations

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The tool accommodation compartment is nested within the annulus isolation valve structure, utilizing the existing valving space to house the plug tool. This eliminates the need for additional vertical space that would be required if the annulus bore were straightened to accommodate wireline operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of changing the deviated orientation of the annulus bore to provide vertical wireline access, the solution introduces a new dimensional approach by creating a tool accommodation compartment that provides lateral access to the tubing hanger annulus bore from within the Xmas tree structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 effective isolation and communication between the Xmas tree annulus bore and the tubing hanger annulus bore, allowing for plug operation and well abandonment without relying on wireline operations through the deviated annulus bore, facilitating efficient well control and maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

a tool piston connected to the tool stem, so that movement of the tool piston and tool stem is provided by supply of hydraulic pressure above or below said tool piston

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

a locking plunger arranged within a stem bore in the tool stem. The locking plunger is adapted to be moved downwards with respect to the tool stem by application of hydraulic pressure in the stem bore above the locking plunger. The locking plunger is further adapted to activate stem locking means for locking the tool stem to the plug

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP2923033B1Subsea xmas tree assembly and associated method

Publication Date: 2019.01.02 AKER SOLUTIONS AS

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AI summary

Subsea Xmas tree assembly (5, 505) having a Xmas tree main bore (7) and a Xmas tree annulus bore (9). The main bore (7) aligns with a tubing hanger main bore (16) and the Xmas tree annulus bore (9) communicates with a tubing hanger annulus bore (17), when the Xmas tree assembly (5, 505) is installed above a tubing hanger (3) of a subsea well. The subsea Xmas tree assembly (5, 505) comprises a plug tool (100) adapted to install and to retrieve a plug (200) into and out of the tubing hanger annulus bore (17) when the Xmas tree assembly (5, 505) is installed above the tubing hanger (3). The assembly has a tool accommodation compartment (118, 618) within which the plug tool (100) is arranged. An associated method is also described.