completion equipment

84
Completion Equipment Tubulars API Specifications for Oilfield Tubulars The American Petroleum Institute (API) has defined certain standards for oilfield tubular goods, such as tubing and casing. The API has defined ten grades of steel: H40, J, !, "#, $%0, &%0, "'0, "', P0, and P0. The number indicates the API minimum ield strength in thousands of *si. The letters H, J, and & are *rimaril to minimi+e erbal confusion, -hile the others hae an additional meaning: ! has higher ultimate strength than J ", $ /restricted ield strength/ -ith tighter s*ecifications P high strength The behaior of tubular goods under stress conditions is a basic *roblem in strength of materials. The API has deelo*ed a set of standard formulas that are used throughout the oil industr to *redict the minimum loadcarri ng ca*acit to be e1*ected from a *articular grade and -eight of *i*e (API 2ulletin "3). Tables of casing and tubing strengths based on the formulas are also *ublished b the API (2ulletin ") and in arious manufact urers5 and serice com*anies5 handboo6s. 7emember that the API formulas are modified from time to time and it is im*ortant to ma6e sure that the *erformance data used is ta6en from the most recent ersion. The ma8or failure modes that -e are concerned -ith are 9 burst 9 colla*se 9 tension failure of the cou*ling or *i*e There is al-as some debate as to -hether the API formulas are the best theoretical basis for com*uting a *articular strength *arameter (e.g. , for burst, a modified 2arlo-s euation is used instead of $ame). Ho-eer, each com*an5s assessment of the conseratie nature or inadeuacies of the API formulas is generall reflected in the design factor and design assum*tions that the a**l in using the API ;trength "riteria. Tu bing Design Concept The uncertainties regarding actual loading conditions and the state of the tubing (e.g., corrosion , anomalies due to *oor handling) considerabl e1ceed our analtical ca*abilities to determine the resultant stresses. The tendenc in the oil industr therefore has been not to be oerl so*histica ted in anal+ing an e1tremel com*le1 sstem, but rather to ma6e designs on the basis of a set of ideali+ed loading conditions that hae *roen adeuate in the *ast, such as those *resented in Table

Upload: amoah-kyei-ebenezer

Post on 21-Feb-2018

229 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 184

Completion EquipmentTubulars

API Specifications for Oilfield Tubulars

The American Petroleum Institute (API) has defined certain standards for oilfield

tubular goods such as tubing and casing The API has defined ten grades of steel

H40 J $0 amp0 0 P0 and P0 The number indicates theAPI minimum ield strength in thousands of si The letters H J and amp are rimaril

to minimi+e erbal confusion -hile the others hae an additional meaning

has higher ultimate strength than J

$ restricted ield strength -ith tighter secifications

P high strength

The behaior of tubular goods under stress conditions is a basic roblem in strength

of materials The API has deeloed a set of standard formulas that are usedthroughout the oil industr to redict the minimum loadcarring caacit to be

e1ected from a articular grade and -eight of ie (API 2ulletin 3) Tables of

casing and tubing strengths based on the formulas are also ublished b the API(2ulletin ) and in arious manufacturers5 and serice comanies5 handboo6s

7emember that the API formulas are modified from time to time and it is imortant

to ma6e sure that the erformance data used is ta6en from the most recent ersion

The ma8or failure modes that -e are concerned -ith are

9 burst

9 collase

9 tension failure of the couling or ie

There is al-as some debate as to -hether the API formulas are the best theoretical

basis for comuting a articular strength arameter (eg for burst a modified2arlo-s euation is used instead of $ame) Ho-eer each coman5s assessment of

the conseratie nature or inadeuacies of the API formulas is generall reflected inthe design factor and design assumtions that the al in using the API trength

riteria

Tubing Design Concept

The uncertainties regarding actual loading conditions and the state of the tubing

(eg corrosion anomalies due to oor handling) considerabl e1ceed our analticalcaabilities to determine the resultant stresses The tendenc in the oil industr

therefore has been not to be oerl sohisticated in anal+ing an e1tremel comle1sstem but rather to ma6e designs on the basis of a set of ideali+ed loading

conditions that hae roen adeuate in the ast such as those resented in Table

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 284

1 It is imortant to remember that each coman has its o-n hilosoh criteriaand design factors to consider The balance of design assumtions ersus actual

conditions is deicted in ltigure (The balance of design assumptions versus actual

conditions)

Figure 1

=hile this ma lead to a tendenc to oerdesign the relatie cost of the conenienceis generall fairl small gt1treme caution should therefore be used in ma6ing

modifications to the ideali+ed loading assumtions ltor secial seere loadingconditions (eg ultra dee 0000 ft (000 m) er high ressure 0000 si (0

Pa) er hot 300B lt (0B )) it is necessar to ma6e a detailed comuter

assisted stress analsis

Condition Loading DesignCriteria

Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure onhydrocarbon-filled tubing

1125

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 384

External Packer fluidand eroannuluspressure

onsiderations heck effects

of copression

ollapse External asing headpressure shut-in tubingpressure

1125

Internal $ubing eptyanddepressured

onsiderations heck effectsof tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeightin copletionfluid

Body 1(((

)oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating oldstiulation andhot productionconditions

Body 1125

)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effectsof teperatureand pressurechanges

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

In man field situations and reliminar estimates to establish the -eight andstrength of the tubing it is sufficient siml to loo6 at the tubing rating and to althe cororate design factor Ho-eer it must be recogni+ed that loading conditions

ar oer the length of the tubing string and to roerl isuali+e this it is generalladantageous to carr out a grahical tubing string design

Graphical Tubing String Design

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 484

This is a conenient -a of understanding loading conditions and resenting designresults The techniue is resented in gt1amle (art ) and illustrated in ltigure

(Graphic tubing design estimated operating pressures)

Figure 2

ltigure 3 (Graphic tubing design burst loads) and ltigure 4 (Graphic tubing design

tubing selection)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 584

Figure 3

Abbreiations are resented in the ampomenclature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 684

Figure 4

Example 2 (part 1

Graphical Tubing Design

lanning Data

KBE ( ft 15 3

$4 115 ft (5 3

$bg 2 67 in 4 6( 3

losed-in bottoholepressure

55 psi ( Pa3

estiated fro ud ampeight

8oration breakdoampn 125 psi 9 Pa3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 784

pressure

estiated fro offset ampell

8racture propagationpressure

2 psi 9( Pa3

estiated fro offset ampell

Packer fluid inhibited oil ( psi7ft3

Production expect sour gas

gas graity reseroir3

gas graity 6 separator3

)55 or lt tubular to be used

tiulation fracture expected assue 2 barrels per inute3= axiualloampable annulus pressure is 2 psi 1(6 kPa3

T Estimate

Depth ofHole

Gas Gravity

ft $ $amp $ $(

1 (5 6 6 69 6(

2 91 5 59 5( gt9

( 15 ( (5 ( 2

gt 121 2 1gt 6 5

5 152gt 1 ( 5 6

9 1( ( 6( 5gt gt6

6 21(( 9gt 5gt gtgt 2(

2gt( gt6 (5 2( 1

26gt( 2 19 gt 66

1 (gt 12 6 69gt 65

11 ((5( 65 6 699 6(6

12 (99 66 69( 6gt6 616

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 884

1( (92 69( 6gt9 62 96

1gt gt296 6gt6 62 612 96

15 gt562 6(2 61( 95 95

19 gt69 616 96 96 9gt1

16 511 62 92 952 92gt

1 5gt9 96 959 9gt5 96

1 561 96( 952 9(1 5

2 96 95 9(6 915 56gt

Table 2 7atio bet-een surface ressure and bottomhole ressure in gas -ells for a

range of gas graities

t a gas graity I$P 626 IBP ( psi

At a gas grait E 0 ITHP E 0 I2HP E 44 si

8or a kill situation bottohole inAection pressure IBP 2 psi 55 psi 2 psi 65psi

If gas graity $IP 626 BIP 6263 653

E43 si

Assumed Fracture Conditions 1 8oration breakdoampn achieed ampith ampater

ltracture 8ob carried out -ith -aterbase fluid

8riction loss in 2 67 in tubing at 2 BP using ampater ampith friction reducer is (5 psi71 ft for115 ft 4oampell andbook3

8PP 2 psi

ltriction E F40 si (30 )

Head E si (04 00)

ltrac THPE 00 si

Prepare a depth pressure plot 8igure 2 3 in the folloamping anner 1 Plot the closed-in bottohole pressure IBP3

Plot the formation brea6do-n ressure (lt2P) and the fractureroagation ressure (ltPP)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 984

3 Plot the ac6er fluid gradient fracture fluid gradient and -atergradient

4 gtstimate -et and dr gas gradients and lot these u from the

closedin bottomhole ressure

gtstablish the closedin tubing head ressure for normal roductionconditions (ie oil or as in this case -et gas) and for -orst case

design assumtion (usuall dr gas)

gtstablish ma1imum THP for -hich comletion is to be designed

-hich normall -ill be 6ill or stimulation conditions (fluid gradientthrough lt2P ltPP or secified differential aboe ITHP) ltor gt1amle

the grahical design should no- loo6 li6e ltigure

gtstablish through insection the greatest differential ressure at

surface and do-nhole (usuall stimulation conditions) Getermine -hatstes can be ta6en to reduce loading (eg maintaining ma1imum

allo-able annulus ressure during stimulation) Plot ad8usted annulusressure line ( ltigure 3 )

Plot burst load line (2$$) as difference bet-een most critical tubingand annulus ressures The 2$$ is a function of the relatie densities in

the tubing and annulus 2$$ -ill generall but not al-as decrease-ith deth ( ltigure 3 )

Plot critical collase load conditions ($$) ampormall -e assume thata slo- lea6 has changed the HP to ITHP and that tubing is emt

and deressured This can occur in gas -ells if the tubing becomeslugged or a do-nhole safet ale is closed onditions can aroach

this situation in oil -ells after a fracture treatment if oeratorscommence 6ic6off before bleeding off annulus ressure (In some

cases this ma be a more critical load ( ltigure 4 ))

0 Plot ressure test conditions (PT) This is often the most critical

load to -hich a comletion is sub8ected onsider timing of the

ressure test and densit of fluids in the tubing and annulus at time oftest

$oo6 u tubing erformance data in API 2ulletin

Ad8ust API internal ield (burst) and collase resistancesecifications -ith design factor (see ltigure and API 2ulletin )

3 $ist resulting tubing caabilities ( ltigure 4 )

4 omare design loads -ith tubing caabilities and select tubing In

most cases the otimum tubing grade and -eight -ill ar -ith deth

To minimi+e costs andor tensional loads such ariations ma beincororated although there -ill then be a constraint on ressure

testing caabilities Ho-eer most oerators refer to use a common

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1084

-eight and grade throughout the comletion if ossible This reducesthe ris6 of installation and oerating errors =hen regulations ermit

the designer ma be able to comromise slightl on accommodatingloading conditions dee in the hole if the associated design

assumtion is e1tremel unrealistic (eg a comletel emt tubing ina high roductiit oil -ell) Ho-eer the designer must first chec6 on

ho- critical the actual bia1ial (or tria1ial) loading conditions are li6elto be and ma6e aroriate notes in the -ell file

Cith reference to Exaple 2 in 8igure gt the options include the folloamping 1 full string of 9gt lb7ft lt tubing

0 to 00 ft E 4 lbft J00 to TG E 4 lbft $0

3 full string of 4 lbft J -ith modified collase design criteria of000 si as ma1imum HP -ith an emt tubing

ince 2 psi is the axiu alloampable annulus pressure during stiulation option ( ay bean acceptable design ince the differential cost of )55 and lt is around D( per ft the potentialsaing of D(gt5 betampeen options 1 and ( ay Austify further detailed engineering ampork n theother hand if the ampellstrea is expected to be extreely corrosie the higher grade tubing aybe selected in any case to proide a corrosion alloampance

The 6e things to note from ltigure (Effect of buoyancy on axial load ) are

bull the ost seere burst loadings occur at surface

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1184

Figure amp

bull the most seere burst and collase loadings occur during ressure testing

-ell 6ill and stimulation

bull the most seere collase loading occurs do-nhole

bull additional annulus ressure can be used to reduce burst loading roided

the casing is strong enough

bull the tubinghead ressure during 6ill oerations (THIP) often aro1imates or

e1ceeds the reseroir ressure (I2HP)

Cith relatiely sall tubing strings (5 in or 3 the inherent burst and collapse strength isso high that soe engineers do not bother ampith tubing design in ampells ampith depths of less than ft 25 3 unless oerpressures are expected

Simplified Tensional Strength Design

Although burst and collase resistance ma not be significant considerations inuming -ells tensional strength is a critical design arameter for all -ells ouling

lea6age and failure -hich accounts for 0 of the roblems in -ell tubulars often

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1284

ma be the result of inadeuate tensional design rather than a burst or sealingroblem In this resect it is articularl imortant to remember that test ressures

imose substantial iston forces on the tubing (eg a 000 si (3 Pa) ressuretest on a lug set inside in (3mm) tubing -ill increase the tension on the

hanger b (000)( 4)(44l) E 30 lb (4 6amp)

It is also imortant to recogni+e that unli6e other strength arameters the API 8ointstrength is based on a failure condition rather than the onset of lastic deformation

The failure condition is either an un+iing of the in and bo1 in the case of APIthreads because of ielding (also called 8umout)D or brea6age of reduced cross

section at the threads in the case of suare threads

ltinall there are all sorts of additional tensional loads that -e do not normallanal+e in detail (eg shoc6 loading and drag forces during running bending

stresses buc6ling crosssectional iston forces changes in buoanc)

ince it is common ractice to ma6e a reliminar tensional design using tubing

-eight loading onl a higher design factor is used for tension and eseciall for 8oint

strength (Table 1 aboe) ome comanies and more conseratie engineers -illeen ignore the otential benefits of buoanc 2uoanc results in a iston force onthe lo-er end of the tubing and as a first aro1imation it ma normall be assumed

that

12amphere

CB buoyant ampeight

=amp E -eight in air

E densit of steel ( gmcc)

E densit of fluid

8igure 5 graphically depicts the tensional and copressional forces at ampork on a tapered string of tubular goods $he load resulting fro the ampeight of the pipe is shoampn for a string ampeighed in airand ampith the buoyant forces accounted for as piston forces or approxiated using EFuation 12Ce can see that at a point approxiately idampay in the length of the heaier pipe at the bottoof the string there is a change fro copression to tension $his is also the concept amphich guidesthe design of drillstrings ampith the purpose of keeping the drillpipe in tension amphile using theheaier drill collars to aintain a copressional load on the bit

Part of gt1amle gies the reliminar tension design considerations for thecomletion alread coered in art

Example 2 (part 2

reliminary Tension Design

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1384

$ubing ampeight 9gt lb7ft

Tubing length 00 ft

Pac6er fluid inhibited oil

03 sift E 0 gmcc

=amp E 4 00E 300 lb

E 0 300

E 04 lb

Joint Specifications

)55 lt

EGE H4 EGE H4 5

PI Aoint strengthKlb3

6 1 1(5 12

4esign factorTable 13

1 1 1 1

4esign capacityKlb3

55gt 559 655 611

Tubing Tension Design Considerations 1 eFuires lt tubing at surface

7euires 8oint strength caabilit of gtKgt or euialent

3 In ie- of ressures deth and H -ould robabl select remium

grade couling

any copanies hae these design techniFues prograed for the coputer and use the saegeneral techniFue for both tubing and casing designs

Tubing Design Parameters

It is imortant to remember that -hile the rimar function of the tubing is as aconduit for hdrocarbon roduction or for in8ection of -ater or gas the most seere

loadings often occur during -ell serice or 6illing oerations or during ressuretests It is therefore rudent to ma6e roision for these oerations -hen designing

a comletion and to chec6 out the tubing limitations -hen lanning a -ell sericingoeration (eg a stimulation or a -or6oer) are must be ta6en not to increase

comletion costs e1cessiel b tring to ma6e roisions for all sorts of unli6el butossible occurrences It must also be remembered that there are stes that can be

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1484

ta6en to mitigate the induced stresses during man oerations (eg alingannular ressure or heating fracturing fluids) Ln the other hand the conseuential

costs of a failed tubing string or of haing to run a secial -or6ing string in termsof deferred roduction and rig time can be uite substantial Assessment of the

most cost effectie solution is generall a 8udgment call based on the engineer5se1erience and on cororate attitudes and olic A tical set of arameters has

alread been illustrated in gt1amle

urst

The tubing and -ellhead should be designed for suee+e and 6ill conditions incefines in the erforations or oil can sometimes cause a chec6 ale effect -hen

attemting to suee+e bac6 liuids man comletion designers li6e to hae thefle1ibilit of being able to raise the bottomhole ressure to the lt2P or at least to the

ltPP Ho-eer -ith high ermeabilit reseroirs or gas -ells in -hich fracturestimulation is unli6el comletion engineers are often satisfied -ith a certain

minimum differential for in8ection The alue selected aries from area to area andfrom coman to coman but is commonl either around 000 si ( Pa) or 33

of the reseroir ressure The author suggests

1 8BP amphere k1 1 d kg 5 d

ltPP for suee+ing liuids -here 6 00 md

3 I2HP F 000 si ( Pa) for suee+ing gas -here6g 0 mdD or for suee+ing liuids -here 6 000 md

8ro the rock echanics theory presented by eertsa 163 and others it ay be deducedthat in a tectonically relaxed area a proisional estiate of the fracture propagation gradient8P3 can be obtained fro the eFuation

13

ltPM N lt2M N sift ( 6Pam) 1

amphere s oerburden stress J1 psi7ft depth3

E ore ressure si

G E deth ft

ltPM E formation roagation gradient sift

lt2M E formation brea6do-n gradient sift

$he specification of the pressure test conditions is often critical to burst design oernentregulations soeties specify pressure test conditions eg to at least 0 of the reseroirpressure or to 1 psi 5 Pa3 oer the axiu differential pressure expected at the packer3If no regulations exist ost operators test to their tubing design conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1584

$ollapse

eere collase loads on the tubing can occur

bull in gas ampells and high oil ampells ampith loamp-floamping botto-hole pressures and deep-set safety ales after bloampdoampn to test a plug etc

bull during annulus ressure tests or oeration of shear circulation deices

bull -here there are ressured annuli

bull during underbalance erforating or testing at high dra-do-n

bull during tubing blo-outs

It is iportant to reeber that tension reduces collapse strength $his biaxial effect should beexained for large diaeter tubings especially if reduced collapse design assuptions and7or adeep-set safety ale is used

Tension

Tubing strings are not onl sub8ected to running tensions -ith all the associatedshoc6 and acceleration loadings but also to aring oerating stresses due to iston

forces on the steel andor an lugs ums standing ales and the li6e in thetubing oreoer if the tubing is anchored or held b a ac6er its oerating tension

