Telescopic Wellhead Adaptor for Flow Line Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellhead assemblies face delays in production due to the need for modifying the position and configuration of production trees to align with surface flow lines, which requires time and resources.
Innovation Solution
A telescopic adaptor assembly is introduced, comprising a rotatable first pipe and an extendable second pipe, allowing the production tree to adjust its elevation and radial position relative to the wellhead, enabling quick alignment with surface flow lines without the need for special tools or equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the production tree position is modified to align with surface flow lines, then the alignment accuracy is improved, but the production time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the production tree position adjustable through a telescopic adaptor assembly that can extend and retract. This allows the production tree to be dynamically repositioned vertically to align with surface flow lines without permanent modification, thereby achieving accurate alignment quickly without time-consuming construction changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic adaptor assembly serves as an intermediary component between the wellhead and the production tree. It provides a flexible interface that can be adjusted to accommodate misalignments between fixed flow lines and the production tree, enabling quick alignment without modifying either the wellhead or the production tree permanently.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the production tree position is adjusted, then the adaptability to different flow line configurations is improved, but the device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic adaptor assembly is segmented into multiple components: a first pipe section, a second pipe section, and a coupling mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function (vertical movement, rotational coupling, or fluid passage) while keeping the overall design relatively simple and modular for easy installation and maintenance.
3Speed
If the production tree is repositioned vertically, then the alignment speed is improved, but the structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic adaptor assembly is pre-assembled and tested before installation, with all sealing surfaces and coupling mechanisms prepared in advance. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the assembly is installed and adjusted vertically, it maintains structural stability through pre-verified connection integrity and proper sealing configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic adaptor assembly is designed as a replaceable component that can be quickly installed and removed. If structural issues arise during adjustment, the entire adaptor assembly can be replaced without affecting the permanent wellhead or production tree structures, thereby maintaining overall system stability while allowing flexible adjustment during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A wellhead assembly that includes a wellhead disposed at a surface of a wellbore, a production tree fluidically coupled to the wellhead, and a telescopic adaptor assembly residing between and fluidically coupled to the wellhead and the production tree. The telescopic adaptor assembly extends or retracts to change an elevation of the production tree with respect to the wellhead and rotates to change a radial position of the production tree with respect to the wellhead. The telescopic adaptor assembly includes a flange attached to the wellhead and a first pipe rotationally coupled to the flange. The first pipe is rotational about a longitudinal axis of the first pipe. The telescopic adaptor assembly includes a second pipe attached to the production tree and is disposed concentrically inside the first pipe. The second pipe is movable along the longitudinal axis with respect to the first pipe.