U.S. patent application number 14/732542 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-10 for downhole equipment suspension and lateral power system.
This patent application is currently assigned to OneSubsea IP UK Limited. The applicant listed for this patent is OneSubsea IP UK Limited. Invention is credited to Hans Paul Hopper, David R. June, Jack H. Vincent.
Application Number | 20150354308 14/732542 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53398071 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150354308 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
June; David R. ; et
al. |
December 10, 2015 |
Downhole Equipment Suspension and Lateral Power System
Abstract
A downhole equipment suspension and lateral power system for a
subsea well including a suspension apparatus which is supportable
above the tubing hanger and within the internal bore of the subsea
production system. A power penetrator is laterally coupleable to
the suspension apparatus. A cable is extendable from the suspension
apparatus to suspend and power downhole equipment, such as an
electric submersible pump. A communication line is extendable from
the suspension apparatus to provide power to the downhole
equipment.
Inventors: |
June; David R.; (Houston,
TX) ; Hopper; Hans Paul; (Aberdeen, GB) ;
Vincent; Jack H.; (Houston, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
OneSubsea IP UK Limited |
London |
|
GB |
|
|
Assignee: |
OneSubsea IP UK Limited
London
GB
|
Family ID: |
53398071 |
Appl. No.: |
14/732542 |
Filed: |
June 5, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62010381 |
Jun 10, 2014 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
166/65.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 43/128 20130101;
E21B 33/0407 20130101; E21B 33/043 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E21B 33/04 20060101
E21B033/04; E21B 33/043 20060101 E21B033/043 |
Claims
1. A subsea production system for a subsea well including: a tubing
hanger configured to suspend production tubing extending into the
subsea well; downhole equipment locatable inside the production
tubing in the subsea well; a suspension apparatus supportable above
the tubing hanger; a power penetrator laterally coupleable to the
suspension apparatus; a cable extendable from the suspension
apparatus and configured to suspend the downhole equipment; and a
communication line extendable from the suspension apparatus and
configured to provide power to the downhole equipment.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising an adaptor spool
including an internal, vertical bore.
3. The system of claim 2, further including a subsea production
member and wherein the adaptor spool is connectable directly or
indirectly to the subsea production member.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the subsea production member is a
subsea production tree.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the subsea production tree is one
of a vertical tree or a horizontal tree.
6. The system of claim 3, wherein the subsea production member is
at least one of a spool and a head.
7. The system of claim 3, wherein the subsea production member is a
high pressure wellhead housing.
8. The system of claim 1, further including: a power source
external to the subsea production member; and wherein the power
source is configured to communicate power through the power
penetrator.
9. The system of claim 2, wherein the power penetrator is laterally
coupleable to the suspension apparatus from outside the adaptor
spool.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the communication line includes
at least one of an electrical conductor, a hydraulic conduit, and a
fiber optic cable.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the communication line is
locatable within the cable.
12. The system of claim 1, further including multiple power
penetrators.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the downhole equipment includes
a pump operable by at least one of electrical power and hydraulic
power.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the downhole equipment includes
a lubricant circulating system and a lubricant recycle system.
15. The system of claim 2, further including an environmental
barrier in the adaptor spool internal bore above the suspension
apparatus.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the environmental barrier
includes at least one of a valve and a plug.
17. A downhole equipment suspension and power system for a subsea
production system including a subsea production member, a tubing
hanger, and a production tubing extending into a subsea well, the
suspension and power system including: an adaptor spool including
an internal bore and connectable with the subsea production system;
a suspension apparatus supportable within the internal bore of the
adaptor spool; an environmental barrier locatable in the adaptor
spool internal bore above the suspension apparatus; a power
penetrator laterally coupleable to the suspension apparatus;
downhole equipment installable in the production tubing in the
well; a cable extendable from the suspension apparatus and
configured to suspend the downhole equipment; and a communication
line extendable from the suspension apparatus and configured to
provide power to the downhole equipment.
18. The system of claim 17 further including a power source
configured to communicate power through the power penetrator.
19. The system of claim 17, wherein the power penetrator is
laterally coupleable to the suspension apparatus from outside the
adaptor spool.
20. The system of claim 17, wherein the communication line includes
at least one of an electrical conductor, a hydraulic conduit, and a
fiber optic cable.
21. The system of claim 17, wherein the communication line is
locatable within the cable.
22. The system of claim 17, further including multiple power
penetrators.
23. The system of claim 17, wherein the downhole equipment includes
a pump operable by at least one of electrical power and hydraulic
power.
