Wellhead Latch Assembly Single-Trip Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing wellheads, especially subsea wellheads, are inefficient and require multiple trips for cutting and lifting, which can be time-consuming and costly due to the need for separate processes for cutting and lifting.
Innovation Solution
A wellhead latch assembly that includes a slotted inner body and an outer sleeve with pins following a groove, allowing for a single trip removal by selectively translating radially between latched and released positions, enabling axial force application to latch and lift the wellhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If separate processes for cutting and lifting are used, then the wellhead can be removed, but the operation becomes time-consuming and requires multiple trips
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cutting tool and latch assembly into a single integrated wellhead removal device. The latch assembly includes an inner core with cutting elements and an outer sleeve with latches that can simultaneously cut the wellhead from the casing and secure it for lifting in a single operational trip, eliminating the need for separate cutting and lifting trips.
Solution Approach 2:
The wellhead removal device performs multiple functions within a single tool: it includes cutting elements to sever the wellhead from the casing, latch mechanisms to secure the wellhead, and lifting capabilities to retrieve the wellhead. This multi-functional design allows one tool to complete all removal operations that would traditionally require multiple specialized tools and trips.
2Reliability
If a latch assembly is used to secure the wellhead, then the wellhead can be held firmly, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly employs a nested structure where the inner core contains the cutting elements and the outer sleeve contains the latch mechanisms. The latches are positioned within the outer sleeve and engage with the wellhead flange, creating a compact nested arrangement that provides reliable securing while minimizing overall device complexity through efficient spatial organization.
Data Source
AI summary
A wellhead latch assembly may include one or more latches for attaching to a wellhead and allowing removal of the wellhead during a well abandonment process. The wellhead latch assembly may include an inner core coupled to the latches, and an outer sleeve for selectively latching and unlatching the latches to the wellhead. The inner core may abut the wellhead and can include a groove having circumferential and/or longitudinal features. The outer sleeve may include a pin which travels within the groove and a set of cut-outs for alignment with the latches. When the cut-outs align with the latches, the latches may expand radially outward and disengage the wellhead. As the outer sleeve moves axially or rotationally relative to the inner core, the latches may fall out of alignment with the cut-outs and move radially inwardly to engage or capture the wellhead.