Patent Application
20160076311
NONE
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to a compensating well intervention structure assembly. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a structure that supports well intervention activities, typically when a drilling rig or derrick is not present or has previously been removed from a location or well site. More particularly still, the present invention pertains to a hydraulic clamp assembly that can be used to anchor a well intervention structure or other equipment in place.
2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
It is often beneficial to conduct downhole operations in oil and/or gas wells. Frequently, such operations are conducted using a continuous length of flexible tubing. Such continuous or coiled tubing is generally stored on a reel, and can be translated in and out of a wellbore in a virtually continuous manner without the need to continually connect and/or disconnect individual pipe sections.
Such continuous or coiled tubing can be used to conduct numerous downhole operations. For example, continuous tubing can be concentrically inserted within a well (or pipeline), when it is desired to provide a flow path for circulating fluid within said well or pipeline, such as when washing out sand or other debris, or when operating fluid-actuated tools.
In other instances, it is often beneficial to convey wireline (including, without limitation, slickline, braided line or electric line) and associated tools within oil and/or gas wells in order to perform downhole operations in such wells. Like continuous tubing, such wireline is also stored on a reel, and can be translated in and out of a wellbore in a virtually continuous manner using an array of beneficially positioned sheaves or pulleys. In other instances it is beneficial to utilize a snubbing unit or hydraulic workover unit, entering the wellbore with jointed pipe to conduct intervention and workover activities.
In order to perform such intervention activities including, without limitation, continuous tubing and/or wireline operations and hydraulic workover unit/snubbing operations, it is frequently beneficial to employ an intervention support assembly. An intervention support assembly is a structural framework erected at, near or around a wellhead in order to support equipment such as a coiled tubing injector head or other device. Conventional intervention support assemblies can be large and inconvenient to transport to and from a remote location. Moreover once mobilized to a work location, such conventional intervention support assemblies can be difficult and time consuming to rig up and secure to an underlying platform or other structure. Following completion of an intervention operation, such conventional intervention support assemblies can also be difficult and time consuming to rig down and demobilize.
Oil and gas wells are increasingly being drilled in challenging environments. Many onshore wells are frequently drilled in remote locations and/or hostile conditions, while offshore wells are often drilled in water depths of several thousand feet. When offshore wells are drilled in deep water, setting of conventional production platforms—that is, support structures permanently anchored to the sea floor—can be extremely difficult. Beyond certain water depths, installation of conventional production platforms is not possible using available technology.
In many cases, offshore wells are drilled using floating vessels such as semi-submersible drilling rigs, drill ships and the like. Further, such wells are generally completed using “subsea” completion equipment. In such cases, wellheads and related equipment are situated at or near the sea floor, while an extensive array of flow lines and umbilical control lines connect such subsea equipment to floating production facilities, pipeline interconnection points and/or other subsea completions.
When an intervention operation is conducted on a well that is tied back or otherwise supported by a fixed platform that is anchored to the sea floor, an intervention support assembly can likewise have fixed dimensions as movement of the platform/structure relative to the wellbore does not occur. However, when a well is connected or tied back to a floating vessel, waves or tidal action will frequently cause such movement. In such instances, intervention support assemblies can compensate for such movement; in other words, said intervention support assemblies extend or retract in length in response to said movement in order to keep a coiled tubing injector head or other equipment stationary relative to a wellbore.
Conventional compensating intervention support assemblies are accessories to the well intervention support structure—located either above, below, or around said structure. This results in a very large equipment layout, a more involved and less efficient installation, as well as additional safety hazards.
Thus, there is a need for a compensating intervention assembly that is built into the well intervention structure, thereby providing a more convenient and cost effective assembly to mobilize to a location and rig up on, over or around a wellhead. Said compensating intervention assembly should provide for passive motion compensation, while allowing for quick, efficient and secure installation on a work location.
The present invention comprises a motion compensating support structure that provides a support framework, attachable to well platform, floating vessel or other underlying structure, for supporting well intervention operations. In addition to other applications, it is to be observed that the compensating well intervention structure of the present invention can be used aboard floating production facilities and/or other floating structures such as, for example, spars and tension leg platforms (“TLP's”).
The intervention support assembly of the present invention minimizes or eliminates the need for a crane when making/breaking connections, changing out BHA's and/or switching from one operation to another, while reducing the instances of personnel working under suspended loads. The compensating well intervention support assembly of the present invention can be used to perform many different operations including, without limitation, coiled tubing, snubbing, wire line and/or electric line applications, as well as wellbore abandonment operations.
In a preferred embodiment, the compensating well intervention support assembly of the present invention comprises a support framework having support beams and modular sections that can be transported and assembled over or near a wellhead. Modular spacer sections can be installed in proximity to a wellhead to establish a desired height for said intervention assembly (typically dictated by well and/or well location parameters). An upper work section can then be installed over said spacer section(s) if required.