24. The system of claim 23, wherein the downhole equipment includes
a lubricant circulating system and a lubricant recycle system.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Drilling and producing offshore oil and gas wells includes
the use of offshore facilities for the exploitation of undersea
petroleum and natural gas deposits. A typical subsea system for
drilling and producing offshore oil and gas can include the
installation of an electrical submersible pumping ("ESP") system
that can be used to assist in production.
[0002] Normally, when ESPs are used with wells they are used during
production to provide a relatively efficient form of "artificial
lift" by pumping the production fluids from the wells. By
decreasing the pressure at the bottom of the well bore below the
pump, significantly more oil can be produced from the well when
compared with natural production.
[0003] ESPs include both surface components housed in the
production facility or on an oil platform, and sub-surface
components located in the well. The surface components include the
motor controller, which can be a variable speed controller, and
surface cables and transformers. Subsurface components typically
include the pump, motor, seal, and cables. Sometimes, a liquid/gas
separator is also installed. The pump may include multiple stages,
with the number of stages being determined by the operating
requirements. Each stage includes a driven impeller and a diffuser
that directs flow to the next stage of the pump. The power to run
the ESP comes from a source connected with the ESP via cable from
the surface. The power source could be alternating current or
direct current. Typically, the cable is run from the surface
vertically through the well, including through any components above
the subsea production tree (e.g., intervention riser or blowout
preventer stack).
[0004] An issue with existing methods for suspending downhole
equipment, including ESPs, is suspending and providing power to the
downhole equipment. In general, power communication means (e.g.,
cables) must be run vertically through the top of the tree and
tubing hanger and through the well. Accordingly, the blowout
preventer ("BOP") stack must be removed prior to powering the ESP.
Removing this equipment can be a very costly and potentially
dangerous endeavor. Accordingly, a cost effective and safer
alternative to adding downhole equipment to a well, namely an ESP,
is desired.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] A better understanding of the various disclosed system and
method embodiments can be obtained when the following detailed
description is considered in conjunction with the drawings, in
which:
[0006] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a production system with a
downhole equipment suspension and power system;
[0007] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of an adaptor spool including
multiple lateral power penetrators;
[0008] FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of a production system with
a downhole equipment suspension and power system including a
vertical tree;
[0009] FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of a production system with
a downhole equipment suspension and power system including a
vertical tree and an adaptor spool;
[0010] FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of a production system with
a downhole equipment suspension and power system including a
horizontal tree and an adaptor spool;
[0011] FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of a production system with
a downhole equipment suspension and power system including a
horizontal tree;
[0012] FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of a production system with
a downhole equipment suspension and power system including a
vertical tree and an adaptor spool with a lateral port;
[0013] FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of a production system with
a downhole equipment suspension and power system including a
horizontal tree and an adaptor spool with a lateral port;
[0014] FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of a production system with
a downhole equipment suspension and power system including a
vertical tree and a vertical connection;
[0015] FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of a production system with
a downhole equipment suspension and power system including a
vertical tree, an adaptor spool with a lateral port and a vertical
connection; and
[0016] FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of a production system with
a downhole equipment suspension and power system including a
horizontal tree, an adaptor spool with a lateral port and a
vertical connection.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] The following discussion is directed to various embodiments
of the invention. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale.
Certain features of the embodiments 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. Although one or more of these embodiments may be
preferred, the embodiments disclosed should not be interpreted, or
otherwise used, as limiting the scope of the disclosure, including
the claims. 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. In addition, one skilled in the art will understand that
the following description has broad application, and the discussion
of any embodiment is meant only to be exemplary of that embodiment,
and not intended to intimate that the scope of the disclosure,
including the claims, is limited to that embodiment.
[0018] Certain terms are used throughout the following description
and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one
skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to
the same feature or component by different names. This document
does not intend to distinguish between components or features that
differ in name but not function. Certain features and components
herein may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic
form and some details of conventional elements may not be shown in
interest of clarity and conciseness.
[0019] In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms
"including" and "comprising" are used in an open-ended fashion, and
thus should be interpreted to mean "including, but not limited to .
. . . " Also, the term "couple" or "couples" is intended to mean
either an indirect or direct connection. Thus, if a first device
couples to a second device, that connection may be through a direct
connection, or through an indirect connection via other devices,
components, and connections. In addition, as used herein, the terms
"axial" and "axially" generally mean along or parallel to a central
axis (e.g., central axis of a body or a port), while the terms
"lateral" and "laterally" generally mean about perpendicular to the
central axis. For instance, an axial distance refers to a distance
measured along or parallel to the central axis, and a lateral
distance means a distance measured perpendicular to the central
axis.