-ill ar as a result of

bull theral effects hot production or cold kill fluid3

bull iston effects (changes in buoanc and forces at 8oint usets)

bull ballooning effects (changes in internal or e1ternal ressure)

bull buc6ling effects (longitudinal instabilit)

$hese potential probles are listed in ters of their ost coon relatie agnitude althoughthe relatie iportance of piston and ballooning effects is ariable3

$ombined oading

=hile the designer of tubular goods normall tal6s in terms of burst collase and

tension comression as if the -ere indeendent it is obious that in most actualloading situations the occur simultaneousl Precise stress analsis should reallconsider a tria1ial loading situation

The simultaneous solution of all the associated euations is rather comlicated Anumber of comuter rograms are aailable but for most field engineers the -ill be

a blac6 bo1 solution This can be dangerous It is imortant to chec6 that theformulas are roerl handled articularl -ith resect to collase -hich is a

stabilit effect Therefore it is usual for critical stress analses (eg for ultra dee

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1684

high ressure or sour -ells) to be underta6en b a secialist consultant researchgrou or intracoman tas6 force oreoer since this is not the routine design

techniue design factors are less -ell roen (although a alue of is oftenused)

A more conenient aroach for the intermediate range moderatel comle1 design

roblem is to use the ellise of bia1ial ield stress roosed b Holmuist and ampadai(3) The critical relationshis are (a) tension reduces collase resistanceD (b)comression reduces burst resistance

The other imortant concet in the consideration of tria1ial loads is that ressurechanges affect a1ial stresses or cause tubing moement This has been e1tensiel

discussed in Pgt aers b $ubins6i () Hammerlindl () and tillebroer()

ending

2ending stresses can be significant in large tubulars The are comressie in the

inner -all and tensional in the outer -all the most detrimental being

1ampamphere

the radius of curature ft3

sb E bending stress

gt E Ooung5s modulus (for steel gt E 30 0 si)

do E outside diameter of the tubular

Bending stresses result fro both hole curature and buckling $he effects of doglegs need onlybe considered if they are ery seere 1L71 ft= 1L7( 3 or if ery large tubing 5 172 to 6 in=1gt to 16 3 is being used

Production Casing

The roduction casing must be adeuatel si+ed for the lanned comletion It -illobiousl affect the si+e of the other reuired casing strings the bit selection the

caacit of the rig and the oerall -ell costs The roduction casing must bedesigned for the loads that ma be imosed during the roducing life of the field It

is similar to tubing design in seeral -as

urst

Production casing must be designed to -ithstand the ma1imum closedin tubing

ressure that can be e1ected If a ac6er has been used this ressure is assumed

to be alied at the to of a full column of ac6er fluid (ie for the case of a tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1784

failure at the surface) =e usuall assume that the e1ternal ressure resisting burstis a -ater gradient If the ac6er fluid is heaier than -ater the burst load -ill

increase -ith deth

In the eent that a snubbing oeration could not be conenientl attemted if atubing brea6 occurs at the surface the casing must be strong enough to -ithstand a

bullhead suee+e on the lie tubing string in -hich case this -ould be the designcriteria for the casing and -ellhead

In man cases it ma be necessar to design the casing for loads imosed during

stimulation and ressure testing onersel the casing caacit must be chec6ed-hen designing a fracturing treatment This is articularl imortant in -ells -here

no ac6er is used

$ollapse

Production casing ma be sub8ect to comlete eacuation during roductionoerations if the -ell is oerated on gas lift or umedoff or if the ac6er or

-or6oer fluid is lost into a deleted +one As the ie ma hae deteriorated beforethis occurs a higher design factor (F) is often used for roduction casing

eere collase loads ma occur in situations in -hich thermal e1ansion of theannular fluid bet-een the roduction and intermediate strings cannot be bled off

(eg in some subsea -ells)

Increased loading should be assumed if lie annuli are a feature of the area 7educed

loadings ma be assumed if the -ells -ill not be umed off gas lifted or seereldeleted

eere collase loads ma e1ist in the a section during high dra-do-n

underbalanced erforating and testing and suee+e either or both cementation andfracturing ( ltigure $ollapse loads in the pay ) It is highl adisable to maintainsome set casingtubing annulus ressure during such serice oerations

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1884

Figure 1

Tensionamp$ompression

In high rate roduction areas and thermal -ells e1ansion of the roduction tubingma imose additional tension on the casing strings ia the ac6er

$ouplings

In high ressure (000 siD 34 Pa) high temerature (300B ltD 4 ) andor

seerel sour conditions remium casing coulings are recommended

aterial Selection

In sour enironments material secification must consider the chances of Hcontamination of the casingtubing annulus and the added ossibilit of temerature

changes during stimulation affecting the stress corrosion tolerance of the ie

Couplings

There are man forms of couling aailable some of -hich hae been dedicated tothe ublic through the ausices of the API -hile others are roduced b or under

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1984

license from a secific manufacturer It -as in fact the need to obtain astandardi+ation of thread forms and diameters that led to the formation of the API

ommittee on tandardi+ation of Tubular Moods in 4

The API coulings ( ltigure

Figure 1

ltigure and ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2084

Figure 2

$utaways of basic types of couplings) are of three basic tes e1ternal uset (gtKgt)

nonuset (ampK) and integral 8oint

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2184

Figure 3

Threads are of t-o main forms The round API threads are -ea6er than the ie

bod (ie N00 efficient) The buttress threads -ere deeloed b the ampationalTube Giision of the Knited tates teel ororation to roide a high strength

couling for dee high ressure -ell serice This thread is used in a number ofrorietar coulings eg Hdril A Atlas2radford

All taered threads achiee a seal b driing the in and bo1 surfaces together undersufficient stress to generate a bearing ressure e1ceeding an differential that is to

be subseuentl alied Ho-eer a small siral oid is al-as left bet-een themating surfaces and must be filled -ith solids in the form of thread comound (This

is the reason for careful secification of the comound in 2ul A) Ln API roundthreads this oid occurs bet-een the crest and root of the mating threads -hile on

buttress threads it e1tends oer the -hole flan6 of the thread on the beeled side

To imroe lea6 resistance eseciall at eleated temeratures and under high

ressure differential the socalled remium seals -ere deeloed These consist of either metaltometal seals on taered ortions of the in and bo1 surfaces or an

elastomer seal ring or both This te of seal reuires a high ualit finish andrecise gauging and insection The couling is therefore more costl ince API and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2284

buttress threads hae roen to be er reliable in the field the decision to use themore e1ensie remium seals reuires careful economic 8ustification In general

their alication has roen aluable in highl corrosie conditions in high ressuregas -ells or high ressurehigh ML7 oil -ells and in thermal -ells sub8ect to high

comressie loads The ma be used -here -or6oer costs are high (egoffshore) In general API tubulars are adeuate for differential ressures of less than

000 si (344 Pa) and temeratures of less than 300B lt (0B ) using hightemerature thread comound ltor corrosie conditions and continuous gas sericethe ressure limit is often reduced to 00 si ( Pa)

gt1ercises

)ilfield nits

The in 4 lbft J ampK tubing string in a 000ft oil -ell -as designed

based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional load -ould beimosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 00 si after the

-ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The -ell

roduces 30B API oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

SI nits

The 3mm ( in) 6gmm (4 lbft) J ampK tubing string in an 30moil -ell -as designed based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional

load is imosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 3 Paafter the -ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The

-ell roduces 6gm3 oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

olutions

)ilfield nits

=eight in air E 000 ft 1 4 E 3400 lb

2uoanc in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2384

Buoyant ampeight amphen run (gt x 65 ((9 lb

=ater gradient (M E ) E 0433 sift

Lil gradient (M E 0) E 0 1 0433 E 03 sift

IG of tubing E 44 in Ai E 40 in

=eight of oil in tubing E 000 1 03 1 40 E 04 lb

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell has been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 19gt2 (gt 5 gt93 19gt2 (gt 2(gt 51(2 lb

The API 8oint strength rating of in 4 lbft J nonuset tubing E 00lb

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor) E (00) ()E 4400 lb

Therefore the roosed loading e1ceeds the design secifications and a lea6 mightoccur during the test In fact the loading e1ceeds design secs een -ithout adding

the 00 si of -ellhead ressure (actual load 404 lb comared -ith an allo-ableof 4400 lb) Ho-eer using a 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions

ressure tests of u to 4 si -ould be ermissible

6293 1((3 19gt2 (gt pt gt93

Pt E 4 si

+ nits Ceight in air 1( x 5 16(5 kg 165 kM

2uoanc factor in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater E gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12Buoyant ampeight amphen run 165 x 65 1gt2 kM

=ater gradient (M E 0) E 4 6PamLil gradient (M E 0) 0 1 4 E 6Pam

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2484

IG of tubing E mm thus Ai E 30 1 l04 m

=eight of oil in tubing E (30 m) ( 6Pam) (30 1 03 m)E 44 6amp

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell had been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 gt6gt 165 (5 (1 x 1 -(3 gt6gt 165 156 22gt6 kM

8ro 8igure 1 the PI Aoint strength rating of 6(- 5 kg7 )-55 nonupset tubing is

629 lbs (222 kM3

Figure 1

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor)

(222715 2152 kM

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2584

$herefore the proposed loading exceeds the design specifications and a leak ight occur duringthe test In fact the loading exceeds design specifications een at ero ampellhead pressure actualload of gt6gt 165 216 kM copared ampith an alloampable load of 2152 kM3

Ho-eer using the 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions ressure tests

of u to 6Pa -ould be ermissible

216 pt (1 x l-gt3

t E 4 6Pa

2 )ilfield nits 12-ft hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubing

head pressure can be expectedN If the casing ampellhead and tubing are to be designed for asFueee kill at fracture propagation pressure 8PP3 amphat ampellhead pressure ampould be expected atthe start of the kill operationN Gse EFuation 1( for estiating the 8P3

13

+ units (99- hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubinghead pressure is expectedN

If the casing -ellhead and tubing are to be designed for a suee+e 6ill at fractureroagation ressure (ltPP) -hat -ellhead ressure -ould be e1ected at the start

of the 6ill oerationQ (Kse gtuation 3 for estimating the ltPM)

olutions

)ilfield nits

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure on

hydrocarbon-filled tubing

1125

External Packer fluid and eroannulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressure 1125

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2684

shut-in tubing pressure

Internal $ubing epty anddepressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight in Body 1(((

copletion fluid )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125

)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g of 0 E 04

At 000 ft assuming a hdrostatic gradient of 0433 sift the bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP 12 x gt(( 519 psiampith gas surface pressure 519 x 6gt6 I$P (1 psi

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be sift and using gtuation 3 to estimate

the fracture roagation ressure

E 0 sift

ltPP E 0 000 ft E 04 si

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the forationpropagation pressure inus the pressure due to the gas gradient

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2784

$IP 12 6163 - 519 - (13 62 psigore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP 12 6163 6gt6 9gt26 psi$herefore a 5 psi ampellhead should not be used een though the axiu closed-in tubinghead pressure is only about gt psi

SI nits

7eferring to Table 1

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g E 0 E 04

At 30 m assuming a normal hdrostatic ressure of 6Pa m bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP (99 65 (55 kPa

ampith gas surface pressure (55 6gt6 I$P 296 kPa

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be 6Pam and using gtuation 3 toestimate the fracture roagation ressure

E 6Pam

ltPP E 30 E 3 6Pa

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the foration propagation pressure inus the pressure due tothe gas gradient

THIP E (30 ) (30 0) E 0 6Pa

ore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP (99 19213 6gt6 gtgt(1 kPa

9gt Pa ampellhead should therefore be used

3hellip)ilfield nits

A 000ft -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 000 T2d using intubing encounters 0 ft of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of 3000 si =hat

rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight of tubing is to be

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2884

used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming that

Grade -eight lbft

Collapse

+trength psi

urst

+trength psi

Tensional

+trength 1 lb

Cost Coparison

)-55 155 gtgt gt1 ( cheapest

16 gt1 5(2 (2

-65 16 96 625 gt2( ost expensie

M- 16 92 66gt gtgt9 oderately expensie

2 ( 52gt

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 043 sift)

reseroir ressure 3000 si

6ill ressure 000 si aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 5 5 psi7ft3

If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure onhydrocarbon- filledtubing

1125

External Packer fluid and ero

annulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressureshut-in tubing pressure

1125

Internal $ubing epty and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2984

depressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight incopletion fluid

Body 1((( )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

Assume lie oil gradient is 03 sift

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at theac6er and the running tension

SI nits

A 30m -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 400 m3da of oil -ith l40mm ( inch) tubing encounters 0 m of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of

000 6Pa =hat rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight oftubing is to be used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming

that

Grade -eight

$gmm

Collapse

+trength

$Pa

urst

+trength

$Pa

Tensional

+trength

$amp

Cost Coparison

)-55 2(1 2655 ((19gt 1((gt cheapest

25( ((5( (99 1gt9(

-65 25( gt151 gt6 12 ost expensie

M- 25( gt(2 5((95 1gt oderately expensie

2 9 91gt 2((1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3084

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 40 6Pam)

reseroir ressure 000 6Pa

6ill ressure 000 6Pa aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 53 22(3 5 kPa7If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Assume lie oil gradient is 6Pam

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at the

ac6er and the running tensions

olution

)ilfield nits

I$P IBP - o 4

o ( psi7ft

under operating conditions I$P ( - ( 63 psi

under axiu conditions assuing gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 3000 E si

under 6ill conditions

8P 5 5

5 5 x 61 psi7ft

ltPP E 000 0

E 000 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3184

O BIP oil kill3

5 psieFuialent $P oil kill3

5 - ( x 6 2 psi

In the case of a gas kill

Iamp 2HIP(gas 6ill)

( 1 psi gt psi

eFuialent $P gas kill3

5gt x BP 5gt x gt (gt19 psi

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a ( psi ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a 5 psi ampellhead

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialent

to the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating

burst rating E ma1 THP design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 34 E 343 si

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading Calculation

alculate first assuming a high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid f 3 43 gt(53 63 (gt5 psi

ma1 HP E ma1 ITHP (assumes lea6)E si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 304E 0 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3284

ma1 collase load E 0 0 si (assumes emt tubing)E 0 si

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 0 1 si

E 30 si

$herefore strictly speaking ampe should use 2-lb7ft M- tubing although it is ore likely a l6-lb7ft ampould be selected since the probability is ery loamp that such seere collapse-loadingassuptions ampould proe true

alculate ne1t assuming a lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 00 si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 00 F 304 siE 34 si

ma1 collase load E 34 si

reuired collase rating E 34 E 443 si

Ce could select 16 lb7ft )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculations

ampeight in air C 4 16 lb7ft3 6 ft3 11 lb

buoyancy factor

625

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 000 lb

E 04000 lb

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (04000) () lb

16 lb$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3384

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubingcomletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

in 0lbft amp0 tubing meets all criteria for this te of roduction 7is6 of

gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing bet-een amp0 and J grades

SI nits

I$P IBP - ρo x 4

ρo 969 kPa7

under operating conditions I$P 26 - 969 x 21(3

92gt9 kPaunder axiu conditions gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 000 E 6Pa

under 6ill conditions

8P 53 22(3 5

53 22(3 5

19 kPa7

ltPP E (30) (00)

E 3400 6Pa

O BIP oil kill3 (gt kPa eFuialent $P oil kill3 (gt - 969 x 21(3

1929 kPa

In the case of a gas 6ill

Iamp 2HIP

(gas 6ill) E 000 F 000 6Pa

266 kPaeFuialent $P gas kill3 5gt x BP

5gt x 266 2(959 kPa

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a 26 Pa ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a (gt5 Pa ampellhead

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3484

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialentto the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating Calculation

burst rating E ma1 THP 1 design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 3 1

E 3 6Pa

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading

alculate first assuming high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid ρf 3 43

gt3 21(3 25 kPa

ax P ax I$P assues leak3 1696 kPa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 0

E 33 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 33 0 6Pa (assumes emt tubing)

E 33 6Pa

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 33 1 E 434 6Pa

Therefore strictl sea6ing -e should use a 6gm amp0 tubing but moreli6el 36gm tubing -ould be selected since the robabilit of such seere

collase loading is er lo-

alculate ne1t assuming lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 4 6Pa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 4 F 0

E 0 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 0 6Pa

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3584

reuired collase rating E 0 1 E 300 6Pa

Ce could select 25(-kg7 )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculation

ampeight in air 25( 21( 5( kg 525 kM

buoanc factor E

EE0

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 6ampE 4 6amp

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (4) ()

E 30 6amp

$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubing

comletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

40mm ( inch) 36gm 0 tubing meets all criteria for this te ofroduction 7is6 of gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing

bet-een 0 and J grades

Pac6ers

Pac$er unctions

A ac6er is a subsurface tool that roides a seal bet-een the tubing and

casingthereb reenting the ertical moement of fluids across this sealing oint

Pac6ers are used for the follo-ing reasons

9 to imroe safet b roiding a barrier to flo- through the annulus

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3684

9 to 6ee -ell fluids and ressures isolated from the casing

9 to imroe flo- conditions and reent heading

9 to searate +ones in the same -ellbore

9 to lace 6ill fluids or treating fluids in the casing annulus

9 to ac6 off erforations rather than use suee+e cementing

9 to 6ee gas lift or hdraulic o-er fluid in8ection ressure isolated from the

formation

9 to anchor the tubing

9 to install a casing um

9 to minimi+e heat losses b allo-ing the use of an emt annulus or thermal

insulator

9 to isolate a casing lea6 or lea6ing liner la

9 to facilitate temorar -ell serice oerations (eg stimulations suee+es)

Pac$er T+pes

There are man ac6er manufacturers some of -hom offer an e1tensie ariet ofac6ers -ith each differing to some degree from those of the other manufacturers

This rather be-ildering arra can ho-eer be groued into rincial classes or

tes and ma be further categori+ed b method of setting b direction of ressureacross the ac6er and b the number of bores through the ac6er

Pac6ers can be rimaril classified as either retrieable or ermanent or

ermanentretrieable or inflatable

)etrievable acers

This te of ac6er is run on the tubing ( ltigure )etrievable pacer )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3784

Figure 1

After setting it can be released and recoered from the -ell on the tubing ince it is

an integral art of the tubing string the tubing cannot be remoed from the -ell-ithout ulling the ac6er unless a detachable ac6er head is used

7etrieable ac6ers ma be designed to be set mechanicall or hdraulicallechanical setting methods include rotation of the tubing string recirocation of the

tubing string or the alication of tension or setdo-n -eight =ith mechanical

ac6ers the tubing is usuall set in comression

Hdraulic ac6ers are set b aling hdraulic ressure through the tubing stringbut once set the hold the set osition mechanicall The tubing is usuall in tension

