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The Christmas tree is the cross-over between the wellhead casing and the flowline. The wellhead is
the cross-over between the Christmas tree and the various casings.
Tubing hangers
During wellhead maintenance and other operations a back pressure valve is normally installed in the
tubing hanger. To accommodate this, a profile should be machined into the tubing hanger to receive
the valve and/or running tool. This should preferably be a wireline profile, which allows setting and
retrieving the back pressure valve to be performed under lubricator control.
It is recommended not to use threaded profiles. They may become corroded or eroded by well fluids
and wireline passing across.
The tubing hanger must withstand the forces exerted during well completion, such as setting the well
conduit in tension or compression, and subsequent forces during well production, well stimulation etc.
Control lines
The tubing hanger also houses the termination or passage of the control line for the SCSSV and any
other devices fitted downhole. The line should be a continuous path from the valve nipple to the
surface. The wellhead body should not incorporate a fluid path for any control line (SCSSV or other
downhole devices).
Wellhead ports
The wellhead design will incorporate a minimum number of outlets, including testing ports, tie down
screws etc. Each annulus should have two outlets oriented at 180 to each other. The orientation of
each annulus outlet should be the same, with the "A" annulus (production tubing to casing annulus)
uppermost. The "B" should be the next lowest with subsequent casing outlets in line below each other.
During the producing phase of the well life cycle the annuli ports provide access to each casing for:
pressure monitoring; pressure bleed off; fluid levels and samples; passage of fluids for artificial lift gas
lift/hydraulic lift) usually only A annulus; passage of fluids for well killing/circulation; injection of
corrosion inhibitors; access for pressuring the annulus to operate downhole tools such as SCSSVs.
"A" annulus should have two flanged gate valves, with the same pressure rating as the tree on
each outlet (in some instances, a single gate valve and a comparison flange is installed). The outlet
used for sampling or gas lift should have a profile to insert a back pressure valve. The other side may
be terminated with a flange, needle valve, and pressure gauge.
"B" annulus: One outlet should have a single gate valve with a sampling/bleed down
arrangement. The other side may be terminated with a flange, needle valve and pressure gauge.
"C" annulus: One outlet should have a single gate valve with a sampling/bleed down
arrangement. The other side may be terminated with a flange, needle valve and pressure gauge.
When there are more than three annuli on the wellhead these should be treated in the same way as
the "C" annulus.
In general the "A" annulus ports are specified 2" nominal for well killing and gas injection purposes.
The minimum diameter ports for the "B" and "C" annulus should be 1" nominal to avoid plugging. The
specification of port sizes should take into consideration the life cycle requirements such as artificial lift
requirements but also corrosion monitoring and remedial work requirements.
Composite trees
This type of tree should only be used for low pressure and low risk applications. Selection should
ensure that the valves used have been designed for this type of application, and that gaskets do not
project into the core of the tree and thereby obstruct the flow and wireline tool strings. All other
features should apply equally to both types of tree.
Tree configurations
Dual trees
Dual completions are widely used, although problems in optimised gas lifting of both strings tend to
favour single completions where gas lifting will be employed.
Splitter system
This allows two wells to be drilled, cased and completed from a single wellbore. Each well is
independent, permitting concurrent operations
Operating requirements
statutory requirements on the maintenance of the tree and other related pressure equipment;
Space requirements
The limits of the available space for the wellhead equipment should be defined at the initial stages of a
project, not before detailed design commences.
Repressurisation
An important consideration in designing surface equipment is repressurisation after a shutdown, a
SCSSV leak-off test, and tree maintenance. For example, in the case of the well being shut in and
depressurised with full pressure below the closed SCSSV, there has to be some means of equalising
the pressure across the sub-surface valve before it can be opened.
There are several scenarios possible for the repressurisation of a Christmas tree:
1.
2.
Repressurisation of the string above the SCSSV from another well via the Production Manifold
(or the Kill Manifold, bearing in mind the directions on kill systems and the kill philosophy, as discussed
in Section 3.1.3).
3.
Pumping into the string above the SCSSV a fluid which is compatible with the produced
hydrocarbons (e.g. diesel) and pressurising this fluid until the flapper opens.
4.
5.
