Wellhead Tree Orientation via Tubing Hanger Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The calibration process for mechanical alignment features in blowout preventers (BOPs) is time-consuming and costly, leading to significant downtime and the need for expensive equipment in subsea wellhead systems.
Innovation Solution
A method for aligning a tree within a resource extraction system that eliminates the use of mechanical alignment systems by employing an orientation mechanism with alignment features to establish target circumferential orientations, allowing the tree to be precisely aligned with the tubing hanger without the need for costly calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If mechanical alignment features are used to precisely orient the BOP relative to the wellhead, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mechanical alignment features from the BOP system entirely. Instead of using calibrated mechanical alignment features that require complex calibration equipment and procedures, the invention extracts this functionality by using the tubing hanger's own alignment features as the reference frame for orienting the tree, thereby eliminating the need for separate BOP alignment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubing hanger's alignment features serve multiple functions: they provide the reference frame for tree orientation, maintain circumferential positioning during installation, and eliminate the need for separate BOP alignment systems. This multi-functional use of the tubing hanger alignment features reduces overall system complexity while maintaining precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If calibration equipment and procedures are used to align the BOP, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment features are pre-configured on the tubing hanger during manufacturing, eliminating the need for time-consuming field calibration procedures. The tree is oriented relative to these pre-established features during installation, achieving precise alignment without requiring separate calibration operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubing hanger's alignment features automatically provide the reference frame for tree orientation during the installation process itself, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment and procedures. The system uses its own built-in alignment features to achieve precise positioning.
3Manufacturing precision
If mechanical alignment features are calibrated before BOP transport, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the calibration process entirely by eliminating mechanical alignment features from the BOP. The alignment function is transferred to the tubing hanger's built-in features, which are already precision-manufactured during standard production, thereby removing the need for separate calibration operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, complex calibration equipment and procedures with the use of standard tubing hanger alignment features that are already manufactured during normal production. This approach uses readily available components rather than specialized calibration tools.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for aligning a tree within a resource extraction system includes disposing a riser system on a wellhead of the resource extraction system without utilizing a mechanical alignment system to circumferentially align the riser system with the wellhead. The method also includes disposing a tubing hanger at a landed position within the wellhead. In addition, the method includes disposing an orientation mechanism on the wellhead. The orientation mechanism includes an alignment feature configured to engage a corresponding alignment feature of the tree. Furthermore, the method includes moving the tree toward the wellhead such that the alignment feature of the tree engages the alignment feature of the orientation mechanism to approximately establish a target circumferential orientation of the tree relative to the tubing hanger.