NO20150243A1

NO20150243A1 - Cable hanger adapter

Info

Publication number: NO20150243A1
Application number: NO20150243A
Authority: NO
Inventors: Geir Tandberg; Jøren Breda; Wim Dekeyser
Original assignee: Fmc Kongsberg Subsea As
Priority date: 2015-02-19
Filing date: 2015-02-19
Publication date: 2016-08-22
Also published as: WO2016131695A1

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to the field of cable hangers, especially cable hangers used in Christmas trees (XT) connected to a hydrocarbon well.

Background

A cable hanger (CH) is used in systems wherein an ESP (electric subsea pump) is deployed and powered/controlled via a cable. The cable hanger acts as an anchoring point for one end of the cable and is capable of supplying power/fluid/signal to the cable. In present systems featuring horizontal Christmas trees (HXT's) the cable hanger is arranged in a tubing hanger (TH) inside the HXT. The design/dimensions of the HXT and/or TH will vary depending on type and the manufacturing company. A problem with non-standard THs and XTs is that a specific CH will not be compatible with different types of TH and XTs. Thus, when an ESP is to be installed in a HXT, a CH which is specifically designed for that particular type of HXT is required.

Further, in the known systems, the CH is arranged inside the TH, and is connected to an external source for power and fluid through the reentry hub of the HXT by connectors arranged at the top of the CH.

The purpose of the present invention is primarily to allow the use of a standardized CH in multiple types of HXT's. Further features of the invention provides additional advantages in view of the prior art.

Summary

The invention is defined by the attached claims, and in the following:

In a first aspect, the invention provides an adapter device for arranging a cable hanger in a X-tree (Christmas tree, XT) situated on a wellhead, the adapter device comprises a housing håving a connection interface and a profiled bore, wherein - the connection interface is adapted for connecting the housing to a reentry hub of a vertical bore of the X-tree; - the profiled bore comprises a first end and a second end, and a cable hanger section adapted for accommodating a cable hanger, such that a cable from the cable hanger may extend from the first end and into the well head; and - the housing is connectable to the X-tree such that an upper part of the housing is situated above the reentry hub.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the connection interface comprises a hollow stab element extending from the housing at the first end of the profiled bore, the stab element is arranged to seal against an inner surface of a tubing hanger or the vertical bore of a X-tree when the housing is connected to the X-tree.

In a further embodiment of the first aspect, the housing comprises a closure device, such as an isolation valve or plug, able to close the profiled bore at a position above the cable hanger section. The closure device is preferably arranged between the second end of the profiled bore and the cable hanger section.

In a further embodiment of the first aspect, the cable hanger section comprises locking means for securing the cable hanger, preferably the locking means comprise control means which extend in a radial direction relative to the profiled bore such that the locking means are operable at, or via, an external surface of the housing situated above the reentry hub.

In yet a further embodiment of the first aspect, the cable hanger section comprises at least one radial connector for connecting to a cooperating radial connector on a cable hanger, the at least one radial connector is arranged at the circumference of the cable hanger section and is connectable to an external fluid or electric source by a conduit arranged in the part of the housing situated above the reentry hub. Preferably, the conduit extends in a substantially radial direction relative to the profiled bore such that the external fluid or electric source is connectable at an external surface of the housing situated above the reentry hub.

In yet a further embodiment of the first aspect, the at least one radial connector is a non-oriented connector. A non-oriented connector does not require that a cable hanger body is arranged with a certain radial orientation in the cable hanger section.

In yet a further embodiment of the first aspect, the adapter device comprises a cable hanger.

In yet a further embodiment of the first aspect, at least a part of the connection interface is a part of an exchangeable connection element. Preferably, the exchangeable element comprises the hollow stab element.

In yet a further embodiment of the first aspect, the connection interface comprises seals arranged to independently seal against the reentry hub, and the tubing hanger or an inner surface of the X-tree.

In yet a further embodiment of the first aspect, the hollow stab element comprises an internal profile at the end being distal to the housing, the internal profile adapted to interact with a piggyback seal sleeve, arranged on a cable of a cable hanger, when the cable is lowered through the adapter device, preferably the internal profile comprises latch grooves for interacting with locking fingers on the piggyback seal sleeve.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a cable hanger for an adapter device according to the first aspect, wherein the cable hanger comprises a cable hanger body, the cable hanger body håving at least one radial connector operable with at least one radial connector arranged at the circumference of a cable hanger section, and/or at least one circumferential locking recess operable with locking means arranged at the circumference of a cable hanger section. Preferably, the at least one radial connectors are non-oriented.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a system for arranging a cable hanger in a X-tree, comprising an adapter device according to the first aspect and a cable hanger according to the second aspect.

The adapter device is suitable for subsea use, but not in any way limited to such use.

Description of the drawings

Embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the following drawings:

Fig. lisa schematic drawing of a HXT arranged on a wellhead.

Fig. 2 is a schematic drawing of the HXT in fig. 1 comprising a cable hanger (CH). Fig. 3 is a more detailed schematic drawing of the reentry hub of the HXT in fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a schematic drawing of the reentry hub of fig. 3, featuring a cable hanger (CH) mounted in the tubing hanger (TH).

Fig. 5 is a schematic drawing of an adapter device according to the invention.

Fig. 6 is a schematic drawing of the reentry hub in fig. 3, featuring the adapter device in fig. 5 and a CH. Fig. 7 is a schematic drawing of a further device according to the invention, featuring an isolation valve.

Fig. 8 is a detailed drawing of an adapter device according to the invention.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of the distal end of the adapter device in fig. 8 showing details of the interaction between the adapter device of fig. 8 and a piggyback seal on a cable.

Fig. 10 is the view of fig. 9 showing

Fig. 11 is the view of fig. 9 showing

Fig. 12 is a detailed side view of an adapter device according to the invention.

Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter device in fig. 12.

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of locking means for use in an adapter device according to the invention. Fig. 15 is a side view of a cable hanger for use in an adapter device according to the invention.

Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the cable hanger in fig. 15.

Fig. 17 is an enlarged view of a piggyback seal arranged on the cable of the cable hanger. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of an adapter device according to the invention arranged on a HXT. Fig. 19a and 19b is a side view and a cross-sectional view of a piggyback crown plug (PCP). Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the CP of figs. 19a and 19b after locking in a tubing hanger. Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the CP in fig. 20 when the bottom hole assembly (BHA) is in place.

Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

A schematic drawing of a HXT 4 is shown in fig. 1 and 2. The HXT is arranged on top of a wellhead 15, and features a vertical bore 16, a horizontal bore 17 and a reentry hub 18 at the top of the vertical bore. A tubing hanger (TH) 5 is arranged in the vertical bore 16. In fig. 1 the vertical bore is plugged by two crown plugs (CP) 19 arranged in the TH, while in fig. 2 the CPs are replaced by a cable hanger (CH) 8 comprising a cable 9 extending through the wellhead into the well. A more detailed drawing of an upper part of the vertical bore 16 and the reentry hub 18 of the HXT is shown in figs. 3 and 4. In fig. 3, the HXT is shown with a debris cap 20 arranged on top of the reentry hub. In fig. 4, the HXT is shown with a cable hanger arranged in the TH 5. The cable hanger is supplied with required power and fluid through a HV power cap 21 by wet mate connectors 22.

In present systems, a specific cable hanger will only be suited for use with a specific type of HXT and/or tubing hanger. In other words, a specific cable hanger may only be used in the specific HXT and tubing hanger for which it was designed. This represents a problem in that standardization of equipment is highly desired in the oil/gas industry. Standardization increases cost efficiency, both in terms of pure economics and man hours.

By use of the adapter device according to the invention, a specific cable hanger may be arranged in/on any HXT (i.e. the adapter device may also be termed a cable hanger adapter, CHA). An embodiment of the adapter device is shown in fig. 5. The adapter device comprises a housing 1. The housing comprises (or surrounds) a profiled bore 3. The profiled bore 3 comprises a first end 6, a second end 7, and a cable hanger section 14. The cable hanger section 14 of the profiled bore 3 is adapted for receiving a cable hanger 8, and is situated between the first end 6 and the second end 7 of the profiled bore. When arranged in the cable hanger section 14, a cable 9 attached to the cable hanger 8 will extend from, or through, the first end 6 of the profiled bore 3 in the direction of the wellhead 15. To allow connection to the reentry hub of a HXT, the housing also comprises a connection interface 2 for the reentry hub. The connection interface 2 is adapted for the specific HXT and TH in which a cable hanger is to be arranged, and features seals 23, 24. The first seal 23 is arranged to seal against the reentry hub 18, while the second seal 24 may seal between the stab element 10 and the tubing hanger 5 or an inner surface of the HXT 4, see fig. 6 and 7. The connection interface may advantageously be an integral part of an exchangeable connection element 25. The connection element 25 being connectable to a part of the housing featuring the profiled bore 3. In this way a further standardization is obtained in that only the connection element 25 (not the whole housing) needs to be adapted for each type of HXT and/or TH.

Commonly, the connection element 25 is also standardized, as most HXT reentry hubs are of a standard size. In those cases the only element which needs to be adapted for a specific HXT is the hollow stab element 10 described below.

In the present embodiment, the adapter device also comprises a hollow stab element 10, arranged around the profiled bore 3. The stab element 10 is adapted to seal against an inner surface of a TH when the adapter device is connected to a HXT, see fig 6 and 7.

The ESP 26, see fig. 2, requires a power supply through the cable 9 connected to the cable hanger 8. In present systems, the same cable is commonly also used for any required supply of fluids or control signals. An external supply 27 of power/fluid/signals is connected to the cable 9 via connectors 22 on the cable hanger. Presently, the connectors on the cable hanger are necessarily arranged topside of the CH since the only option for connection to the external supply 27 is through the reentry hub.

Consequently, an advantage of the adapter device according to the invention, since the cable hanger 8 is not accommodated in the tubing hanger 5, is that the connectors on the cable hanger may be arranged along its circumference, i.e. radial connectors 28. Cooperating radial connectors 13 are then arranged at the circumference of the cable hanger section 14 of the profiled bore. Preferably, the radial connectors 13,28 are non-oriented connectors. Suitable non-oriented connectors are well known to the skilled person and are disclosed in for instance patent application US 4899822. The radial connectors 13 in the cable hanger section 14 may advantageously be connected to an external power/fluid/signal supply via a conduit(s) 30 arranged through the part of the housing situated above the reentry hub. Preferably, the conduit(s) 30 is arranged in a substantially radial direction, relative to the profiled bore 3, such that the external power/fluid/signal supply 27 may be connected on an external surface of the housing.

Håving a part of the housing 1 and the accommodated cable hanger 8 arranged above the reentry hub 18 provides yet a further advantage in that the cable hanger 8 may be secured by use of radial locking means 12. The locking means 12 are arranged at the circumference of the profiled bore 3, and may for instance be comprised by at least one dise 46 arranged in a radial direction, relative to the profiled bore 3, and comprising pins 50, 52 extending through the housing 1 for operating said locking means 12, see description of fig. 14 below.

Håving the locking means 12, and the external power/fluid/signal supply 27 connected via the radial connectors 28, arranged or connected externally on the housing of the adapter device, provides a number of advantages. It facilitates a simpler design of the CH since the CH no longer features any movable parts (all movable parts are moved to the adapter device), and it will free up space through the top of the CH for connection of a CH running tool (the top of the CH does not have any pipes or cables attached). The radial connection of the supply 27 allows for a much simpler CH running tool and running cable, since only operation of the CH running tool, the CH and a latch towards a barrier unit will be needed.

A further embodiment of the adapter device according to the invention is shown in fig. 7. In addition to the features of the adapter device shown in fig. 5, the adapter device in fig. 7 comprises closure means (in this case an isolation valve 11) arranged in the profiled bore 3. Other closure means may for instance be a plug. The closure means are situated between the second end 7 of the profiled bore and the cable hanger section 14, and are capable of closing off the profiled bore. The valve is closed and provides a barrier, both during operation of the ESP and also when the ESP has been removed from the well.

A detailed cross-sectional drawing of an embodiment of the adapter device according to the invention is shown in fig. 8. In this case, the cable hanger is not yet landed in the cable hanger section (or the ESP is in the process of being removed from the well), and only the cable 9 is shown. The cable hanger section comprises three non-oriented connectors 13 (each comprising an annular recess at the inner surface of a seal manifold 32), in this particular embodiment the connectors are for supply of fluid to the ESP via the cable hanger body 31, but in other embodiments some of the connectors may be suited for supply of electricity or electronic/optical signals. The three non-oriented connectors 13 are separated by seals on the CH. For locking and securing the cable hanger in the cable hanger section, three separate locking means 12 are provided. Each locking means are displaced by 120° in relation to the others. In this embodiment, the locking means are also able to provide electricity/power to the ESP via power cable 51. A more detailed description of the locking means 12 are given below in connection with fig. 14. Conduits 30 provide fluid to the connectors 13. Since part of the housing 1 is arranged above the reentry hub of the HXT, the conduits 30 may be arranged in a substantially radial direction through the housing (not shown, only the conduits arranged in a radial direction through the seal manifold 32), and are not required to be led out via the profiled bore (as in the prior art). As will be understood, the term "in a substantially radial direction" is intended to mean that the conduits may be arranged such that an external supply of fluid, electricity and/or signals may be connected to the conduit at a position on the housing in a radial direction in relation to the profiled bore. The adapter device is mounted on the reentry hub 18 of a HXT, and features a hollow stab element 10 (or stinger) arranged to seal against the tubing hanger 5. To obtain a seal between the cable 9 and the stab element 10, the cable is arranged with a piggyback seal sleeve 33. The landing and locking of the piggyback seal sleeve is described in detail below by reference to figs. 9-11. The piggyback seal sleeve is pressurized by supply of hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic fluid conduit 34. Further, grease is supplied via the grease conduit 35. The features of the piggy back seal sleeve itself is described below and shown in more detail with reference to fig. 17.

Section B of fig. 8 is shown in more detail in figs. 9-11. Section B shows the upper part of the tubing hanger 5 arranged in the HXT, as well as the lower end (or distal end) of the hollow stab element 10, and the lower end of the piggyback seal sleeve 33.

The lower end of the hollow stab element 10 have an internal profile comprising latch grooves 36. The latch grooves are arranged to interact with locking fingers 37 arranged on the piggyback seal sleeve (PSS) 33. Further, the PSS comprises a locking sleeve 38, finger retention element(s) 39, a first sleeve element 40, a second sleeve element 41, a first set of shear pins 42 and a second set of shear pins 42'. The second sleeve element 41 is in this embodiment a part of (or connected to) an ESP, but may in other instances, when the PSS is used in connection with other longitudinal elements than a CH and/or an ESP, be a part of (or connected to) any bottom hole assembly (BHA) or well tool. Optionally, the second sleeve element 41 is glued or crimped onto the cable, i.e. it is not essential that the second sleeve element is a part of, or connected to, the ESP, BHA or well tool. In figs. 9-11, the finger retention element(s) 39 is shown as a separate unit, but may also be an integral part of the second sleeve element 41.The locking fingers comprise shoulders which may cooperate with the latch grooves 36 when the locking fingers are released. Fig. 9 shows the initial situation when the piggyback sleeve is to be landed in the hollow stab element 10. A landing shoulder 44 on the PSS restrains the first sleeve element 40 in the hollow stab element 10, and thus prevents said sleeve element from moving further down. The pull on the cable 9 in a downwards direction, and the interaction between the cable and the second sleeve element 41 causes the first set of shear pins 42 to break, see fig. 10. When the first set of shear pins 42 breaks, the locking sleeve 38, the finger retention element(s) 39, and the second sleeve element 41 is pulled further down. Due to the downward movement, the finger retention element(s) 39 disengage from the locking fingers 37 such that the locking fingers are free to engage with the latch grooves 36 on the hollow stab element 10. The downward movement of the locking sleeve 38, the finger retention element(s) 39, and the second sleeve element 41 continues until a locking sleeve shoulder element 43 engages a cooperating ledge 44 on the locking fingers 37. Thus, the locking sleeve shoulder element 43 secures the locking fingers 37 into a locking position with the latch grooves 36 on the hollow stab element 10, and prevents the locking sleeve from moving further downward. Due to the immobilization of the locking sleeve 38, the pull on/from the second sleeve element 41 (caused by the weight of the cable 9 and the ESP, in addition to the weight of the second sleeve element itself) causes the second set of shear pins 42' to break. The second sleeve element 41 and the finger retention element 39 is then moved a predetermined distance away from the locking sleeve 38 by the downward movement of the cable. In this specific embodiment, the second sleeve element 41 and the finger retention element 39 are two different elements connected by threads, but they will always function as a single unit and may thus also be designed as a single element.

The advantage of using a piggyback seal sleeve as described is that it provides a barrier as the ESP (or BHA, well tool etc.) passes the TH, and the barrier remains until it again interacts with the ESP during withdrawal of the ESP from the well. Further, the PSS may have an outer diameter such that it may be pulled via a completion/workover riser (C/WO-riser). The latter is highly advantageous if a situation requiring the use of a riser occurs during withdrawal of the ESP. Such situations may for instance be a BU not able to seal properly, thus losing a barrier which must be replaced.

A further embodiment of the adapter device according to the invention is shown in Figs. 12 and 13. In this case only the part of the housing featuring the profiled bore 3 is shown (i.e. the connection element 25 is not shown). In figs. 12 and 13, the adapter device is illustrated with the cable hanger 8 fully landed in the cable hanger section. In this particular embodiment, the cable hanger is provided with electricity at the top of the cable hanger body 31 via the supply cables 45, not via the locking means 12 as shown in fig. 8. The supply cables 45 may, in addition to power lines, also provide fluid or signal lines for connection to the cable hanger body 31. Fluids to the ESP are also provided via non-oriented connectors 13 at the circumference of the profiled bore via the conduits 30, as described in connection with fig. 8. In yet an embodiment, the locking means 12 may be replaced by a top plug securing the cable hanger in place.

A cross-sectional view of the locking means 12 featured in the adapter device of fig. 8 is shown in fig. 14. In this case, the locking means is shown in the locked position. The locking means comprises a dise 46 håving a cutout. The cutout features a release side 48 håving a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the profiled bore, and a locking side 49 håving a diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the locking recesses 47, see fig. 13, at the circumference of the cable hanger body. The dise is connected to a first control pin (i.e. control means) 50 and a second control pin 51. The pins arranged on opposite sides in the same plane as the dise. Thus, when the dise is moved by pulling the first control pin 50 in a direction towards the power cable 51, the locking side of the cutout will engage the locking recesses on a cable hanger and secure the cable hanger in place. Pulling on the second control pin 52 will move the dise away from engagement with the locking recesses of the cable hanger. In the embodiment shown in fig. 13, the locking means of the adapter device are only intended to secure the cable hanger in place. However, in the adapter device of fig. 8, and as shown in the particular embodiment of a locking means in fig 14, the locking means may advantageously also be used for providing electricity to the cable hanger. To ensure a best possible locking, three separate locking means may be arranged above one another such that the locking sides are staggered by 120°, thus covering the whole circumference of the cable hanger body. When the locking means 12 are used for providing electricity, the cable hanger body comprises radial power connectors 28' arranged in the locking recesses 47. The locking di ses 46 functions as non-oriented power connectors 13', and connects with the radial power connectors 28' when in the locked position. The individual locking di ses 46 are insulated from one another and by håving three separate locking means 12, a three-phase current may be provided.

A cable hanger for an adapter device according to the invention is shown in figs. 15-16. The cable hanger features a cable hanger body 31, a cable 9 and a piggyback seal sleeve 33 (PSS). The internal wiring and piping of the cable and cable hanger body is not shown. The cable hanger body has locking recesses 47 and radial connectors 28', operable with the locking means 12 and power connectors 13' on the adapter device according to the invention, respectively. The radial connectors 28' extend along the circumference of the locking recesses and are able to provide a connection to the cooperating power connectors 13' on the adapter device independent of the orientation of the cable hanger body 31. In addition, the cable hanger body 31 features radial fluid connectors 13 for supply of fluid.

The PSS 33 is shown in detail in fig. 17. The PSS comprises a first sleeve element 40, a second sleeve element 41, locking fingers 37, a locking sleeve 38, a finger retention element 39, multiple sleeve seal units 53, multiple intermediate sleeve units 54, a metal seal profile 55, a main hydraulic fluid line 56 and multiple hydraulic fluid conduits 57.

The lower part of the PSS for interaction with the hollow stab element 10 is as described with reference to figs. 9-11. The sealing towards the cable is obtained by the multiple sleeve seal units 53, commonly made in an elastomer material such as rubber. The sleeve seal units 53 are connected by the intermediate sleeve units 54. The sleeve seal units 53 are energized by hydraulic pressure provided through the hydraulic fluid conduits 57 connected to the main hydraulic line 56. When hydraulic pressure is applied each of the sleeve seal units 53 are pushed in the radial direction of the PSS sealing against the cable 9. The hydraulic fluid is provided via the hydraulic fluid port 58. When used in connection with the adapter device according to the invention, the hydraulic fluid port is connected to an external hydraulic fluid source via the hydraulic fluid conduit 34 arranged through the housing 1 of the adapter device. In addition to the hydraulic fluid provided via conduit 34, grease provided through fluid conduit 35 (see fig. 8) may/will act on the uppermost and lowermost of the intermediate seal units 54, also contributing to push the sleeve seal units towards the cable 9. The hydraulic pressure from the grease will slightly compress each of the sleeve seal units 53 in the longitudinal direction of the PSS causing them to extend in a direction transverse to the PSS towards the cable 9.

A first inventive concept

In the present application the PSS is primarily described in connection with a cable hanger and its interaction with the hollow stab element of the adapter device according to the invention. However, the PSS may advantageously also be utilized for sealing between any type of longitudinal element, which are to be lowered into a well, and a TH or vertical bore of a HXT. Such longitudinal element may for instance be any type of cable, wireline or coiled tubing.

The operation of the PSS is dependent on interacting with an internal profile of a stab element 10, and an adapter device is therefore necessary also when used in connection with longitudinal elements apart from cable hangers. A particular advantage of the PSS is that it may be run within a C/WO riser.

When the PSS is used together with longitudinal elements not comprising cable hangers, a simplified version of the adapter device according to the invention may be used since supply of fluid or power to a cable hanger body, and/or locking devices for locking a cable hanger body in place, is not required.

The simplified version of the adapter device may comprise a housing 1 håving a connection interface 2 and a through-going bore 3, wherein

- the connection interface 2 is adapted for connecting the housing 1 to a reentry hub of a vertical bore of a HXT 4; - the through-going bore 3 comprises a first end 6 and a second end 7; - the connection interface 2 comprises a hollow stab element 10 extending from the housing at the first end 6 of the through-going bore 3; - the stab element arranged to seal against an inner surface of the vertical bore of the HXT, or TH, when the housing is connected to the HXT and comprises an internal profile at the end being distal to the housing, the internal profile adapted to interact with a piggyback seal sleeve arranged on a longitudinal element when the longitudinal element is lowered through the adapter device, preferably the internal profile comprises latch grooves for interacting with locking fingers on the piggyback seal.

The housing of the simplified device is preferably connectable to the HXT such that an upper part of the housing is situated above the reentry hub.

In a preferred inventive concept, the simplified device comprises at least one conduit 34 for supplying hydraulic fluid to the PSS via the hydraulic fluid port 58.

The first inventive concept thus provides: a system for sealing between a longitudinal element and a vertical bore of a HXT, comprising an adapter device and a piggyback seal sleeve, wherein

- the adapter device comprises a housing 1 håving a connection interface 2 and a through-going bore 3, wherein

o the through-going bore 3 comprises a first end 6 and a second end 7;

o the connection interface 2 is adapted for connecting the housing 1 to a reentry hub of a vertical bore of a HXT 4 and comprises a hollow stab element 10 extending from the housing at the first end 6 of the through-going bore 3;

o the stab element arranged to seal against an inner surface of the vertical bore of the HXT, or TH, when the housing is connected to the HXT and comprises an internal profile at the end being distal to the housing, the internal profile adapted to interact with the piggyback seal sleeve when the longitudinal element is lowered through the adapter device, the internal profile comprises latch grooves for interacting with locking fingers on the piggyback seal; and - the piggyback seal sleeve is adapted to accommodate the longitudinal element and comprises a first sleeve element 40, a second sleeve element 41, locking fingers 37, a locking sleeve 38, a finger retention element 39, an inner seal sleeve element 53,54, and a hydraulic fluid supply 56,57, and the second sleeve element 41 is connected to the first sleeve element 40 by at least one first weak link pin 42, and the finger retention element 39 is connected to the locking sleeve 38 by at least one second weak link pin 42',

wherein the locking fingers are released to interact with the latch grooves of the stab element when the at least one first weak link 42 breaks, allowing the finger retention element to move in an axial direction away from the locking fingers, and the second sleeve element and the locking fingers are disconnected from the first sleeve 40 when the second weak link pin 42' breaks.

A second inventive concept

Use of the piggyback concept for obtaining a seal between a longitudinal element and a tubing hanger is described in connection to the first inventive concept above. However, in a second inventive concept, being independent of both the present invention and the first inventive concept, a piggyback crown plug (PCP) is also described. A piggyback crown plug may be used to seal between any type of longitudinal element as described in connection with the PSS, such as a cable, wireline or coiled tubing, and an inner surface of the HXT such as a tubing hanger (TH). The PCP is adapted to be arranged in a suitable profile (or section) of an inner surface of a HXT, such as the TH 5 of a HXT 4. The profile 59 is arranged above the horizontal production bore 60 of the HXT, see fig. 18. An embodiment of a PCP according to the second inventive concept is shown in fig. 19a and 19b. The PCP comprises an outer sleeve 61, an inner sleeve 62 and a locking sleeve 63. The inner sleeve 62 is connected to the outer sleeve 61 such that all axial forces on the inner sleeve are transferred to the outer sleeve 61. In this particular embodiment the inner sleeve is connected to the outer sleeve by a threaded coupling 79. The outer sleeve comprises an elastomer seal 64 (for instance rubber), a metal seal 65, a landing shoulder 66 and radial locking block openings 67. The elastomer seal 64 and metal seal 65 provide sealing between the outer sleeve 61 and an inner surface of a HXT. A further elastomer seal 68 and metal seal 69 are arranged to seal between a cable 9 (or longitudinal element) and the inner sleeve 62. If the PCP is used in combination with a PSS, as described above, the metal seal 69 is not required. In other instances, the longitudinal element may comprise an upper section håving a larger diameter causing activation of the metal seal 69 on contact. The locking sleeve comprises locking knobs 70 able to cooperate with a locking recess 71 in the outer sleeve 61. The locking knobs 70 and the locking recess 71 have inclined cooperating surfaces such that a sufficient axial force may disengage the locking knobs from the recess. The required sufficient force is higher than the effect of the maximum expected well pressure, such that the disengagement will not occur accidentally. Locking blocks 72 are arranged between the locking sleeve 63 and the outer sleeve 61. The locking blocks 72 are forced through the locking block openings 67 when the locking sleeve is fully landed in the outer sleeve. The locking sleeve is connected to a weak link coilar 73 by rod(s) 74. In this embodiment, the rod(s) 74 is arranged through the outer sleeve 61. Seal 80 provides sealing between the rod(s) 74 and the outer sleeve 61 The weak link coilar 73 is arranged below the outer sleeve 61 and connected to an upper part of a bottom hole assembly (BHA) 75 by a weak link pin(s) 76. The BHA may be any type of tool or equipment to be lowered into the well, for instance an ESP.

When the PCP is lowered through the HXT 4, the landing shoulder 66 of the outer sleeve interacts with a corresponding landing ledge 77 of the profile 59 in the TH 5. The outer sleeve 61 is thus prevented from further downward movement. Due to the weight of the BHA/cable, the locking sleeve is pulled further into the outer sleeve. The locking knobs 70 on the locking sleeve 63 engage the locking recess 71 such that the locking sleeve is fastened. During the further downward movement of the locking sleeve, the locking blocks 72 are pushed through the locking block openings of the outer sleeve and into engagement with a locking recess 78 in the profile 59 of the TH 5. The PCP is thus locked in the tubing hanger. The outer sleeve, the locking sleeve and the inner sleeve is fully landed and prevented from further downward movement. The stress on the weak link pin(s) 76 from the BHA/cable is now sufficient to break said pin(s), and the BHA/cable may move further downward, see figs. 20 and 21. The cable may advantageously have a transverse cross-section 77 at its topside end with a slightly larger outer diameter, compared to the main part of the cable, such that the metal seal 69 is energized when the BHA is fully positioned.

The use of a piggyback CP provides a further barrier between the well and the topside. This barrier is not possible with prior art techniques, wherein a crown plug must be removed as long as the longitudinal element is present in the well bore.

The second inventive concept provides a piggyback crown plug for sealing between a longitudinal element (for instance a cable 9) and a vertical bore of a HXT, for instance a TH 5, comprising an outer sleeve 61, an inner sleeve 62, a locking sleeve 63 and locking blocks 72 arranged between the outer sleeve and the locking sleeve, wherein

- the outer sleeve 61 comprises an external landing shoulder 66, able to interact with a constriction 77 in the vertical bore, an internal annular recess 71 and multiple radial locking block openings 67; - the inner sleeve 62 comprises an inner seal 68 for sealing against the longitudinal element, and is connected to the outer sleeve 61 such that all axial forces on the inner sleeve are transferred to the outer sleeve 61; - the locking sleeve 63 is arranged between the outer sleeve 61 and the inner sleeve 62, and comprises external locking knobs 70 for interaction with the internal annular recess 71, and is connected to a BHA and/or cable by at least one weak link pin 76;

wherein the locking sleeve 63 is able to push the locking blocks 72 through the locking block openings 67 and into a locking block receiving section of the vertical bore, and is locked in place by the interaction of the internal annular

recess 71 and the external locking knobs 70, when inserted between the outer sleeve 61 and the inner sleeve 62 by the pull from the BHA and/or cable, and the pull from the BHA and/or cable is sufficient to break the weak link pin when the locking sleeve 63 is locked in place.

The outer sleeve 61 and/or the inner sleeve 62, and/or the locking sleeve 63 are interconnected in a fluid tight manner such that fluids may not pass through the crown plug in an axial direction.

Claims

1. An adapter device for arranging a cable hanger (8) in a X-tree (4) situated on a wellhead, the adapter device comprises a housing (1) håving a connection interface (2) and a profiled bore (3), wherein - the connection interface (2) is adapted for connecting the housing (1) to a reentry hub of a vertical bore of the X-tree (4); - the profiled bore (3) comprises a first end (6) and a second end (7), and a cable hanger section (14) adapted for accommodating a cable hanger (8), such that a cable (9) from the cable hanger may extend from the first end (6) and into the well head; and - the housing is connectable to the X-tree such that an upper part of the housing is situated above the reentry hub.

2. An adapter device according to claim 1, wherein the connection interface (2) comprises a hollow stab element (10) extending from the housing at the first end (6) of the profiled bore (3), the stab element arranged to seal against an inner surface of a tubing hanger or the vertical bore of a X-tree when the housing is connected to the X-tree.

3. An adapter device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing comprises a closure device, such as an isolation valve (11) or plug, able to close the profiled bore at a position above the cable hanger section.

4. An adapter device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cable hanger section comprises locking means (12) for securing the cable hanger (8), preferably the locking means comprise control means (50,52) which extend in a radial direction relative to the profiled bore such that the locking means are operable at an external surface of the housing situated above the reentry hub.

5. An adapter device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cable hanger section comprises at least one radial connector (13) for connecting to a cooperating radial connector (28) on a cable hanger, the at least one radial connector (13) is arranged at the circumference of the cable hanger section (14) and is connectable to an external fluid or electric source (27) by a conduit (30) arranged in the part of the housing situated above the reentry hub.

6. An adapter device according to claim 6, wherein the conduit (30) extends in a substantially radial direction relative to the profiled bore.

7. An adapter device according to claim 6, wherein the at least one radial connector (13) is a non-oriented connector.

8. An adapter device according to any one of the claims 2-10, wherein the hollow stab element comprises an internal profile at the end being distal to the housing, the internal profile adapted to interact with a piggyback seal sleeve, arranged on a cable (9) of a cable hanger, when the cable is lowered through the adapter device, preferably the internal profile comprises latch grooves for interacting with locking fingers on the piggyback seal sleeve.

9. A cable hanger for an adapter device according to claim 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8, wherein the cable hanger comprises a cable hanger body (31), the cable hanger body håving at least one radial connector (28) operable with at least one radial connector (13) arranged at the circumference of a cable hanger section (14), and/or at least one circumferential locking recess (47) operable with locking means (12) arranged at the circumference of a cable hanger section (14).

10. A system for arranging a cable hanger in a X-tree, comprising an adapter device according to any of claims 1-11 and a cable hanger according to claim 12.