The present invention relates generally to wireline systems and specifically to a wireline derrick, system, and process comprising a transportable and telescopically deployable wireline derrick that permits wireline operations to be economically and safely performed.
Oil and gas wireline services are used in the exploration, evaluation, and production of oil and natural gas wells. Wireline service operations involve using a winch attached to a specialized cable, known as a wireline, to lower various tools and instruments into a wellbore to perform a range of tasks. Wireline services can be used to assess the geological formations encountered during drilling. Wireline tools such as logging instruments are used to measure properties like rock formation composition, porosity, permeability, and fluid content. Other tools are used to collect samples. This data helps geologists and engineers determine the potential for hydrocarbon production and understand the subsurface characteristics of the reservoir. Wireline services are also used to assess the integrity of the well casing and identify any potential leaks or issues that could affect well performance and safety. Wireline operations can also include interventions, such as cleaning out debris or obstructions in the well or installing specialized equipment like downhole pumps or gauges.
Referring to
Conventional wireline systems and operations require the use of both a crane and a wireline truck. The crane, wireline truck, and labor at the wellsite are used to assemble the PCE string and other components making up the wireline system. The machines, vehicles, components, and labor necessary to assemble, operate, and disassemble a conventional wireline system may be spread out over a significant portion of the wellsite for extended periods of time. Thus, conventional wireline systems are time consuming to assemble, operate, and disassemble at the wellsite.
What is needed is a wireline structure and system that can be deployed, used, and disengaged quickly, efficiently, and safely.
The present disclosure provides a wireline derrick and system that can be deployed, used, and disengaged quickly, efficiently, and safely. The following is a general description of the wireline derrick, system, and process of preferred embodiments.
The wireline derrick of preferred embodiments is transported to and from a wellsite on a specially configured transport trailer. After removal of the wireline derrick from the transport trailer, the wireline derrick may be positioned directly above a wellhead. The wireline derrick's pressure control equipment is removably coupled to a wellhead hydraulic latch assembly.
The wireline derrick generally comprises a lower section and an upper section. Attached to the rear of the lower section is a winch assembly comprising a casing containing a drum around which a wireline is spooled. The lower and upper sections are trussed towers comprising a plurality of vertical, horizontal and diagonal reinforcement members.
In preferred embodiments, the lower and upper sections are slidingly and telescopically arranged such that the one section can, at least partially, nest within the other. In some embodiments the upper section nests, at least partially within the cavity of the lower section. In other embodiments the lower section nests, at least partially within the cavity of the upper section. Movement of hydraulic cylinders selectively extends and retracts the upper section with respect to the lower section.
At or near a position where the upper and lower sections overlap are one or more through openings through which hydraulically controlled locking pin arrangements may be selectively extended and retracted to secure the upper and lower sections in a desired position with respect to one another.
An upper end of the upper section comprises a lifting assembly comprising lift plates adapted to receive a lifting sling. The lifting sling is structured to be connected to a hook of a crane. Attached at or near the lifting assembly is a sheave.
The wireline derrick contains a pressure control equipment string comprising a lower PCE assembly and an upper PCE assembly. The upper and lower PCE assemblies can be removably coupled together when the wireline derrick is a fully deployed position.
The upper PCE assembly is movable from a transport position to an axially aligned position. In the transport position, the upper PCE assembly is positioned off-center relative to the upper section. Thus, in such transport position, the upper PCE assembly does not interfere with or otherwise come in contact with the lower PCE assembly. This arrangement permits the upper and lower PCE assemblies to be positioned side by side when the upper section has not been extended from the lower section such as when, for example, the wireline derrick is in the horizontal position, transport position.
When the upper PCE assembly is in the axially aligned position, the upper PCE assembly is axially aligned with the lower PCE assembly. From the axially aligned position, the upper PCE assembly can be lowered and coupled to the lower PCE assembly. In preferred embodiments, after being positioned in the axially aligned position, the upper PCE assembly is lowered by lowering the upper section as described herein. When the upper PCE assembly is coupled to the lower PCE assembly, and the upper and lower sections are secured in position as described herein, the wireline derrick is in the fully deployed position. Movement of the hydraulic cylinders selectively moves the upper PCE assembly from and between the transport position to the axially aligned position.
In preferred embodiments, the wireline derrick is adapted to be enclosed for winter time operations. This arrangement prevents surface equipment and the wellbore from freezing up.