[0020] Accordingly, disclosed herein is a downhole equipment
suspension and later power system for a well. The system is
suitable for production, circulation, workover, and injection
scenarios. The system may utilize an adaptor spool(s), a vertical,
horizontal, or modular production tree, tubing spool, high pressure
wellhead housing, or any equipment in which a tubing hanger could
be landed. The suspension and power system may be used for
connecting to any type of downhole equipment. For example, the
downhole equipment may include an electric submersible pump system
for pumping production fluids. Alternative embodiments of the
suspension and lateral power system are disclosed.
[0021] FIG. 1 is an illustrative embodiment of a subsea production
system 101 including a subsea tubing head 110. The production
system 101 also includes a downhole equipment suspension and power
system. In this embodiment, the subsea tubing head 110 can be
attached above a high pressure wellhead housing (not shown in FIG.
1). Additionally, instead of a tubing head, the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1 may include a subsea high pressure wellhead housing 110.
[0022] The downhole equipment suspension and power system includes
a suspension apparatus 106 supported by an adaptor spool 124. The
adaptor spool 124 is landed above the tubing head 110. The adaptor
spool 124 can be installed prior to, during, or after the well is
completed. As an example, the suspension apparatus 106 shown is a
cable hanger which lands and locks into the adaptor spool 124 below
environmental barrier 109. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1,
environmental barrier 109 is a valve. In other embodiments, there
may be more than one environmental barrier above the suspension
apparatus. A debris cap 126 can optionally be located above the
adaptor spool 124. The debris cap 126 provides an environmental
barrier. In other embodiments, other barrier equipment such as an
intervention riser may be used.
[0023] In other embodiments, the environmental barrier 109 could
also be any pressure barrier, such as a plug. Pressure barriers
other than valves can reduce the complexity of the adaptor spool
124 (e.g., size and configuration) because there is no requirement
for a valve bonnet. Reducing the size and complexity of the adaptor
spool 124 also provides additional room for the lateral power
penetrator 103, which is discussed in more detail below.
[0024] A running tool may be used to run, land, and lock the
suspension apparatus 106 into the adaptor spool 124. The running
tool may include an electrical connection to monitor continuity of
power and signal electrical lines when running the suspension
apparatus 106 and also may provide access to the hydraulic lines
controlling an emergency disconnect feature.
[0025] The downhole equipment suspension and power system also
includes downhole equipment 130 installed in the production tubing
(not shown in FIG. 1). The downhole equipment may be any type of
equipment. For example, the downhole equipment 130 may include a
pump operated by electrical power, hydraulic power, or both
electrical and hydraulic power. The downhole equipment 130 may be
installed with the production tubing or after the production tubing
is installed. The downhole equipment may also be an internal
completion system, including sliding sleeves, chokes, valves, and
sensors (e.g., temperature, pressure, and flow).
[0026] The downhole equipment suspension and power system also
includes a cable 107 that extends through the production bore of
the tubing head 110 and suspends downhole equipment 130 from the
suspension apparatus 106. The cable 107 may be any line appropriate
for suspension of the downhole equipment 130, e.g., coiled tubing,
tubing, pipe, etc. The cable 107 may include one or more
communication lines 108. Communication lines 108 may include one or
more of electrical conductors, hydraulic conduits, and/or fiber
optic cables that can be used to power and operate the downhole
equipment 130. In some embodiments, the communication lines 108 are
disposed along the outside of the cable 107. There may be a wrap or
tie surrounding one or more portions of the cable 107 and
communication lines 108 to keep the communication lines 108 against
or otherwise in close proximity to the cable 107. In other
embodiments, the communication lines 108 may be wrapped helically
around the cable 107. The communication lines 108 may also be
encapsulated inside the cable 107 for protection. The cable 107 may
not require any internal pressure compensation. There may also be
an emergency disconnect function to disconnect the cable 107 from
the downhole equipment 130 in the event that the downhole equipment
130 or cable 107 is stuck downhole and cannot be retrieved during
installation and/or retrieval operations. Alternative embodiments
may comprise more than one cable 107 and multiple communication
lines 108.
[0027] The suspension and power system also includes at least one
power penetrator 103 laterally coupled to the suspension and power
system. The power penetrator 103 can be deployed by remotely
operated vehicle. The power penetrator 103 is used for connecting
an external power source 132 with the downhole equipment 130 in
power communication through the communication lines 108.