7etrieable ac6ers are usuall used for comle1 multi+one and multistringcomletions Their main limitation -as in their limited abilit to accommodate tubing

stress changes -ithout unsettingD the aailabilit of effectie sli 8oints anddetachable heads has eased this situation An historical roblem -as failure of the

internal elastomer seals but this technolog also has imroed mar6edl in the lastdecade All metaltometal seal ac6ers are aailable but are e1ensie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3884

Lne disadantage of retrieable ac6ers is that if the fail to retriee the must beremoed b milling them out of the casing -ith an abrasie milling head and a

drillstring The are er difficult to mill Menerall this te of ac6er is used undernonseere conditions (differential ressures less than 000 si (344 Pa)

temeratures less than 300B lt (4B )

2ecause of the setting mechanism retrieable ac6ers tend to hae a restrictedbore comared -ith other ac6ers designed for the same casing si+e This factorma restrict flo- or limit -ireline oerations belo- the ac6er deth

ermanent acers

Permanent ac6ers are indeendent of the tubing and ma be run on tubing or on

-ireline ( ltigure and ltigure 3 )

Figure 2

The tubing can be released from the ac6er and can be ulled leaing the ac6er set

in the casing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3984

Figure 3

Tubing can subseuentl be run bac6 and resealed in the ac6er The ac6er ma

thus be considered an integral art of the casing It is sometimes called either aroduction ac6er or a retainerroduction ac6er

The ermanent ac6er cannot be recoered as such but it can be destructiel

remoed (eg b milling) ( ltigure 4 and ltigure )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4084

Figure 4

If the ac6er includes a tailie and must be recoered a millout e1tension is

needed on the ac6er for the ac6er ic6er or catch sleee on the mill to engageIn other cases it ma be adeuate to siml ush the ac6er to the bottom of the

casing after milling

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 284

1 It is imortant to remember that each coman has its o-n hilosoh criteriaand design factors to consider The balance of design assumtions ersus actual

conditions is deicted in ltigure (The balance of design assumptions versus actual

conditions)

Figure 1

=hile this ma lead to a tendenc to oerdesign the relatie cost of the conenienceis generall fairl small gt1treme caution should therefore be used in ma6ing

modifications to the ideali+ed loading assumtions ltor secial seere loadingconditions (eg ultra dee 0000 ft (000 m) er high ressure 0000 si (0

Pa) er hot 300B lt (0B )) it is necessar to ma6e a detailed comuter

assisted stress analsis

Condition Loading DesignCriteria

Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure onhydrocarbon-filled tubing

1125

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 384

External Packer fluidand eroannuluspressure

onsiderations heck effects

of copression

ollapse External asing headpressure shut-in tubingpressure

1125

Internal $ubing eptyanddepressured

onsiderations heck effectsof tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeightin copletionfluid

Body 1(((

)oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating oldstiulation andhot productionconditions

Body 1125

)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effectsof teperatureand pressurechanges

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

In man field situations and reliminar estimates to establish the -eight andstrength of the tubing it is sufficient siml to loo6 at the tubing rating and to althe cororate design factor Ho-eer it must be recogni+ed that loading conditions

ar oer the length of the tubing string and to roerl isuali+e this it is generalladantageous to carr out a grahical tubing string design

Graphical Tubing String Design

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 484

This is a conenient -a of understanding loading conditions and resenting designresults The techniue is resented in gt1amle (art ) and illustrated in ltigure

(Graphic tubing design estimated operating pressures)

Figure 2

ltigure 3 (Graphic tubing design burst loads) and ltigure 4 (Graphic tubing design

tubing selection)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 584

Figure 3

Abbreiations are resented in the ampomenclature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 684

Figure 4

Example 2 (part 1

Graphical Tubing Design

lanning Data

KBE ( ft 15 3

$4 115 ft (5 3

$bg 2 67 in 4 6( 3

losed-in bottoholepressure

55 psi ( Pa3

estiated fro ud ampeight

8oration breakdoampn 125 psi 9 Pa3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 784

pressure

estiated fro offset ampell

8racture propagationpressure

2 psi 9( Pa3

estiated fro offset ampell

Packer fluid inhibited oil ( psi7ft3

Production expect sour gas

gas graity reseroir3

gas graity 6 separator3

)55 or lt tubular to be used

tiulation fracture expected assue 2 barrels per inute3= axiualloampable annulus pressure is 2 psi 1(6 kPa3

T Estimate

Depth ofHole

Gas Gravity

ft $ $amp $ $(

1 (5 6 6 69 6(

2 91 5 59 5( gt9

( 15 ( (5 ( 2

gt 121 2 1gt 6 5

5 152gt 1 ( 5 6

9 1( ( 6( 5gt gt6

6 21(( 9gt 5gt gtgt 2(

2gt( gt6 (5 2( 1

26gt( 2 19 gt 66

1 (gt 12 6 69gt 65

11 ((5( 65 6 699 6(6

12 (99 66 69( 6gt6 616

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 884

1( (92 69( 6gt9 62 96

1gt gt296 6gt6 62 612 96

15 gt562 6(2 61( 95 95

19 gt69 616 96 96 9gt1

16 511 62 92 952 92gt

1 5gt9 96 959 9gt5 96

1 561 96( 952 9(1 5

2 96 95 9(6 915 56gt

Table 2 7atio bet-een surface ressure and bottomhole ressure in gas -ells for a

range of gas graities

t a gas graity I$P 626 IBP ( psi

At a gas grait E 0 ITHP E 0 I2HP E 44 si

8or a kill situation bottohole inAection pressure IBP 2 psi 55 psi 2 psi 65psi

If gas graity $IP 626 BIP 6263 653

E43 si

Assumed Fracture Conditions 1 8oration breakdoampn achieed ampith ampater

ltracture 8ob carried out -ith -aterbase fluid

8riction loss in 2 67 in tubing at 2 BP using ampater ampith friction reducer is (5 psi71 ft for115 ft 4oampell andbook3

8PP 2 psi

ltriction E F40 si (30 )

Head E si (04 00)

ltrac THPE 00 si

Prepare a depth pressure plot 8igure 2 3 in the folloamping anner 1 Plot the closed-in bottohole pressure IBP3

Plot the formation brea6do-n ressure (lt2P) and the fractureroagation ressure (ltPP)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 984

3 Plot the ac6er fluid gradient fracture fluid gradient and -atergradient

4 gtstimate -et and dr gas gradients and lot these u from the

closedin bottomhole ressure

gtstablish the closedin tubing head ressure for normal roductionconditions (ie oil or as in this case -et gas) and for -orst case

design assumtion (usuall dr gas)

gtstablish ma1imum THP for -hich comletion is to be designed

-hich normall -ill be 6ill or stimulation conditions (fluid gradientthrough lt2P ltPP or secified differential aboe ITHP) ltor gt1amle

the grahical design should no- loo6 li6e ltigure

gtstablish through insection the greatest differential ressure at

surface and do-nhole (usuall stimulation conditions) Getermine -hatstes can be ta6en to reduce loading (eg maintaining ma1imum

allo-able annulus ressure during stimulation) Plot ad8usted annulusressure line ( ltigure 3 )

Plot burst load line (2$$) as difference bet-een most critical tubingand annulus ressures The 2$$ is a function of the relatie densities in

the tubing and annulus 2$$ -ill generall but not al-as decrease-ith deth ( ltigure 3 )

Plot critical collase load conditions ($$) ampormall -e assume thata slo- lea6 has changed the HP to ITHP and that tubing is emt

and deressured This can occur in gas -ells if the tubing becomeslugged or a do-nhole safet ale is closed onditions can aroach

this situation in oil -ells after a fracture treatment if oeratorscommence 6ic6off before bleeding off annulus ressure (In some

cases this ma be a more critical load ( ltigure 4 ))

0 Plot ressure test conditions (PT) This is often the most critical

load to -hich a comletion is sub8ected onsider timing of the

ressure test and densit of fluids in the tubing and annulus at time oftest

$oo6 u tubing erformance data in API 2ulletin

Ad8ust API internal ield (burst) and collase resistancesecifications -ith design factor (see ltigure and API 2ulletin )

3 $ist resulting tubing caabilities ( ltigure 4 )

4 omare design loads -ith tubing caabilities and select tubing In

most cases the otimum tubing grade and -eight -ill ar -ith deth

To minimi+e costs andor tensional loads such ariations ma beincororated although there -ill then be a constraint on ressure

testing caabilities Ho-eer most oerators refer to use a common

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1084

-eight and grade throughout the comletion if ossible This reducesthe ris6 of installation and oerating errors =hen regulations ermit

the designer ma be able to comromise slightl on accommodatingloading conditions dee in the hole if the associated design

assumtion is e1tremel unrealistic (eg a comletel emt tubing ina high roductiit oil -ell) Ho-eer the designer must first chec6 on

ho- critical the actual bia1ial (or tria1ial) loading conditions are li6elto be and ma6e aroriate notes in the -ell file

Cith reference to Exaple 2 in 8igure gt the options include the folloamping 1 full string of 9gt lb7ft lt tubing

0 to 00 ft E 4 lbft J00 to TG E 4 lbft $0

3 full string of 4 lbft J -ith modified collase design criteria of000 si as ma1imum HP -ith an emt tubing

ince 2 psi is the axiu alloampable annulus pressure during stiulation option ( ay bean acceptable design ince the differential cost of )55 and lt is around D( per ft the potentialsaing of D(gt5 betampeen options 1 and ( ay Austify further detailed engineering ampork n theother hand if the ampellstrea is expected to be extreely corrosie the higher grade tubing aybe selected in any case to proide a corrosion alloampance

The 6e things to note from ltigure (Effect of buoyancy on axial load ) are

bull the ost seere burst loadings occur at surface

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1184

Figure amp

bull the most seere burst and collase loadings occur during ressure testing

-ell 6ill and stimulation

bull the most seere collase loading occurs do-nhole

bull additional annulus ressure can be used to reduce burst loading roided

the casing is strong enough

bull the tubinghead ressure during 6ill oerations (THIP) often aro1imates or

e1ceeds the reseroir ressure (I2HP)

Cith relatiely sall tubing strings (5 in or 3 the inherent burst and collapse strength isso high that soe engineers do not bother ampith tubing design in ampells ampith depths of less than ft 25 3 unless oerpressures are expected

Simplified Tensional Strength Design

Although burst and collase resistance ma not be significant considerations inuming -ells tensional strength is a critical design arameter for all -ells ouling

lea6age and failure -hich accounts for 0 of the roblems in -ell tubulars often

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1284

ma be the result of inadeuate tensional design rather than a burst or sealingroblem In this resect it is articularl imortant to remember that test ressures

imose substantial iston forces on the tubing (eg a 000 si (3 Pa) ressuretest on a lug set inside in (3mm) tubing -ill increase the tension on the

hanger b (000)( 4)(44l) E 30 lb (4 6amp)

It is also imortant to recogni+e that unli6e other strength arameters the API 8ointstrength is based on a failure condition rather than the onset of lastic deformation

The failure condition is either an un+iing of the in and bo1 in the case of APIthreads because of ielding (also called 8umout)D or brea6age of reduced cross

section at the threads in the case of suare threads

ltinall there are all sorts of additional tensional loads that -e do not normallanal+e in detail (eg shoc6 loading and drag forces during running bending

stresses buc6ling crosssectional iston forces changes in buoanc)

ince it is common ractice to ma6e a reliminar tensional design using tubing

-eight loading onl a higher design factor is used for tension and eseciall for 8oint

strength (Table 1 aboe) ome comanies and more conseratie engineers -illeen ignore the otential benefits of buoanc 2uoanc results in a iston force onthe lo-er end of the tubing and as a first aro1imation it ma normall be assumed

that

12amphere

CB buoyant ampeight

=amp E -eight in air

E densit of steel ( gmcc)

E densit of fluid

8igure 5 graphically depicts the tensional and copressional forces at ampork on a tapered string of tubular goods $he load resulting fro the ampeight of the pipe is shoampn for a string ampeighed in airand ampith the buoyant forces accounted for as piston forces or approxiated using EFuation 12Ce can see that at a point approxiately idampay in the length of the heaier pipe at the bottoof the string there is a change fro copression to tension $his is also the concept amphich guidesthe design of drillstrings ampith the purpose of keeping the drillpipe in tension amphile using theheaier drill collars to aintain a copressional load on the bit

Part of gt1amle gies the reliminar tension design considerations for thecomletion alread coered in art

Example 2 (part 2

reliminary Tension Design

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1384

$ubing ampeight 9gt lb7ft

Tubing length 00 ft

Pac6er fluid inhibited oil

03 sift E 0 gmcc

=amp E 4 00E 300 lb

E 0 300

E 04 lb

Joint Specifications

)55 lt

EGE H4 EGE H4 5

PI Aoint strengthKlb3

6 1 1(5 12

4esign factorTable 13

1 1 1 1

4esign capacityKlb3

55gt 559 655 611

Tubing Tension Design Considerations 1 eFuires lt tubing at surface

7euires 8oint strength caabilit of gtKgt or euialent

3 In ie- of ressures deth and H -ould robabl select remium

grade couling

any copanies hae these design techniFues prograed for the coputer and use the saegeneral techniFue for both tubing and casing designs

Tubing Design Parameters

It is imortant to remember that -hile the rimar function of the tubing is as aconduit for hdrocarbon roduction or for in8ection of -ater or gas the most seere

loadings often occur during -ell serice or 6illing oerations or during ressuretests It is therefore rudent to ma6e roision for these oerations -hen designing

a comletion and to chec6 out the tubing limitations -hen lanning a -ell sericingoeration (eg a stimulation or a -or6oer) are must be ta6en not to increase

comletion costs e1cessiel b tring to ma6e roisions for all sorts of unli6el butossible occurrences It must also be remembered that there are stes that can be

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1484

ta6en to mitigate the induced stresses during man oerations (eg alingannular ressure or heating fracturing fluids) Ln the other hand the conseuential

costs of a failed tubing string or of haing to run a secial -or6ing string in termsof deferred roduction and rig time can be uite substantial Assessment of the

most cost effectie solution is generall a 8udgment call based on the engineer5se1erience and on cororate attitudes and olic A tical set of arameters has

alread been illustrated in gt1amle

urst

The tubing and -ellhead should be designed for suee+e and 6ill conditions incefines in the erforations or oil can sometimes cause a chec6 ale effect -hen

attemting to suee+e bac6 liuids man comletion designers li6e to hae thefle1ibilit of being able to raise the bottomhole ressure to the lt2P or at least to the

ltPP Ho-eer -ith high ermeabilit reseroirs or gas -ells in -hich fracturestimulation is unli6el comletion engineers are often satisfied -ith a certain

minimum differential for in8ection The alue selected aries from area to area andfrom coman to coman but is commonl either around 000 si ( Pa) or 33

of the reseroir ressure The author suggests

1 8BP amphere k1 1 d kg 5 d

ltPP for suee+ing liuids -here 6 00 md

3 I2HP F 000 si ( Pa) for suee+ing gas -here6g 0 mdD or for suee+ing liuids -here 6 000 md

8ro the rock echanics theory presented by eertsa 163 and others it ay be deducedthat in a tectonically relaxed area a proisional estiate of the fracture propagation gradient8P3 can be obtained fro the eFuation

13

ltPM N lt2M N sift ( 6Pam) 1

amphere s oerburden stress J1 psi7ft depth3

E ore ressure si

G E deth ft

ltPM E formation roagation gradient sift

lt2M E formation brea6do-n gradient sift

$he specification of the pressure test conditions is often critical to burst design oernentregulations soeties specify pressure test conditions eg to at least 0 of the reseroirpressure or to 1 psi 5 Pa3 oer the axiu differential pressure expected at the packer3If no regulations exist ost operators test to their tubing design conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1584

$ollapse

eere collase loads on the tubing can occur

bull in gas ampells and high oil ampells ampith loamp-floamping botto-hole pressures and deep-set safety ales after bloampdoampn to test a plug etc

bull during annulus ressure tests or oeration of shear circulation deices

bull -here there are ressured annuli

bull during underbalance erforating or testing at high dra-do-n

bull during tubing blo-outs

It is iportant to reeber that tension reduces collapse strength $his biaxial effect should beexained for large diaeter tubings especially if reduced collapse design assuptions and7or adeep-set safety ale is used

Tension

Tubing strings are not onl sub8ected to running tensions -ith all the associatedshoc6 and acceleration loadings but also to aring oerating stresses due to iston

forces on the steel andor an lugs ums standing ales and the li6e in thetubing oreoer if the tubing is anchored or held b a ac6er its oerating tension

-ill ar as a result of

bull theral effects hot production or cold kill fluid3

bull iston effects (changes in buoanc and forces at 8oint usets)

bull ballooning effects (changes in internal or e1ternal ressure)

bull buc6ling effects (longitudinal instabilit)

$hese potential probles are listed in ters of their ost coon relatie agnitude althoughthe relatie iportance of piston and ballooning effects is ariable3

$ombined oading

=hile the designer of tubular goods normall tal6s in terms of burst collase and

tension comression as if the -ere indeendent it is obious that in most actualloading situations the occur simultaneousl Precise stress analsis should reallconsider a tria1ial loading situation

The simultaneous solution of all the associated euations is rather comlicated Anumber of comuter rograms are aailable but for most field engineers the -ill be

a blac6 bo1 solution This can be dangerous It is imortant to chec6 that theformulas are roerl handled articularl -ith resect to collase -hich is a

stabilit effect Therefore it is usual for critical stress analses (eg for ultra dee

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1684

high ressure or sour -ells) to be underta6en b a secialist consultant researchgrou or intracoman tas6 force oreoer since this is not the routine design

techniue design factors are less -ell roen (although a alue of is oftenused)

A more conenient aroach for the intermediate range moderatel comle1 design

roblem is to use the ellise of bia1ial ield stress roosed b Holmuist and ampadai(3) The critical relationshis are (a) tension reduces collase resistanceD (b)comression reduces burst resistance

The other imortant concet in the consideration of tria1ial loads is that ressurechanges affect a1ial stresses or cause tubing moement This has been e1tensiel

discussed in Pgt aers b $ubins6i () Hammerlindl () and tillebroer()

ending

2ending stresses can be significant in large tubulars The are comressie in the

inner -all and tensional in the outer -all the most detrimental being

1ampamphere

the radius of curature ft3

sb E bending stress

gt E Ooung5s modulus (for steel gt E 30 0 si)

do E outside diameter of the tubular

Bending stresses result fro both hole curature and buckling $he effects of doglegs need onlybe considered if they are ery seere 1L71 ft= 1L7( 3 or if ery large tubing 5 172 to 6 in=1gt to 16 3 is being used

