AU2008293123A1 - Method and device for removing the upper portion of a well - Google Patents

Method and device for removing the upper portion of a well Download PDF

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Publication number
AU2008293123A1
AU2008293123A1 AU2008293123A AU2008293123A AU2008293123A1 AU 2008293123 A1 AU2008293123 A1 AU 2008293123A1 AU 2008293123 A AU2008293123 A AU 2008293123A AU 2008293123 A AU2008293123 A AU 2008293123A AU 2008293123 A1 AU2008293123 A1 AU 2008293123A1
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AU
Australia
Prior art keywords
casing
tool
lifting
well
cutting tool
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
AU2008293123A
Other versions
AU2008293123B2 (en
Inventor
Espen Alhaug
Lars Hovda
Erling J. Wiig
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Claxton Engineering Services AS
Original Assignee
Norse Cutting and Abandonment AS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Norse Cutting and Abandonment AS filed Critical Norse Cutting and Abandonment AS
Publication of AU2008293123A1 publication Critical patent/AU2008293123A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of AU2008293123B2 publication Critical patent/AU2008293123B2/en
Assigned to Claxton Engineering Services AS reassignment Claxton Engineering Services AS Request for Assignment Assignors: NORSE CUTTING & ABANDONMENT AS
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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B29/00—Cutting or destroying pipes, packers, plugs or wire lines, located in boreholes or wells, e.g. cutting of damaged pipes, of windows; Deforming of pipes in boreholes or wells; Reconditioning of well casings while in the ground
    • E21B29/002—Cutting, e.g. milling, a pipe with a cutter rotating along the circumference of the pipe
    • E21B29/005—Cutting, e.g. milling, a pipe with a cutter rotating along the circumference of the pipe with a radially-expansible cutter rotating inside the pipe, e.g. for cutting an annular window
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B31/00—Fishing for or freeing objects in boreholes or wells
    • E21B31/12—Grappling tools, e.g. tongs or grabs
    • E21B31/16—Grappling tools, e.g. tongs or grabs combined with cutting or destroying means
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B31/00—Fishing for or freeing objects in boreholes or wells
    • E21B31/12—Grappling tools, e.g. tongs or grabs
    • E21B31/18—Grappling tools, e.g. tongs or grabs gripping externally, e.g. overshot

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Marine Sciences & Fisheries (AREA)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)
  • Placing Or Removing Of Piles Or Sheet Piles, Or Accessories Thereof (AREA)
  • Excavating Of Shafts Or Tunnels (AREA)
  • Control And Other Processes For Unpacking Of Materials (AREA)
  • Processing Of Stones Or Stones Resemblance Materials (AREA)
  • Mechanical Treatment Of Semiconductor (AREA)
  • Processing Of Solid Wastes (AREA)