The transport trailer is structured to move the wireline derrick from the transport position to an upright position. Similarly, the transport trailer is also structured to move the wireline derrick from the upright position to the transport position.
In some embodiments, the transport trailer comprises selectively deployable and retractable stabilizers such as outriggers and/or jack stabilizers. The stabilizers may be part of a commercially available auto-leveling system. In addition to the stabilizers the auto-leveling system comprises sensors, software, programming, and other elements adapted to deploy and retract the stabilizers and maintain the transport trailer in a desired, preferably, level, position.
In preferred embodiments, the transport trailer comprises two forward entry points. In such embodiments, the forward entry points comprise steps.
Support assemblies are pivotally and removably coupled with the lower section via respective support receivers which are each adapted to receive respective lower section insertion members. Each pair of upwardly projecting parallel plates and respective lower section insertion members comprise a through opening through which a pin can be inserted in a manner well known in the art. This coupling arrangement between the parallel plates and the respective lower section insertion members permits the wireline derrick to pivot, using the pin as a fulcrum/pivot point, so that the wireline derrick can be moved from the transport position to the upright position.
The wireline derrick is moved from the transport position to the upright position using respective transport trailer hydraulic cylinders. The transport trailer hydraulic cylinders are operatively connected to a hydraulic powerpack unit (HPU) in an operation control unit.
In preferred embodiments, prior to rotating the wireline derrick a properly sized crane is connected to the wireline derrick to follow the wireline derrick as it is moved between various positions. This arrangement creates added safety to the operation. In preferred embodiments, the upper section is extended from the lower section while attached to the transport trailer. Once in the upright position, the lower and upper sections are arranged and secured such that the upper PCE assembly is shifted into axial alignment with the lower PCE assembly and the two PCE assemblies are coupled together. After the two PCE assemblies are secured and the pins are removed from the respective through openings in the support receivers and lower section insertion members, the crane can remove the wireline derrick from the transport trailer. After removing the wireline derrick from the transport trailer, the crane can then move the wireline derrick to a desired position, such as at the wellhead or near the operation control unit.
The system of preferred embodiments is structured and arranged such that substantially all the wireline components are operated and controlled in the operation control unit. The operation control unit comprises a climate controlled forward mechanical section and rearward section. The forward mechanical section comprises the HPU, electric controls, and a plurality of hydraulic operated reels. The HPU is a hydraulic power unit used to control all hydraulic functions for two wireline derricks. Similarly, the electric controls are used to control all electrical functions for two wireline derricks. A first hydraulic operated reel is structured to be used to control the transport trailer functions discussed herein, including, but not limited to moving the wireline derrick from and between the extended and retracted positions, extending and retracting the upper section from/into the lower section. A second hydraulic operated reel is structured to be used to control PCE string functions. A third hydraulic operated reel is used to control an umbilical cord to each structure that permits an operator to communicate with the wireline during wireline operations.
The rearward section of the preferred embodiment comprises dual winch control work stations. This arrangements permits two operators to simultaneously control winch operations of two wireline derricks. The operation control unit is further structured and adapted to permit operators to monitor and control various operation parameters. For example, the operation control unit is communicatively and operationally linked to inspection equipment for monitoring wireline OD during operations; view the wireline derrick using cameras and LED lighting connected to or adjacent to the wireline derrick.
Many automated functions can be monitored and controlled from the operation control unit. For example, operators can monitor and/or control: a BOP open/close process; a tool trap open/close process; auto-adjustment of the wireline as the wireline derrick extends or retracts; a quick test for the upper HLA after coupling; a pressure/time recording for the HLA quick test; etc.
Communication to and from the wireline derrick can be initiated, monitored, and controlled from the operation control unit. Each wireline derrick receives directions and communication from the operation control unit. Electric power for and to the wireline drum is controlled and directed from the operation control unit. The operation control unit is structured and set up to control and host communications between the various systems and subsystems used in wireline operations, including, but not limited to those related to depth & tension monitoring; communication with the BHA; hydraulic power for pressure control; operation of the BOP's, tool trap, HLA's, pack-off pressure, cameras and sensors; measuring head and BHA weight with indicator attached to drum; slip ring communication off drum; and wireline oiling system.
The operation control unit of preferred embodiments is a mobile structure adapted to be transported to the wellsite by a suitable towing vehicle. The operation control unit need not be mobile. In other embodiments, the operation control unit is a permanent structure. arrangement having axle and wheel assemblies and other conventional parts that permit the operation control unit to be easily transported to and from the wellsite.