Said upper section of the compensating well intervention support assembly of the present invention provides a stable work platform designed to accommodate both well intervention equipment and personnel during well intervention operations. Said upper section is also beneficially equipped with (typically hydraulic) cylinders to allow for both vertical (axial) and horizontal (lateral) movement of said upper section and any equipment supported thereon relative to a well center.
In a preferred embodiment, at least one hydraulic clamp assembly can be used to beneficially connect the compensating well intervention support assembly of the present invention to structural member(s) of a platform, floating vessel or other support surface or substructure. Said clamp assemblies utilize hydraulic cylinders to apply a specified amount of clamping force, while providing a safety feature that allows said clamps to be installed “hands free”—that is, actuated without human physical contact—as opposed to traditional plate and bolt clamps which create pinch points and can cause hand injuries.
The clamp assemblies of the present invention are capable of performing multiple tasks. For example, said clamp assemblies can be used to secure the intervention support assembly of the present invention to structural member(s) of a platform, other support surface or substructure. Additionally, the clamp assemblies of the present invention can also be used to “skid” the present invention along beams in order to access other wells or different areas of an underlying platform or other support structure.
In a preferred embodiment, the present invention offers both a “manual” control mode in which motion compensation cylinders are actuated manually by a human operator using a control panel, as well as an “compensating” control mode in which said motion compensation system is engaged. In said compensating control mode, motion compensation cylinders are set to a designated pressure in order to compensate for a required load and anticipated movement requirements. A remote control system can be used to operate the present invention, which can include use of wireless remote control devices to function the motion compensation system.
The foregoing summary, as well as any detailed description of the preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the drawings and figures contained herein. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings and figures show certain preferred embodiments. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific methods and devices disclosed in such drawings or figures.
As noted above, the present invention comprises a motion compensating support structure that provides a support framework, attachable to well platform, floating vessel or other underlying structure, for supporting well intervention operations. The compensating well intervention structure of the present invention can be used on many different applications including, without limitation, aboard floating production facilities and/or other floating structures such as, for example, spars and TLP's. In a preferred embodiment, the compensating well intervention support assembly of the present invention comprises a support framework having support beams and modular sections that can be transported and assembled over or near a wellbore within which intervention operations are to be performed.
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When installed, at least one modular spacer section 10 can be placed in proximity to a wellhead to establish a desired height for said intervention assembly (typically dictated by well and/or well location parameters). In certain applications, it is to be observed that multiple spacer sections 10 can be stacked to reach a desired height. An upper work section can then be installed over said one or more spacer section (s).
Support frame 23 includes work deck 24 and equipment table 25, while fluid cylinders 30 connect lower frame member 21 to support frame 23. Coiled tubing injector head assembly 90 including goose neck guide 91 is disposed on said equipment table 25. It is to be observed that coiled tubing injector head assembly 90 is depicted as an illustrative example of just one type of intervention equipment that can be supported by the intervention support assembly of the present invention.
Fluid cylinders 30 connect lower frame member 21 to support frame 23. Although other fluid or air actuation can be used, in a preferred embodiment said fluid cylinders are hydraulically actuated and comprise barrels 31 and extending/retracting shafts 32. Extension of said shafts 32 of cylinders 30 causes movable support frame 23 to raise relative to base member 21, while retraction of said shafts 32 causes movable support frame 23 to lower relative to said base member.
Said upper work section 20 of the compensating well intervention support assembly of the present invention provides a stable work platform designed to accommodate both well intervention equipment and personnel during well intervention operations. Cylinders 30 allow for vertical (axial) movement of said upper work section 20 and any equipment supported thereon relative to a well center. Although not depicted in the drawings, it is to be observed that additional fluid cylinders can be provided to permit horizontal (lateral) movement of said upper work section 20 relative to a wellbore.
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After intervention support assembly 100 of the present invention is installed, the weight of any supported equipment is offset with a desired amount of fluid pressure applied to cylinders 30. This pressure can be adjusted as weight is added or subtracted to any equipment supported by intervention assembly 100. Fluid is automatically injected into or drained out of cylinders 30 to maintain the required fluid pressure in said cylinders 30 to compensate for said load and to keep said load at a substantially constant position relative to a wellbore situated there below. Once said cylinders 30 are set to the correct pressure to offset a desired load, said cylinders 30 extend or retract along with the motion of the underlying support structure or floating vessel, always maintaining the desired pressure.
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At least one fluid cylinder 220 is mounted to said base plate 203 of clamp assembly 200. Said cylinder(s) 220 each comprise barrel member 223 and piston rod 222 that can extend or retract relative to said barrel member 223. A substantially planar cylinder pad member 221 is disposed at the base of each piston rod 222, and is beneficially configured to fit against the upper surface of upper flange member 312. In a preferred embodiment, said at least one fluid cylinder 220 is hydraulically actuated; however, it is to be observed that said at least one fluid cylinder 220 can be actuated using other fluid(s), or can comprise a linear actuator other than a hydraulic cylinder. By way of illustration, but not limitation, said at least one fluid cylinder 220 can be pneumatically actuated.
When installation of said clamp assembly 200 is desired, said clamp assembly 200 can be attached to a cable of a crane or other lifting device via connection to pad eye 206 and moved into a desired position. C-clamps 211 can be rotated about pin 213 and spread outward to allow said clamp member 200 to be placed onto the upper surface of upper flange 312 of beam 310. Said C-clamps 211 can then be moved inward (rotated about pivot pins 213) until clamp bases 212 are positioned under upper flange 312 of beam member 310. Thereafter, cylinder(s) 220 can be actuated to extend piston rod(s) 222, thereby forcing plate members 221 toward said clamp bases 212. As said cylinder(s) 220 are actuated, compressive forces are applied to upper flange 312 of beam 310, which is positioned between plate members 221 and clamp bases 212, thereby securing said clamp assembly 200 in place relative to beam member 310.
In a preferred embodiment, said clamp assembly 250, like previously discussed clamp assembly 200, comprises body member 251 having substantially planar base plate 252; said base plate 252 can have a substantially flat lower surface to beneficially conform to the upper surface of a beam or other connection surface. At least one wall segment 253 extends from base plate 252; said wall segment(s) 253 cooperate to form gaps 254 between said wall segment(s) 253 for receiving the upper portion of C-clamps 261. C-clamps 261, each having a clamp base 262, are pivotally mounted to said wall segment(s) 253 using pivot pins 263. Said C-clamps 261 can rotate or pivot about a pivot axis extending through the longitudinal axis of said pivot pins 263.
At least one fluid cylinder 270 is mounted to said base plate 253 of clamp assembly 250. Said cylinder(s) 270 each comprise barrel member 273 and piston rod 272 that can extend or retract relative to said barrel member 273. A substantially planar cylinder pad member (not depicted in
C-clamps 261 can be rotated outward to allow cylinders 270 of said clamp member 250 to be placed onto the upper surface of lower flange 403 of beam 400. Said C-clamps 261 can then be rotated inward until clamp bases 262 are positioned under upper flange 411 of beam member 410. Thereafter, cylinder(s) 270 can be actuated to extend piston rod(s) 272, thereby forcing plate members 271 against the upper surface of lower flange 403 of beam 400. As said cylinder(s) 270 are actuated, compressive forces are applied to both lower flange 403 of beam 400 and upper flange 411 of beam 410, thereby securing said clamp assembly 250 and said beam members in place. Spacer bolts 280 are received within threaded bores 281; said spacer bolts 280 can be extended until they contact the upper surface of upper flange 411 of beam 410. Said spacer bolts 280 act to balance and stabilize clamp assembly 250, while providing some additional compressive forces.
Hydraulic clamp assemblies 200 and 250 can be used to beneficially connect the compensating well intervention support assembly 100 of the present invention to structural member(s) of a platform, floating vessel or other support surface or substructure. Said clamp assemblies 200 and 250 utilize hydraulically actuated cylinders to apply a desired amount of clamping force. Further, said clamp assemblies 200 and 250 can be installed “hands free”—that is, actuated without direct human physical contact—as opposed to traditional plate and bolt clamps which create pinch points and can cause injuries to personnel.
It is to be observed that clamp assemblies 200 and 250 of the present invention are capable of performing multiple tasks. For example, said clamp assemblies can be used to secure the intervention support assembly 100 of the present invention to structural member(s) of a platform, other support surface or substructure. Additionally, said clamp assemblies can also be used to “skid” intervention assembly 100 of the present invention along beams or other surfaces in order to access other wells or different areas of an underlying platform or other support structure.
In a preferred embodiment, the compensating intervention support assembly of the present invention offers both a “manual” control mode in which motion compensation cylinders are actuated manually by a human operator using a control panel, as well as an “compensating” control mode in which said motion compensation system is activated. In said compensating control mode, motion compensation cylinders are set to a designated pressure in order to compensate for a required load and anticipated movement requirements. A remote control system can be used to operate the present invention, which can include use of wireless remote control devices to function the motion compensation system.
The intervention support assembly of the present invention minimizes or eliminates the need for a crane when making/breaking connections, changing out BHA's and/or switching from one operation to another, while reducing the instances of personnel working under suspended loads. The compensating well intervention support assembly of the present invention can be used to perform many different operations including, without limitation, coiled tubing, snubbing, wire line and/or electric line applications, as well as wellbore abandonment operations.
The above-described invention has a number of particular features that should preferably be employed in combination, although each is useful separately without departure from the scope of the invention. While the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown and described herein, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise than herein specifically illustrated or described, and that certain changes in form and arrangement of parts and the specific manner of practicing the invention may be made within the underlying idea or principles of the invention.
THIS IS A CONTINUATION OF U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/488,949, FILED Sep. 17, 2014, CURRENTLY PENDING, INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 14488949 | Sep 2014 | US |
| Child | 14725404 | US |
