Patent Grant
7219740
Not Applicable.
Subsea oil/gas fields may have a plurality of wells linked to a host facility that receives the oil/gas via flowlines. Such a field may have a subsea well architecture that employs either single or dual flowlines designed in a looped arrangement with in-line pipe line end termination (“PLET”) units positioned at selective locations for well access. The linkage between wells creates a need for PLETs to be deployed within prescribed target box areas to allow for well jumper connections to the flowline. These typically non-recoverable PLETS sit directly on unconsolidated soils on the seafloor and support connectors that allow fluid flow access between the wells and the flowline. Well jumpers connect the production trees on the wells to the flowline through the flowline connectors. For well testing or intervention operations, unless a well can be accessed through the tree, selected flowlines may be depressurized and a well isolated to flow fluids to or from a well. The PLET structure is also not typically recoverable by a mobile offshore drilling unit (“MODU”) once installed.
The subsea oil/gas field may also include processing systems or production manifolds between the wells and the u facility. Using a manifold system, each well has a well jumper attached to a manifold, consisting of either single or dual flowline headers accepting production from a single well jumper distributed into single or dual flowlines. The manifold provides flowline access valves to selectively isolate wells. In this manner, fluids may flow to or from an isolated well without having to depressurize both of the flowlines. Fluid flow and mechanical access for testing, intervention, or other operations may be done through direct connection with each well tree. Fluids may also flow to or from an isolated well from the host facility through one or both of the flowlines. If only one of the flowlines is depressurized, the dual well jumpers allow for fluid flow from the non-isolated wells to the non-depressurized flowline.
Independent of the well architecture, operational activities are typically performed on well throughout the life of the well. For example, well operations may include well/flowline circulation, intervention activities, bull heading/well kill, corrosion management, de-waxing, scale removal, or pigging. These and other well operations may be performed by connecting tools directly at the subsea wellhead/subsea tree location and/or at the host production facility. The direct access into the wellhead/subsea tree typically requires intervention vessels, special intervention tooling, shut-in of production and depressurization of at least selected flowline sections, multiple rig mooring, and additional anchor handling due to the satellite offsets between the wells.
For a more detailed description of the embodiments, reference will now be made to the following accompanying drawings:
In the drawings and description that follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features of the invention may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form and some details of conventional elements may not be shown in the interest of clarity and conciseness. The present invention is susceptible to embodiments of different forms. Specific embodiments are described in detail and are shown in the drawings, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to that illustrated and described herein. It is to be fully recognized that the different teachings of the embodiments discussed below may be employed separately or in any suitable combination to produce desired results. Any use of any form of the terms “connect”, “engage”, “couple”, “attach”, or any other term describing an interaction between elements is not meant to limit the interaction to direct interaction between the elements and may also include indirect interaction between the elements described. The various characteristics mentioned above, as well as other features and characteristics described in more detail below, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the embodiments, and by referring to the accompanying drawings.
The well production and multi-purpose intervention access hub 10 comprises a production header module 18 that accepts connection from at least one well 12 through a well jumper 16. The well production and multi-purpose intervention access hub 10 further comprises a flowline header module 20 that connects to the production header module 18. It should be appreciated that the production header module 18 and the flowline header module 20 may be incorporated into a single unit to form the well production and multi-purpose intervention access hub 10. The well production and multi-purpose intervention access hub 10 may be installed on a modular interface platform 22 connected to a monopile support 24. It should be appreciated though that the well production and multi-purpose intervention access hub 10 may be installed on any suitable support and is not limited to installation on a modular interface platform 22 and monopile 24. The well production and multi-purpose intervention access hub 10, modular interface platform 22, and monopile 24 are capable of installation from a MODU, a drilling service vessel (“DSV”), a multiservice vessel (“MSV”). It should be appreciated that the well production and multi-purpose intervention access hub 10 is not limited to one particular method of deployment and may also be deployed using any other suitable means or method. It should also be appreciated that some or all of the well production and multi-purpose intervention access hub 10, the modular interface platform 22, and/or the monopile 24 may be deployed at different stages of installation.
The monopile 24 is installed on the sea floor using any suitable method such as jetting, gravity base, hammered, or suction techniques. The modular interface platform 22 is installed on the monopile 24. The modular interface platform 22 may comprise self-alignment mechanisms 23 for alignment with the monopile 24 during installation. The connection between the monopile 24 and the modular interface platform 22 may also comprise leveling mechanisms 25 for leveling of the modular interface platform 22 independently of the monopile 24. The connection between the modular interface platform 22 and the monopile 24 may be made up or undone using a remote operated vehicle (ROV) or any other suitable means or method.