Also provided and disclosed herein is a wireline system. The wireline system of preferred embodiments comprises the wireline derrick, the transport trailer, and the operation control unit.
Also provided and disclosed herein is a process for deploying a wireline derrick. The process of preferred embodiments comprises the steps of:
In other embodiments of the process for assembling a wireline derrick, the wireline derrick is moved by a crane from a position proximate to the transport trailer to a position away from the transport trailer such as at the wellhead or a position proximate to an operation control unit.
Also provided and disclosed herein is a process for removing from deployment (hereafter “disengaging”) a wireline derrick. The process of preferred embodiments comprises the steps of:
In other embodiments of the process for disengaging a wireline derrick, the wireline derrick is moved by a crane from a position away from the transport trailer to a position proximate to the transport trailer.
Referring to the figures, there is shown the wireline derrick 12 and system 10 in accordance with preferred embodiments. As used herein, the terms “a” or “an” shall mean one or more than one. The term “plurality” shall mean two or more than two. The term “another” is defined as a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having” are open ended (e.g., comprising). The term “or” as used herein is to be interpreted as inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. Therefore, “A, B or C” means “any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C”. An exception to this definition will occur only when a combination of elements, functions, steps or acts are in some way inherently mutually exclusive.
Reference throughout this document to “one embodiment,” “certain embodiments,” “an embodiment,” or similar term means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearances of such phrases in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner on one or more embodiments without limitation. The detailed description illustrates by way of example, not by way of limitation, the principles of the invention. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention.
The following is a general description of the wireline derrick 12, system 10, and process of preferred embodiments. Referring to
The wireline derrick 12 of preferred embodiments generally comprises a lower section 14 and an upper section 16. Attached to the rear of the lower section 14 is a winch 33 assembly comprising a casing 35 containing a drum 37 around which a wireline 40 is spooled. The lower and upper sections 14, 16 are trussed towers 18, 20 comprising a plurality of vertical, horizontal and diagonal reinforcement members 22, 24, 26. In preferred embodiments, the lower and upper sections 14, 16 are three sided such that the plurality of vertical, horizontal and diagonal reinforcement members 22, 24, 26 form respective sides 28 and rear 30 of the lower and upper sections 14, 16. The respective sides 28 and rear 30 of the lower and upper sections 14, 16 define respective cavities 32L and 32U. Referring to
In preferred embodiments, the lower and upper sections 14, 16 are slidingly and telescopically arranged such that the one section 14, 16 can, at least partially, nest within the other 14, 16. In some embodiments, the telescopic arrangement of the lower and upper sections 14, 16 and movement is conventional and commercially available. Persons skilled in the art will understand such structure. In some embodiments the upper section 16 nests, at least partially within the cavity 32L of the lower section 14. In other embodiments the lower section 14 nests, at least partially within the cavity 32U of the upper section 16. In preferred embodiments, the wireline derrick 12 comprises one or more conventional and commercially available hydraulic cylinders 96. The hydraulic cylinders 96 are operatively connected to a hydraulic fluid and pump adapted to selectively move the hydraulic cylinders 96 from and between an extended position to a retracted position. Movement of the hydraulic cylinders 96 selectively extends and retracts the upper section 16 with respect to the lower section 14.
At or near a position where the upper and lower sections 14, 16 overlap are one or more through openings 97 through which hydraulically controlled locking pin arrangements 99 known in the art may be selectively extended and retracted to secure the upper and lower sections 14, 16 in a desired position with respect to one another. The hydraulically controlled locking pin arrangements 99 of preferred embodiments are operatively connected to a conventional hydraulic fluid supply and pump.
Referring to
In preferred embodiments, the wireline derrick 12 contains a pressure control equipment string 34 (PCE string 34). The PCE string 34 comprises a lower PCE assembly 36 and an upper PCE assembly 38. The lower PCE assembly 36 is positioned within the lower cavity 32L and attached to the lower section 14. The upper PCE assembly 38 is positioned within the upper cavity 32U and attached to the upper section 16. As will be discussed in more detail below, the lower and upper PCE assemblies 36, 38 are structured and arranged so as to be removably coupled together when the wireline derrick 12 is a fully deployed position.