Production Casing

The roduction casing must be adeuatel si+ed for the lanned comletion It -illobiousl affect the si+e of the other reuired casing strings the bit selection the

caacit of the rig and the oerall -ell costs The roduction casing must bedesigned for the loads that ma be imosed during the roducing life of the field It

is similar to tubing design in seeral -as

urst

Production casing must be designed to -ithstand the ma1imum closedin tubing

ressure that can be e1ected If a ac6er has been used this ressure is assumed

to be alied at the to of a full column of ac6er fluid (ie for the case of a tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1784

failure at the surface) =e usuall assume that the e1ternal ressure resisting burstis a -ater gradient If the ac6er fluid is heaier than -ater the burst load -ill

increase -ith deth

In the eent that a snubbing oeration could not be conenientl attemted if atubing brea6 occurs at the surface the casing must be strong enough to -ithstand a

bullhead suee+e on the lie tubing string in -hich case this -ould be the designcriteria for the casing and -ellhead

In man cases it ma be necessar to design the casing for loads imosed during

stimulation and ressure testing onersel the casing caacit must be chec6ed-hen designing a fracturing treatment This is articularl imortant in -ells -here

no ac6er is used

$ollapse

Production casing ma be sub8ect to comlete eacuation during roductionoerations if the -ell is oerated on gas lift or umedoff or if the ac6er or

-or6oer fluid is lost into a deleted +one As the ie ma hae deteriorated beforethis occurs a higher design factor (F) is often used for roduction casing

eere collase loads ma occur in situations in -hich thermal e1ansion of theannular fluid bet-een the roduction and intermediate strings cannot be bled off

(eg in some subsea -ells)

Increased loading should be assumed if lie annuli are a feature of the area 7educed

loadings ma be assumed if the -ells -ill not be umed off gas lifted or seereldeleted

eere collase loads ma e1ist in the a section during high dra-do-n

underbalanced erforating and testing and suee+e either or both cementation andfracturing ( ltigure $ollapse loads in the pay ) It is highl adisable to maintainsome set casingtubing annulus ressure during such serice oerations

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1884

Figure 1

Tensionamp$ompression

In high rate roduction areas and thermal -ells e1ansion of the roduction tubingma imose additional tension on the casing strings ia the ac6er

$ouplings

In high ressure (000 siD 34 Pa) high temerature (300B ltD 4 ) andor

seerel sour conditions remium casing coulings are recommended

aterial Selection

In sour enironments material secification must consider the chances of Hcontamination of the casingtubing annulus and the added ossibilit of temerature

changes during stimulation affecting the stress corrosion tolerance of the ie

Couplings

There are man forms of couling aailable some of -hich hae been dedicated tothe ublic through the ausices of the API -hile others are roduced b or under

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1984

license from a secific manufacturer It -as in fact the need to obtain astandardi+ation of thread forms and diameters that led to the formation of the API

ommittee on tandardi+ation of Tubular Moods in 4

The API coulings ( ltigure

Figure 1

ltigure and ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2084

Figure 2

$utaways of basic types of couplings) are of three basic tes e1ternal uset (gtKgt)

nonuset (ampK) and integral 8oint

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2184

Figure 3

Threads are of t-o main forms The round API threads are -ea6er than the ie

bod (ie N00 efficient) The buttress threads -ere deeloed b the ampationalTube Giision of the Knited tates teel ororation to roide a high strength

couling for dee high ressure -ell serice This thread is used in a number ofrorietar coulings eg Hdril A Atlas2radford

All taered threads achiee a seal b driing the in and bo1 surfaces together undersufficient stress to generate a bearing ressure e1ceeding an differential that is to

be subseuentl alied Ho-eer a small siral oid is al-as left bet-een themating surfaces and must be filled -ith solids in the form of thread comound (This

is the reason for careful secification of the comound in 2ul A) Ln API roundthreads this oid occurs bet-een the crest and root of the mating threads -hile on

buttress threads it e1tends oer the -hole flan6 of the thread on the beeled side

To imroe lea6 resistance eseciall at eleated temeratures and under high

ressure differential the socalled remium seals -ere deeloed These consist of either metaltometal seals on taered ortions of the in and bo1 surfaces or an

elastomer seal ring or both This te of seal reuires a high ualit finish andrecise gauging and insection The couling is therefore more costl ince API and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2284

buttress threads hae roen to be er reliable in the field the decision to use themore e1ensie remium seals reuires careful economic 8ustification In general

their alication has roen aluable in highl corrosie conditions in high ressuregas -ells or high ressurehigh ML7 oil -ells and in thermal -ells sub8ect to high

comressie loads The ma be used -here -or6oer costs are high (egoffshore) In general API tubulars are adeuate for differential ressures of less than

000 si (344 Pa) and temeratures of less than 300B lt (0B ) using hightemerature thread comound ltor corrosie conditions and continuous gas sericethe ressure limit is often reduced to 00 si ( Pa)

gt1ercises

)ilfield nits

The in 4 lbft J ampK tubing string in a 000ft oil -ell -as designed

based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional load -ould beimosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 00 si after the

-ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The -ell

roduces 30B API oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

SI nits

The 3mm ( in) 6gmm (4 lbft) J ampK tubing string in an 30moil -ell -as designed based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional

load is imosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 3 Paafter the -ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The

-ell roduces 6gm3 oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

olutions

)ilfield nits

=eight in air E 000 ft 1 4 E 3400 lb

2uoanc in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2384

Buoyant ampeight amphen run (gt x 65 ((9 lb

=ater gradient (M E ) E 0433 sift

Lil gradient (M E 0) E 0 1 0433 E 03 sift

IG of tubing E 44 in Ai E 40 in

=eight of oil in tubing E 000 1 03 1 40 E 04 lb

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell has been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 19gt2 (gt 5 gt93 19gt2 (gt 2(gt 51(2 lb

The API 8oint strength rating of in 4 lbft J nonuset tubing E 00lb

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor) E (00) ()E 4400 lb

Therefore the roosed loading e1ceeds the design secifications and a lea6 mightoccur during the test In fact the loading e1ceeds design secs een -ithout adding

the 00 si of -ellhead ressure (actual load 404 lb comared -ith an allo-ableof 4400 lb) Ho-eer using a 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions

ressure tests of u to 4 si -ould be ermissible

6293 1((3 19gt2 (gt pt gt93

Pt E 4 si

+ nits Ceight in air 1( x 5 16(5 kg 165 kM

2uoanc factor in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater E gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12Buoyant ampeight amphen run 165 x 65 1gt2 kM

=ater gradient (M E 0) E 4 6PamLil gradient (M E 0) 0 1 4 E 6Pam

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2484

IG of tubing E mm thus Ai E 30 1 l04 m

=eight of oil in tubing E (30 m) ( 6Pam) (30 1 03 m)E 44 6amp

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell had been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 gt6gt 165 (5 (1 x 1 -(3 gt6gt 165 156 22gt6 kM

8ro 8igure 1 the PI Aoint strength rating of 6(- 5 kg7 )-55 nonupset tubing is

629 lbs (222 kM3

Figure 1

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor)

(222715 2152 kM

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2584

$herefore the proposed loading exceeds the design specifications and a leak ight occur duringthe test In fact the loading exceeds design specifications een at ero ampellhead pressure actualload of gt6gt 165 216 kM copared ampith an alloampable load of 2152 kM3

Ho-eer using the 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions ressure tests

of u to 6Pa -ould be ermissible

216 pt (1 x l-gt3

t E 4 6Pa

2 )ilfield nits 12-ft hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubing

head pressure can be expectedN If the casing ampellhead and tubing are to be designed for asFueee kill at fracture propagation pressure 8PP3 amphat ampellhead pressure ampould be expected atthe start of the kill operationN Gse EFuation 1( for estiating the 8P3

13

+ units (99- hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubinghead pressure is expectedN

If the casing -ellhead and tubing are to be designed for a suee+e 6ill at fractureroagation ressure (ltPP) -hat -ellhead ressure -ould be e1ected at the start

of the 6ill oerationQ (Kse gtuation 3 for estimating the ltPM)

olutions

)ilfield nits

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure on

hydrocarbon-filled tubing

1125

External Packer fluid and eroannulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressure 1125

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2684

shut-in tubing pressure

Internal $ubing epty anddepressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight in Body 1(((

copletion fluid )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125

)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g of 0 E 04

At 000 ft assuming a hdrostatic gradient of 0433 sift the bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP 12 x gt(( 519 psiampith gas surface pressure 519 x 6gt6 I$P (1 psi

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be sift and using gtuation 3 to estimate

the fracture roagation ressure

E 0 sift

ltPP E 0 000 ft E 04 si

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the forationpropagation pressure inus the pressure due to the gas gradient

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2784

$IP 12 6163 - 519 - (13 62 psigore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP 12 6163 6gt6 9gt26 psi$herefore a 5 psi ampellhead should not be used een though the axiu closed-in tubinghead pressure is only about gt psi

SI nits

7eferring to Table 1

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g E 0 E 04

At 30 m assuming a normal hdrostatic ressure of 6Pa m bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP (99 65 (55 kPa

ampith gas surface pressure (55 6gt6 I$P 296 kPa

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be 6Pam and using gtuation 3 toestimate the fracture roagation ressure

E 6Pam

ltPP E 30 E 3 6Pa

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the foration propagation pressure inus the pressure due tothe gas gradient

THIP E (30 ) (30 0) E 0 6Pa

ore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP (99 19213 6gt6 gtgt(1 kPa

9gt Pa ampellhead should therefore be used

3hellip)ilfield nits

A 000ft -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 000 T2d using intubing encounters 0 ft of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of 3000 si =hat

rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight of tubing is to be

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2884

used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming that

Grade -eight lbft

Collapse

+trength psi

urst

+trength psi

Tensional

+trength 1 lb

Cost Coparison

)-55 155 gtgt gt1 ( cheapest

16 gt1 5(2 (2

-65 16 96 625 gt2( ost expensie

M- 16 92 66gt gtgt9 oderately expensie

2 ( 52gt

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 043 sift)

reseroir ressure 3000 si

6ill ressure 000 si aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 5 5 psi7ft3

If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure onhydrocarbon- filledtubing

1125

External Packer fluid and ero

annulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressureshut-in tubing pressure

1125

Internal $ubing epty and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2984

depressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight incopletion fluid

Body 1((( )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

Assume lie oil gradient is 03 sift

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at theac6er and the running tension

SI nits

A 30m -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 400 m3da of oil -ith l40mm ( inch) tubing encounters 0 m of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of

000 6Pa =hat rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight oftubing is to be used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming

that

Grade -eight

$gmm

Collapse

+trength

$Pa

urst

+trength

$Pa

Tensional

+trength

$amp

Cost Coparison

)-55 2(1 2655 ((19gt 1((gt cheapest

25( ((5( (99 1gt9(

-65 25( gt151 gt6 12 ost expensie

M- 25( gt(2 5((95 1gt oderately expensie

2 9 91gt 2((1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3084

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 40 6Pam)

reseroir ressure 000 6Pa

6ill ressure 000 6Pa aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 53 22(3 5 kPa7If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Assume lie oil gradient is 6Pam

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at the

ac6er and the running tensions

olution

)ilfield nits

I$P IBP - o 4

o ( psi7ft

under operating conditions I$P ( - ( 63 psi

under axiu conditions assuing gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 3000 E si

under 6ill conditions

8P 5 5

5 5 x 61 psi7ft

ltPP E 000 0

E 000 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3184

O BIP oil kill3

5 psieFuialent $P oil kill3

5 - ( x 6 2 psi

In the case of a gas kill

Iamp 2HIP(gas 6ill)

( 1 psi gt psi

eFuialent $P gas kill3

5gt x BP 5gt x gt (gt19 psi

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a ( psi ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a 5 psi ampellhead

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialent

to the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating

burst rating E ma1 THP design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 34 E 343 si

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading Calculation

alculate first assuming a high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid f 3 43 gt(53 63 (gt5 psi

ma1 HP E ma1 ITHP (assumes lea6)E si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 304E 0 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3284

ma1 collase load E 0 0 si (assumes emt tubing)E 0 si

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 0 1 si

E 30 si

$herefore strictly speaking ampe should use 2-lb7ft M- tubing although it is ore likely a l6-lb7ft ampould be selected since the probability is ery loamp that such seere collapse-loadingassuptions ampould proe true

alculate ne1t assuming a lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 00 si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 00 F 304 siE 34 si

ma1 collase load E 34 si

reuired collase rating E 34 E 443 si

Ce could select 16 lb7ft )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculations

ampeight in air C 4 16 lb7ft3 6 ft3 11 lb

buoyancy factor

625

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 000 lb

E 04000 lb

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (04000) () lb

16 lb$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3384

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubingcomletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

in 0lbft amp0 tubing meets all criteria for this te of roduction 7is6 of

gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing bet-een amp0 and J grades

SI nits

I$P IBP - ρo x 4

ρo 969 kPa7

under operating conditions I$P 26 - 969 x 21(3

92gt9 kPaunder axiu conditions gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 000 E 6Pa

under 6ill conditions

8P 53 22(3 5

53 22(3 5

19 kPa7

ltPP E (30) (00)

E 3400 6Pa

O BIP oil kill3 (gt kPa eFuialent $P oil kill3 (gt - 969 x 21(3

1929 kPa

In the case of a gas 6ill

Iamp 2HIP

(gas 6ill) E 000 F 000 6Pa

266 kPaeFuialent $P gas kill3 5gt x BP

5gt x 266 2(959 kPa

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a 26 Pa ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a (gt5 Pa ampellhead

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3484

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialentto the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating Calculation

burst rating E ma1 THP 1 design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 3 1

E 3 6Pa

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading

alculate first assuming high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid ρf 3 43

gt3 21(3 25 kPa

ax P ax I$P assues leak3 1696 kPa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 0

E 33 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 33 0 6Pa (assumes emt tubing)

E 33 6Pa

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 33 1 E 434 6Pa

Therefore strictl sea6ing -e should use a 6gm amp0 tubing but moreli6el 36gm tubing -ould be selected since the robabilit of such seere

collase loading is er lo-

alculate ne1t assuming lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 4 6Pa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 4 F 0

E 0 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 0 6Pa

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3584

reuired collase rating E 0 1 E 300 6Pa

Ce could select 25(-kg7 )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculation

ampeight in air 25( 21( 5( kg 525 kM

buoanc factor E

EE0

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 6ampE 4 6amp

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (4) ()

E 30 6amp

$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubing

comletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

40mm ( inch) 36gm 0 tubing meets all criteria for this te ofroduction 7is6 of gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing

bet-een 0 and J grades

Pac6ers

Pac$er unctions

A ac6er is a subsurface tool that roides a seal bet-een the tubing and

casingthereb reenting the ertical moement of fluids across this sealing oint

Pac6ers are used for the follo-ing reasons

9 to imroe safet b roiding a barrier to flo- through the annulus

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3684

9 to 6ee -ell fluids and ressures isolated from the casing

9 to imroe flo- conditions and reent heading

9 to searate +ones in the same -ellbore

9 to lace 6ill fluids or treating fluids in the casing annulus

9 to ac6 off erforations rather than use suee+e cementing

9 to 6ee gas lift or hdraulic o-er fluid in8ection ressure isolated from the

formation

9 to anchor the tubing

9 to install a casing um

9 to minimi+e heat losses b allo-ing the use of an emt annulus or thermal

insulator

9 to isolate a casing lea6 or lea6ing liner la

9 to facilitate temorar -ell serice oerations (eg stimulations suee+es)

Pac$er T+pes

There are man ac6er manufacturers some of -hom offer an e1tensie ariet ofac6ers -ith each differing to some degree from those of the other manufacturers

This rather be-ildering arra can ho-eer be groued into rincial classes or

tes and ma be further categori+ed b method of setting b direction of ressureacross the ac6er and b the number of bores through the ac6er

Pac6ers can be rimaril classified as either retrieable or ermanent or

ermanentretrieable or inflatable

)etrievable acers

This te of ac6er is run on the tubing ( ltigure )etrievable pacer )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3784

Figure 1

After setting it can be released and recoered from the -ell on the tubing ince it is

an integral art of the tubing string the tubing cannot be remoed from the -ell-ithout ulling the ac6er unless a detachable ac6er head is used

7etrieable ac6ers ma be designed to be set mechanicall or hdraulicallechanical setting methods include rotation of the tubing string recirocation of the

tubing string or the alication of tension or setdo-n -eight =ith mechanical

ac6ers the tubing is usuall set in comression

Hdraulic ac6ers are set b aling hdraulic ressure through the tubing stringbut once set the hold the set osition mechanicall The tubing is usuall in tension

7etrieable ac6ers are usuall used for comle1 multi+one and multistringcomletions Their main limitation -as in their limited abilit to accommodate tubing

stress changes -ithout unsettingD the aailabilit of effectie sli 8oints anddetachable heads has eased this situation An historical roblem -as failure of the

internal elastomer seals but this technolog also has imroed mar6edl in the lastdecade All metaltometal seal ac6ers are aailable but are e1ensie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3884

Lne disadantage of retrieable ac6ers is that if the fail to retriee the must beremoed b milling them out of the casing -ith an abrasie milling head and a

drillstring The are er difficult to mill Menerall this te of ac6er is used undernonseere conditions (differential ressures less than 000 si (344 Pa)

temeratures less than 300B lt (4B )

2ecause of the setting mechanism retrieable ac6ers tend to hae a restrictedbore comared -ith other ac6ers designed for the same casing si+e This factorma restrict flo- or limit -ireline oerations belo- the ac6er deth

ermanent acers

Permanent ac6ers are indeendent of the tubing and ma be run on tubing or on

-ireline ( ltigure and ltigure 3 )

Figure 2

The tubing can be released from the ac6er and can be ulled leaing the ac6er set

in the casing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3984

Figure 3

Tubing can subseuentl be run bac6 and resealed in the ac6er The ac6er ma

thus be considered an integral art of the casing It is sometimes called either aroduction ac6er or a retainerroduction ac6er

The ermanent ac6er cannot be recoered as such but it can be destructiel

remoed (eg b milling) ( ltigure 4 and ltigure )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4084

Figure 4

If the ac6er includes a tailie and must be recoered a millout e1tension is

needed on the ac6er for the ac6er ic6er or catch sleee on the mill to engageIn other cases it ma be adeuate to siml ush the ac6er to the bottom of the

casing after milling

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 384

External Packer fluidand eroannuluspressure

onsiderations heck effects

of copression

ollapse External asing headpressure shut-in tubingpressure

1125

Internal $ubing eptyanddepressured

onsiderations heck effectsof tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeightin copletionfluid