The well production and multi-purpose intervention access hub 10 may be installed on the modular interface platform 22 using self-guiding means during installation. The well production and multi-purpose intervention access hub 10 is illustrated in
In a first embodiment illustrated in
As shown in
With at least one well 12 connected to the well production and multi-purpose intervention access hub 10, the initial stages of production may be performed, such as clean up, flow back, well testing, or other pre-production operations. The production header module 18 further comprises a utility interface 44, to which the hub bore 28 also extends. A cap may be installed on the utility interface 44 to prevent fluid from escaping the production header module 18. However, to perform well operations, the cap may be removed and a utility module adapter 46 may be connected to the utility interface 44. The utility module adapter 46 allows for the connection of a utility module to the well production and multi-purpose intervention access hub 10. It should be appreciated that there may be different utility module adapters 46 having different configurations depending on which utility module is being connected with the well production and multi-purpose intervention access hub 10. It should be appreciated that there may also be more than one utility module connected to the well production and multi-purpose intervention access hub 10. The utility module may be any suitable utility module. For example, the utility module may be a lower marine rise package (“LMRP”) that extends to the MODU or other vessel. The LMRP comprises a flowbore that communicates with the hub bore 28 through the use of the utility module adapter 46. With the LMRP connected to the well production and multi-purpose intervention access hub 10, the jumper-hub bore valve(s) 38 may be set to direct flow from a well jumper 16 through the hub bore 28, through the utility module adapter 46 and into the LMRP. The fluids initially produced by a well 12 may then be collected and tested to perform well clean up and well testing operations. Once a well 12 has been tested, flow from the well jumper 16 may then be directed into the flowline header module 20 and out through the flowline(s) 40 to the host facility 41. While connected, the controls on the LMRP may also interface with the controls of the well production and multi-purpose intervention access hub 10 through the utility module adapter 46 to control the hub bore valve(s) 30 and/or the jumper-hub bore valve(s) 38 for directing flow from each well 12 through the hub bore 28. The hub bore valve(s) 30 may also be configured and set to isolate and test one well 12 at a time if more than one well 12 is connected to the well production and multi-purpose intervention access hub 10. The well clean up and test fluids may also be directed to a host facility 41 through the flowline(s) 40 instead of through the LMRP. The well production and multi-purpose intervention access hub 10 may also allow the detachment of the production header module from the flowline header module by the closing of one or more bore valve(s) 30.
During the life of a well 12, it may be necessary to perform intervention operations to improve the fluid flow from the well 12. Intervention operations may comprise any number of different operations. For example, intervention operations may comprise flow assurance management, pressure management, production annulus management, pressure testing, chemical sweeping, circulation and reverse circulation, bullheading, well kill, pigging, fluid sampling, inspection, acoustic testing, metering, production flow management, well isolation, and/or hydrate remediation.
To perform the intervention operations, different utility modules may be connected to the well production and multi-purpose intervention access hub 10. For example, as illustrated in
The well production and multi-purpose intervention access hub 10 may alternatively comprise a utility bore 48 with one or more utility bore valve(s) 50 for controlling fluid flow through the utility bore 48. The utility bore 48 may extend from the utility interface 44 and connect with the hub bore 28. The utility bore 48 allows for an additional circulation connection with the utility module adapter 46 for connecting to a utility module. The utility bore 48 may be used to circulate fluids for any suitable utility. For example, chemicals from a chemical injection module may be injected into the utility bore 48 and thus the hub bore 28 at a selected location or locations. The utility bore 48 allows for adaptability for performing multiple utility operations as well as bore configuration within the well production and multi-purpose intervention access hub 10.
The well production and multi-purpose intervention access hub 10 may comprise one or more flowlines 40 connected to the flowline header module 20 for fluid communication with a host facility 41. Additionally, the flowline connectors 42 may allow for the connection of a tool for flowline remediation illustrated generally in
In a second embodiment illustrated in
As shown in
With at least one well 12 connected to the well production and multi-purpose intervention access hub 10, the initial stages of production may be performed, such as clean up, flow back, well testing, or other pre-production operations. The production header module 18 further comprises a utility interface 44, to which the hub bores 28, 29 also extend. A cap may be installed on the utility interface 44 to prevent fluid from escaping the production header module 18. However, to perform well operations, the cap may be removed and a utility module adapter 46 may be connected to the utility interface 44. The utility module adapter 46 allows for the connection of a utility module to the well production and multi-purpose intervention access hub 10. It should be appreciated that there may be different utility module adapters 46 having different configurations depending on which utility module is being connected with the well production and multi-purpose intervention access hub 10. It should be appreciated that there may also be more than one utility module connected to the well production and multi-purpose intervention access hub 10. The utility module may be any suitable utility module. For example, the utility module may be a lower marine rise package (“LMRP”) that extends to the MODU or other vessel. The LMRP comprises a flowbore that communicates with the hub bores 28, 29 through the use of the utility module adapter 46. With the LMRP connected to the well production and multi-purpose intervention access hub 10, the jumper-hub bore valves 38 are set to direct flow from a well jumper 16 through one or both of the hub bores 28, 29 through the utility module adapter 46 and into the LMRP. The fluids initially produced by a well 12 may then be collected and tested to perform well clean up and well testing operations. Once a well 12 has been tested, flow from the well jumper 16 may then be directed into the flowline header module 20 and out through the flowline(s) 40 to the host facility 41. While connected, the controls on the LMRP may also interface with the controls of the well production and multi-purpose intervention access hub 10 through the utility module adapter 46 to control the hub bore valves 30 and/or the jumper-hub bore valves 38 for directing flow from each well 12 through the hub bore 28. The hub bore valves 30 may also be configured and set to isolate and test one well 12 at a time if more than one well 12 is connected to the well production and multi-purpose intervention access hub 10. This can be performed by configuring the hub bore valves 30 and the jumper-hub bore valves 38 to isolate fluid flow from one well 12 to the LMRP through one of the hub bores, either 28 or 29. The other well or wells 12 may continue to produce fluids by configuring the hub bore valves 30 and the jumper-hub bore valves 38 to direct flow into the other of the hub bores, either 28 or 29, into the flowline header module 20, and into the flowline(s) 40. The well clean up and test fluids may also be directed to a host facility 41 through the flowline(s) 40 instead of through the LMRP. The well production and multi-purpose intervention access hub 10 may also allow the detachment of the production header module from the flowline header module by the closing of one or more bore valve(s) 30.