Although the components of the lower and upper PCE assemblies 36, 38 can vary, referring to
As best shown in
As best shown in
When the upper PCE assembly 38 is in the axially aligned position, the upper PCE assembly 38 is axially aligned with the lower PCE assembly 36, as shown, for example in
The rail assemblies 86 of preferred embodiments comprise a rail 88, a roller 90, an upper PCE extension arm 92, and an upper PCE pipe clamp 94. The rail 88 of preferred embodiments comprises a linear channel 98 within which the roller 90 can travel. The roller 90 is coupled to a first end of the upper PCE extension arm 92 in a conventional manner so as to permit lateral movement of the upper PCE extension arm 92. A second end of the upper PCE extension arm 92 is coupled to the upper PCE pipe clamp 94, which, in turn, is coupled to a portion of the upper PCE assembly 38. With this arrangement, the upper PCE assembly 38 can be moved from and between the transport position and the axially aligned position.
In preferred embodiments, the upper PCE assembly 38 comprises one or more conventional and commercially available hydraulic cylinders 96. The hydraulic cylinders 96 are operatively connected to a conventional hydraulic fluid supply and pump 218 adapted to permit selective movement of the hydraulic cylinders 96 from and between an extended position to a retracted position. Movement of the hydraulic cylinders 96 selectively moves the upper PCE assembly 38 from and between the transport position to the axially aligned position.
In preferred embodiments, the wireline derrick 12 comprises an electric wireline drum 37 mounted to the lower section 14. In preferred embodiments, the wireline derrick 12 comprises wireline cable 40 of <50,000 feet. In preferred embodiments, the wireline derrick 12 comprises a measuring head for depth and tension control with such information communicated to an operation control unit 214 which will be discussed in more detail below. In preferred embodiments, the wireline derrick 12 comprises a spooling control 101 that allows the wireline 40 to be spooled onto the drum 37 properly. In preferred embodiments, the wireline derrick 12 comprises wireline inspection equipment that allows OD inspection of the wireline 40 in real-time during operations. In preferred embodiments, the wireline derrick 12 comprises an automated oiling system that oils the wireline. In preferred embodiments, the wireline derrick 12 comprises a methanol system for the wireline.
In preferred embodiments, the wireline derrick 12 comprises automated processes related to: a BOP open/close process; a tool trap open/close process; auto-adjustment of the wireline 40 as the wireline derrick 12 extends or retracts; a quick test for the upper HLA 64, 66 after coupling; a pressure/time recording for the HLA 64, 66 quick test; etc.
In preferred embodiments, the wireline derrick 12 is adapted to be enclosed for winter time operations. This arrangement prevents surface equipment and the wellbore 132 from freezing up.
Referring to
The transport trailer 100 is a gooseneck style trailer 100 having a deck 124, axle and wheel assemblies 125 and other conventional parts, components, and systems that permit the transport trailer 100 to be easily transported to and from the wellsite 146 by a suitable towing vehicle 104. In some embodiments, the transport trailer 100 comprises selectively deployable and retractable stabilizers 106, 108 such as outriggers 106 and/or jack stabilizers 108. As best shown in
Referring to
The stabilizers 106, 108 may part of a commercially available auto-leveling system 164. In addition to the stabilizers 106, 108, the auto-leveling system 164 comprises sensors, software, programming, and other elements adapted to deploy and retract the stabilizers 106, 108 and maintain the transport trailer 100 in a desired, preferably, level, position. In preferred embodiments, the stabilizers 106, 108 are hydraulically activated and powered. However, the stabilizers 106, 108 may be activated by other means, such as, for example, electric or pneumatic systems, and the like, or manually. Other stabilizing components and assemblies well known in the art may also be used to stabilize the transport trailer 100.
In preferred embodiments, the transport trailer 100 comprises two forward entry points, 119, 119. In such embodiments, the forward entry points, 119, 119 comprise steps, as shown in
Referring to
As best seen in
As best shown in
In preferred embodiments, prior to rotating the wireline derrick 12 a properly sized crane 49 is connected to the wireline derrick 12 to follow the wireline derrick 12 as it is moved between various positions. This arrangement creates added safety to the operation. In preferred embodiments, the upper section 16 is extended from the lower section while attached to the transport trailer 100. Once in the upright position, the lower and upper sections 14, 16 are arranged and secured in the manner described herein such that the upper PCE assembly 38 is shifted into axial alignment with the lower PCE assembly 36 and the two PCE assemblies 36, 38 are coupled together. After the two PCE assemblies 36, 38 are secured and the pins 131 are removed from the respective through openings 133 in the support receivers 128, 128 and lower section insertion members 136, 136, the crane 49 can remove the wireline derrick 12 from the transport trailer 100. After removing the wireline derrick 12 from the transport trailer 100, the crane 49 can then move the wireline derrick 12 to a desired position, such as at the wellhead 130 or near the operation control unit 214.