[0028] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the power
penetrator 103 is shown penetrating the adaptor spool 124
perpendicular to the production bore in order to access the
suspension apparatus 106. However, the power penetrator 103 can be
laterally coupled through subsea equipment other than the adaptor
spool 124 provided that the power penetrator 103 accesses the
suspension apparatus 106 laterally. In the embodiment illustrated
in FIG. 1, the power penetrator 103 is shown laterally coupled to
the adaptor spool at about a 90.degree. angle. However, the power
penetrator 103 can be laterally coupled at any angle. In one
embodiment, the power penetrator may comprise a single line
including electrical, hydraulic, and fiber optic lines.
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the adaptor spool 224,
comprising multiple power penetrators 203a, 203b, and 203c for the
same or different types of communication. As an example only, the
power penetrators 203a, 203b, and 203c may each comprise a
different power phase, or one penetrator may provide fiber optic
communication while another provides hydraulic fluid. Like the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the embodiment shown in FIG. 2
comprises an environmental barrier 209 located in the adaptor spool
224. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, environmental barrier 209
is a valve. In other embodiments, the environmental barrier 209
could be a plug. In other embodiments, there may be more than one
environmental barrier 209 above the suspension apparatus. The
embodiment may further comprise a hydraulic fluid stab 246 and a
dielectric flush line 248. Other embodiments of the invention can
include any number of additional power penetrators. Although shown
in the same plane, the power penetrators may be equally spaced
around the adaptor spool 224. Alternative embodiments allow for the
power penetrator lines to be spaced around the wellhead equipment
in any arrangement that allows for power to reach the downhole
equipment. Other embodiments may include more than one lateral
power penetrator, wherein each power penetrator comprises one or
more lines.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, the power penetrator 103 couples to the
suspension apparatus 106 through the adaptor spool 124. Seals
(shown schematically as black dots in exemplary locations on FIGS.
1-11) can be provided above and below the point where the lateral
power penetrator 103 couples to the adaptor spool 124. These seal
the adaptor spool 124 and suspension apparatus to form a sealed
enclosure through which the power penetrator 103 couples to the
suspension apparatus 106. The cable 107 runs from the suspension
apparatus 106 down the well through the production tubing. Various
connections for communication lines 108 may be used as known to
those skilled in the art as appropriate.
[0031] FIG. 3 is another illustrative embodiment of a subsea
production system 301 including a subsea vertical production tree
310 attached above a tubing head spool 316. The production system
301 also includes a downhole equipment suspension and power system.
The production tree 310 could also be any other type of subsea
vertical production tree, such as a vertical monobore production
tree. A tubing hanger 304 is landed in the tubing head spool 316
and supports production tubing 308 that extends into the well.
[0032] The downhole equipment suspension and power system includes
a suspension apparatus 306 landed in the subsea vertical production
tree 310, above the tubing hanger 304. The suspension apparatus 306
can be installed prior to, during, or after the well is completed.
As an example, the suspension apparatus 306 shown is a cable hanger
which lands and locks into the subsea vertical production tree 310
above the tubing hanger 304 and below environmental barrier 309. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, environmental barrier 309 is a
valve. In other embodiments, the environmental barrier 309 could
also be any pressure barrier, such as a plug.
[0033] The downhole equipment suspension and power system also
includes downhole equipment (not shown in FIG. 3) installed in the
production tubing 308. The downhole equipment may be any type of
equipment. For example, the downhole equipment may include a pump
operated by electrical power, hydraulic power, or both electrical
and hydraulic power, hydraulic supply, or fiber optics. The
downhole equipment may be installed with the production tubing 308
or after the production tubing 308 is installed.
[0034] The downhole equipment suspension and power system also
includes a cable 307 that extends through the production bores of
the production tree 310 and the tubing hanger 304 and suspends
downhole equipment from the suspension apparatus 306. The cable 307
may be any line appropriate for load-bearing suspension of the
downhole equipment, e.g., coiled tubing, tubing, pipe, etc. There
may also be one or more communication lines (not shown in FIG. 3)
running along the cable 307 that may include one or more of
electrical conductors, hydraulic conduits, and/or fiber optic
cables that can be used to power and operate the downhole
equipment. These communication lines may be encapsulated inside the
cable 307 for protection, disposed along the outside of the cable
307, or helically wrapped around the cable 307. The cable 307 may
not require any internal pressure compensation. There may also be
an emergency disconnect function to disconnect the cable 307 from
the downhole equipment in the event that the downhole equipment or
cable 307 is stuck downhole and cannot be retrieved during
installation and/or retrieval operations. Alternative embodiments
may comprise more than one cable 307 and multiple communication
lines.