During the life of a well 12, it may be necessary to perform intervention operations to improve the fluid flow from the well 12. Intervention operations may comprise any number of different operations. For example, intervention operations may comprise flow assurance management, pressure management, production annulus management, pressure testing, chemical sweeping, circulation and reverse circulation, bullheading, well kill, pigging, fluid sampling, inspection, acoustic testing, metering, production flow management, well isolation, and/or hydrate remediation.
To perform the intervention operations, different utility modules may be connected to the well production and multi-purpose intervention access hub 10. For example, as illustrated in
Fluid flow to or from a well 12 may be isolated from any other wells using the ability to direct flow to or from a particular well 12 through either hub bore 28 or hub bore 29. Having no re than one hub bore 28, 29 also allows for an additional circulation connection with the utility module adapter 46 for connecting to a utility module. The hub bores 28, 29 and the jumper-hub bores 36 may be used to circulate fluids for any suitable utility. For example, chemicals from a chemical injection module may be injected into one or both of the hub bores 28, 29. Multiple hub bores 28, 29 also allows for adaptability for performing multiple utility operations as well as bore configuration within the well production and multi-purpose intervention access hub 10 depending on the need for isolating fluid flow of a well 12 from other wells 12.
As illustrated, while the well 12a may be producing fluids into the hub bore 28, the well 12b may produce fluids into the well hub 10 through the jumper-hub bore 36 and into the hub bore 29. The fluid the hub bore 29 may then flow into the LMRP adapter 46, through the adapter bore 62 and the tie back tool 60, and into the tieback bore 72 of the LMRP 66. The fluids produced by the well 12b may then be collected and tested to perform well clean up, well testing, or other intervention operations. Once the operations have been performed, flow from the well 12b may then be directed into the flowline header module 20 either through the hub bore 28 or 29 and out through the flowline(s) 40 to the host facility 41.
The well production and multi-purpose intervention access hub 10 may comprise one or more flowlines 40 connected to the flowline header module 20 for fluid communication with a host facility 41. Although not illustrated in
The well jumper(s) 16 may either be single or dual bore well jumpers. Single bore well jumpers allow fluid flow in one direction at a time through the well jumper 16. As illustrated in
The dual bore well jumper 16 allows intervention procedures to be performed by allowing access to the production tubing in the well 12 as well as the production tubing annulus simultaneously. Thus, fluids may be circulated from the well production and multi-purpose intervention access hub 10 and into the production tubing through the first jumper bore 16a. From the production tubing, the fluids may circulate back up the production tubing annulus and back to the well production and multi-purpose intervention access hub 10 though the second jumper bore 16b. Additionally, fluids from the production tubing may flow through the first jumper bore 16a to the well production and multi-purpose intervention access hub 10 at the same time as fluid from the production tubing annulus flows through the jumper bore' 16b to the well production and multi-purpose intervention access hub 10. This allows for simultaneous annulus pressure management while production fluids are still being produced from the well 12. Another example is if a packer sealing the production tubing annulus begins to leak, a gas cap may be injected through the second jumper bore 16b to control the pressure in the production tubing annulus.
The jumper bores 16a, b. provide independent pressure and fluid conduits to each other. Design of the flow path at terminations, joints, pipe unions, and elbows will be configures with a series of ports allowing flow in the jumper bore 16b to be sealed and isolated from the well jumper bore 16a. With dual bore jumper bores 16a, b, all connectors will be dual bore allowing fluids within the jumper bores 16a, 16b to be independently isolated. The dual bore connectors will comprise an outer isolation sleeve to seal jumper bore 16b from the environment. The connectors will further comprise an inner isolation sleeve to form an isolation between the jumper bores 16a, b. The connectors may further comprise cross ports as well as inner and outer seals retained on the inner and outer isolation sleeves to establish pressure integrity for inner bore 16a.
While specific embodiments have been shown and described, modifications can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or teaching of this invention. The embodiments as described are exemplary only and are not limiting. Many variations and modifications are possible and are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited to the embodiments described, but is only limited by the claims that follow, the scope of which shall include all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims.
This application claims the benefit of 35 U.S.C. 119(e) from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/630,009, filed Nov. 22, 2004 and entitled “Well Production Hub”, hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
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