Description

WO 2009/028953 PCT/N02008/000302 METHOD AND DEVICE FOR REMOVING THE UPPER PORTION OF A WELL This invention relates to a method for removing the upper portion of a well. More particularly, it relates to a method for removing the upper portion of a well arranged in the ground, in which the upper portion of the well includes at least a portion of a casing extending from the surface down into the ground, and in which, before the removal of the up per portion of the well, the casing is cut at a distance be low the surface. The method includes the operations of: ar ranging a cutting tool, which is arranged to cut the casing at a distance below the surface, on a lifting tool which is arranged to be connected to the casing or a component con nected to the casing; lowering the lifting tool together with the cutting tool until the lifting tool abuts against the casing or the component connected to the casing; connecting the lifting tool to the casing or the component connected to the casing; cutting the casing by means of the cutting tool; lifting the portion of the casing out of the ground together with the cutting tool. The invention also includes a device for practising the method. After a well in the ground has been permanently plugged, it is usual to remove at least the upper portion of the well from the ground at the surface. The surface may be consti tuted by a seabed. The well, which may typically be an independent one or belong 1 WO 2009/028953 PCT/N02008/000302 to a group of wells in a well frame, most often includes a composite casing, in which several casings of different di ameters are positioned one inside the other, and in which an nuli formed between the casings are normally filled with con crete. A single or composite casing, which may also include other pipes, for example drive pipe, is termed a casing below. The casing typically extends into the ground from a wellhead which is located, in the case of a submerged well, above the seabed. According to the prior art the upper portion of the well is removed by first placing a rig vessel above the well. The casing is cut below the seabed, typically by means of a me chanical cutting tool. After the casing has been cut, the cutting tool is removed from the well, after which the lift ing equipment of the rig vessel is connected to the casing. The severed upper portion of the casing is then lifted out of the ground. The prior art method presupposes the use of a relatively large vessel which is provided with drilling equipment, and is, because of repeated connection to the well among other things, relatively time-consuming. The invention has for its object to remedy or reduce at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art. The object is achieved in accordance with the invention through the features which are specified in the description below and in the claims that follow. A method in accordance with the invention for the removal of the upper portion of a well arranged in the ground, in which the upper portion of the well includes at least a portion of 2 WO 2009/028953 PCT/N02008/000302 a casing extending from the surface into the ground, and in which, before the removal of the upper portion of the well, the casing is cut at a distance below the surface, is charac terized by the method including the operations of: - arranging a cutting tool, which is arranged to cut the casing at a distance below the surface, on a lifting tool which is arranged to be connected to the casing or to a component connected to the casing; - lowering the lifting tool with the cutting tool down towards the casing until the lifting tool abuts against the casing or the component connected to the casing; - connecting the lifting tool to the casing or the component connected to the casing; - cutting the casing by means of the cutting tool; and - lifting the severed portion of the casing out of the ground at least together with the cutting tool. It is advantageous that the cutting tool can be moved rela tive to the lifting tool after the lifting tool has been placed on the casing or the component connected to the cas ing. Alternatively, the cutting tool is placed at a distance below the lifting tool before the lifting tool abuts against the casing or the component connected to the casing. Advantageously, the cutting tool is secured to the casing be fore the cutting operation itself is started. A device for practising the method, also named a cutting de vice below, includes a cutting tool of a design known per se, for example in accordance with NO 314733. The cutting tool is placed at a distance below a lifting tool. The lifting tool, which is arranged to be connected in a controlled manner to 3 WO 2009/028953 PCT/N02008/000302 the casing or a component connected to the casing, is formed in accordance with a technology known per se. The lifting tool is connected to the lifting equipment of a vessel, for example to a crane. Advantageously, the cutting tool is arranged concentrically relative to the lifting tool, the connecting cable of the cutting tool to the vessel extending via the lifting tool. In the case of a hydraulic cutting tool using a so-called abrasive fluid, the connecting cable includes hoses for fluid flow and also necessary electrical cables. In some circumstances it may be advantageous for the lifting tool to be provided with a mechanism which is arranged to move the cutting tool axially relative to the lifting tool. The lifting tool is provided with a locking mechanism for it to be connected to the casing or a component connected to the casing, typically formed by a wellhead. In relation to the prior art, the method and device according to the invention provide a substantially simplified procedure for the removal of the upper portion on a well, as several relatively time-consuming operations have been made redun dant. The method and device are well suited for use on rela tively small vessels with the resulting reduction in cost. In what follows, is described an example of a preferred method and embodiment which is visualized in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows schematically a cutting tool and lifting tool in accordance with the invention, which are being lowered down to a well on the seabed; Figure 2 shows the lifting tool abutting against a wellhead; 4 WO 2009/028953 PCT/N02008/000302 Figure 3 shows the same as figure 2 but here the lifting tool is connected to the wellhead, the cutting tool is secured to the casing and the cutting operation has been started; and Figure 4 shows schematically the upper portion of the well lifted out of the seabed together with the cutting tool. In the drawings the reference numeral 1 indicates a cutting device including a- cutting tool 2 and a lifting tool 4, the cutting tool 2 having been positioned at a predetermined ver tical distance, for example in the order of ten metres, below the lifting tool 4. The cutting tool 2 is constituted by a hydraulic cutting tool, in which there is used an abrasive fluid, exiting under high pressure substantially radially from a rotating nozzle 6. The cutting tool 2 is supplied with fluid and electrical cur rent, for example for measuring equipment not shown, via a cable 8 extending from the cutting tool 2 up to a vessel not shown. The cutting tool 2 is provided with two securing de vices 10. The lifting equipment 4 is constituted by a wellhead tool, known per se, which is connected to the lifting equipment of the vessel, not shown, by means of a chain 12. The lifting tool 4 is provided with controllable locking dogs 14. The cable 8 of the cutting tool 2 extends via a guide pipe 16 through the lifting tool 4, the cutting tool 2 hanging con centrically below the lifting tool 4. A well 20, including a wellhead 22 and a casing 24, extends 5 WO 2009/028953 PCT/N02008/000302 from above the seabed 26 down into the ground 28. Here, the wellhead 22 forms the component connected to the casing 24, as it is described in the general part of the specification and in the set of claims. The wellhead 22 is provided with a connecting portion 30. The pipe bore 32 of the well 20 extends through the wellhead 22 and further within the casing 24. After the pipe bore 32 has been sealed at the bottom, the cutting device 1 is lowered down towards the well 20, see figure 1. The cutting tool 2 hanging below the lifting tool 4 is moved into the pipe bore 32 until the lifting tool 4, com plementarily fitting the connecting portion 30, abuts against the wellhead 22, see figure 2. The securing devices 10 are then urged against the pipe bore 32 to hold the cutting tool 2 in a fixed position relative to the casing 24. The lifting tool 4 is connected to the well head 22 by each of the locking dogs 14 being pivoted from its respective inactive position into its active position, in which the locking dog 14 grips under the connecting portion 30, see figure 3. The casing 24 is cut by means of abrasive fluid flowing at great velocity from the nozzle 6 against the casing 24 while the nozzle 6 is being rotated about its longitudinal axis at the same time. When the casing 24 has been severed, the cutting operation is stopped. The chain 12 is tightened, thereby pulling, by means of the lifting tool 4 and wellhead 22, the severed portion of the casing 24 out of the ground 28, see figure 4. The chain 12 may be replaced completely or partially by, for example, a wire, not shown. 6 WO 2009/028953 PCT/N02008/000302 It is emphasized that the casing 24 may be constructed as is mentioned under the prior art in the first part of the de scription. 7

Claims (8)

1. A method for removing the upper portion of a well (20) arranged in the ground, the upper portion of the well (20) including at least a portion of a casing (24) ex tending from the surface down into the ground (28), and, before the upper portion of the well (20) is re moved, the casing (24) being cut at a distance below the surface, characterized i n that the method comprises the operations of: - arranging a cutting tool (2), which is arranged to cut the casing (24) at a distance below the surface, on a lifting tool (4) which is arranged to be connected to the casing (24) or a component (22) connected to the casing; - lowering the lifting tool (4) with the cutting tool (2) down towards the casing (24) until the lifting tool (4) abuts against the casing (24) or the component (22) connected to the casing; - connecting the lifting tool (4) to the casing (24) or the component (22) connected to the casing; - cutting the casing (24) by means of the cutting tool (2); and - lifting the severed portion of the casing (24) out of the ground (28) at least together with the cutting tool (2).
2. The method in accordance with claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the cutting tool (2) is moved relative to the lifting tool (4) after the lift ing tool (4) has been disposed on the casing (24) or the component (22) connected to the casing. 8 WO 2009/028953 PCT/N02008/000302
3. The method in accordance with claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the cutting tool (2) is placed at a distance below the lifting tool (4) before the lifting tool is positioned on the casing (24) or the component (22) connected to the casing.
4. A device for removing the upper portion of a well (20) arranged in the ground, the upper portion of the well (20) including at least a portion of a casing (24) ex tending from the surface down into the ground (28), and, before the upper portion of the well (20) is re moved, the casing (24) being cut at a distance below the surface by means of a cutting tool (2), c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the cutting tool (2) is connected to a lifting tool (4), the lifting tool (4) being arranged to be connected to the casing (24) or a component (22) connected to the casing.
5. The device in accordance with claim 4, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that a cable (8), extending from the cutting tool (2) to the vessel, extends via the lifting tool (4).
6. The device in accordance with claim 5, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the cable (8) is axially controllable within the lifting tool (4).
7. The device in accordance with claim 4, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the lifting tool (4) is con nected to the lifting equipment of a vessel and dimen sioned to pull a severed portion of the casing (24) out of the ground (28) at least together with the cut ting tool (2). 9 WO 2009/028953 PCT/N02008/000302
8. The device in accordance with claim 5, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the lifting tool (4) is pro vided with a guide pipe (16) for the cable (8). 10
AU2008293123A 2007-08-30 2008-08-27 Method and device for removing the upper portion of a well Active AU2008293123B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NO20074420A NO327223B3 (en) 2007-08-30 2007-08-30 Method and apparatus for removing a top portion of a well
NO20074420 2007-08-30
PCT/NO2008/000302 WO2009028953A1 (en) 2007-08-30 2008-08-27 Method and device for removing the upper portion of a well

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
AU2008293123A1 true AU2008293123A1 (en) 2009-03-05
AU2008293123B2 AU2008293123B2 (en) 2011-09-29

Family

ID=40119395

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
AU2008293123A Active AU2008293123B2 (en) 2007-08-30 2008-08-27 Method and device for removing the upper portion of a well

Country Status (7)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2008293123B2 (en)
BR (1) BRPI0816053A2 (en)
GB (1) GB2463849B (en)
MX (1) MX2010002311A (en)
NO (1) NO327223B3 (en)
WO (1) WO2009028953A1 (en)
ZA (1) ZA201001615B (en)

Families Citing this family (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8307903B2 (en) 2009-06-24 2012-11-13 Weatherford / Lamb, Inc. Methods and apparatus for subsea well intervention and subsea wellhead retrieval
US9222328B2 (en) * 2012-12-07 2015-12-29 Smith International, Inc. Wellhead latch and removal systems
WO2014137973A1 (en) * 2013-03-06 2014-09-12 Enventure Global Technology, Llc Method and apparatus for removing unexpanded shoe
GB201409046D0 (en) * 2014-05-21 2014-07-02 Proserv Uk Ltd Downhole cutting tool
US9926758B1 (en) 2016-11-29 2018-03-27 Chevron U.S.A. Inc. Systems and methods for removing components of a subsea well
US10385640B2 (en) 2017-01-10 2019-08-20 Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc Tension cutting casing and wellhead retrieval system
GB201813270D0 (en) * 2018-08-14 2018-09-26 First Susbea Ltd An apparatus and method for removing an end section of a tubular member

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1358818A (en) * 1920-04-07 1920-11-16 Bering Robert Ellis Casing-cutter
WO1991002138A1 (en) * 1989-08-03 1991-02-21 Homco International Inc. Apparatus for recovering a wellhead
GB9120298D0 (en) * 1991-09-24 1991-11-06 Homco International Inc Casing cutting and retrieving tool
US6041860A (en) * 1996-07-17 2000-03-28 Baker Hughes Incorporated Apparatus and method for performing imaging and downhole operations at a work site in wellbores
DE10032251A1 (en) * 2000-07-03 2002-01-17 Voith Paper Patent Gmbh Water extraction station for a web of tissue/toilet paper has a shoe press unit at the drying cylinder with an extended press gap and a suction unit within an overpressure hood at the carrier belt

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2009028953A1 (en) 2009-03-05
GB2463849A (en) 2010-03-31
NO327223B1 (en) 2009-05-18
AU2008293123B2 (en) 2011-09-29
BRPI0816053A2 (en) 2015-03-03
GB2463849B (en) 2011-12-07
GB201002387D0 (en) 2010-03-31
ZA201001615B (en) 2011-05-25
NO20074420L (en) 2009-03-02
MX2010002311A (en) 2010-06-01
NO327223B3 (en) 2010-06-28

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PC Assignment registered

Owner name: CLAXTON ENGINEERING SERVICES AS

Free format text: FORMER OWNER(S): NORSE CUTTING & ABANDONMENT AS