[0035] Also in this embodiment, the production tree 310 includes an
annulus bypass 322 such that the annular area surrounding the
production tubing 308 is in fluid communication with the vertical
bore of the production tree 310 above the tubing hanger 304. The
annulus bypass 322 may optionally include one or more valves
328.
[0036] The suspension and power system also includes at least one
power penetrator 303 that is laterally coupled to the suspension
and power system. The power penetrator 303 can be deployed by a
remotely operated vehicle. The power penetrator 303 is used for
connecting an external power source 332 with the downhole equipment
330 in power communication through the communication lines.
[0037] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the power
penetrator 303 is shown laterally coupling to the subsea production
tree 310 at about a 90.degree. angle with respect to the production
bore. However, the power penetrator 303 can be laterally coupled to
the equipment at any angle. As shown, the power penetrator 303
couples to the suspension apparatus 306 through the subsea
production tree 310. The cable 307 runs from the suspension
apparatus 306 down the well through the production tubing 308.
Various electrical connections for the communication lines may be
used as known to those skilled in the art as appropriate.
[0038] In operation, produced fluids are pumped upward from the
well inside of the production tubing 308 and outside of the cable
307 and then out through the vertical tree lateral production bore
313 below the suspension apparatus 306. The lateral production bore
comprises one or more production/injection valves 334 for
controlling flow of fluids from or into the wellbore. The
suspension system provides the necessary multiple environmental
barriers, e.g., valves or plugs. Power is provided to the downhole
equipment through the power penetrator 303 connection to the
external power source 332, which may provide power as electrical,
hydraulic, or both.
[0039] FIG. 4 is an illustrative embodiment of a subsea production
system 401 including a subsea vertical production tree 410 attached
above a high pressure wellhead housing or tubing head spool 416.
The production system 401 also includes a downhole equipment
suspension and power system.
[0040] A tubing hanger (not shown in FIG. 4) is landed in the high
pressure wellhead housing or tubing head spool 416. The tubing
hanger supports production tubing (not shown in FIG. 4) which
extends into the well. A production casing may surround the
production tubing in one embodiment of the invention, creating an
annular space.
[0041] The downhole equipment suspension and power system includes
a suspension apparatus 406 supported by an adaptor spool 424. The
adaptor spool 424 is landed above the subsea production tree 410.
The adaptor spool 424 can be installed prior to, during, or after
the well is completed. As an example, the suspension apparatus 406
shown is a cable hanger which lands and locks into the adaptor
spool 424 below an environmental barrier 409. A debris cap,
intervention blowout preventer or intervention riser can be located
above the adaptor spool 424.
[0042] The downhole equipment suspension and power system also
includes downhole equipment (not shown in FIG. 4) installed in the
production tubing. The downhole equipment may be any type of
equipment. For example, the downhole equipment may include a pump
operated by electrical power, hydraulic power, or both electrical
and hydraulic power. The downhole equipment may be installed with
the production tubing or after the production tubing is
installed.
[0043] The downhole equipment suspension and power system also
includes a cable 407 that extends through the bore of the
production tree 410 and suspends downhole equipment from the
suspension apparatus 406. The cable 407 may be any line appropriate
for suspension of the downhole equipment, e.g., coiled tubing,
tubing, pipe, etc.
[0044] There may also be one or more communication lines (not shown
in FIG. 4) running along the cable 407 that may include one or more
of electrical conductors, hydraulic conduits, and/or fiber optic
cables that can be used to power and operate the downhole
equipment. These communication lines may be encapsulated inside the
cable 407 for protection, disposed along the outside of the cable
407, or helically wrapped around the cable 407. The cable 407 may
not require any internal pressure compensation. There may also be
an emergency disconnect function to disconnect the cable 407 from
the downhole equipment in the event that the downhole equipment or
cable 407 is stuck downhole and cannot be retrieved during
installation and/or retrieval operations. Alternative embodiments
may comprise more than one cable 407 and multiple communication
lines.
[0045] Also in this embodiment, the subsea production tree 410
includes an annulus bypass 422 with one or more annulus bypass
valves 428 and one or more valves 442 in the vertical run of the
production bore.
[0046] The suspension and power system also includes at least one
power penetrator 403 which is laterally coupled to the suspension
and power system. The lateral power penetrator 403 can be deployed
by remotely operated vehicle. The power penetrator 403 is used for
connecting an external power source 432 with the downhole equipment
in power communication through the communication lines.