The system 10 of preferred embodiments is structured and arranged such that substantially all the wireline components described herein are operated and controlled in the operation control unit 214. Referring to
The rearward section 228 of the preferred embodiment comprises dual winch control work stations 230, 230. This arrangements permits two operators to simultaneously control winch operations of two wireline derricks 12. The operation control unit 214 is further structured and adapted to permit operators to monitor and control various operation parameters. For example, the operation control unit 214 is communicatively and operationally linked to inspection equipment for monitoring wireline 40 OD during operations; view the wireline derrick 12 using cameras and LED lighting connected to or adjacent to the wireline derrick 12.
Many automated functions can be monitored and controlled from the operation control unit 214. For example, operators can monitor and/or control: a BOP open/close process; a tool trap open/close process; auto-adjustment of the wireline 40 as the wireline derrick 12 extends or retracts; a quick test for the upper HLA 64, 66 after coupling; a pressure/time recording for the HLA 64, 66 quick test; etc.
Communication to and from the wireline derrick 12 can be initiated, monitored, and controlled from the operation control unit 214. Each wireline derrick 12 receives directions and communication from the operation control unit 214. Electric power for and to the wireline drum 37 is controlled and directed from the operation control unit 214. The operation control unit 214 is structured and set up to control and host communications between the various systems and subsystems used in wireline operations, including, but not limited to those related to depth & tension monitoring; communication with the BHA; hydraulic power for pressure control; operation of the BOP's, tool trap, HLA's, pack-off pressure, cameras and sensors; measuring head and BHA weight with indicator attached to drum; slip ring communication off drum; and wireline oiling system.
Referring to
Referring to
The features of the wireline derrick 12, the transport trailer 100, and the operation control unit 214 of the wireline system 10 are set forth above and incorporated herein by reference. Thus, such features of the various systems, sub-systems, assemblies, and individual components of the wireline derrick 12, the transport trailer 100, and the operation control unit 214 will not be repeated here.
Also provided and disclosed herein is a process for deploying a wireline derrick 12. The process of preferred embodiments comprises the steps of:
In other embodiments of the process for assembling a wireline derrick 12, the wireline derrick 12 is moved by a crane 49 from a position proximate to the transport trailer 100 to a position away from the transport trailer 100.
In other embodiments of the process for deploying a wireline derrick 12, the position away from the transport trailer 100 is a wellhead 130.
In other embodiments of the process for assembling a wireline derrick 12, the position away from the transport trailer 100 is a position proximate to an operation control unit 214. Also provided and disclosed herein is a process for removing from deployment (hereafter “disengaging”) a wireline derrick 12. The process of preferred embodiments comprises the steps of:
In other embodiments of the process for disengaging a wireline derrick 12, the wireline derrick 12 is moved by a crane 49 from a position away from the transport trailer 100 to a position proximate to the transport trailer 100.
In other embodiments of the processes for deploying a wireline derrick 12 and disengaging a wireline derrick 12, the features of the wireline derrick 12, and/or the transport trailer 100 are set forth above and incorporated herein by reference. Thus, such features of the various systems, sub-systems, assemblies, and individual components of the wireline derrick 12 and the transport trailer 100 provided in the processes for deploying a wireline derrick 12 and disengaging a wireline derrick 12 will not be repeated here.
The wireline derrick 12, system 10, and process of the present disclosure can be deployed, used, and disengaged quickly, efficiently, and safely. The wireline derrick 12, system 10, and process eliminates space required at the wellsite 146 conventionally required. As discussed and described herein, the wireline derrick 12, system 10, and process eliminates:
The detailed description provided herein illustrates by way of example, not by way of limitation, the principles of the invention. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention. Any dimensional ranges provided herein are provided as best embodiments and not limitations. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited by such dimensions. Other dimensions, shapes, configurations, etc. may be used that fall within the scope and spirit of this disclosure and accompanying claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/544,267 filed Oct. 16, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63544267 | Oct 2023 | US |