Subsea Tree Cap Electro-Hydraulic Stinger for ESP Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current subsea well assemblies do not enable the operation of a downhole Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP) via a wet-mate connection of power, signal, and/or hydraulic lines while providing a secondary pressure barrier to the environment for Vertical Christmas Trees (VXTs).

Innovation Solution

A Tree Cap with an Electrical Feed-through System (EFS) that includes an electro-hydraulic stinger, configured to form connections between the ESP and the VXT control system, allowing power, signal, and hydraulic function connections, and featuring a locking mechanism to engage the VXT mandrel and provide a secondary seal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional Tree Cap is used to seal the VXT, then environmental sealing is provided, but power, signal, and hydraulic connections to a downhole ESP cannot be established

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection capabilityVSAvoidpressure barrier

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The Tree Cap is segmented into multiple functional components: a sealing portion that provides environmental sealing, and an Electrical Feed-through System (EFS) portion that enables power, signal, and hydraulic connections. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together as an integrated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The Tree Cap is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously provides environmental sealing and enables electrical, hydraulic, and signal connections to the downhole ESP. The EFS includes an electro-hydraulic stinger that can extend to engage wet-mate connections, making the Tree Cap versatile for multiple operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the electro-hydraulic stinger is extended to engage the ESP Hanger Plug, then wet-mate connections are established, but vertical movement control becomes critical

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection establishmentVSAvoidposition control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The electro-hydraulic stinger is designed as a dynamic component that can extend and retract as needed. This dynamic capability allows the stinger to reach the ESP Hanger Plug for connection establishment, then be retracted or locked in position to prevent unwanted vertical movement, providing both operational flexibility and positional control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The stinger acts as an intermediary mechanism between the Tree Cap and the ESP Hanger Plug. It facilitates the wet-mate connection by bridging the gap between these two components, then serves as a controlled link that prevents direct vertical movement transmission while maintaining the electrical and hydraulic connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10513903B2Electrical submersible pump tree cap

Publication Date: 2019.12.24 AKER SOLUTIONS AS

AI summary

Systems and methods providing a tree cap that allows power, signal, and/or hydraulic function connections to be established between an Electrical Submersible Pump and a vertical Christmas tree (VXT) control system are provided. The tree cap includes an Electrical Feed-through System (EFS) having an electro-hydraulic stinger configured to form a connection to an ESP hanger plug of the Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP). The tree cap is configured to lock onto the vertical Christmas tree (VXT) and provide a secondary seal barrier element to the environment.