Body 1(((

)oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating oldstiulation andhot productionconditions

Body 1125

)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effectsof teperatureand pressurechanges

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

In man field situations and reliminar estimates to establish the -eight andstrength of the tubing it is sufficient siml to loo6 at the tubing rating and to althe cororate design factor Ho-eer it must be recogni+ed that loading conditions

ar oer the length of the tubing string and to roerl isuali+e this it is generalladantageous to carr out a grahical tubing string design

Graphical Tubing String Design

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 484

This is a conenient -a of understanding loading conditions and resenting designresults The techniue is resented in gt1amle (art ) and illustrated in ltigure

(Graphic tubing design estimated operating pressures)

Figure 2

ltigure 3 (Graphic tubing design burst loads) and ltigure 4 (Graphic tubing design

tubing selection)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 584

Figure 3

Abbreiations are resented in the ampomenclature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 684

Figure 4

Example 2 (part 1

Graphical Tubing Design

lanning Data

KBE ( ft 15 3

$4 115 ft (5 3

$bg 2 67 in 4 6( 3

losed-in bottoholepressure

55 psi ( Pa3

estiated fro ud ampeight

8oration breakdoampn 125 psi 9 Pa3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 784

pressure

estiated fro offset ampell

8racture propagationpressure

2 psi 9( Pa3

estiated fro offset ampell

Packer fluid inhibited oil ( psi7ft3

Production expect sour gas

gas graity reseroir3

gas graity 6 separator3

)55 or lt tubular to be used

tiulation fracture expected assue 2 barrels per inute3= axiualloampable annulus pressure is 2 psi 1(6 kPa3

T Estimate

Depth ofHole

Gas Gravity

ft $ $amp $ $(

1 (5 6 6 69 6(

2 91 5 59 5( gt9

( 15 ( (5 ( 2

gt 121 2 1gt 6 5

5 152gt 1 ( 5 6

9 1( ( 6( 5gt gt6

6 21(( 9gt 5gt gtgt 2(

2gt( gt6 (5 2( 1

26gt( 2 19 gt 66

1 (gt 12 6 69gt 65

11 ((5( 65 6 699 6(6

12 (99 66 69( 6gt6 616

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 884

1( (92 69( 6gt9 62 96

1gt gt296 6gt6 62 612 96

15 gt562 6(2 61( 95 95

19 gt69 616 96 96 9gt1

16 511 62 92 952 92gt

1 5gt9 96 959 9gt5 96

1 561 96( 952 9(1 5

2 96 95 9(6 915 56gt

Table 2 7atio bet-een surface ressure and bottomhole ressure in gas -ells for a

range of gas graities

t a gas graity I$P 626 IBP ( psi

At a gas grait E 0 ITHP E 0 I2HP E 44 si

8or a kill situation bottohole inAection pressure IBP 2 psi 55 psi 2 psi 65psi

If gas graity $IP 626 BIP 6263 653

E43 si

Assumed Fracture Conditions 1 8oration breakdoampn achieed ampith ampater

ltracture 8ob carried out -ith -aterbase fluid

8riction loss in 2 67 in tubing at 2 BP using ampater ampith friction reducer is (5 psi71 ft for115 ft 4oampell andbook3

8PP 2 psi

ltriction E F40 si (30 )

Head E si (04 00)

ltrac THPE 00 si

Prepare a depth pressure plot 8igure 2 3 in the folloamping anner 1 Plot the closed-in bottohole pressure IBP3

Plot the formation brea6do-n ressure (lt2P) and the fractureroagation ressure (ltPP)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 984

3 Plot the ac6er fluid gradient fracture fluid gradient and -atergradient

4 gtstimate -et and dr gas gradients and lot these u from the

closedin bottomhole ressure

gtstablish the closedin tubing head ressure for normal roductionconditions (ie oil or as in this case -et gas) and for -orst case

design assumtion (usuall dr gas)

gtstablish ma1imum THP for -hich comletion is to be designed

-hich normall -ill be 6ill or stimulation conditions (fluid gradientthrough lt2P ltPP or secified differential aboe ITHP) ltor gt1amle

the grahical design should no- loo6 li6e ltigure

gtstablish through insection the greatest differential ressure at

surface and do-nhole (usuall stimulation conditions) Getermine -hatstes can be ta6en to reduce loading (eg maintaining ma1imum

allo-able annulus ressure during stimulation) Plot ad8usted annulusressure line ( ltigure 3 )

Plot burst load line (2$$) as difference bet-een most critical tubingand annulus ressures The 2$$ is a function of the relatie densities in

the tubing and annulus 2$$ -ill generall but not al-as decrease-ith deth ( ltigure 3 )

Plot critical collase load conditions ($$) ampormall -e assume thata slo- lea6 has changed the HP to ITHP and that tubing is emt

and deressured This can occur in gas -ells if the tubing becomeslugged or a do-nhole safet ale is closed onditions can aroach

this situation in oil -ells after a fracture treatment if oeratorscommence 6ic6off before bleeding off annulus ressure (In some

cases this ma be a more critical load ( ltigure 4 ))

0 Plot ressure test conditions (PT) This is often the most critical

load to -hich a comletion is sub8ected onsider timing of the

ressure test and densit of fluids in the tubing and annulus at time oftest

$oo6 u tubing erformance data in API 2ulletin

Ad8ust API internal ield (burst) and collase resistancesecifications -ith design factor (see ltigure and API 2ulletin )

3 $ist resulting tubing caabilities ( ltigure 4 )

4 omare design loads -ith tubing caabilities and select tubing In

most cases the otimum tubing grade and -eight -ill ar -ith deth

To minimi+e costs andor tensional loads such ariations ma beincororated although there -ill then be a constraint on ressure

testing caabilities Ho-eer most oerators refer to use a common

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1084

-eight and grade throughout the comletion if ossible This reducesthe ris6 of installation and oerating errors =hen regulations ermit

the designer ma be able to comromise slightl on accommodatingloading conditions dee in the hole if the associated design

assumtion is e1tremel unrealistic (eg a comletel emt tubing ina high roductiit oil -ell) Ho-eer the designer must first chec6 on

ho- critical the actual bia1ial (or tria1ial) loading conditions are li6elto be and ma6e aroriate notes in the -ell file

Cith reference to Exaple 2 in 8igure gt the options include the folloamping 1 full string of 9gt lb7ft lt tubing

0 to 00 ft E 4 lbft J00 to TG E 4 lbft $0

3 full string of 4 lbft J -ith modified collase design criteria of000 si as ma1imum HP -ith an emt tubing

ince 2 psi is the axiu alloampable annulus pressure during stiulation option ( ay bean acceptable design ince the differential cost of )55 and lt is around D( per ft the potentialsaing of D(gt5 betampeen options 1 and ( ay Austify further detailed engineering ampork n theother hand if the ampellstrea is expected to be extreely corrosie the higher grade tubing aybe selected in any case to proide a corrosion alloampance

The 6e things to note from ltigure (Effect of buoyancy on axial load ) are

bull the ost seere burst loadings occur at surface

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1184

Figure amp

bull the most seere burst and collase loadings occur during ressure testing

-ell 6ill and stimulation

bull the most seere collase loading occurs do-nhole

bull additional annulus ressure can be used to reduce burst loading roided

the casing is strong enough

bull the tubinghead ressure during 6ill oerations (THIP) often aro1imates or

e1ceeds the reseroir ressure (I2HP)

Cith relatiely sall tubing strings (5 in or 3 the inherent burst and collapse strength isso high that soe engineers do not bother ampith tubing design in ampells ampith depths of less than ft 25 3 unless oerpressures are expected

Simplified Tensional Strength Design

Although burst and collase resistance ma not be significant considerations inuming -ells tensional strength is a critical design arameter for all -ells ouling

lea6age and failure -hich accounts for 0 of the roblems in -ell tubulars often

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1284

ma be the result of inadeuate tensional design rather than a burst or sealingroblem In this resect it is articularl imortant to remember that test ressures

imose substantial iston forces on the tubing (eg a 000 si (3 Pa) ressuretest on a lug set inside in (3mm) tubing -ill increase the tension on the

hanger b (000)( 4)(44l) E 30 lb (4 6amp)

It is also imortant to recogni+e that unli6e other strength arameters the API 8ointstrength is based on a failure condition rather than the onset of lastic deformation

The failure condition is either an un+iing of the in and bo1 in the case of APIthreads because of ielding (also called 8umout)D or brea6age of reduced cross

section at the threads in the case of suare threads

ltinall there are all sorts of additional tensional loads that -e do not normallanal+e in detail (eg shoc6 loading and drag forces during running bending

stresses buc6ling crosssectional iston forces changes in buoanc)

ince it is common ractice to ma6e a reliminar tensional design using tubing

-eight loading onl a higher design factor is used for tension and eseciall for 8oint

strength (Table 1 aboe) ome comanies and more conseratie engineers -illeen ignore the otential benefits of buoanc 2uoanc results in a iston force onthe lo-er end of the tubing and as a first aro1imation it ma normall be assumed

that

12amphere

CB buoyant ampeight

=amp E -eight in air

E densit of steel ( gmcc)

E densit of fluid

8igure 5 graphically depicts the tensional and copressional forces at ampork on a tapered string of tubular goods $he load resulting fro the ampeight of the pipe is shoampn for a string ampeighed in airand ampith the buoyant forces accounted for as piston forces or approxiated using EFuation 12Ce can see that at a point approxiately idampay in the length of the heaier pipe at the bottoof the string there is a change fro copression to tension $his is also the concept amphich guidesthe design of drillstrings ampith the purpose of keeping the drillpipe in tension amphile using theheaier drill collars to aintain a copressional load on the bit

Part of gt1amle gies the reliminar tension design considerations for thecomletion alread coered in art

Example 2 (part 2

reliminary Tension Design

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1384

$ubing ampeight 9gt lb7ft

Tubing length 00 ft

Pac6er fluid inhibited oil

03 sift E 0 gmcc

=amp E 4 00E 300 lb

E 0 300

E 04 lb

Joint Specifications

)55 lt

EGE H4 EGE H4 5

PI Aoint strengthKlb3

6 1 1(5 12

4esign factorTable 13

1 1 1 1

4esign capacityKlb3

55gt 559 655 611

Tubing Tension Design Considerations 1 eFuires lt tubing at surface

7euires 8oint strength caabilit of gtKgt or euialent

3 In ie- of ressures deth and H -ould robabl select remium

grade couling

any copanies hae these design techniFues prograed for the coputer and use the saegeneral techniFue for both tubing and casing designs

Tubing Design Parameters

It is imortant to remember that -hile the rimar function of the tubing is as aconduit for hdrocarbon roduction or for in8ection of -ater or gas the most seere

loadings often occur during -ell serice or 6illing oerations or during ressuretests It is therefore rudent to ma6e roision for these oerations -hen designing

a comletion and to chec6 out the tubing limitations -hen lanning a -ell sericingoeration (eg a stimulation or a -or6oer) are must be ta6en not to increase

comletion costs e1cessiel b tring to ma6e roisions for all sorts of unli6el butossible occurrences It must also be remembered that there are stes that can be

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1484

ta6en to mitigate the induced stresses during man oerations (eg alingannular ressure or heating fracturing fluids) Ln the other hand the conseuential

costs of a failed tubing string or of haing to run a secial -or6ing string in termsof deferred roduction and rig time can be uite substantial Assessment of the

most cost effectie solution is generall a 8udgment call based on the engineer5se1erience and on cororate attitudes and olic A tical set of arameters has

alread been illustrated in gt1amle

urst

The tubing and -ellhead should be designed for suee+e and 6ill conditions incefines in the erforations or oil can sometimes cause a chec6 ale effect -hen

attemting to suee+e bac6 liuids man comletion designers li6e to hae thefle1ibilit of being able to raise the bottomhole ressure to the lt2P or at least to the

ltPP Ho-eer -ith high ermeabilit reseroirs or gas -ells in -hich fracturestimulation is unli6el comletion engineers are often satisfied -ith a certain

minimum differential for in8ection The alue selected aries from area to area andfrom coman to coman but is commonl either around 000 si ( Pa) or 33

of the reseroir ressure The author suggests

1 8BP amphere k1 1 d kg 5 d

ltPP for suee+ing liuids -here 6 00 md

3 I2HP F 000 si ( Pa) for suee+ing gas -here6g 0 mdD or for suee+ing liuids -here 6 000 md

8ro the rock echanics theory presented by eertsa 163 and others it ay be deducedthat in a tectonically relaxed area a proisional estiate of the fracture propagation gradient8P3 can be obtained fro the eFuation

13

ltPM N lt2M N sift ( 6Pam) 1

amphere s oerburden stress J1 psi7ft depth3

E ore ressure si

G E deth ft

ltPM E formation roagation gradient sift

lt2M E formation brea6do-n gradient sift

$he specification of the pressure test conditions is often critical to burst design oernentregulations soeties specify pressure test conditions eg to at least 0 of the reseroirpressure or to 1 psi 5 Pa3 oer the axiu differential pressure expected at the packer3If no regulations exist ost operators test to their tubing design conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1584

$ollapse

eere collase loads on the tubing can occur

bull in gas ampells and high oil ampells ampith loamp-floamping botto-hole pressures and deep-set safety ales after bloampdoampn to test a plug etc

bull during annulus ressure tests or oeration of shear circulation deices

bull -here there are ressured annuli

bull during underbalance erforating or testing at high dra-do-n

bull during tubing blo-outs

It is iportant to reeber that tension reduces collapse strength $his biaxial effect should beexained for large diaeter tubings especially if reduced collapse design assuptions and7or adeep-set safety ale is used

Tension

Tubing strings are not onl sub8ected to running tensions -ith all the associatedshoc6 and acceleration loadings but also to aring oerating stresses due to iston

forces on the steel andor an lugs ums standing ales and the li6e in thetubing oreoer if the tubing is anchored or held b a ac6er its oerating tension

-ill ar as a result of

bull theral effects hot production or cold kill fluid3

bull iston effects (changes in buoanc and forces at 8oint usets)

bull ballooning effects (changes in internal or e1ternal ressure)

bull buc6ling effects (longitudinal instabilit)

$hese potential probles are listed in ters of their ost coon relatie agnitude althoughthe relatie iportance of piston and ballooning effects is ariable3

$ombined oading

=hile the designer of tubular goods normall tal6s in terms of burst collase and

tension comression as if the -ere indeendent it is obious that in most actualloading situations the occur simultaneousl Precise stress analsis should reallconsider a tria1ial loading situation

The simultaneous solution of all the associated euations is rather comlicated Anumber of comuter rograms are aailable but for most field engineers the -ill be

a blac6 bo1 solution This can be dangerous It is imortant to chec6 that theformulas are roerl handled articularl -ith resect to collase -hich is a

stabilit effect Therefore it is usual for critical stress analses (eg for ultra dee

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1684

high ressure or sour -ells) to be underta6en b a secialist consultant researchgrou or intracoman tas6 force oreoer since this is not the routine design

techniue design factors are less -ell roen (although a alue of is oftenused)

A more conenient aroach for the intermediate range moderatel comle1 design

roblem is to use the ellise of bia1ial ield stress roosed b Holmuist and ampadai(3) The critical relationshis are (a) tension reduces collase resistanceD (b)comression reduces burst resistance

The other imortant concet in the consideration of tria1ial loads is that ressurechanges affect a1ial stresses or cause tubing moement This has been e1tensiel

discussed in Pgt aers b $ubins6i () Hammerlindl () and tillebroer()

ending

2ending stresses can be significant in large tubulars The are comressie in the

inner -all and tensional in the outer -all the most detrimental being

1ampamphere

the radius of curature ft3

sb E bending stress

gt E Ooung5s modulus (for steel gt E 30 0 si)

do E outside diameter of the tubular

Bending stresses result fro both hole curature and buckling $he effects of doglegs need onlybe considered if they are ery seere 1L71 ft= 1L7( 3 or if ery large tubing 5 172 to 6 in=1gt to 16 3 is being used

Production Casing

The roduction casing must be adeuatel si+ed for the lanned comletion It -illobiousl affect the si+e of the other reuired casing strings the bit selection the

caacit of the rig and the oerall -ell costs The roduction casing must bedesigned for the loads that ma be imosed during the roducing life of the field It

is similar to tubing design in seeral -as

urst

Production casing must be designed to -ithstand the ma1imum closedin tubing

ressure that can be e1ected If a ac6er has been used this ressure is assumed

to be alied at the to of a full column of ac6er fluid (ie for the case of a tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1784

failure at the surface) =e usuall assume that the e1ternal ressure resisting burstis a -ater gradient If the ac6er fluid is heaier than -ater the burst load -ill

increase -ith deth

In the eent that a snubbing oeration could not be conenientl attemted if atubing brea6 occurs at the surface the casing must be strong enough to -ithstand a

bullhead suee+e on the lie tubing string in -hich case this -ould be the designcriteria for the casing and -ellhead

In man cases it ma be necessar to design the casing for loads imosed during

stimulation and ressure testing onersel the casing caacit must be chec6ed-hen designing a fracturing treatment This is articularl imortant in -ells -here

no ac6er is used

$ollapse

Production casing ma be sub8ect to comlete eacuation during roductionoerations if the -ell is oerated on gas lift or umedoff or if the ac6er or

-or6oer fluid is lost into a deleted +one As the ie ma hae deteriorated beforethis occurs a higher design factor (F) is often used for roduction casing

eere collase loads ma occur in situations in -hich thermal e1ansion of theannular fluid bet-een the roduction and intermediate strings cannot be bled off

(eg in some subsea -ells)

Increased loading should be assumed if lie annuli are a feature of the area 7educed

loadings ma be assumed if the -ells -ill not be umed off gas lifted or seereldeleted

eere collase loads ma e1ist in the a section during high dra-do-n

underbalanced erforating and testing and suee+e either or both cementation andfracturing ( ltigure $ollapse loads in the pay ) It is highl adisable to maintainsome set casingtubing annulus ressure during such serice oerations

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1884

Figure 1

Tensionamp$ompression

In high rate roduction areas and thermal -ells e1ansion of the roduction tubingma imose additional tension on the casing strings ia the ac6er

$ouplings

In high ressure (000 siD 34 Pa) high temerature (300B ltD 4 ) andor

seerel sour conditions remium casing coulings are recommended

aterial Selection

In sour enironments material secification must consider the chances of Hcontamination of the casingtubing annulus and the added ossibilit of temerature

changes during stimulation affecting the stress corrosion tolerance of the ie

Couplings

There are man forms of couling aailable some of -hich hae been dedicated tothe ublic through the ausices of the API -hile others are roduced b or under