Using a combination of the methods described under b. and d.; if the other well cannot supply
sufficient pressure this deficiency can be made up by an additional supply of inert gas.
For low pressure, normal temperature (non-gas) applications, any quick connecting rigid
piped system or flexible hoses are acceptable.
For high pressure, high/low temperature gas and H2S applications any suitable metal-tometal seal system may be used.
In all cases where jointed or flexible hoses are used there should be a documented and
auditable means of determining whether the system is certified for use, i.e. pressure test certificates or
insuring authority approval for use.
In all cases where either jointed rigid line or flexible hoses are used suitable anchoring
devices should be used to restrain the line in the event of a failure. This is a mandatory safety
requirement.
Chemical injection
Injection lines should be designed in compliance with the general safety principles where required.
Chemicals should be injected into the main body of the tree where the fluid flow is most turbulent and
injection points should be large enough to withstand shear forces. The diameter of the injection line
should be as large as possible and the connection to the tree flanged. For example 21/16" (50 mm)
diameter is adequate to withstand most shear loads and vibration. Ring joint flanges can be used but
cognisance should be taken of the comments on BX joints.
Sampling
No sampling points should be provided on the body of the tree. When a sample has to be taken close
to the Christmas tree the sample point should be downstream of the choke, at the lowest pressure and
at a point of high turbulence, to ensure that a representative sample is obtained.
Measurement
The preferred approach for obtaining wellhead pressures is to install an instrument flange, with ports
for the sensors, between the Flowline Wing Valve (FWV) and the choke. The flange can also be used
for chemical injection. The flow measurement is normally taken on a straight section of the flowline.
Safety criteria
Christmas trees and ancillaries must be designed to meet the minimum safety criteria and the
installation should be suitable for its intended purpose. The design should comply with internationally
recognised standards such as API 6A, ISO 9000, ISO 10423.
Well control intervention operations need to be a consideration during the well and facility design.
The safety logic of the process or platform installation should be taken into account during the design.
For example, does the plant have emergency shut-down (ESD) and operational shut-down (OSD)
systems? If so, what is the operating philosophy during these types of shut-downs? What effect will
this have on the design of the tree?
All trees should have a (lower) master gate valve (LMG). This is the ultimate safety barrier and is one
of the most important safety devices on the tree. In all wells the principle of operating a valve "one
away" from the LMG must be incorporated in the design. The LMG should only be closed in an
emergency situation.
When positioning casing outlets, valves, instruments, etc. consideration should be given to the space
restrictions for normal operation and maintenance of the equipment. See ASTMS F-1166-88
(Recommended Installation of Valves) or similar.
Valve sequencing
Closure of the actuated valves on a Christmas tree is normally automatically sequenced through a
dedicated well shutdown system. Before the design of a well is undertaken, the sequencing of the
SCSSV, SSV and choke must be defined as it will have an influence on the control systems of the tree.
Typical examples of the sequential valve operations in an integrated production system are:
2.
3.
4.
SCSSV closes.
2.
Planned Shutdown
1.
2.
3.
4.
Lubricator connection
Lubricators are tubulars temporary fitted into the Xmas tree to enable well intervention activities on a
well under pressure.
a. Single completions
With a flanged tree-to-cap connection (composite trees) and studded connection (solid block trees),
due regard should be taken to seal selection. For similar reasons to the Christmas tree bottom
connection, this uppermost connection or joint should be strong enough to withstand all the forces that
will be imposed on it.
b. Dual completions
With this configuration the tree connection (each flange for each string) can be 'D' shaped. These are
acceptable for low pressure, sweet applications. Their disadvantage is the uneven loading on the bolts
of the 'D' shaped flanges. This type of connection should not be used in sour service.
An acceptable alternative for sour service is the figure of eight or oval shaped one piece connection
that covers both top outlets. The bolts are more evenly tensioned and the flange less susceptible to
differential movement.
c. Seals
The seal most predominantly used for lubricators is an 'O' seal, with the load being taken by an ACME
thread. Provided the 'O' seal is regularly replaced, and pressure tested prior to well entry, this type of
joint is wholly adequate.
In very high pressure applications, metal-to-metal seals have been used and are becoming more
widespread. However, a change from 'O' seals to metal-to-metal seals will mean a change of
lubricators and this should be carefully considered against the advantages of this state-of-the-art seal.