[0047] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the power
penetrator 403 is shown penetrating the adaptor spool 424
perpendicular to the production bore in order to access the
suspension apparatus 406. However, the power penetrator 403 can be
laterally coupled through subsea equipment other than an adaptor
spool provided that the power penetrator 403 accesses the
suspension apparatus 406 laterally. In the embodiment illustrated
in FIG. 4, the power penetrator 403 is shown laterally coupled to
the adaptor spool at about a 90.degree. angle. However, the power
penetrator 403 can be laterally coupled at any angle.
[0048] As shown, the power penetrator 403 couples to the suspension
apparatus 406 through the adaptor spool 424. Seals can be provided
above and below the point where the power penetrator 403 couples to
the adaptor spool 424. These seal the adaptor spool 424 and
suspension apparatus 406 together to form a sealed enclosure
through which the power penetrator 403 couples to the suspension
apparatus 406. The cable 407 runs from the suspension apparatus 406
down the well through the production tubing. Various electrical
connections for the communication lines may be used as known to
those skilled in the art as appropriate.
[0049] As shown as an example in FIG. 4, the subsea production tree
410 is installed above a tubing head spool 416 in which a tubing
hanger can be landed. Alternatively, the subsea production tree 410
may be installed directly to the high pressure wellhead
housing.
[0050] In operation, produced fluids are pumped upward from the
well inside of the production tubing and outside of the cable 407
and then out through the tree lateral production bore 427 below the
suspension apparatus 406. The suspension system provides the
necessary multiple environmental barriers, e.g., valves or plugs.
Power is provided to the downhole equipment through the power
penetrator 403 connection to the external power source, which may
provide power as electrical, hydraulic, or both through the
communication lines. Should the production vertical tree 410 need
to be removed for service, the suspension system, including the
cable 407 and the downhole equipment may be removed and appropriate
barriers set in place. The production vertical tree 410 may then be
removed while leaving the tubing hanger and production tubing in
place.
[0051] The downhole equipment suspension and lateral power system
of the present disclosure can be used in a vertical, horizontal, or
hybrid tree configuration. FIG. 5 is an illustrative embodiment of
a subsea production system 501 including a subsea horizontal
production tree 510 attached above a high pressure wellhead housing
516. The production system 501 also includes a downhole equipment
suspension and lateral power system.
[0052] A tubing hanger 504 is landed in the horizontal production
tree 510. The tubing hanger 504 supports production tubing 508
which extends into the well. A production casing may surround the
production tubing 508 in one embodiment of the invention, creating
an annular space.
[0053] The downhole equipment suspension and lateral power system
includes a suspension apparatus 506 supported by an adaptor spool
524. The adaptor spool 524 is landed above the subsea production
tree 510. The adaptor spool 524 can be installed prior to, during,
or after the well is completed. As an example, the suspension
apparatus 506 shown is a cable hanger which lands and locks into
the adaptor spool 524 below an environmental barrier 509. A debris
cap, intervention blowout preventer or intervention riser (not
shown in FIG. 5) can be located above the adaptor spool 524.
[0054] The downhole equipment suspension and power system also
includes a cable 507 that extends through the production bores of
the production tree 510 and the tubing hanger 504 and suspends
downhole equipment (not shown in FIG. 5) from the suspension
apparatus 506. The cable 507 may be any line appropriate for
suspension of the downhole equipment, e.g., coiled tubing, tubing,
pipe, etc. There may also be one or more communication lines (not
shown in FIG. 5) running along the cable 507 that may include one
or more of electrical conductors, hydraulic conduits, and/or fiber
optic cables that can be used to power and operate the downhole
equipment. These communication lines may be encapsulated inside the
cable 507 for protection, disposed along the outside of the cable
507, or helically wrapped around the cable 507. The cable 507 may
not require any internal pressure compensation. There may also be
an emergency disconnect function to disconnect the cable 507 from
the downhole equipment in the event that the downhole equipment or
cable 507 is stuck downhole and cannot be retrieved during
installation and/or retrieval operations. Alternative embodiments
may comprise more than one cable 507 and multiple communication
lines.
[0055] Also in this embodiment, the subsea production tree 510
includes an annulus bypass 522 and one or more annulus bypass
valves 528.
[0056] The suspension and power system also includes at least one
power penetrator 503 which is laterally coupled to the suspension
and power system. The power penetrator 503 can be deployed by
remotely operated vehicle. The power penetrator 503 is used for
connecting an external power source 532 with the downhole equipment
in power communication through the communication lines.
[0057] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the power
penetrator 503 is shown penetrating the adaptor spool 524
perpendicular to the production bore in order to access the
suspension apparatus 506. However, the power penetrator 503 can be
laterally coupled through subsea equipment other than an adaptor
spool provided that the power penetrator 503 accesses the
suspension apparatus 506 laterally. In the embodiment illustrated
in FIG. 5, the power penetrator 503 is shown laterally coupled to
the adaptor spool at about a 90.degree. angle. However, the power
penetrator 503 can be laterally coupled at any angle.
[0058] As shown, the power penetrator 503 couples to the suspension
apparatus 506 through the adaptor spool 524. Seals can be provided
above and below the point where the power penetrator 503 couples to
the adaptor spool 524. These seal the adaptor spool 524 and
suspension apparatus 506 together to form a sealed enclosure
through which the power penetrator 503 couples to the suspension
apparatus 506. The cable 507 runs from the suspension apparatus 506
down the well through the production tubing 508. Various electrical
connections for the communication lines may be used as known to
those skilled in the art as appropriate.
[0059] As shown as an example in FIG. 5, the subsea production tree
510 is installed directly to a high pressure wellhead housing 516.
Alternatively, the subsea production tree 510 may be installed
indirectly to the high pressure wellhead housing 516, e.g., by way
of a tubing spool.
[0060] In operation, produced fluids are pumped upward from the
well inside of the production tubing 508 and outside of the cable
507 and then out through the tree lateral production bore 527 below
the suspension apparatus 506. The suspension system provides the
necessary multiple environmental barriers, e.g., valves or plugs.
Power is provided to the downhole equipment through the power
penetrator 503 connection to the external power source 532, which
may provide power as electrical, hydraulic, or both through the
communication lines.
[0061] FIG. 6 is another illustrative embodiment of a subsea
production system 601 including a subsea horizontal production tree
610 attached above a high pressure wellhead housing 616. The
production system 601 also includes a downhole equipment suspension
and lateral power system. A tubing hanger 604 is landed in the
subsea horizontal production tree 610 and supports production
tubing 608 that extends into the well.
[0062] The downhole equipment suspension and lateral power system
includes a suspension apparatus 606 landed in the subsea horizontal
production tree 610, above the tubing hanger 604. The suspension
apparatus 606 can be installed prior to, during, or after the well
is completed. As an example, the suspension apparatus 606 shown is
a cable hanger which lands and locks into the subsea horizontal
production tree 610 above the tubing hanger 604 and below
environmental barrier 609. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6,
environmental barrier 609 is a valve. In other embodiments, the
environmental barrier 609 could also be any pressure barrier, such
as a plug.
[0063] The downhole equipment suspension and power system also
includes a cable 607 that extends through the production bores of
the production tree 610 and the tubing hanger 604 and suspends
downhole equipment (not shown in FIG. 6) from the suspension
apparatus 606. The cable 607 may be any line appropriate for
suspension of downhole equipment 630, e.g., coiled tubing, tubing,
pipe, etc. There may also be one or more communication lines (not
shown in FIG. 6) running along the cable 607 that may include one
or more of electrical conductors, hydraulic conduits, and/or fiber
optic cables that can be used to power and operate the downhole
equipment. These communication lines may be encapsulated inside the
cable 607 for protection, disposed along the outside of the cable
607, or helically wrapped around the cable 607. The cable 607 may
not require any internal pressure compensation. There may also be
an emergency disconnect function to disconnect the cable 607 from
downhole equipment in the event that the downhole equipment or
cable 607 is stuck downhole and cannot be retrieved during
installation and/or retrieval operations. Alternative embodiments
may comprise more than one cable 607 and multiple communication
lines.
[0064] Also in this embodiment, the production tree 610 includes an
annulus bypass 622 such that the annular area surrounding the
production tubing 608 is in fluid communication with the vertical
bore of the production tree 610 above the tubing hanger 604. The
annulus bypass 622 may optionally include one or more valves
628.
[0065] The suspension and power system also includes at least one
power penetrator 603 that is laterally coupled to the suspension
and power system. The power penetrator 603 can be deployed by a
remotely operated vehicle. The power penetrator 603 is used for
connecting an external power source 632 with the downhole equipment
in power communication through the communication lines.
[0066] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the power
penetrator 603 is shown laterally coupling to the subsea production
tree 610 at about a 90.degree. angle with respect to the production
bore. However, the power penetrator 603 can be laterally coupled to
the equipment at any angle. As shown, the power penetrator 603
couples to the suspension apparatus 606 through the subsea
production tree 610. The cable 607 runs from the suspension
apparatus 606 down the well through the production tubing 608.
Various electrical connections for the communications lines may be
used as known to those skilled in the art as appropriate. In
operation, produced fluids are pumped upward from the well inside
of the production tubing 608 and outside of the cable 607 and then
out through the tree lateral production bore 627 below the
suspension apparatus 606. The suspension system provides the
necessary multiple environmental barriers, e.g., valves or plugs.
Power is provided to the downhole equipment through the power
penetrator 603 connection to the external power source 632, which
may provide power as electrical, hydraulic, or both through the
communication lines.
[0067] FIG. 7 is an illustrative embodiment of the subsea
production system illustrated in FIG. 4, further comprising a
second lateral production/injection bore 713. FIG. 8 is an
illustrative embodiment of the subsea production system illustrated
in FIG. 5, further comprising a second lateral production/injection
bore 813. As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the adaptor spool may
optionally include a lateral production/injection bore. The lateral
production/injection bore of the adaptor spool can facilitate
production of produced fluids from the well and injection of fluids
into the well.
[0068] FIG. 9 is an illustrative embodiment of the subsea
production system illustrated in FIG. 3, further comprising a
vertical connection or passage 940 extending from the lateral bore
313 and tying into the vertical bore of tree 310 above the
suspension apparatus 306 and below the environmental barrier
309.
[0069] FIG. 10 is an illustrative embodiment of the subsea
production system illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 7, further comprising
a vertical connection or passage 1040 extending from the second
lateral bore 713 and tying into the adaptor spool bore 424 above
the suspension apparatus 406 and below the environmental barrier
409.
[0070] FIG. 11 is an illustrative embodiment of the subsea
production system illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 8, further comprising
a vertical connection or passage 1140 extending from the second
lateral bore 813 and tying into the adaptor spool bore 524 above
the suspension apparatus 506 and below the environmental barrier
509.
[0071] The vertical connections/passages illustrated in FIGS. 9-11
provide for additional functionality after downhole equipment
installation, including well flow test evaluation and downhole
equipment test run.
[0072] The embodiments described above may include downhole
equipment for pumping produced fluids from a well or injecting
fluids into a well. For instance, the disclosed production and
lateral power system can be used to operate downhole equipment such
as an electric submersible pump for providing artificial lift to
enhance recovery of produced fluids. Alternatively, the suspension
and lateral power system can be used to injection fluids into the
well, such as chemicals.
[0073] The various embodiments disclosed above may optionally
include a means for providing fresh or recycled lubricants, such as
oil or dielectric lubricant, to the downhole equipment.
Traditionally, downhole pump motors are less reliable than
conventional seabed pump motors and pumps because they are in
harsher environments and have not previously been able to receive
fresh or recycled lubricating oil. Embodiments of the present
invention may include means for providing fresh or recycled
lubricating oil to the downhole equipment. For instance,
embodiments of the present invention may include a hydraulic
conduit routed on a path from the adaptor spool 424, or the
suspension apparatus 406, to the cable 407 and down to downhole
equipment. Fresh oil could travel this path by pressure and feed to
downhole equipment. The pressure pushes the oil through and out of
the pump motor and pumps and into the production flow. Other
embodiments could also include a closed loop oil recycling
arrangement. The closed loop arrangement could be used to deliver
oil to the pump motor and pumps, receive the oil back and circulate
through an oil recycling process facility located on the adaptor
spool 424.
[0074] Providing fresh or recycled lubricating oil to the downhole
equipment extends the life of the downhole equipment, resulting in
cost efficiencies. An apparatus for providing fresh and/or recycled
lubricating oil to the downhole equipment may be incorporated in
any embodiment of the disclosed invention. For instance, the
apparatus for providing fresh and/or recycled lubricating oil may
be incorporated in any embodiment of this disclosure, including
those illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, and any other combinations of the
disclosure.
[0075] The present disclosure provides for flexibility in
installation. As discussed above, there are various options for
configuration and the use of multiple components. For instance, the
tubing hanger can be landed in the production member (e.g., tree,
high pressure wellhead housing, etc.) or in a spool or head. In
addition, the suspension apparatus can be landed in the production
trees or in an adaptor spool. Further, the power penetrator may be
laterally coupled to the production member or to the adaptor
spool.
[0076] The present disclosure allows for the addition of downhole
equipment, e.g., an ESP, to an existing well without having to pull
the tree or tubing hanger and make modification. This provides a
safe and cost-effective way to add the downhole equipment when
eventually needed due to one or more valves being located above the
suspension apparatus, e.g., cable hanger, and the fact that the
power can be turned on to the ESP with a barrier in place above the
production tree, such as an intervention riser or blowout preventer
stack.
[0077] 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.
* * * * *