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1984

license from a secific manufacturer It -as in fact the need to obtain astandardi+ation of thread forms and diameters that led to the formation of the API

ommittee on tandardi+ation of Tubular Moods in 4

The API coulings ( ltigure

Figure 1

ltigure and ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2084

Figure 2

$utaways of basic types of couplings) are of three basic tes e1ternal uset (gtKgt)

nonuset (ampK) and integral 8oint

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2184

Figure 3

Threads are of t-o main forms The round API threads are -ea6er than the ie

bod (ie N00 efficient) The buttress threads -ere deeloed b the ampationalTube Giision of the Knited tates teel ororation to roide a high strength

couling for dee high ressure -ell serice This thread is used in a number ofrorietar coulings eg Hdril A Atlas2radford

All taered threads achiee a seal b driing the in and bo1 surfaces together undersufficient stress to generate a bearing ressure e1ceeding an differential that is to

be subseuentl alied Ho-eer a small siral oid is al-as left bet-een themating surfaces and must be filled -ith solids in the form of thread comound (This

is the reason for careful secification of the comound in 2ul A) Ln API roundthreads this oid occurs bet-een the crest and root of the mating threads -hile on

buttress threads it e1tends oer the -hole flan6 of the thread on the beeled side

To imroe lea6 resistance eseciall at eleated temeratures and under high

ressure differential the socalled remium seals -ere deeloed These consist of either metaltometal seals on taered ortions of the in and bo1 surfaces or an

elastomer seal ring or both This te of seal reuires a high ualit finish andrecise gauging and insection The couling is therefore more costl ince API and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2284

buttress threads hae roen to be er reliable in the field the decision to use themore e1ensie remium seals reuires careful economic 8ustification In general

their alication has roen aluable in highl corrosie conditions in high ressuregas -ells or high ressurehigh ML7 oil -ells and in thermal -ells sub8ect to high

comressie loads The ma be used -here -or6oer costs are high (egoffshore) In general API tubulars are adeuate for differential ressures of less than

000 si (344 Pa) and temeratures of less than 300B lt (0B ) using hightemerature thread comound ltor corrosie conditions and continuous gas sericethe ressure limit is often reduced to 00 si ( Pa)

gt1ercises

)ilfield nits

The in 4 lbft J ampK tubing string in a 000ft oil -ell -as designed

based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional load -ould beimosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 00 si after the

-ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The -ell

roduces 30B API oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

SI nits

The 3mm ( in) 6gmm (4 lbft) J ampK tubing string in an 30moil -ell -as designed based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional

load is imosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 3 Paafter the -ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The

-ell roduces 6gm3 oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

olutions

)ilfield nits

=eight in air E 000 ft 1 4 E 3400 lb

2uoanc in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2384

Buoyant ampeight amphen run (gt x 65 ((9 lb

=ater gradient (M E ) E 0433 sift

Lil gradient (M E 0) E 0 1 0433 E 03 sift

IG of tubing E 44 in Ai E 40 in

=eight of oil in tubing E 000 1 03 1 40 E 04 lb

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell has been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 19gt2 (gt 5 gt93 19gt2 (gt 2(gt 51(2 lb

The API 8oint strength rating of in 4 lbft J nonuset tubing E 00lb

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor) E (00) ()E 4400 lb

Therefore the roosed loading e1ceeds the design secifications and a lea6 mightoccur during the test In fact the loading e1ceeds design secs een -ithout adding

the 00 si of -ellhead ressure (actual load 404 lb comared -ith an allo-ableof 4400 lb) Ho-eer using a 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions

ressure tests of u to 4 si -ould be ermissible

6293 1((3 19gt2 (gt pt gt93

Pt E 4 si

+ nits Ceight in air 1( x 5 16(5 kg 165 kM

2uoanc factor in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater E gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12Buoyant ampeight amphen run 165 x 65 1gt2 kM

=ater gradient (M E 0) E 4 6PamLil gradient (M E 0) 0 1 4 E 6Pam

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2484

IG of tubing E mm thus Ai E 30 1 l04 m

=eight of oil in tubing E (30 m) ( 6Pam) (30 1 03 m)E 44 6amp

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell had been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 gt6gt 165 (5 (1 x 1 -(3 gt6gt 165 156 22gt6 kM

8ro 8igure 1 the PI Aoint strength rating of 6(- 5 kg7 )-55 nonupset tubing is

629 lbs (222 kM3

Figure 1

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor)

(222715 2152 kM

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2584

$herefore the proposed loading exceeds the design specifications and a leak ight occur duringthe test In fact the loading exceeds design specifications een at ero ampellhead pressure actualload of gt6gt 165 216 kM copared ampith an alloampable load of 2152 kM3

Ho-eer using the 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions ressure tests

of u to 6Pa -ould be ermissible

216 pt (1 x l-gt3

t E 4 6Pa

2 )ilfield nits 12-ft hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubing

head pressure can be expectedN If the casing ampellhead and tubing are to be designed for asFueee kill at fracture propagation pressure 8PP3 amphat ampellhead pressure ampould be expected atthe start of the kill operationN Gse EFuation 1( for estiating the 8P3

13

+ units (99- hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubinghead pressure is expectedN

If the casing -ellhead and tubing are to be designed for a suee+e 6ill at fractureroagation ressure (ltPP) -hat -ellhead ressure -ould be e1ected at the start

of the 6ill oerationQ (Kse gtuation 3 for estimating the ltPM)

olutions

)ilfield nits

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure on

hydrocarbon-filled tubing

1125

External Packer fluid and eroannulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressure 1125

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2684

shut-in tubing pressure

Internal $ubing epty anddepressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight in Body 1(((

copletion fluid )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125

)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g of 0 E 04

At 000 ft assuming a hdrostatic gradient of 0433 sift the bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP 12 x gt(( 519 psiampith gas surface pressure 519 x 6gt6 I$P (1 psi

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be sift and using gtuation 3 to estimate

the fracture roagation ressure

E 0 sift

ltPP E 0 000 ft E 04 si

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the forationpropagation pressure inus the pressure due to the gas gradient

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2784

$IP 12 6163 - 519 - (13 62 psigore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP 12 6163 6gt6 9gt26 psi$herefore a 5 psi ampellhead should not be used een though the axiu closed-in tubinghead pressure is only about gt psi

SI nits

7eferring to Table 1

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g E 0 E 04

At 30 m assuming a normal hdrostatic ressure of 6Pa m bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP (99 65 (55 kPa

ampith gas surface pressure (55 6gt6 I$P 296 kPa

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be 6Pam and using gtuation 3 toestimate the fracture roagation ressure

E 6Pam

ltPP E 30 E 3 6Pa

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the foration propagation pressure inus the pressure due tothe gas gradient

THIP E (30 ) (30 0) E 0 6Pa

ore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP (99 19213 6gt6 gtgt(1 kPa

9gt Pa ampellhead should therefore be used

3hellip)ilfield nits

A 000ft -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 000 T2d using intubing encounters 0 ft of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of 3000 si =hat

rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight of tubing is to be

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2884

used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming that

Grade -eight lbft

Collapse

+trength psi

urst

+trength psi

Tensional

+trength 1 lb

Cost Coparison

)-55 155 gtgt gt1 ( cheapest

16 gt1 5(2 (2

-65 16 96 625 gt2( ost expensie

M- 16 92 66gt gtgt9 oderately expensie

2 ( 52gt

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 043 sift)

reseroir ressure 3000 si

6ill ressure 000 si aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 5 5 psi7ft3

If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure onhydrocarbon- filledtubing

1125

External Packer fluid and ero

annulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressureshut-in tubing pressure

1125

Internal $ubing epty and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2984

depressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight incopletion fluid

Body 1((( )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

Assume lie oil gradient is 03 sift

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at theac6er and the running tension

SI nits

A 30m -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 400 m3da of oil -ith l40mm ( inch) tubing encounters 0 m of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of

000 6Pa =hat rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight oftubing is to be used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming

that

Grade -eight

$gmm

Collapse

+trength

$Pa

urst

+trength

$Pa

Tensional

+trength

$amp

Cost Coparison

)-55 2(1 2655 ((19gt 1((gt cheapest

25( ((5( (99 1gt9(

-65 25( gt151 gt6 12 ost expensie

M- 25( gt(2 5((95 1gt oderately expensie

2 9 91gt 2((1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3084

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 40 6Pam)

reseroir ressure 000 6Pa

6ill ressure 000 6Pa aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 53 22(3 5 kPa7If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Assume lie oil gradient is 6Pam

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at the

ac6er and the running tensions

olution

)ilfield nits

I$P IBP - o 4

o ( psi7ft

under operating conditions I$P ( - ( 63 psi

under axiu conditions assuing gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 3000 E si

under 6ill conditions

8P 5 5

5 5 x 61 psi7ft

ltPP E 000 0

E 000 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3184

O BIP oil kill3

5 psieFuialent $P oil kill3

5 - ( x 6 2 psi

In the case of a gas kill

Iamp 2HIP(gas 6ill)

( 1 psi gt psi

eFuialent $P gas kill3

5gt x BP 5gt x gt (gt19 psi

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a ( psi ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a 5 psi ampellhead

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialent

to the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating

burst rating E ma1 THP design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 34 E 343 si

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading Calculation

alculate first assuming a high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid f 3 43 gt(53 63 (gt5 psi

ma1 HP E ma1 ITHP (assumes lea6)E si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 304E 0 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3284

ma1 collase load E 0 0 si (assumes emt tubing)E 0 si

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 0 1 si

E 30 si

$herefore strictly speaking ampe should use 2-lb7ft M- tubing although it is ore likely a l6-lb7ft ampould be selected since the probability is ery loamp that such seere collapse-loadingassuptions ampould proe true

alculate ne1t assuming a lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 00 si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 00 F 304 siE 34 si

ma1 collase load E 34 si

reuired collase rating E 34 E 443 si

Ce could select 16 lb7ft )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculations

ampeight in air C 4 16 lb7ft3 6 ft3 11 lb

buoyancy factor

625

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 000 lb

E 04000 lb

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (04000) () lb

16 lb$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3384

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubingcomletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

in 0lbft amp0 tubing meets all criteria for this te of roduction 7is6 of

gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing bet-een amp0 and J grades

SI nits

I$P IBP - ρo x 4

ρo 969 kPa7

under operating conditions I$P 26 - 969 x 21(3

92gt9 kPaunder axiu conditions gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 000 E 6Pa

under 6ill conditions

8P 53 22(3 5

53 22(3 5

19 kPa7

ltPP E (30) (00)

E 3400 6Pa

O BIP oil kill3 (gt kPa eFuialent $P oil kill3 (gt - 969 x 21(3

1929 kPa

In the case of a gas 6ill

Iamp 2HIP

(gas 6ill) E 000 F 000 6Pa

266 kPaeFuialent $P gas kill3 5gt x BP

5gt x 266 2(959 kPa

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a 26 Pa ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a (gt5 Pa ampellhead

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3484

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialentto the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating Calculation

burst rating E ma1 THP 1 design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 3 1

E 3 6Pa

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading

alculate first assuming high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid ρf 3 43

gt3 21(3 25 kPa

ax P ax I$P assues leak3 1696 kPa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 0

E 33 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 33 0 6Pa (assumes emt tubing)

E 33 6Pa

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 33 1 E 434 6Pa

Therefore strictl sea6ing -e should use a 6gm amp0 tubing but moreli6el 36gm tubing -ould be selected since the robabilit of such seere

collase loading is er lo-

alculate ne1t assuming lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 4 6Pa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 4 F 0

E 0 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 0 6Pa

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3584

reuired collase rating E 0 1 E 300 6Pa

Ce could select 25(-kg7 )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculation

ampeight in air 25( 21( 5( kg 525 kM

buoanc factor E

EE0

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 6ampE 4 6amp

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (4) ()

E 30 6amp

$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubing

comletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

40mm ( inch) 36gm 0 tubing meets all criteria for this te ofroduction 7is6 of gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing

bet-een 0 and J grades

Pac6ers

Pac$er unctions

A ac6er is a subsurface tool that roides a seal bet-een the tubing and

casingthereb reenting the ertical moement of fluids across this sealing oint

Pac6ers are used for the follo-ing reasons

9 to imroe safet b roiding a barrier to flo- through the annulus

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3684

9 to 6ee -ell fluids and ressures isolated from the casing

9 to imroe flo- conditions and reent heading

9 to searate +ones in the same -ellbore

9 to lace 6ill fluids or treating fluids in the casing annulus

9 to ac6 off erforations rather than use suee+e cementing

9 to 6ee gas lift or hdraulic o-er fluid in8ection ressure isolated from the

formation

9 to anchor the tubing

9 to install a casing um

9 to minimi+e heat losses b allo-ing the use of an emt annulus or thermal

insulator

9 to isolate a casing lea6 or lea6ing liner la

9 to facilitate temorar -ell serice oerations (eg stimulations suee+es)

Pac$er T+pes

There are man ac6er manufacturers some of -hom offer an e1tensie ariet ofac6ers -ith each differing to some degree from those of the other manufacturers

This rather be-ildering arra can ho-eer be groued into rincial classes or

tes and ma be further categori+ed b method of setting b direction of ressureacross the ac6er and b the number of bores through the ac6er

Pac6ers can be rimaril classified as either retrieable or ermanent or

ermanentretrieable or inflatable

)etrievable acers

This te of ac6er is run on the tubing ( ltigure )etrievable pacer )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3784

Figure 1

After setting it can be released and recoered from the -ell on the tubing ince it is

an integral art of the tubing string the tubing cannot be remoed from the -ell-ithout ulling the ac6er unless a detachable ac6er head is used

7etrieable ac6ers ma be designed to be set mechanicall or hdraulicallechanical setting methods include rotation of the tubing string recirocation of the

tubing string or the alication of tension or setdo-n -eight =ith mechanical

ac6ers the tubing is usuall set in comression

Hdraulic ac6ers are set b aling hdraulic ressure through the tubing stringbut once set the hold the set osition mechanicall The tubing is usuall in tension

7etrieable ac6ers are usuall used for comle1 multi+one and multistringcomletions Their main limitation -as in their limited abilit to accommodate tubing

stress changes -ithout unsettingD the aailabilit of effectie sli 8oints anddetachable heads has eased this situation An historical roblem -as failure of the

internal elastomer seals but this technolog also has imroed mar6edl in the lastdecade All metaltometal seal ac6ers are aailable but are e1ensie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3884

Lne disadantage of retrieable ac6ers is that if the fail to retriee the must beremoed b milling them out of the casing -ith an abrasie milling head and a

drillstring The are er difficult to mill Menerall this te of ac6er is used undernonseere conditions (differential ressures less than 000 si (344 Pa)

temeratures less than 300B lt (4B )

2ecause of the setting mechanism retrieable ac6ers tend to hae a restrictedbore comared -ith other ac6ers designed for the same casing si+e This factorma restrict flo- or limit -ireline oerations belo- the ac6er deth

ermanent acers

Permanent ac6ers are indeendent of the tubing and ma be run on tubing or on

-ireline ( ltigure and ltigure 3 )

Figure 2

The tubing can be released from the ac6er and can be ulled leaing the ac6er set

in the casing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3984

Figure 3

Tubing can subseuentl be run bac6 and resealed in the ac6er The ac6er ma

thus be considered an integral art of the casing It is sometimes called either aroduction ac6er or a retainerroduction ac6er

The ermanent ac6er cannot be recoered as such but it can be destructiel

remoed (eg b milling) ( ltigure 4 and ltigure )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4084

Figure 4

If the ac6er includes a tailie and must be recoered a millout e1tension is

needed on the ac6er for the ac6er ic6er or catch sleee on the mill to engageIn other cases it ma be adeuate to siml ush the ac6er to the bottom of the

casing after milling

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 484

This is a conenient -a of understanding loading conditions and resenting designresults The techniue is resented in gt1amle (art ) and illustrated in ltigure

(Graphic tubing design estimated operating pressures)

Figure 2

ltigure 3 (Graphic tubing design burst loads) and ltigure 4 (Graphic tubing design

tubing selection)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 584

Figure 3

Abbreiations are resented in the ampomenclature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 684

Figure 4

Example 2 (part 1

Graphical Tubing Design

lanning Data

KBE ( ft 15 3

$4 115 ft (5 3

$bg 2 67 in 4 6( 3

losed-in bottoholepressure

55 psi ( Pa3

estiated fro ud ampeight

8oration breakdoampn 125 psi 9 Pa3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 784

pressure

estiated fro offset ampell

8racture propagationpressure

2 psi 9( Pa3

estiated fro offset ampell

Packer fluid inhibited oil ( psi7ft3

Production expect sour gas

gas graity reseroir3

gas graity 6 separator3

)55 or lt tubular to be used

tiulation fracture expected assue 2 barrels per inute3= axiualloampable annulus pressure is 2 psi 1(6 kPa3

T Estimate

Depth ofHole

Gas Gravity

ft $ $amp $ $(

1 (5 6 6 69 6(

2 91 5 59 5( gt9

( 15 ( (5 ( 2

gt 121 2 1gt 6 5

5 152gt 1 ( 5 6

9 1( ( 6( 5gt gt6

6 21(( 9gt 5gt gtgt 2(

2gt( gt6 (5 2( 1

26gt( 2 19 gt 66

1 (gt 12 6 69gt 65

11 ((5( 65 6 699 6(6

12 (99 66 69( 6gt6 616

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 884

1( (92 69( 6gt9 62 96

1gt gt296 6gt6 62 612 96

15 gt562 6(2 61( 95 95

19 gt69 616 96 96 9gt1

16 511 62 92 952 92gt

1 5gt9 96 959 9gt5 96

1 561 96( 952 9(1 5

2 96 95 9(6 915 56gt

Table 2 7atio bet-een surface ressure and bottomhole ressure in gas -ells for a

range of gas graities

t a gas graity I$P 626 IBP ( psi

At a gas grait E 0 ITHP E 0 I2HP E 44 si

8or a kill situation bottohole inAection pressure IBP 2 psi 55 psi 2 psi 65psi

If gas graity $IP 626 BIP 6263 653

E43 si

Assumed Fracture Conditions 1 8oration breakdoampn achieed ampith ampater

ltracture 8ob carried out -ith -aterbase fluid

8riction loss in 2 67 in tubing at 2 BP using ampater ampith friction reducer is (5 psi71 ft for115 ft 4oampell andbook3

8PP 2 psi

ltriction E F40 si (30 )

Head E si (04 00)

ltrac THPE 00 si

Prepare a depth pressure plot 8igure 2 3 in the folloamping anner 1 Plot the closed-in bottohole pressure IBP3

Plot the formation brea6do-n ressure (lt2P) and the fractureroagation ressure (ltPP)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 984