Types of seals
Tt is recommended to use metal-to-metal seals; metal encapsulated polymer seals should only be
used for pressures below 28,000 kPa (4000 psi). Pure elastomeric and/or plastomeric seals should be
confined to wellhead/Xmas tree running tools and testing tools.
Xmas tree parameters
BOP/Christmas tree connections
The main consideration is the selection of a matched strength connection, e.g. the properties of the
connector should meet the capability of the casing assembly to which the connection is to be made.
Most of the subsea connectors and modern multi-segmented clamps are good examples of this design
philosophy.
Surface wellheads
BOP/Christmas tree connections can be either clamped with two-piece clamps and hubs or flanged
with raised face flanges. Both of these design features have their advantages and disadvantages,
however a major objective is to have a low profile wellhead.
Raised face flanges were used in older connections and over the years these have evolved into R type
connections with ring gasket and grooves. The grooves are shallow for R seals and deep for RX seals.
The seal flank of the RX seal is identical to that of the R seal but the load flank is sometimes omitted.
Some valve bonnet seals employ a similar design feature. See API Specification 16A. The major
suppliers have manufactured various types of connectors for surface wellheads.
They are heavy and very difficult to energise. In particular for medium to high pressures (more
than 34,474 kPa/5,000 psi) and medium to large sizes (more than 346 mm/135/8").
Faulty castings and forgings can and have contributed to low and unacceptable performance.
The lack of proper alignment. This is a problem with AX style gaskets. For example while
machining new heads two features are often faulty; the API ring groove and the API bolt holes, despite
the generous tolerances. When bolt holes require repairing, threaded bushings are recommended over
welding.
Aligning bolts is difficult. Firefighters prefer flanges instead of clamps because they can align
flanges easier by using bolts of different lengths. For the same reason conventional spools are also
better than unitized wellheads, if not splittable. Similarly studded connections are preferred over
flanges. This apparent conflict highlights the vulnerability of sealing within the plastic limits of the steel.
Therefore in these applications it is recommended to use of elastic seals, such as AX, Grayloc, and
similar.
Subsea wellheads
In subsea applications multi-segment clamps and riser connections are used. BX style seals are
excluded because either they are not vented or, if they are, venting of the ring gaskets is not reliable
as the vent becomes plugged. Both situations create hydraulic lock on the groove.
The major suppliers have manufactured various types of connectors for wet applications. Among these
are:
The Vetco H4. The H4 Multiple Load Shoulder features a slimmer profile which can withstand
bending moments better due to a deeper swallow and is also easier to stab-in.
Cameron's modified Collet connectors. Cameron uses the standard Hub with Single Load
shoulder for its collet connector thereby providing a larger OD.
Male/female profiles are inconvenient as they prevent bi-directional installation. API double box profiles
are a good alternative provided that the ring gasket belt acts as the matching double pin. The
modified/recessed Grayloc has been used in such profiles.
In the design of marine hubs, male/female profiles must be incorporated, to allow the easy alignment
of the mating members, thereby freeing the gasket from such a duty.
Selection criteria
The ideal connection should maintain the maximum equivalent pressure rating of the assembly, require
little stud tensioning (to avoid over-torque), resist external loads (bending, shear, vibration,
temperature expansion), allow easier seat rework and have reusable seals
Face to face contact is vital for fatigue resistance, bending, shear and axial alignment. Ideally the bolt
circle should be inside the contact area to have all fasteners working together. This also helps while
the BOP is in the following state:
Seal testing
External testing of the upper seals checks these seals the wrong way around, as the test pressure in
this case comes from below, while the actual well bore pressure comes from above. The reverse
situation applies to the lower seal.
Also the auxiliary seals, which are used to facilitate the pressure testing of the assembly, should have
the same integrity as the main metal-to-metal seals. This means that metal-to-metal seals should not
have elastomers to test against.
Some pressure energised purpose-designed seals, such as elastomeric or metallic cup testers, suffer
as they are undirectional. Although they are good at sealing pressures from the wellbore they do not
seal from the well test port side. Therefore they are sometimes not considered for selection for the
wrong reasons.
For spool type wellheads the situation is even more complex. There are: