WO2020017977A1 - Method and apparatus for operating a hydraulically operated device in a wellhead - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for operating a hydraulically operated device in a wellhead Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020017977A1
WO2020017977A1 PCT/NO2019/050140 NO2019050140W WO2020017977A1 WO 2020017977 A1 WO2020017977 A1 WO 2020017977A1 NO 2019050140 W NO2019050140 W NO 2019050140W WO 2020017977 A1 WO2020017977 A1 WO 2020017977A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
bladder
hydraulically operated
operated device
hydraulic fluid
cavity
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NO2019/050140
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Georg LARSEN
Original Assignee
Ccb Subsea 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 Ccb Subsea As filed Critical Ccb Subsea As
Publication of WO2020017977A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020017977A1/en

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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
    • E21B33/00—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
    • E21B33/02—Surface sealing or packing
    • E21B33/03—Well heads; Setting-up thereof
    • E21B33/035—Well heads; Setting-up thereof specially adapted for underwater installations
    • E21B33/0355—Control systems, e.g. hydraulic, pneumatic, electric, acoustic, for submerged well heads
    • 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
    • E21B41/00—Equipment or details not covered by groups E21B15/00 - E21B40/00
    • E21B41/0007—Equipment or details not covered by groups E21B15/00 - E21B40/00 for underwater installations
    • 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
    • E21B33/00—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
    • E21B33/02—Surface sealing or packing
    • E21B33/03—Well heads; Setting-up thereof
    • E21B33/04—Casing heads; Suspending casings or tubings in well heads
    • E21B33/043—Casing heads; Suspending casings or tubings in well heads specially adapted for underwater well heads

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an apparatus and a method for operating a hydraulically operated device in a wellhead, for example for well completion from a floating drilling device, through a subsea blowout preventer (BOP) and a marine riser.
  • the method may com prise, for example, running or pulling a production tubing with an associated tubing hanger in a subsea wellhead, or a so-called horizontal Christmas tree, and/or other operations, such as running or retrieving a tree cap of a horizontal tree.
  • the present invention comprises a new method that can be used for completing subsea wells without using an umbilical, and an apparatus for use in carrying out the method.
  • An umbilical is typically used for supplying electrical power and communi cation and one or more fluids that may be necessary for carrying out an operation, for example for operating one or more valves.
  • the umbilical and associated pipe clamps are vulnerable to damage. The damage potential carries a risk of interruptions to operations. It is therefore desirable to have a method for carrying out well operations, such as well completions, for example running or pulling a production tubing, in which the risk connect ed with the use of an umbilical has been eliminated. Space-demanding equipment may also be reduced.
  • Equipment forming part of a control system for workover, and completion of subsea wells typically consists of: ⁇ A master control unit (MCU);
  • Winches (umbilical reels) with bundled hoses/cables (umbilicals) with external ar- mouring and an outer sheath; • Bundled hoses and cables (deck jumper) placed on the vessel deck, with devices for connecting the MCU and the HPU to the respective umbilical reels; and
  • a BOP In a typical completion of subsea wells from a drilling vessel, according to the prior art, a BOP is on the wellhead, or on the top of a horizontal Christmas tree. From a lower marine riser package (LMRP) on the BOP, a marine riser, typically with an external diameter of 535 mm (21"), extends up to the bottom side of the drilling deck of the vessel. The marine riser has been filled up with drilling fluid which is in communication with the well.
  • the well having been drilled is provided with a production tubing, which is made up in steps with pipe joints and lowered into the well from the drilling deck, via the marine riser and the BOP.
  • the upper end of the production tubing and hydraulic lines for controlling the down hole valve are attached to the bottom side of a tubing hanger (TH), which, at its upper end, is connected to a hydraulically operated tubing-hanger running tool (THRT).
  • TH tubing hanger
  • THRT hydraulically operated tubing-hanger running tool
  • the THRT hangs on what is known as a simplified landing string.
  • the simplified landing string consists of an adapted drill-pipe joint and is provided with hydraulic pipe connections and a slick joint with internal bores for hydraulic communication to hydraulic pipe connections to the tool at the lower end and to hydraulic pipe connections for the connection of an umbilical at the upper end.
  • the equipment is lowered through the marine riser by means of a tubular working string, which is made up of a number of drill-pipe joints, while a hydraulic umbilical, which is connected to the top of the simplified landing string, is clamped to the tubular working string.
  • the tubing hanger is oriented, landed and locked to a profile in the wellhead, or in a horizontal Christmas tree.
  • the slick joint is then placed in such a way that one of the sealing ele ments (pipe rams) of the BOP can press sealingly around it.
  • a common measure to protect the umbilical and clamps is to install centralizing clamps, which are thereby exposed to crush loads that, at worst, will cause damage, so that loose parts may fall down towards the well on the inside of the BOP, which will result in a costly interruption to the operation.
  • the method shall work with common hydraulic tools and shall not require any modification or adaptation of the BOP, the marine riser and/or BOP control system, and a hydraulic supply or communication connection from the surface on the outside of the marine riser.
  • NO 340742 B discloses a remotely operated subsea well completion system which com prises local storage of hydraulic power in accumulators and is based on hydraulic actua tion from above the tool by means of control valves in an electrohydraulic control module, which communicates with a control system aboard the vessel, via passages in the lower part of the marine riser or the BOP.
  • a drawback of the solution is the need for special ad aptations of third-party equipment; the BOP and the marine riser, and also a solution for external signal communication to the surface.
  • US2008202761 A1 discloses the hydraulic operation of a tubing hanger and tool via a hydraulic connection from a Christmas tree.
  • An umbilical is external to the marine riser, but the solution requires complex adaptations of third-party equipment; the Christmas tree and the tubing hanger.
  • the solution is restricted to TH operation with a horizontal tree.
  • GB2448262 B discloses an electromechanical tubing-hanger running tool with battery operation and cable to the surface for charging and communication, possibly wireless with only battery operation and acoustic communication.
  • the solution requires a specially de veloped tool, the production of which poses a number of challenges, inter alia the diame ter restriction in the BOP.
  • WO 2019004842 A1 discloses a tubing-hanger installation tool, the tool comprising a compensator, for example a bladder, which can be pressurized for supplying a control system with a hydraulic fluid.
  • a compensator for example a bladder
  • US 20050217845 A1 discloses a method for operating hydraulic well-completion equip ment without using an umbilical.
  • the method comprises wireless communication for communication between a control system on the surface and a control module in a tubular working string. Further, the method includes creating hydraulic power by pressurizing an enclosed volume in a BOP between closed pipe rams via a kill/choke pipe. The hydraulic medium is not kept separated from the surrounding medium in the annulus in the BOP.
  • US20130175045 A1 discloses a method for pressurizing a hydraulic accumulator, which includes creating a pressure zone in an annulus.
  • a method for operating a hydraulically operat ed device in or at a wellhead comprising the step of:
  • the apparatus comprising:
  • the method further comprising the steps of:
  • the method according to the first aspect of the invention may be advantageous compared with the prior art, for example in that by using the method, using an umbilical in connection with operating a hydraulically operated device in or at the wellhead for transmitting com- munication signals can be avoided.
  • an apparatus for operating a hydraulically operated device in a wellhead comprising:
  • the apparatus may further include a hydraulic system for supplying a hydraulic fluid to the hydraulically operated device, the hydraulic system comprising:
  • the method may comprise the steps of:
  • step of "actuating the hydraulically operated device” includes actuating one or more valves to let the pressurized hydraulic fluid flow to the hydraulically operated device to operate the hydraulically operated device.
  • the invention thereby of fers a solution for operating a hydraulically operated device which may be carried out without using an umbilical.
  • the bladder may be a first of two bladders that may form part of the hydraulic system.
  • the bladder may therefore be referred to as "the first bladder".
  • the apparatus may include a second bladder, located in a second cavity in the BOP.
  • the cavity that the first bladder is in may be referred to as the first cavity.
  • the apparatus may further include one or more pipes for connecting the two bladders and the hydraulically operated device.
  • a method for operating a hydraulically operat ed device comprising the step of:
  • the hydraulic system comprising:
  • the method further comprising the steps of:
  • an apparatus for operating a hydraulically operated device comprising:
  • the hydraulic sys tem comprising:
  • the apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the invention may further include:
  • the rig may be, for example, a rig on a platform or on a vessel.
  • the communication device may be a communication device for acoustic or electromag netic signal transmission, wherein the step of "sending a signal to the actuator" includes sending an acoustic control signal or an electromagnetic control signal via the pipe string.
  • the wellhead may include the BOP.
  • the apparatus that is provided as a step in the method according to the first aspect of the invention or the method according to the third aspect of the invention may be an embodi ment of the apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention or an embodiment of the apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the invention.
  • the apparatus may further include:
  • the pipe string and the communication device of the apparatus may include a wire or ca ble for transmitting, for example, electric or optical signals between the control system and the control module.
  • the communication device may include means for transmitting elec tromagnetic and/or acoustic signals between the control system and the control module via the pipe string.
  • the pipe string may be configured for transmitting such signals.
  • the pipe string may be a so-called "wired drill string”.
  • the apparatus may further include:
  • the line for fluid communication leading to the first cavity may be called “the first line”.
  • the line for fluid communication leading to the second cavity may be called “the second line”.
  • the first cavity may be pressurized, for example by using the first line.
  • the second cavity may be pressurized, for example by using the second line.
  • One or both of the lines may extend from the rig to the BOP.
  • the bladder in the cavity By pressurizing one of the two cavities of the BOP, the bladder in the cavity can be pres- surized, and thereby also the hydraulic fluid in the bladder be pressurized and pushed from the bladder to the hydraulically operated device to operate the hydraulically operated device.
  • the hydraulic fluid may be carried via one or more valves, for example, which may be used to determine in which direction the fluid is allowed to flow, for example.
  • the hydraulically operated device may be a control system, a piston, a valve, a form of actuator, or something else.
  • the method, according to the first or third aspect of the inven tion may be, for example, a method for installing a tubing hanger by operating a hydrau- lically operated device.
  • the first cavity and/or the second cavity may be configured and shut off in such a way that it is possible to pressurize them to apply pressure to the bladders to move the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic system for fluid communication.
  • the pressurization may take place by using one or more lines/pipes leading through one or more barriers defining the first and/or the second cavity.
  • the first line and/or the second line may be a so-called "choke-and-kill" line.
  • first cavity and/or the second cavity may be in commu nication with a tubular working string for the cavity/cavities to be pressurized.
  • the hydraulic system for fluid communication may be so configured that the hydraulic fluid is substantially kept in the system, so that it can be used to operate the hydraulically op erated device repeatedly.
  • the two bladders may be in communication with several hydraulically operated devices, such as several valves and/or actuators.
  • One or more of the hydraulically operated devic es may be operated by pressurization of the hydraulic fluid in the first bladder and/or the second bladder.
  • the apparatus may include one or more directional-control valves for directing hydraulic fluid from the first to the second bladder or from the second to the first bladder, and/or for directing hydraulic fluid to the actuator and/or one or more hydraulically operated devices.
  • the hydraulic system and/or the control module may include one or more directional- control valves for directing hydraulic fluid from the first to the second bladder or from the second to the first bladder, and/or for directing hydraulic fluid to the actuator and/or one or more hydraulically operated devices.
  • the pipe string may comprise standard drill-pipe joints screwed together, forming a tubu lar working string.
  • the hydraulically operated device may be hydraulic well-completion equipment, a part of hydraulic well-completion equipment, for example an actuator in hydraulic well-completion equipment.
  • the control module may be an electrohydraulic control module.
  • the method may further include the step of: receiving the hydraulic fluid back from the hydraulically operated device and storing it in the second bladder.
  • the latter may typically be attached to the lower part of the tubular working string.
  • the apparatus may include a battery, which may, for example, be connected to the control module to supply electrical power to the control module.
  • An advantage of the invention in embodiments in which it includes two bladders is that an embodiment like that may increase the volume of available hydraulic fluid, seen in relation to an embodiment with one bladder.
  • the method according to the first aspect of the invention or the method according to the third aspect of the invention may further include the step of: - pressurizing the second bladder by increasing the pressure in the second enclosed cavity, and thereby pressuriz- ing the hydraulic fluid when it is in the second bladder.
  • the method may include the step of: - operating a hydraulically operated device by carrying the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the second bladder to the hydraulically operated device.
  • the method may include the step of: - receiving the hydraulic fluid back from the hydraulically operated device and storing it in the first bladder.
  • the hydraulic fluid may be used repeatedly for operat ing the hydraulically operated device.
  • the step of "sending a signal to the actuator” may include sending a signal between the control system and the control module, wherein the signal is sent in the pipe string.
  • the signal may be sent in a body made of metal in the pipe string that, for exam ple, forms the actual pipe in the pipe string, and the signal may be electromagnetic or acoustic.
  • the method may be a method for operating a hydraulically operated device to retrieve or install a subsea completion.
  • the method may be a method for operating a hydraulically operated device to install or retrieve a tubing hanger in a wellhead.
  • the apparatus may be an apparatus for operating a hydraulically operated device to re trieve or install a subsea completion.
  • the apparatus may be an apparatus for operating a hydraulically operated device to install or retrieve a tubing hanger in a wellhead.
  • the invention may enable the operation of a hydraulically operated device internally in a BOP without interference in third-party equipment and without the use of an umbilical or electrical cable clamped to the pipe string in a marine riser.
  • Figure 1 illustrates an example of the apparatus in a simplified and schematic man ner
  • Figure 2 illustrates an example of the apparatus in use, prepared for the installation of a tubing hanger in a wellhead
  • Figure 3 schematically illustrates an example of the closed hydraulic system of the apparatus.
  • Figure 1 schematically shows a variant of the apparatus 100 according to the second as pect of the invention.
  • the figure shows a BOP 6 with a first cavity 22 and a second cavity 30.
  • a first bladder 10 is in the first enclosed cavity 22, and a second bladder 14 in the second enclosed cavity 30.
  • a hydraulic fluid 101 is provided in the first bladder 10.
  • a first pipe 23 leads through a slick joint of the BOP 6 to the first cavity 22 and may be used for pressurizing the first cavity 22 and the first bladder 10.
  • a second pipe 29 leads through a slick joint of the BOP 6 to the second cavity 30 and may be used for pressurizing the sec ond cavity 30 and the second bladder 14.
  • a third pipe 105 connects the first bladder 10, the second bladder 14 and a hydraulically operated device 200.
  • one or more valves for example a valve package 109, will be in the con nection between the first bladder 10, the second bladder 14 and the hydraulically operated device 200 to regulate a fluid flow between them.
  • the first bladder 10, the second bladder 14 and the third pipe 105 are component parts of a hydraulic system 150 which can be connected to a hydraulically operated device 200.
  • the hydraulic system 150 is so configured that the hydraulic fluid 101 may be moved in- ternally in the closed hydraulic system 150, but so that the hydraulic fluid 101 , when the hydraulic system 150 is being operated, is, in the main, to be kept in the hydraulic system 150.
  • the pressure in the first and/or the second enclosed cavity 22, 30 is adjusted.
  • the pressure will typically be increased in the first enclosed cavity 22 by it being pressurized via the first pipe 23.
  • the hydraulic fluid 105 will move from the first bladder 10, which is compressed in consequence of the pressurization, to the hydraulically operated device 200.
  • the hydraulic fluid 101 With enough pressure on the first bladder 10 and the second bladder 14, the hydraulic fluid 101 will reach the hydraulically operated device 200 with enough pressure for it to be able to operate the hydraulically operated device 200, so that it will, for example, actuate an actuator (not shown) in the hydraulically operated de vice 200.
  • the pressure in the second enclosed cavity 30 may then be reduced by pres sure being bled off through the second pipe 29, so that the hydraulic fluid 101 will accu- mulate in the second bladder 14.
  • the apparatus 100 for operating a hydraulically operated device is shown as the apparatus is being used for installing a tubing hanger.
  • a tubular working string 1 is shown in a marine riser 2 which, at its lower end, is connected to a simplified landing string 3, which is provided with a first slick joint 4.
  • the slick joint 4 is dimen- sioned for a pipe ram 5 of a BOP 6 to be able to press sealingly around its outside, and it is provided with internal, vertical bores for hydraulics.
  • the slick joint 4 is screwed via a pipe adapter to an upper end of a tubing-hanger running tool 7, which in its turn is hydrau lically connected to a tubing hanger 8, which is locked to a subsea wellhead 9.
  • the pipe adapter between the slick joint 4 and the running tool 7 is surrounded by a lower module with the first bladder 10 in the first enclosed cavity 22.
  • the first bladder 10 is filled with the hydraulic fluid (not shown) to be supplied to a hydraulically operated device in the form of a subsea control module 11 surrounding the tubular working string 1. Hydraulic lines on the underside of the control module 11 are connected via a second slick joint 12 with in ternal, vertical bores for hydraulics.
  • the second slick joint 12 is placed in such a way that it is surrounded by a flexible annular preventer 13 pressing sealingly around the outside.
  • a flexible annular preventer 13 pressing sealingly around the outside.
  • the simplified landing string 3 is surrounded by an upper module with the second bladder 14 in the second enclosed cavity 30.
  • a specially adapted short pipe length (pup joint) is fitted, with a first telemetry transceiver 15 for electromagnetic or acoustic signal communication through the metal of the tubular working string 1.
  • the te lemetry unit 15 is connected via a cable connection 16 to a control system 17 on the ves sel 18.
  • the telemetry unit 15 communicates with a second, battery-operated subsea te lemetry unit 19, which is integrated in a lower pup joint in the tubular working string 1.
  • the communication possibly runs via telemetry amplifiers 20 in the tubular working string 1 , depending on the distance, typically over 600-800 metres, depending on which supplier and technique are being used.
  • Via a cable connection 21 the subsea telemetry unit 19 is connected to the control module 11.
  • the lower module with the first bladder 10 is shown in the first, enclosed cavity 22, between the tubing hanger 8 and the pipe ram 5.
  • the first bladder 10 is filled with hydraulic fluid and is pressurized via the first pipe 23 extending from the surface, through a slick joint of the BOP 6, to the first enclosed cavity 22.
  • Pres surized hydraulic fluid from the compressed first bladder 10 runs through an open 2/2 valve 24 in the control module 11 , on to the inlet ports of a number of 3/2 directional- control valves 25, 26 provided with spring return, which will close when power to the sole noids is lost (so-called "fail safe to close").
  • the valves open when solenoids on the valves are tensioned by the electronics of the control module 11 for hydraulic operation of a pis ton 27 in a tool 7, for example a tubing-hanger running tool, the piston 27 having a double acting piston function.
  • a piston 27 is an example of a hydraulically operated device.
  • a first directional-control valve 25 When the piston 27 is actuated, via a first directional-control valve 25, a cavity on one side of the piston 27 is evacuated to the return via a second directional-control valve 26.
  • returned hydraulic fluid is directed on through a 2/2 valve, 28, to the upper module with the second bladder 14, which is placed above the closed pipe ram 5.
  • the annular preventer 13 is then either open or closed. If it is closed, then a second pipe 29 on the outside of the BOP 6 that is connected to a second cavity 30 is open to the surface, so that the second bladder 14, which is placed in the second cavity 30, may expand while receiving returned hydraulic fluid.
  • the closed hydraulic system is arranged in such a way that if the first bladder 10 is emp tied of hydraulic fluid, the hydraulic fluid will be collected in the second bladder 14 for re- use.
  • the pipe ram 5 and the annular preventer 13 are then to be kept closed, and the cav ity 30 is pressurized from the surface via the external pipe 29.
  • Two valves 24, 28 are then kept closed, and a second 2/2 valve 31 is opened, so that pressurized hydraulic fluid from the compressed, second bladder 14 is carried up to the inlet ports of the directional- control valves 25, 26.
  • the volume on the other side of the piston 27 is evacuated to the return, via one of the directional-control valves 25, 26 as described above and is now dumped either through an open 2/2 valve 32 into the marine riser 2, above the control module 11 , or the hydraulic fluid may be directed back to the first bladder 10 for storage or possible reuse in the form of a new cycle.
  • Return to the first bladder 10 is conditional on the enclosed volume 22 now being open to the surface via the pipe 23, so that the first bladder 10 may expand while receiving returned hydraulic fluid.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
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Abstract

The document presents, among other things, a method for operating a hydraulically operated device in or at a wellhead, the method comprising the steps of: - providing an apparatus for operating the hydraulically operated device; - sending a signal to the actuator by means of the communication device to activate the actuator; and thereby - actuating the hydraulically operated device, and also an apparatus for carrying out the method.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OPERATING A HYDRAULICALLY OPERATED DE VICE IN A WELLHEAD
The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for operating a hydraulically operated device in a wellhead, for example for well completion from a floating drilling device, through a subsea blowout preventer (BOP) and a marine riser. The method may com prise, for example, running or pulling a production tubing with an associated tubing hanger in a subsea wellhead, or a so-called horizontal Christmas tree, and/or other operations, such as running or retrieving a tree cap of a horizontal tree.
More specifically, the present invention comprises a new method that can be used for completing subsea wells without using an umbilical, and an apparatus for use in carrying out the method. An umbilical is typically used for supplying electrical power and communi cation and one or more fluids that may be necessary for carrying out an operation, for example for operating one or more valves. The umbilical and associated pipe clamps are vulnerable to damage. The damage potential carries a risk of interruptions to operations. It is therefore desirable to have a method for carrying out well operations, such as well completions, for example running or pulling a production tubing, in which the risk connect ed with the use of an umbilical has been eliminated. Space-demanding equipment may also be reduced. Equipment forming part of a control system for workover, and completion of subsea wells, typically consists of: · A master control unit (MCU);
• A hydraulic power unit (HPU)
• A control panel / an operator station;
• External control panels for emergency operations;
• Winches (umbilical reels) with bundled hoses/cables (umbilicals) with external ar- mouring and an outer sheath; • Bundled hoses and cables (deck jumper) placed on the vessel deck, with devices for connecting the MCU and the HPU to the respective umbilical reels; and
• Bundled hoses from the HPU to the valve arrangement (surface flow tree - SFT) of the upper riser. There are several possible applications of control systems for subsea equipment. Some systems are configured for several different operations, whereas others are intended for more limited use. Multifunctional systems typically have several umbilical reels with umbil- icals that are used in different operations, either individually or in combinations. Ordinary operations may be the operation of tool systems, for example when installing a Christmas tree on a wellhead, or for a well completion (tubing hanger mode). Intervention in the open sea is also common, for various tool operations or an operation with a well-intervention device (Lower Riser Package, LRP, with Emergency Disconnect Package, EDP) on the top of a subsea Christmas tree.
For tool systems and well equipment operated at water depths down to 500 m, direct hy- draulic actuation from the surface, controlled by directional-control valves in the HPU of the control system, via surface distribution and umbilical systems is common. For deep water and the operation of equipment with multiple functions, it is common to operate the equipment with directional-control valves in a subsea control module, integrated in the equipment that is being operated. This reduces the response time and the number of hy- draulic umbilical lines.
In a typical completion of subsea wells from a drilling vessel, according to the prior art, a BOP is on the wellhead, or on the top of a horizontal Christmas tree. From a lower marine riser package (LMRP) on the BOP, a marine riser, typically with an external diameter of 535 mm (21"), extends up to the bottom side of the drilling deck of the vessel. The marine riser has been filled up with drilling fluid which is in communication with the well. The well having been drilled is provided with a production tubing, which is made up in steps with pipe joints and lowered into the well from the drilling deck, via the marine riser and the BOP. The upper end of the production tubing and hydraulic lines for controlling the down hole valve are attached to the bottom side of a tubing hanger (TH), which, at its upper end, is connected to a hydraulically operated tubing-hanger running tool (THRT).
In a prior-art tubing-hanger installation, the THRT hangs on what is known as a simplified landing string. The simplified landing string consists of an adapted drill-pipe joint and is provided with hydraulic pipe connections and a slick joint with internal bores for hydraulic communication to hydraulic pipe connections to the tool at the lower end and to hydraulic pipe connections for the connection of an umbilical at the upper end. The equipment is lowered through the marine riser by means of a tubular working string, which is made up of a number of drill-pipe joints, while a hydraulic umbilical, which is connected to the top of the simplified landing string, is clamped to the tubular working string. Finally, the tubing hanger is oriented, landed and locked to a profile in the wellhead, or in a horizontal Christmas tree. The slick joint is then placed in such a way that one of the sealing ele ments (pipe rams) of the BOP can press sealingly around it.
Originally, only so-called vertical Christmas trees were used in the subsea industry. In these systems, the tubing hanger is installed in the wellhead, via a BOP and a marine riser, after the well has been drilled. Perforation of the well and other well operations re quiring the presence of well-barrier valves in the vertical passage, which continues up to the vessel through a workover riser, are not done before the Christmas tree has been in stalled on the wellhead. Well-barrier equipment at the lower end of the workover riser is then connected to the top of the Christmas tree as well. In the 1990s, horizontal trees be came common. At first, one was dependent on using landing strings with barrier valves in the BOP and a riser on the inside of the marine riser when the well was to be perforated and other well operations were to be done with a live well. Later, this equipment is becom ing replaced by a well-intervention device with well barrier functions that is connected to the top of the Christmas tree, and tubing-hanger installation is now done in the main with a simplified landing string and a tubular working string, without any well-barrier valves. In recent years, vertical Christmas trees of larger dimensions than the early vertical trees have also begun to take over from the horizontal trees in the subsea market.
A challenge with the hydraulic operation of hydraulically operated devices in the wellhead, such as the tubing-hanger running tool and the tubing hanger, through a hydraulic umbili cal, which, during the installation, is attached to the tubular working string with umbilical clamps, is that the umbilical is vulnerable to crush damage between the drill-pipe connec tions and the inner pipe wall of the marine riser, as the rig and the marine riser move in consequence of external environmental loads like wave conditions and oceanic currents. A common measure to protect the umbilical and clamps is to install centralizing clamps, which are thereby exposed to crush loads that, at worst, will cause damage, so that loose parts may fall down towards the well on the inside of the BOP, which will result in a costly interruption to the operation.
It is desirable to introduce a new method and a new apparatus for installing or retrieving a subsea completion, without using a hydraulic umbilical or an electrical cable clamped to the tubular working string, on the inside of the marine riser. The method shall work with common hydraulic tools and shall not require any modification or adaptation of the BOP, the marine riser and/or BOP control system, and a hydraulic supply or communication connection from the surface on the outside of the marine riser.
From the patent literature are cited as background art:
NO 340742 B discloses a remotely operated subsea well completion system which com prises local storage of hydraulic power in accumulators and is based on hydraulic actua tion from above the tool by means of control valves in an electrohydraulic control module, which communicates with a control system aboard the vessel, via passages in the lower part of the marine riser or the BOP. A drawback of the solution is the need for special ad aptations of third-party equipment; the BOP and the marine riser, and also a solution for external signal communication to the surface.
US2008202761 A1 discloses the hydraulic operation of a tubing hanger and tool via a hydraulic connection from a Christmas tree. An umbilical is external to the marine riser, but the solution requires complex adaptations of third-party equipment; the Christmas tree and the tubing hanger. The solution is restricted to TH operation with a horizontal tree.
GB2448262 B discloses an electromechanical tubing-hanger running tool with battery operation and cable to the surface for charging and communication, possibly wireless with only battery operation and acoustic communication. The solution requires a specially de veloped tool, the production of which poses a number of challenges, inter alia the diame ter restriction in the BOP.
WO 2019004842 A1 discloses a tubing-hanger installation tool, the tool comprising a compensator, for example a bladder, which can be pressurized for supplying a control system with a hydraulic fluid.
US 20050217845 A1 discloses a method for operating hydraulic well-completion equip ment without using an umbilical. The method comprises wireless communication for communication between a control system on the surface and a control module in a tubular working string. Further, the method includes creating hydraulic power by pressurizing an enclosed volume in a BOP between closed pipe rams via a kill/choke pipe. The hydraulic medium is not kept separated from the surrounding medium in the annulus in the BOP.
US20130175045 A1 discloses a method for pressurizing a hydraulic accumulator, which includes creating a pressure zone in an annulus.
Because of the drawbacks mentioned and others in tubing-hanger installation, an alterna tive method and an apparatus that have for their purpose to remedy or reduce at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art, or at least provide a useful alternative to the prior art, have been developed.
The object is achieved through features which are indicated in the description below and in the claims that follow.
According to a first aspect of the invention, a method for operating a hydraulically operat ed device in or at a wellhead is provided, the method comprising the step of:
- providing an apparatus for operating the hydraulically operated device, the apparatus comprising:
- a pipe string leading from a rig to the wellhead;
- an actuator for actuating the hydraulically operated device;
- a control system on the rig and a control module in or at the wellhead for control- ling the actuator; and
- a communication device for communicating between the control system and the control module via the pipe string,
the method further comprising the steps of:
- sending a signal to the actuator by means of the communication device to activate the actuator; and thereby
- actuating the hydraulically operated device.
The method according to the first aspect of the invention may be advantageous compared with the prior art, for example in that by using the method, using an umbilical in connection with operating a hydraulically operated device in or at the wellhead for transmitting com- munication signals can be avoided.
According to a second aspect of the invention, an apparatus for operating a hydraulically operated device in a wellhead is provided, the apparatus comprising:
- a pipe string for connecting a rig to the wellhead;
- an actuator for actuating the hydraulically operated device;
- a control system on the rig and a control module in or at the wellhead for controlling the actuator; and
- a communication device for communicating between the control system and control module via the pipe string. The apparatus may further include a hydraulic system for supplying a hydraulic fluid to the hydraulically operated device, the hydraulic system comprising:
- a bladder in a cavity in a BOP connected to the wellhead;
- the hydraulic fluid;
- one or more pipes for connecting the bladder and the hydraulically operated device; and
- a line for fluid communication leading to the cavity of the BOP for adjusting a pressure in the cavity to adjust a pressure on the bladder.
The method may comprise the steps of:
- storing the hydraulic fluid in the bladder;
- pressurizing the bladder by increasing the pressure in the enclosed cavity, thereby pres surizing the hydraulic fluid; and
- operating a hydraulically operated device by carrying the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the bladder to the hydraulically operated device,
wherein the step of "actuating the hydraulically operated device" includes actuating one or more valves to let the pressurized hydraulic fluid flow to the hydraulically operated device to operate the hydraulically operated device.
By using the hydraulic system, using an umbilical to communicate hydraulic fluid for the operation of the hydraulically operated device can be avoided. The invention thereby of fers a solution for operating a hydraulically operated device which may be carried out without using an umbilical.
The bladder may be a first of two bladders that may form part of the hydraulic system. The bladder may therefore be referred to as "the first bladder". The apparatus may include a second bladder, located in a second cavity in the BOP. The cavity that the first bladder is in may be referred to as the first cavity. The apparatus may further include one or more pipes for connecting the two bladders and the hydraulically operated device.
According to a third aspect of the invention, a method for operating a hydraulically operat ed device is provided, the method comprising the step of:
- providing an apparatus comprising:
- a hydraulic system for supplying a hydraulic fluid to the hydraulically
operated device, the hydraulic system comprising:
- a bladder in a cavity in a BOP;
- the hydraulic fluid; and
- one or more pipes for connecting the bladder and the hydraulically operated device,
the method further comprising the steps of:
- storing the hydraulic fluid in the bladder;
- pressurizing the bladder, by increasing the pressure in the first enclosed cavity, and thereby pressurizing the hydraulic fluid; and
- operating a hydraulically operated device by carrying the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the bladder to the hydraulically operated device.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention, an apparatus for operating a hydraulically operated device is provided, the apparatus comprising:
- a first line for fluid communication leading to a first cavity in a BOP for adjusting a pres sure in the cavity;
- a second line for fluid communication leading to a second cavity in the BOP for adjusting a pressure in the second enclosed cavity; and
- a hydraulic system for supplying a hydraulic fluid to the hydraulically operated device and receiving the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulically operated device, the hydraulic sys tem comprising:
- a first bladder in the first cavity of the BOP;
- a second bladder in the second cavity of the BOP;
- the hydraulic fluid; and
- one or more pipes for connecting the two bladders and the hydraulically operated device.
The apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the invention may further include:
- a pipe string for connecting a rig to a wellhead which includes the BOP;
- an actuator for actuating the hydraulically operated device;
- a control system on the rig and a control module in or at the wellhead for controlling the actuator; and
- a communication device for communicating between the control system and the control module via the pipe string.
The rig may be, for example, a rig on a platform or on a vessel.
The communication device may be a communication device for acoustic or electromag netic signal transmission, wherein the step of "sending a signal to the actuator" includes sending an acoustic control signal or an electromagnetic control signal via the pipe string. The wellhead may include the BOP. Below, when characteristics or component parts of the apparatus are mentioned, this may concern the apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention and/or the appa ratus according to the fourth aspect of the invention. In the same way, when, below, char acteristics of steps in the method and/or additional steps in the method are mentioned, these may concern the method according to the first aspect of the invention and/or the method according to the third aspect of the invention.
The apparatus that is provided as a step in the method according to the first aspect of the invention or the method according to the third aspect of the invention may be an embodi ment of the apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention or an embodiment of the apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the invention.
The apparatus may further include:
- one or more directional-control valves for directing the hydraulic fluid from the first blad der to the second bladder or from the second bladder to the first bladder, and/or for direct ing hydraulic fluid to or from the hydraulically operated device. The pipe string and the communication device of the apparatus may include a wire or ca ble for transmitting, for example, electric or optical signals between the control system and the control module. The communication device may include means for transmitting elec tromagnetic and/or acoustic signals between the control system and the control module via the pipe string. The pipe string may be configured for transmitting such signals. The pipe string may be a so-called "wired drill string".
The apparatus may further include:
- a line for fluid communication leading to the first cavity and/or a line for fluid communica tion leading to the second cavity. The line for fluid communication leading to the first cavity may be called "the first line". The line for fluid communication leading to the second cavity may be called "the second line".
The first cavity may be pressurized, for example by using the first line. The second cavity may be pressurized, for example by using the second line. One or both of the lines may extend from the rig to the BOP.
By pressurizing one of the two cavities of the BOP, the bladder in the cavity can be pres- surized, and thereby also the hydraulic fluid in the bladder be pressurized and pushed from the bladder to the hydraulically operated device to operate the hydraulically operated device. The hydraulic fluid may be carried via one or more valves, for example, which may be used to determine in which direction the fluid is allowed to flow, for example.
The hydraulically operated device may be a control system, a piston, a valve, a form of actuator, or something else. The method, according to the first or third aspect of the inven tion, may be, for example, a method for installing a tubing hanger by operating a hydrau- lically operated device.
The first cavity and/or the second cavity may be configured and shut off in such a way that it is possible to pressurize them to apply pressure to the bladders to move the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic system for fluid communication. The pressurization may take place by using one or more lines/pipes leading through one or more barriers defining the first and/or the second cavity.
The first line and/or the second line may be a so-called "choke-and-kill" line.
In an alternative embodiment, the first cavity and/or the second cavity may be in commu nication with a tubular working string for the cavity/cavities to be pressurized.
The hydraulic system for fluid communication may be so configured that the hydraulic fluid is substantially kept in the system, so that it can be used to operate the hydraulically op erated device repeatedly.
The two bladders may be in communication with several hydraulically operated devices, such as several valves and/or actuators. One or more of the hydraulically operated devic es may be operated by pressurization of the hydraulic fluid in the first bladder and/or the second bladder.
The apparatus may include one or more directional-control valves for directing hydraulic fluid from the first to the second bladder or from the second to the first bladder, and/or for directing hydraulic fluid to the actuator and/or one or more hydraulically operated devices. The hydraulic system and/or the control module may include one or more directional- control valves for directing hydraulic fluid from the first to the second bladder or from the second to the first bladder, and/or for directing hydraulic fluid to the actuator and/or one or more hydraulically operated devices.
The pipe string may comprise standard drill-pipe joints screwed together, forming a tubu lar working string. The hydraulically operated device may be hydraulic well-completion equipment, a part of hydraulic well-completion equipment, for example an actuator in hydraulic well-completion equipment.
The control module may be an electrohydraulic control module.
The method may further include the step of: receiving the hydraulic fluid back from the hydraulically operated device and storing it in the second bladder. The latter may typically be attached to the lower part of the tubular working string.
The apparatus may include a battery, which may, for example, be connected to the control module to supply electrical power to the control module.
An advantage of the invention in embodiments in which it includes two bladders is that an embodiment like that may increase the volume of available hydraulic fluid, seen in relation to an embodiment with one bladder.
The method according to the first aspect of the invention or the method according to the third aspect of the invention may further include the step of: - pressurizing the second bladder by increasing the pressure in the second enclosed cavity, and thereby pressuriz- ing the hydraulic fluid when it is in the second bladder.
Further, the method may include the step of: - operating a hydraulically operated device by carrying the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the second bladder to the hydraulically operated device.
Further, the method may include the step of: - receiving the hydraulic fluid back from the hydraulically operated device and storing it in the first bladder. By adjusting the pressure in the first and/or the second cavity, the hydraulic fluid may be used repeatedly for operat ing the hydraulically operated device.
The step of "sending a signal to the actuator" may include sending a signal between the control system and the control module, wherein the signal is sent in the pipe string. For example, the signal may be sent in a body made of metal in the pipe string that, for exam ple, forms the actual pipe in the pipe string, and the signal may be electromagnetic or acoustic.
The method may be a method for operating a hydraulically operated device to retrieve or install a subsea completion. The method may be a method for operating a hydraulically operated device to install or retrieve a tubing hanger in a wellhead. The apparatus may be an apparatus for operating a hydraulically operated device to re trieve or install a subsea completion. The apparatus may be an apparatus for operating a hydraulically operated device to install or retrieve a tubing hanger in a wellhead.
The invention may enable the operation of a hydraulically operated device internally in a BOP without interference in third-party equipment and without the use of an umbilical or electrical cable clamped to the pipe string in a marine riser.
In what follows, examples of the apparatus are described:
Figure 1 illustrates an example of the apparatus in a simplified and schematic man ner; Figure 2 illustrates an example of the apparatus in use, prepared for the installation of a tubing hanger in a wellhead; and
Figure 3 schematically illustrates an example of the closed hydraulic system of the apparatus.
The figures are simplified, schematic illustrations of examples of one or more of the inven- tions described in this document. The various components shown in the figures are not necessarily represented to scale.
Figure 1 schematically shows a variant of the apparatus 100 according to the second as pect of the invention. The figure shows a BOP 6 with a first cavity 22 and a second cavity 30. A first bladder 10 is in the first enclosed cavity 22, and a second bladder 14 in the second enclosed cavity 30. A hydraulic fluid 101 is provided in the first bladder 10. A first pipe 23 leads through a slick joint of the BOP 6 to the first cavity 22 and may be used for pressurizing the first cavity 22 and the first bladder 10. A second pipe 29 leads through a slick joint of the BOP 6 to the second cavity 30 and may be used for pressurizing the sec ond cavity 30 and the second bladder 14. A third pipe 105 connects the first bladder 10, the second bladder 14 and a hydraulically operated device 200. In embodiments of the apparatus 100, one or more valves, for example a valve package 109, will be in the con nection between the first bladder 10, the second bladder 14 and the hydraulically operated device 200 to regulate a fluid flow between them.
The first bladder 10, the second bladder 14 and the third pipe 105 are component parts of a hydraulic system 150 which can be connected to a hydraulically operated device 200. The hydraulic system 150 is so configured that the hydraulic fluid 101 may be moved in- ternally in the closed hydraulic system 150, but so that the hydraulic fluid 101 , when the hydraulic system 150 is being operated, is, in the main, to be kept in the hydraulic system 150.
To push the hydraulic fluid 101 , the pressure in the first and/or the second enclosed cavity 22, 30 is adjusted. When the hydraulic fluid 101 is in the first bladder 10, as shown in fig ure 1 , the pressure will typically be increased in the first enclosed cavity 22 by it being pressurized via the first pipe 23. When this happens, the hydraulic fluid 105 will move from the first bladder 10, which is compressed in consequence of the pressurization, to the hydraulically operated device 200. With enough pressure on the first bladder 10 and the second bladder 14, the hydraulic fluid 101 will reach the hydraulically operated device 200 with enough pressure for it to be able to operate the hydraulically operated device 200, so that it will, for example, actuate an actuator (not shown) in the hydraulically operated de vice 200. The pressure in the second enclosed cavity 30 may then be reduced by pres sure being bled off through the second pipe 29, so that the hydraulic fluid 101 will accu- mulate in the second bladder 14.
In figure 2, the apparatus 100 for operating a hydraulically operated device is shown as the apparatus is being used for installing a tubing hanger. Here, a tubular working string 1 is shown in a marine riser 2 which, at its lower end, is connected to a simplified landing string 3, which is provided with a first slick joint 4. Externally, the slick joint 4 is dimen- sioned for a pipe ram 5 of a BOP 6 to be able to press sealingly around its outside, and it is provided with internal, vertical bores for hydraulics. The slick joint 4 is screwed via a pipe adapter to an upper end of a tubing-hanger running tool 7, which in its turn is hydrau lically connected to a tubing hanger 8, which is locked to a subsea wellhead 9. The pipe adapter between the slick joint 4 and the running tool 7 is surrounded by a lower module with the first bladder 10 in the first enclosed cavity 22. The first bladder 10 is filled with the hydraulic fluid (not shown) to be supplied to a hydraulically operated device in the form of a subsea control module 11 surrounding the tubular working string 1. Hydraulic lines on the underside of the control module 11 are connected via a second slick joint 12 with in ternal, vertical bores for hydraulics. The second slick joint 12 is placed in such a way that it is surrounded by a flexible annular preventer 13 pressing sealingly around the outside. Below the annular preventer 13, the simplified landing string 3 is surrounded by an upper module with the second bladder 14 in the second enclosed cavity 30.
At the surface, on the upper end of the tubular working string 1 , a specially adapted short pipe length (pup joint) is fitted, with a first telemetry transceiver 15 for electromagnetic or acoustic signal communication through the metal of the tubular working string 1. The te lemetry unit 15 is connected via a cable connection 16 to a control system 17 on the ves sel 18. The telemetry unit 15 communicates with a second, battery-operated subsea te lemetry unit 19, which is integrated in a lower pup joint in the tubular working string 1. The communication possibly runs via telemetry amplifiers 20 in the tubular working string 1 , depending on the distance, typically over 600-800 metres, depending on which supplier and technique are being used. Via a cable connection 21 , the subsea telemetry unit 19 is connected to the control module 11.
Reference is made to figures 2 and 3. The lower module with the first bladder 10 is shown in the first, enclosed cavity 22, between the tubing hanger 8 and the pipe ram 5. The first bladder 10 is filled with hydraulic fluid and is pressurized via the first pipe 23 extending from the surface, through a slick joint of the BOP 6, to the first enclosed cavity 22. Pres surized hydraulic fluid from the compressed first bladder 10 runs through an open 2/2 valve 24 in the control module 11 , on to the inlet ports of a number of 3/2 directional- control valves 25, 26 provided with spring return, which will close when power to the sole noids is lost (so-called "fail safe to close"). The valves open when solenoids on the valves are tensioned by the electronics of the control module 11 for hydraulic operation of a pis ton 27 in a tool 7, for example a tubing-hanger running tool, the piston 27 having a double acting piston function. Such a piston 27 is an example of a hydraulically operated device. When the piston 27 is actuated, via a first directional-control valve 25, a cavity on one side of the piston 27 is evacuated to the return via a second directional-control valve 26. In the first instance, returned hydraulic fluid is directed on through a 2/2 valve, 28, to the upper module with the second bladder 14, which is placed above the closed pipe ram 5. The annular preventer 13 is then either open or closed. If it is closed, then a second pipe 29 on the outside of the BOP 6 that is connected to a second cavity 30 is open to the surface, so that the second bladder 14, which is placed in the second cavity 30, may expand while receiving returned hydraulic fluid.
The closed hydraulic system is arranged in such a way that if the first bladder 10 is emp tied of hydraulic fluid, the hydraulic fluid will be collected in the second bladder 14 for re- use. The pipe ram 5 and the annular preventer 13 are then to be kept closed, and the cav ity 30 is pressurized from the surface via the external pipe 29. Two valves 24, 28 are then kept closed, and a second 2/2 valve 31 is opened, so that pressurized hydraulic fluid from the compressed, second bladder 14 is carried up to the inlet ports of the directional- control valves 25, 26. When the piston 27 is actuated, the volume on the other side of the piston 27 is evacuated to the return, via one of the directional-control valves 25, 26 as described above and is now dumped either through an open 2/2 valve 32 into the marine riser 2, above the control module 11 , or the hydraulic fluid may be directed back to the first bladder 10 for storage or possible reuse in the form of a new cycle. Return to the first bladder 10 is conditional on the enclosed volume 22 now being open to the surface via the pipe 23, so that the first bladder 10 may expand while receiving returned hydraulic fluid.

Claims

C l a i m s
1. A method for operating a hydraulically operated device in or at a wellhead, the method comprising the step of:
- providing an apparatus for operating the hydraulically operated device, the ap paratus comprising:
- a pipe string leading from a rig to the wellhead;
- an actuator for actuating the hydraulically operated device;
- a control system on the rig and a control module in or at the wellhead for con- trolling the actuator; and
- a communication device for communicating between the control system and the control module via the pipe string,
the method further comprising the steps of:
- sending a signal to the actuator by means of the communication device to ac- tivate the actuator; and thereby
- actuating the hydraulically operated device.
2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the communication device is a com munication device for acoustic or electromagnetic signal transmission, and wherein the step of "sending a signal to the actuator" comprises sending an acoustic control signal or an electromagnetic control signal via the pipe string.
3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the apparatus further comprises:
- a hydraulic system for supplying a hydraulic fluid to the hydraulically operated device, the hydraulic system comprising:
- a bladder in a cavity in a BOP connected to the wellhead;
- the hydraulic fluid; and
- one or more pipes for connecting the bladder and the hydraulically operated device,
and the method further comprises the steps of:
- storing the hydraulic fluid in the bladder;
- pressurizing the bladder by increasing the pressure in the enclosed cavity, thereby pressurizing the hydraulic fluid; and
- operating a hydraulically operated device by carrying the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the bladder to the hydraulically operated device; wherein the step of "actuating the hydraulically operated device" includes actu ating one or more valves to let the pressurized hydraulic fluid flow to the hydrau lically operated device to operate the hydraulically operated device.
The method according to claim 3, wherein, in addition to the bladder in the cavi ty, the apparatus comprises:
- a second bladder in a second cavity in the BOP; and
- one or more pipes for connecting the two bladders and the hydraulically oper ated device;
wherein the method further comprises the step of:
- receiving the hydraulic fluid back from the hydraulically operated device and storing it in the second bladder.
The method according to claim 4, wherein the method further comprises the step of:
- pressurizing the second bladder by increasing the pressure in the second en closed cavity, and thereby pressurizing the hydraulic fluid when it is in the sec ond bladder.
The method according to claim 5, wherein the method further comprises the step of:
- operating a hydraulically operated device by carrying the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the second bladder to the hydraulically operated device.
The method according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the method further com prises the step of:
- receiving the hydraulic fluid back from the hydraulically operated device and storing it in the bladder.
The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein "sending a signal to the actuator" includes sending a signal between the control system and the control module, the signal being sent internally in the pipe string.
A method for operating a hydraulically operated device, the method comprising the step of:
- providing an apparatus comprising:
- a hydraulic system for supplying a hydraulic fluid to the hydraulically operated device , the hydraulic system comprising: - a bladder in a cavity in a BOP;
- the hydraulic fluid; and
- one or more pipes for connecting the bladder and the hydraulically operated device,
the method further comprising the steps of:
- storing the hydraulic fluid in the bladder;
- pressurizing the bladder, by increasing the pressure in the cavity, thereby pressurizing the hydraulic fluid; and
- operating a hydraulically operated device by carrying the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the bladder to the hydraulically operated device.
10. The method according to claim 9, the method further comprising the step of:
- receiving the hydraulic fluid back from the hydraulically operated device and storing it in the bladder.
1 1. The method according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein, in addition to the bladder in the cavity, the apparatus comprises:
- a second bladder in a second cavity in the BOP; and
- one or more pipes for connecting the two bladders and the hydraulically oper ated device, and
the method further comprises the step of:
- receiving the hydraulic fluid back from the hydraulically operated device and storing it in the second bladder.
12. The method according to claim 1 1 , the method further comprising the step of:
- pressurizing the second bladder by increasing the pressure in the second en closed cavity, and thereby pressurizing the hydraulic fluid when it is in the sec ond bladder.
13. The method according to claim 12, the method further comprising the step of:
- operating a hydraulically operated device by carrying the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the second bladder to the hydraulically operated device.
14. The method according to claim 12 or claim 13, the method further comprising the step of:
- receiving the hydraulic fluid back from the hydraulically operated device and storing it in the bladder.
15. The method according to any one of claims 9-14, wherein the apparatus further comprises:
- a pipe string leading from a rig to a wellhead that includes the BOP;
- an actuator for actuating the hydraulically operated device;
- a control system on the rig and a control module in or at the wellhead for con trolling the actuator; and
- a communication device for communicating between the control system and the control module via the pipe string,
wherein the method further comprises the steps of:
- sending a signal to the actuator by means of the communication device to ac tivate the actuator; and thereby
- actuating the hydraulically operated device.
16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the communication device is a communication device for acoustic or electromagnetic signal transmission, and wherein the step of "sending a signal to the actuator" includes sending an acoustic control signal or an electromagnetic control signal via the pipe string.
17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein "sending a signal to the actua tor" includes sending a signal between the control system and the control mod ule, the signal being sent internally in the pipe string.
18. The method according to any one of claims 9-17, wherein the actuator is an ac tuator for opening or closing a valve to open or close a flow channel for the hy draulic fluid.
19. An apparatus for operating a hydraulically operated device in a wellhead, the apparatus comprising:
- a pipe string for connecting a rig to the wellhead;
- an actuator for actuating the hydraulically operated device;
- a control system on the rig and a control module in or at the wellhead for con trolling the actuator; and
- a communication device for communicating between the control system and the control module via the pipe string.
20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the pipe string of the apparatus includes a wire or cable for transmitting signals between the control system and the control module, and/or wherein the communication device includes means and the pipe string of the apparatus is configured for transmitting electromag netic and/or acoustic signals between the control system and the control mod ule.
21. The apparatus according to claim 19 or 20, the apparatus further comprising:
- a hydraulic system for supplying a hydraulic fluid to the hydraulically operated device, the hydraulic system comprising:
- a bladder in a cavity in a BOP connected to the wellhead;
- the hydraulic fluid;
- one or more pipes for connecting the bladder and the hydraulically operated device; and
- a line for fluid communication leading to the cavity of the BOP for adjusting a pressure in the cavity to adjust a pressure on the bladder.
22. The apparatus according to claim 21 , wherein, in addition to the bladder in the cavity and the line, the apparatus further comprises:
- a second bladder in a second cavity in the BOP;
- one or more pipes for connecting the two bladders and the hydraulically oper ated device; and
- a second line for fluid communication leading to the second cavity of the BOP for adjusting a pressure in the second cavity to adjust a pressure on the second bladder.
23. The apparatus according to claim 22, the apparatus further comprising one or more directional-control valves for directing the hydraulic fluid from the bladder to the second bladder of form the second bladder to the bladder, and/or for di recting hydraulic fluid to or from a hydraulically operated device.
24. The apparatus according to any one of claims 19-23, wherein the pipe string comprises standard drill-pipe joints screwed together, forming a tubular working string.
25. An apparatus for operating a hydraulically operated device, the apparatus com prising:
- a first line for fluid communication leading to a first cavity in a BOP for the ad justment of a pressure in the cavity;
- a second line for fluid communication leading to a second cavity in the BOP for the adjustment of a pressure in the second cavity; and - a hydraulic system for supplying a hydraulic fluid to the hydraulically operated device and receiving the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulically operated device, the hydraulic system comprising:
- a first bladder in the cavity of the BOP;
- a second bladder in the second cavity of the BOP;
- the hydraulic fluid; and
- one or more pipes for connecting the two bladders and the hydraulically op erated device.
26. The apparatus according to claim 25, the apparatus further comprising:
- a pipe string for connecting a rig to a wellhead that includes the BOP;
- an actuator for actuating the hydraulically operated device;
- a control system on the rig and a control module in or at the wellhead for con trolling the actuator; and
- a communication device for communicating between the control system and the control module via the pipe string.
PCT/NO2019/050140 2018-07-20 2019-07-05 Method and apparatus for operating a hydraulically operated device in a wellhead WO2020017977A1 (en)

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