Topside Lubricator for Below-Tension-Ring RCD
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managed pressure drilling (MPD) operations face challenges when inserting wireline or tubing, as the closed loop provided by the rotating control device (RCD) needs to be broken, requiring time-consuming fluid circulation and replacement, and exposing the formation to pressure changes, which can cause damage.
Innovation Solution
A topside lubricator is used to form a seal around wireline or tubing, allowing for insertion while maintaining the MPD mode, eliminating the need for fluid circulation and replacement, and preventing damage by using a lubricator assembly that includes a lubricator head and body with a conduit that attaches to the RCD, forming a seal without the RCD's sealing element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the closed loop provided by the RCD is broken to insert wireline or tubing, then wireline or tubing can be inserted, but the well must be taken out of MPD mode requiring fluid circulation and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two sealing zones: the RCD sealing element that maintains the closed loop for MPD mode, and the lubricator sealing element that enables wireline/tubing insertion. This segmentation allows both functions to operate simultaneously without requiring mode transitions or fluid replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricator acts as an intermediary device between the RCD and the wireline/tubing insertion point. It provides a separate sealing mechanism that mediates the insertion process while preserving the RCD's closed loop integrity, eliminating the need to break the MPD mode.
2Ease of operation
If the closed loop is broken for wireline or tubing insertion, then insertion is possible, but formation is exposed to pressure changes which may induce formation damage
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented between the RCD (maintaining pressure control) and the lubricator (enabling insertion). This allows the formation to remain protected by the RCD's closed loop while the lubricator handles the insertion operation, preventing pressure changes that would cause formation damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricator is positioned and sealed in place before wireline or tubing insertion begins. This preliminary sealing action ensures that the closed loop integrity is maintained throughout the insertion process, preventing harmful pressure changes from occurring during the operation.
3Productivity
If wireline or tubing is inserted without lubrication, then insertion can proceed, but the RCD sealing element may be damaged by wireline or tubing
Solution Approach 1:
The wireline or tubing passes through the lubricator's sealing element rather than directly through the RCD sealing element. This extracts the potential damage-causing interaction from the RCD sealing element, allowing fast insertion while preserving the RCD sealing element's integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricator's sealing element serves as an intermediary between the wireline/tubing and the RCD sealing element. It provides the necessary lubrication and protection, enabling fast insertion operations without compromising the RCD sealing element.
4Device complexity
If the RCD sealing element is used for wireline or tubing insertion, then a single sealing mechanism is used, but the operation must be performed slowly to prevent damage
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is divided into two specialized components: the RCD sealing element for pressure control and the lubricator sealing element for insertion operations. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, enabling fast insertion through the lubricator while the RCD maintains pressure control, without requiring slow operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricator assembly serves multiple functions: it seals around the wireline or tubing, provides lubrication for fast insertion, and maintains the closed loop integrity. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve both simple operation and high productivity simultaneously.
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
This method allows for efficient and safe wirelining or tripping operations within the MPD mode, maintaining pressure control and reducing the risk of formation damage by maintaining a closed loop system and avoiding the need for fluid substitution, while enabling faster and more reliable deployment of wireline or tubing.
Implementation Method 1
a lubricating fluid cavity disposed between two individual sealing elements of the plurality of sealing elements... configured to apply the lubricating fluid to a wireline passing through the lubricating fluid cavity
Data Source
AI summary
Well systems and methods are provided. An example well system comprises a lubricator assembly. The lubricator assembly comprises a lubricator head. The lubricator head comprises a removable sealing cartridge, a plurality of sealing elements disposed in the sealing cartridge, and a lubricating fluid cavity disposed between two individual sealing elements of the plurality of sealing elements. The lubricator assembly further comprises a lubricator body. The lubricator body comprises a lubricator seal conduit pipe. The example well system also comprises a slip joint coupled to the lubricator seal conduit pipe and a statically underbalanced drilling fluid disposed in the lubricator seal conduit pipe.