3 Plot the ac6er fluid gradient fracture fluid gradient and -atergradient

4 gtstimate -et and dr gas gradients and lot these u from the

closedin bottomhole ressure

gtstablish the closedin tubing head ressure for normal roductionconditions (ie oil or as in this case -et gas) and for -orst case

design assumtion (usuall dr gas)

gtstablish ma1imum THP for -hich comletion is to be designed

-hich normall -ill be 6ill or stimulation conditions (fluid gradientthrough lt2P ltPP or secified differential aboe ITHP) ltor gt1amle

the grahical design should no- loo6 li6e ltigure

gtstablish through insection the greatest differential ressure at

surface and do-nhole (usuall stimulation conditions) Getermine -hatstes can be ta6en to reduce loading (eg maintaining ma1imum

allo-able annulus ressure during stimulation) Plot ad8usted annulusressure line ( ltigure 3 )

Plot burst load line (2$$) as difference bet-een most critical tubingand annulus ressures The 2$$ is a function of the relatie densities in

the tubing and annulus 2$$ -ill generall but not al-as decrease-ith deth ( ltigure 3 )

Plot critical collase load conditions ($$) ampormall -e assume thata slo- lea6 has changed the HP to ITHP and that tubing is emt

and deressured This can occur in gas -ells if the tubing becomeslugged or a do-nhole safet ale is closed onditions can aroach

this situation in oil -ells after a fracture treatment if oeratorscommence 6ic6off before bleeding off annulus ressure (In some

cases this ma be a more critical load ( ltigure 4 ))

0 Plot ressure test conditions (PT) This is often the most critical

load to -hich a comletion is sub8ected onsider timing of the

ressure test and densit of fluids in the tubing and annulus at time oftest

$oo6 u tubing erformance data in API 2ulletin

Ad8ust API internal ield (burst) and collase resistancesecifications -ith design factor (see ltigure and API 2ulletin )

3 $ist resulting tubing caabilities ( ltigure 4 )

4 omare design loads -ith tubing caabilities and select tubing In

most cases the otimum tubing grade and -eight -ill ar -ith deth

To minimi+e costs andor tensional loads such ariations ma beincororated although there -ill then be a constraint on ressure

testing caabilities Ho-eer most oerators refer to use a common

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1084

-eight and grade throughout the comletion if ossible This reducesthe ris6 of installation and oerating errors =hen regulations ermit

the designer ma be able to comromise slightl on accommodatingloading conditions dee in the hole if the associated design

assumtion is e1tremel unrealistic (eg a comletel emt tubing ina high roductiit oil -ell) Ho-eer the designer must first chec6 on

ho- critical the actual bia1ial (or tria1ial) loading conditions are li6elto be and ma6e aroriate notes in the -ell file

Cith reference to Exaple 2 in 8igure gt the options include the folloamping 1 full string of 9gt lb7ft lt tubing

0 to 00 ft E 4 lbft J00 to TG E 4 lbft $0

3 full string of 4 lbft J -ith modified collase design criteria of000 si as ma1imum HP -ith an emt tubing

ince 2 psi is the axiu alloampable annulus pressure during stiulation option ( ay bean acceptable design ince the differential cost of )55 and lt is around D( per ft the potentialsaing of D(gt5 betampeen options 1 and ( ay Austify further detailed engineering ampork n theother hand if the ampellstrea is expected to be extreely corrosie the higher grade tubing aybe selected in any case to proide a corrosion alloampance

The 6e things to note from ltigure (Effect of buoyancy on axial load ) are

bull the ost seere burst loadings occur at surface

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1184

Figure amp

bull the most seere burst and collase loadings occur during ressure testing

-ell 6ill and stimulation

bull the most seere collase loading occurs do-nhole

bull additional annulus ressure can be used to reduce burst loading roided

the casing is strong enough

bull the tubinghead ressure during 6ill oerations (THIP) often aro1imates or

e1ceeds the reseroir ressure (I2HP)

Cith relatiely sall tubing strings (5 in or 3 the inherent burst and collapse strength isso high that soe engineers do not bother ampith tubing design in ampells ampith depths of less than ft 25 3 unless oerpressures are expected

Simplified Tensional Strength Design

Although burst and collase resistance ma not be significant considerations inuming -ells tensional strength is a critical design arameter for all -ells ouling

lea6age and failure -hich accounts for 0 of the roblems in -ell tubulars often

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1284

ma be the result of inadeuate tensional design rather than a burst or sealingroblem In this resect it is articularl imortant to remember that test ressures

imose substantial iston forces on the tubing (eg a 000 si (3 Pa) ressuretest on a lug set inside in (3mm) tubing -ill increase the tension on the

hanger b (000)( 4)(44l) E 30 lb (4 6amp)

It is also imortant to recogni+e that unli6e other strength arameters the API 8ointstrength is based on a failure condition rather than the onset of lastic deformation

The failure condition is either an un+iing of the in and bo1 in the case of APIthreads because of ielding (also called 8umout)D or brea6age of reduced cross

section at the threads in the case of suare threads

ltinall there are all sorts of additional tensional loads that -e do not normallanal+e in detail (eg shoc6 loading and drag forces during running bending

stresses buc6ling crosssectional iston forces changes in buoanc)

ince it is common ractice to ma6e a reliminar tensional design using tubing

-eight loading onl a higher design factor is used for tension and eseciall for 8oint

strength (Table 1 aboe) ome comanies and more conseratie engineers -illeen ignore the otential benefits of buoanc 2uoanc results in a iston force onthe lo-er end of the tubing and as a first aro1imation it ma normall be assumed

that

12amphere

CB buoyant ampeight

=amp E -eight in air

E densit of steel ( gmcc)

E densit of fluid

8igure 5 graphically depicts the tensional and copressional forces at ampork on a tapered string of tubular goods $he load resulting fro the ampeight of the pipe is shoampn for a string ampeighed in airand ampith the buoyant forces accounted for as piston forces or approxiated using EFuation 12Ce can see that at a point approxiately idampay in the length of the heaier pipe at the bottoof the string there is a change fro copression to tension $his is also the concept amphich guidesthe design of drillstrings ampith the purpose of keeping the drillpipe in tension amphile using theheaier drill collars to aintain a copressional load on the bit

Part of gt1amle gies the reliminar tension design considerations for thecomletion alread coered in art

Example 2 (part 2

reliminary Tension Design

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1384

$ubing ampeight 9gt lb7ft

Tubing length 00 ft

Pac6er fluid inhibited oil

03 sift E 0 gmcc

=amp E 4 00E 300 lb

E 0 300

E 04 lb

Joint Specifications

)55 lt

EGE H4 EGE H4 5

PI Aoint strengthKlb3

6 1 1(5 12

4esign factorTable 13

1 1 1 1

4esign capacityKlb3

55gt 559 655 611

Tubing Tension Design Considerations 1 eFuires lt tubing at surface

7euires 8oint strength caabilit of gtKgt or euialent

3 In ie- of ressures deth and H -ould robabl select remium

grade couling

any copanies hae these design techniFues prograed for the coputer and use the saegeneral techniFue for both tubing and casing designs

Tubing Design Parameters

It is imortant to remember that -hile the rimar function of the tubing is as aconduit for hdrocarbon roduction or for in8ection of -ater or gas the most seere

loadings often occur during -ell serice or 6illing oerations or during ressuretests It is therefore rudent to ma6e roision for these oerations -hen designing

a comletion and to chec6 out the tubing limitations -hen lanning a -ell sericingoeration (eg a stimulation or a -or6oer) are must be ta6en not to increase

comletion costs e1cessiel b tring to ma6e roisions for all sorts of unli6el butossible occurrences It must also be remembered that there are stes that can be

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1484

ta6en to mitigate the induced stresses during man oerations (eg alingannular ressure or heating fracturing fluids) Ln the other hand the conseuential

costs of a failed tubing string or of haing to run a secial -or6ing string in termsof deferred roduction and rig time can be uite substantial Assessment of the

most cost effectie solution is generall a 8udgment call based on the engineer5se1erience and on cororate attitudes and olic A tical set of arameters has

alread been illustrated in gt1amle

urst

The tubing and -ellhead should be designed for suee+e and 6ill conditions incefines in the erforations or oil can sometimes cause a chec6 ale effect -hen

attemting to suee+e bac6 liuids man comletion designers li6e to hae thefle1ibilit of being able to raise the bottomhole ressure to the lt2P or at least to the

ltPP Ho-eer -ith high ermeabilit reseroirs or gas -ells in -hich fracturestimulation is unli6el comletion engineers are often satisfied -ith a certain

minimum differential for in8ection The alue selected aries from area to area andfrom coman to coman but is commonl either around 000 si ( Pa) or 33

of the reseroir ressure The author suggests

1 8BP amphere k1 1 d kg 5 d

ltPP for suee+ing liuids -here 6 00 md

3 I2HP F 000 si ( Pa) for suee+ing gas -here6g 0 mdD or for suee+ing liuids -here 6 000 md

8ro the rock echanics theory presented by eertsa 163 and others it ay be deducedthat in a tectonically relaxed area a proisional estiate of the fracture propagation gradient8P3 can be obtained fro the eFuation

13

ltPM N lt2M N sift ( 6Pam) 1

amphere s oerburden stress J1 psi7ft depth3

E ore ressure si

G E deth ft

ltPM E formation roagation gradient sift

lt2M E formation brea6do-n gradient sift

$he specification of the pressure test conditions is often critical to burst design oernentregulations soeties specify pressure test conditions eg to at least 0 of the reseroirpressure or to 1 psi 5 Pa3 oer the axiu differential pressure expected at the packer3If no regulations exist ost operators test to their tubing design conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1584

$ollapse

eere collase loads on the tubing can occur

bull in gas ampells and high oil ampells ampith loamp-floamping botto-hole pressures and deep-set safety ales after bloampdoampn to test a plug etc

bull during annulus ressure tests or oeration of shear circulation deices

bull -here there are ressured annuli

bull during underbalance erforating or testing at high dra-do-n

bull during tubing blo-outs

It is iportant to reeber that tension reduces collapse strength $his biaxial effect should beexained for large diaeter tubings especially if reduced collapse design assuptions and7or adeep-set safety ale is used

Tension

Tubing strings are not onl sub8ected to running tensions -ith all the associatedshoc6 and acceleration loadings but also to aring oerating stresses due to iston

forces on the steel andor an lugs ums standing ales and the li6e in thetubing oreoer if the tubing is anchored or held b a ac6er its oerating tension

-ill ar as a result of

bull theral effects hot production or cold kill fluid3

bull iston effects (changes in buoanc and forces at 8oint usets)

bull ballooning effects (changes in internal or e1ternal ressure)

bull buc6ling effects (longitudinal instabilit)

$hese potential probles are listed in ters of their ost coon relatie agnitude althoughthe relatie iportance of piston and ballooning effects is ariable3

$ombined oading

=hile the designer of tubular goods normall tal6s in terms of burst collase and

tension comression as if the -ere indeendent it is obious that in most actualloading situations the occur simultaneousl Precise stress analsis should reallconsider a tria1ial loading situation

The simultaneous solution of all the associated euations is rather comlicated Anumber of comuter rograms are aailable but for most field engineers the -ill be

a blac6 bo1 solution This can be dangerous It is imortant to chec6 that theformulas are roerl handled articularl -ith resect to collase -hich is a

stabilit effect Therefore it is usual for critical stress analses (eg for ultra dee

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1684

high ressure or sour -ells) to be underta6en b a secialist consultant researchgrou or intracoman tas6 force oreoer since this is not the routine design

techniue design factors are less -ell roen (although a alue of is oftenused)

A more conenient aroach for the intermediate range moderatel comle1 design

roblem is to use the ellise of bia1ial ield stress roosed b Holmuist and ampadai(3) The critical relationshis are (a) tension reduces collase resistanceD (b)comression reduces burst resistance

The other imortant concet in the consideration of tria1ial loads is that ressurechanges affect a1ial stresses or cause tubing moement This has been e1tensiel

discussed in Pgt aers b $ubins6i () Hammerlindl () and tillebroer()

ending

2ending stresses can be significant in large tubulars The are comressie in the

inner -all and tensional in the outer -all the most detrimental being

1ampamphere

the radius of curature ft3

sb E bending stress

gt E Ooung5s modulus (for steel gt E 30 0 si)

do E outside diameter of the tubular

Bending stresses result fro both hole curature and buckling $he effects of doglegs need onlybe considered if they are ery seere 1L71 ft= 1L7( 3 or if ery large tubing 5 172 to 6 in=1gt to 16 3 is being used

Production Casing

The roduction casing must be adeuatel si+ed for the lanned comletion It -illobiousl affect the si+e of the other reuired casing strings the bit selection the

caacit of the rig and the oerall -ell costs The roduction casing must bedesigned for the loads that ma be imosed during the roducing life of the field It

is similar to tubing design in seeral -as

urst

Production casing must be designed to -ithstand the ma1imum closedin tubing

ressure that can be e1ected If a ac6er has been used this ressure is assumed

to be alied at the to of a full column of ac6er fluid (ie for the case of a tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1784

failure at the surface) =e usuall assume that the e1ternal ressure resisting burstis a -ater gradient If the ac6er fluid is heaier than -ater the burst load -ill

increase -ith deth

In the eent that a snubbing oeration could not be conenientl attemted if atubing brea6 occurs at the surface the casing must be strong enough to -ithstand a

bullhead suee+e on the lie tubing string in -hich case this -ould be the designcriteria for the casing and -ellhead

In man cases it ma be necessar to design the casing for loads imosed during

stimulation and ressure testing onersel the casing caacit must be chec6ed-hen designing a fracturing treatment This is articularl imortant in -ells -here

no ac6er is used

$ollapse

Production casing ma be sub8ect to comlete eacuation during roductionoerations if the -ell is oerated on gas lift or umedoff or if the ac6er or

-or6oer fluid is lost into a deleted +one As the ie ma hae deteriorated beforethis occurs a higher design factor (F) is often used for roduction casing

eere collase loads ma occur in situations in -hich thermal e1ansion of theannular fluid bet-een the roduction and intermediate strings cannot be bled off

(eg in some subsea -ells)

Increased loading should be assumed if lie annuli are a feature of the area 7educed

loadings ma be assumed if the -ells -ill not be umed off gas lifted or seereldeleted

eere collase loads ma e1ist in the a section during high dra-do-n

underbalanced erforating and testing and suee+e either or both cementation andfracturing ( ltigure $ollapse loads in the pay ) It is highl adisable to maintainsome set casingtubing annulus ressure during such serice oerations

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1884

Figure 1

Tensionamp$ompression

In high rate roduction areas and thermal -ells e1ansion of the roduction tubingma imose additional tension on the casing strings ia the ac6er

$ouplings

In high ressure (000 siD 34 Pa) high temerature (300B ltD 4 ) andor

seerel sour conditions remium casing coulings are recommended

aterial Selection

In sour enironments material secification must consider the chances of Hcontamination of the casingtubing annulus and the added ossibilit of temerature

changes during stimulation affecting the stress corrosion tolerance of the ie

Couplings

There are man forms of couling aailable some of -hich hae been dedicated tothe ublic through the ausices of the API -hile others are roduced b or under

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1984

license from a secific manufacturer It -as in fact the need to obtain astandardi+ation of thread forms and diameters that led to the formation of the API

ommittee on tandardi+ation of Tubular Moods in 4

The API coulings ( ltigure

Figure 1

ltigure and ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2084

Figure 2

$utaways of basic types of couplings) are of three basic tes e1ternal uset (gtKgt)

nonuset (ampK) and integral 8oint

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2184

Figure 3

Threads are of t-o main forms The round API threads are -ea6er than the ie

bod (ie N00 efficient) The buttress threads -ere deeloed b the ampationalTube Giision of the Knited tates teel ororation to roide a high strength

couling for dee high ressure -ell serice This thread is used in a number ofrorietar coulings eg Hdril A Atlas2radford

All taered threads achiee a seal b driing the in and bo1 surfaces together undersufficient stress to generate a bearing ressure e1ceeding an differential that is to

be subseuentl alied Ho-eer a small siral oid is al-as left bet-een themating surfaces and must be filled -ith solids in the form of thread comound (This

is the reason for careful secification of the comound in 2ul A) Ln API roundthreads this oid occurs bet-een the crest and root of the mating threads -hile on

buttress threads it e1tends oer the -hole flan6 of the thread on the beeled side

To imroe lea6 resistance eseciall at eleated temeratures and under high

ressure differential the socalled remium seals -ere deeloed These consist of either metaltometal seals on taered ortions of the in and bo1 surfaces or an

elastomer seal ring or both This te of seal reuires a high ualit finish andrecise gauging and insection The couling is therefore more costl ince API and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2284

buttress threads hae roen to be er reliable in the field the decision to use themore e1ensie remium seals reuires careful economic 8ustification In general

their alication has roen aluable in highl corrosie conditions in high ressuregas -ells or high ressurehigh ML7 oil -ells and in thermal -ells sub8ect to high

comressie loads The ma be used -here -or6oer costs are high (egoffshore) In general API tubulars are adeuate for differential ressures of less than

000 si (344 Pa) and temeratures of less than 300B lt (0B ) using hightemerature thread comound ltor corrosie conditions and continuous gas sericethe ressure limit is often reduced to 00 si ( Pa)

gt1ercises

)ilfield nits

The in 4 lbft J ampK tubing string in a 000ft oil -ell -as designed

based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional load -ould beimosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 00 si after the

-ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The -ell

roduces 30B API oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

SI nits

The 3mm ( in) 6gmm (4 lbft) J ampK tubing string in an 30moil -ell -as designed based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional

load is imosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 3 Paafter the -ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The

-ell roduces 6gm3 oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

olutions

)ilfield nits

=eight in air E 000 ft 1 4 E 3400 lb

2uoanc in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2384

Buoyant ampeight amphen run (gt x 65 ((9 lb

=ater gradient (M E ) E 0433 sift

Lil gradient (M E 0) E 0 1 0433 E 03 sift

IG of tubing E 44 in Ai E 40 in

=eight of oil in tubing E 000 1 03 1 40 E 04 lb

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell has been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 19gt2 (gt 5 gt93 19gt2 (gt 2(gt 51(2 lb

The API 8oint strength rating of in 4 lbft J nonuset tubing E 00lb

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor) E (00) ()E 4400 lb

Therefore the roosed loading e1ceeds the design secifications and a lea6 mightoccur during the test In fact the loading e1ceeds design secs een -ithout adding

the 00 si of -ellhead ressure (actual load 404 lb comared -ith an allo-ableof 4400 lb) Ho-eer using a 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions

ressure tests of u to 4 si -ould be ermissible

6293 1((3 19gt2 (gt pt gt93

Pt E 4 si

+ nits Ceight in air 1( x 5 16(5 kg 165 kM

2uoanc factor in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater E gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12Buoyant ampeight amphen run 165 x 65 1gt2 kM

