The Basics of Offshore Wireline and Surface Test Tree Systems

A subsea wireline and surface test tree system is a unique tool for performing wireline, CT, and HWO operations in a good bore. These systems offer significant cost savings and are explicitly designed for dep1oyment from more readi1y mobilized offshore support vessels such as a DSV.

A world first was accomplished on Amoco’s Arkwright Field in the North Sea last year when a horizontal subsea tree was used for re-entry to a subsea well via a mobile offshore drilling unit (MODU). It saved the company $600,000. This simple test illustrates the advantages of using these systems in deep water.

Enhancing Offshore Safety with Quality Hydraulics

In offshore oil and gas operations, ensuring the reliability and safety of all equipment is paramount, particularly the hydraulic systems that power crucial operations. Hydraulic hoses, fittings, valves, and seals are vital in maintaining the efficiency and integrity of equipment like spools, flowheads, and tubing hangers. Working with an experienced wireline service company like Renegade Services ensures smooth and safe operations in challenging offshore environments.

These components must withstand harsh offshore conditions, including high pressure, corrosive seawater, and extreme temperatures. Failure of any hydraulic component can lead to significant operational downtime, environmental risks, and safety hazards.

Selecting high-quality hydraulic parts from reputable providers, such as high-quality hoses from hoseshop.com, is essential. This supplier offers a comprehensive range of durable hydraulic hoses designed to meet the oil and gas industry’s demanding requirements. Partnering with experienced suppliers ensures access to products that adhere to strict industry standards, enhancing system resilience.

Investing in superior hydraulic components from reliable sources is a strategic move that bolsters the success and safety of offshore operations, highlighting a commitment to maintaining operational integrity and protecting the environment.

Spool

The spool is the essential equipment in an offshore wireline and surface test tree. It is designed to withstand harsh conditions that come with operating in an offshore environment and serves several functions, including regulating water flow into and out of the well.

The spool has a test port, a hydraulic fluid injection port, and an integral needle valve. It also has external seals that straddle the injection port location.

In addition, it has a mandrel inside the spool flange that engages the tubing hanger’s original backpressure valve threads. This provides a primary seal that protects the tree and prevents hydrocarbon leakage from flowing into the well.

The spool is often deployed during drilling and completion procedures, such as when a rig or vessel is attached to the wellhead. In this case, the spool will be positioned on top of the well, and it may include valves, such as master gate valves and pressure gauges.

Flowhead

A flow head or surface test tree is a central part of a healthy testing system. It defines openings and associated flow passageways for fluids to be pumped in and out of the flow head body for various testing applications.

The present invention includes a flow head that enables hydraulically actuated fail-safe closure of the outlet wing valve. This safety feature prevents the flow of production fluid to the surface.

This is accomplished by an integral swivel mounted within the flow head body. This swivel integrally mounted eliminates threaded connections and seals that may be required with a separate swivel that would rotate with the outer swivel portion of the flow head.

In addition, the swivel allows for a single line to connect the flow head body to the lubricator. The bar is removably attached to the flow head body at one or more angled connection surfaces, which can be at various angles concerning a centerline through bore 12. This permits changing out of different lines for different diameter flow members.

Tubing Hanger

The tubing hanger is used to complete oil and gas production wells. It is set in the tree or wellhead and suspends the production tubing and casing. It also provides ports to communicate hydraulic, electric, and other downhole functions.

During the completion of a well, the hanger is secured to the tree or wellhead by a running tool mechanically or hydraulically connected to its ID. The running tool may be a drill pipe or a completion tubing string with integrated downhole control lines.

As the running tool is lowered into position, a torque piston positioned on the running tool body and operated by hydraulic fluid pressure actuates an actuator ring and preloading means. This enables the actuator ring to cam lock the tubing hanger into sealing chamber 130 as the hydraulic fluid pressure increases.

In this manner, the seals of the tubing hanger member ten and the cable seal-off nipple 42 are isolated during installation. A tubing test port 160 is provided for pressure testing the O-ring seals 28 on the outer diameter of the tubing hanger member and the O-ring seals 40 on the outer diameter of the cable seal-off nipple.

Final Words

The importance of reliable and efficient subsea wireline and surface test tree systems in offshore oil and gas operations cannot be overstated. By leveraging these systems, operators can achieve significant cost savings and enhance operational safety. However, the success of these systems hinges on the quality and reliability of their components, particularly hydraulic systems and critical equipment like spools, flowheads, and tubing hangers. By partnering with experienced wireline service companies and suppliers, operators can ensure access to high-quality products and expertise, bolstering the success and safety of their offshore operations. As the industry continues to evolve, investing in superior hydraulic components and innovative technologies will remain crucial for maintaining operational integrity, protecting the environment, and driving progress in the offshore oil and gas sector.