=ater gradient (M E 0) E 4 6PamLil gradient (M E 0) 0 1 4 E 6Pam

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2484

IG of tubing E mm thus Ai E 30 1 l04 m

=eight of oil in tubing E (30 m) ( 6Pam) (30 1 03 m)E 44 6amp

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell had been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 gt6gt 165 (5 (1 x 1 -(3 gt6gt 165 156 22gt6 kM

8ro 8igure 1 the PI Aoint strength rating of 6(- 5 kg7 )-55 nonupset tubing is

629 lbs (222 kM3

Figure 1

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor)

(222715 2152 kM

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2584

$herefore the proposed loading exceeds the design specifications and a leak ight occur duringthe test In fact the loading exceeds design specifications een at ero ampellhead pressure actualload of gt6gt 165 216 kM copared ampith an alloampable load of 2152 kM3

Ho-eer using the 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions ressure tests

of u to 6Pa -ould be ermissible

216 pt (1 x l-gt3

t E 4 6Pa

2 )ilfield nits 12-ft hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubing

head pressure can be expectedN If the casing ampellhead and tubing are to be designed for asFueee kill at fracture propagation pressure 8PP3 amphat ampellhead pressure ampould be expected atthe start of the kill operationN Gse EFuation 1( for estiating the 8P3

13

+ units (99- hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubinghead pressure is expectedN

If the casing -ellhead and tubing are to be designed for a suee+e 6ill at fractureroagation ressure (ltPP) -hat -ellhead ressure -ould be e1ected at the start

of the 6ill oerationQ (Kse gtuation 3 for estimating the ltPM)

olutions

)ilfield nits

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure on

hydrocarbon-filled tubing

1125

External Packer fluid and eroannulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressure 1125

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2684

shut-in tubing pressure

Internal $ubing epty anddepressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight in Body 1(((

copletion fluid )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125

)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g of 0 E 04

At 000 ft assuming a hdrostatic gradient of 0433 sift the bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP 12 x gt(( 519 psiampith gas surface pressure 519 x 6gt6 I$P (1 psi

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be sift and using gtuation 3 to estimate

the fracture roagation ressure

E 0 sift

ltPP E 0 000 ft E 04 si

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the forationpropagation pressure inus the pressure due to the gas gradient

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2784

$IP 12 6163 - 519 - (13 62 psigore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP 12 6163 6gt6 9gt26 psi$herefore a 5 psi ampellhead should not be used een though the axiu closed-in tubinghead pressure is only about gt psi

SI nits

7eferring to Table 1

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g E 0 E 04

At 30 m assuming a normal hdrostatic ressure of 6Pa m bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP (99 65 (55 kPa

ampith gas surface pressure (55 6gt6 I$P 296 kPa

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be 6Pam and using gtuation 3 toestimate the fracture roagation ressure

E 6Pam

ltPP E 30 E 3 6Pa

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the foration propagation pressure inus the pressure due tothe gas gradient

THIP E (30 ) (30 0) E 0 6Pa

ore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP (99 19213 6gt6 gtgt(1 kPa

9gt Pa ampellhead should therefore be used

3hellip)ilfield nits

A 000ft -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 000 T2d using intubing encounters 0 ft of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of 3000 si =hat

rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight of tubing is to be

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2884

used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming that

Grade -eight lbft

Collapse

+trength psi

urst

+trength psi

Tensional

+trength 1 lb

Cost Coparison

)-55 155 gtgt gt1 ( cheapest

16 gt1 5(2 (2

-65 16 96 625 gt2( ost expensie

M- 16 92 66gt gtgt9 oderately expensie

2 ( 52gt

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 043 sift)

reseroir ressure 3000 si

6ill ressure 000 si aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 5 5 psi7ft3

If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure onhydrocarbon- filledtubing

1125

External Packer fluid and ero

annulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressureshut-in tubing pressure

1125

Internal $ubing epty and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2984

depressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight incopletion fluid

Body 1((( )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

Assume lie oil gradient is 03 sift

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at theac6er and the running tension

SI nits

A 30m -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 400 m3da of oil -ith l40mm ( inch) tubing encounters 0 m of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of

000 6Pa =hat rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight oftubing is to be used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming

that

Grade -eight

$gmm

Collapse

+trength

$Pa

urst

+trength

$Pa

Tensional

+trength

$amp

Cost Coparison

)-55 2(1 2655 ((19gt 1((gt cheapest

25( ((5( (99 1gt9(

-65 25( gt151 gt6 12 ost expensie

M- 25( gt(2 5((95 1gt oderately expensie

2 9 91gt 2((1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3084

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 40 6Pam)

reseroir ressure 000 6Pa

6ill ressure 000 6Pa aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 53 22(3 5 kPa7If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Assume lie oil gradient is 6Pam

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at the

ac6er and the running tensions

olution

)ilfield nits

I$P IBP - o 4

o ( psi7ft

under operating conditions I$P ( - ( 63 psi

under axiu conditions assuing gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 3000 E si

under 6ill conditions

8P 5 5

5 5 x 61 psi7ft

ltPP E 000 0

E 000 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3184

O BIP oil kill3

5 psieFuialent $P oil kill3

5 - ( x 6 2 psi

In the case of a gas kill

Iamp 2HIP(gas 6ill)

( 1 psi gt psi

eFuialent $P gas kill3

5gt x BP 5gt x gt (gt19 psi

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a ( psi ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a 5 psi ampellhead

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialent

to the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating

burst rating E ma1 THP design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 34 E 343 si

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading Calculation

alculate first assuming a high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid f 3 43 gt(53 63 (gt5 psi

ma1 HP E ma1 ITHP (assumes lea6)E si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 304E 0 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3284

ma1 collase load E 0 0 si (assumes emt tubing)E 0 si

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 0 1 si

E 30 si

$herefore strictly speaking ampe should use 2-lb7ft M- tubing although it is ore likely a l6-lb7ft ampould be selected since the probability is ery loamp that such seere collapse-loadingassuptions ampould proe true

alculate ne1t assuming a lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 00 si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 00 F 304 siE 34 si

ma1 collase load E 34 si

reuired collase rating E 34 E 443 si

Ce could select 16 lb7ft )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculations

ampeight in air C 4 16 lb7ft3 6 ft3 11 lb

buoyancy factor

625

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 000 lb

E 04000 lb

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (04000) () lb

16 lb$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3384

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubingcomletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

in 0lbft amp0 tubing meets all criteria for this te of roduction 7is6 of

gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing bet-een amp0 and J grades

SI nits

I$P IBP - ρo x 4

ρo 969 kPa7

under operating conditions I$P 26 - 969 x 21(3

92gt9 kPaunder axiu conditions gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 000 E 6Pa

under 6ill conditions

8P 53 22(3 5

53 22(3 5

19 kPa7

ltPP E (30) (00)

E 3400 6Pa

O BIP oil kill3 (gt kPa eFuialent $P oil kill3 (gt - 969 x 21(3

1929 kPa

In the case of a gas 6ill

Iamp 2HIP

(gas 6ill) E 000 F 000 6Pa

266 kPaeFuialent $P gas kill3 5gt x BP

5gt x 266 2(959 kPa

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a 26 Pa ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a (gt5 Pa ampellhead

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3484

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialentto the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating Calculation

burst rating E ma1 THP 1 design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 3 1

E 3 6Pa

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading

alculate first assuming high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid ρf 3 43

gt3 21(3 25 kPa

ax P ax I$P assues leak3 1696 kPa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 0

E 33 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 33 0 6Pa (assumes emt tubing)

E 33 6Pa

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 33 1 E 434 6Pa

Therefore strictl sea6ing -e should use a 6gm amp0 tubing but moreli6el 36gm tubing -ould be selected since the robabilit of such seere

collase loading is er lo-

alculate ne1t assuming lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 4 6Pa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 4 F 0

E 0 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 0 6Pa

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3584

reuired collase rating E 0 1 E 300 6Pa

Ce could select 25(-kg7 )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculation

ampeight in air 25( 21( 5( kg 525 kM

buoanc factor E

EE0

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 6ampE 4 6amp

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (4) ()

E 30 6amp

$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubing

comletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

40mm ( inch) 36gm 0 tubing meets all criteria for this te ofroduction 7is6 of gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing

bet-een 0 and J grades

Pac6ers

Pac$er unctions

A ac6er is a subsurface tool that roides a seal bet-een the tubing and

casingthereb reenting the ertical moement of fluids across this sealing oint

Pac6ers are used for the follo-ing reasons

9 to imroe safet b roiding a barrier to flo- through the annulus

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3684

9 to 6ee -ell fluids and ressures isolated from the casing

9 to imroe flo- conditions and reent heading

9 to searate +ones in the same -ellbore

9 to lace 6ill fluids or treating fluids in the casing annulus

9 to ac6 off erforations rather than use suee+e cementing

9 to 6ee gas lift or hdraulic o-er fluid in8ection ressure isolated from the

formation

9 to anchor the tubing

9 to install a casing um

9 to minimi+e heat losses b allo-ing the use of an emt annulus or thermal

insulator

9 to isolate a casing lea6 or lea6ing liner la

9 to facilitate temorar -ell serice oerations (eg stimulations suee+es)

Pac$er T+pes

There are man ac6er manufacturers some of -hom offer an e1tensie ariet ofac6ers -ith each differing to some degree from those of the other manufacturers

This rather be-ildering arra can ho-eer be groued into rincial classes or

tes and ma be further categori+ed b method of setting b direction of ressureacross the ac6er and b the number of bores through the ac6er

Pac6ers can be rimaril classified as either retrieable or ermanent or

ermanentretrieable or inflatable

)etrievable acers

This te of ac6er is run on the tubing ( ltigure )etrievable pacer )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3784

Figure 1

After setting it can be released and recoered from the -ell on the tubing ince it is

an integral art of the tubing string the tubing cannot be remoed from the -ell-ithout ulling the ac6er unless a detachable ac6er head is used

7etrieable ac6ers ma be designed to be set mechanicall or hdraulicallechanical setting methods include rotation of the tubing string recirocation of the

tubing string or the alication of tension or setdo-n -eight =ith mechanical

ac6ers the tubing is usuall set in comression

Hdraulic ac6ers are set b aling hdraulic ressure through the tubing stringbut once set the hold the set osition mechanicall The tubing is usuall in tension

7etrieable ac6ers are usuall used for comle1 multi+one and multistringcomletions Their main limitation -as in their limited abilit to accommodate tubing

stress changes -ithout unsettingD the aailabilit of effectie sli 8oints anddetachable heads has eased this situation An historical roblem -as failure of the

internal elastomer seals but this technolog also has imroed mar6edl in the lastdecade All metaltometal seal ac6ers are aailable but are e1ensie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3884

Lne disadantage of retrieable ac6ers is that if the fail to retriee the must beremoed b milling them out of the casing -ith an abrasie milling head and a

drillstring The are er difficult to mill Menerall this te of ac6er is used undernonseere conditions (differential ressures less than 000 si (344 Pa)

temeratures less than 300B lt (4B )

2ecause of the setting mechanism retrieable ac6ers tend to hae a restrictedbore comared -ith other ac6ers designed for the same casing si+e This factorma restrict flo- or limit -ireline oerations belo- the ac6er deth

ermanent acers

Permanent ac6ers are indeendent of the tubing and ma be run on tubing or on

-ireline ( ltigure and ltigure 3 )

Figure 2

The tubing can be released from the ac6er and can be ulled leaing the ac6er set

in the casing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3984

Figure 3

Tubing can subseuentl be run bac6 and resealed in the ac6er The ac6er ma

thus be considered an integral art of the casing It is sometimes called either aroduction ac6er or a retainerroduction ac6er

The ermanent ac6er cannot be recoered as such but it can be destructiel

remoed (eg b milling) ( ltigure 4 and ltigure )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4084

Figure 4

If the ac6er includes a tailie and must be recoered a millout e1tension is

needed on the ac6er for the ac6er ic6er or catch sleee on the mill to engageIn other cases it ma be adeuate to siml ush the ac6er to the bottom of the

casing after milling

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 584

Figure 3

Abbreiations are resented in the ampomenclature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 684

Figure 4

Example 2 (part 1

Graphical Tubing Design

lanning Data

KBE ( ft 15 3

$4 115 ft (5 3

$bg 2 67 in 4 6( 3

losed-in bottoholepressure

55 psi ( Pa3

estiated fro ud ampeight

8oration breakdoampn 125 psi 9 Pa3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 784

pressure

estiated fro offset ampell

8racture propagationpressure

2 psi 9( Pa3

estiated fro offset ampell

Packer fluid inhibited oil ( psi7ft3

Production expect sour gas

gas graity reseroir3

gas graity 6 separator3

)55 or lt tubular to be used

tiulation fracture expected assue 2 barrels per inute3= axiualloampable annulus pressure is 2 psi 1(6 kPa3

T Estimate

Depth ofHole

Gas Gravity

ft $ $amp $ $(

1 (5 6 6 69 6(

2 91 5 59 5( gt9

( 15 ( (5 ( 2

gt 121 2 1gt 6 5

5 152gt 1 ( 5 6

9 1( ( 6( 5gt gt6

6 21(( 9gt 5gt gtgt 2(

2gt( gt6 (5 2( 1

26gt( 2 19 gt 66

1 (gt 12 6 69gt 65

11 ((5( 65 6 699 6(6

12 (99 66 69( 6gt6 616

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 884

1( (92 69( 6gt9 62 96

1gt gt296 6gt6 62 612 96

15 gt562 6(2 61( 95 95

19 gt69 616 96 96 9gt1

16 511 62 92 952 92gt

1 5gt9 96 959 9gt5 96

1 561 96( 952 9(1 5

2 96 95 9(6 915 56gt

Table 2 7atio bet-een surface ressure and bottomhole ressure in gas -ells for a

range of gas graities

t a gas graity I$P 626 IBP ( psi

At a gas grait E 0 ITHP E 0 I2HP E 44 si

8or a kill situation bottohole inAection pressure IBP 2 psi 55 psi 2 psi 65psi

If gas graity $IP 626 BIP 6263 653

E43 si

Assumed Fracture Conditions 1 8oration breakdoampn achieed ampith ampater

ltracture 8ob carried out -ith -aterbase fluid

8riction loss in 2 67 in tubing at 2 BP using ampater ampith friction reducer is (5 psi71 ft for115 ft 4oampell andbook3

8PP 2 psi

ltriction E F40 si (30 )

Head E si (04 00)

ltrac THPE 00 si

Prepare a depth pressure plot 8igure 2 3 in the folloamping anner 1 Plot the closed-in bottohole pressure IBP3

Plot the formation brea6do-n ressure (lt2P) and the fractureroagation ressure (ltPP)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 984

3 Plot the ac6er fluid gradient fracture fluid gradient and -atergradient

4 gtstimate -et and dr gas gradients and lot these u from the

closedin bottomhole ressure

gtstablish the closedin tubing head ressure for normal roductionconditions (ie oil or as in this case -et gas) and for -orst case

design assumtion (usuall dr gas)

gtstablish ma1imum THP for -hich comletion is to be designed

-hich normall -ill be 6ill or stimulation conditions (fluid gradientthrough lt2P ltPP or secified differential aboe ITHP) ltor gt1amle

the grahical design should no- loo6 li6e ltigure

gtstablish through insection the greatest differential ressure at

surface and do-nhole (usuall stimulation conditions) Getermine -hatstes can be ta6en to reduce loading (eg maintaining ma1imum

allo-able annulus ressure during stimulation) Plot ad8usted annulusressure line ( ltigure 3 )

Plot burst load line (2$$) as difference bet-een most critical tubingand annulus ressures The 2$$ is a function of the relatie densities in

the tubing and annulus 2$$ -ill generall but not al-as decrease-ith deth ( ltigure 3 )

Plot critical collase load conditions ($$) ampormall -e assume thata slo- lea6 has changed the HP to ITHP and that tubing is emt

and deressured This can occur in gas -ells if the tubing becomeslugged or a do-nhole safet ale is closed onditions can aroach

this situation in oil -ells after a fracture treatment if oeratorscommence 6ic6off before bleeding off annulus ressure (In some

cases this ma be a more critical load ( ltigure 4 ))

0 Plot ressure test conditions (PT) This is often the most critical

load to -hich a comletion is sub8ected onsider timing of the

ressure test and densit of fluids in the tubing and annulus at time oftest

$oo6 u tubing erformance data in API 2ulletin

Ad8ust API internal ield (burst) and collase resistancesecifications -ith design factor (see ltigure and API 2ulletin )

3 $ist resulting tubing caabilities ( ltigure 4 )

4 omare design loads -ith tubing caabilities and select tubing In

most cases the otimum tubing grade and -eight -ill ar -ith deth

To minimi+e costs andor tensional loads such ariations ma beincororated although there -ill then be a constraint on ressure

testing caabilities Ho-eer most oerators refer to use a common

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1084

-eight and grade throughout the comletion if ossible This reducesthe ris6 of installation and oerating errors =hen regulations ermit

the designer ma be able to comromise slightl on accommodatingloading conditions dee in the hole if the associated design

assumtion is e1tremel unrealistic (eg a comletel emt tubing ina high roductiit oil -ell) Ho-eer the designer must first chec6 on

ho- critical the actual bia1ial (or tria1ial) loading conditions are li6elto be and ma6e aroriate notes in the -ell file

Cith reference to Exaple 2 in 8igure gt the options include the folloamping 1 full string of 9gt lb7ft lt tubing

0 to 00 ft E 4 lbft J00 to TG E 4 lbft $0

3 full string of 4 lbft J -ith modified collase design criteria of000 si as ma1imum HP -ith an emt tubing

ince 2 psi is the axiu alloampable annulus pressure during stiulation option ( ay bean acceptable design ince the differential cost of )55 and lt is around D( per ft the potentialsaing of D(gt5 betampeen options 1 and ( ay Austify further detailed engineering ampork n theother hand if the ampellstrea is expected to be extreely corrosie the higher grade tubing aybe selected in any case to proide a corrosion alloampance

The 6e things to note from ltigure (Effect of buoyancy on axial load ) are

bull the ost seere burst loadings occur at surface

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1184

Figure amp

bull the most seere burst and collase loadings occur during ressure testing

-ell 6ill and stimulation

bull the most seere collase loading occurs do-nhole

bull additional annulus ressure can be used to reduce burst loading roided

the casing is strong enough

bull the tubinghead ressure during 6ill oerations (THIP) often aro1imates or

e1ceeds the reseroir ressure (I2HP)

Cith relatiely sall tubing strings (5 in or 3 the inherent burst and collapse strength isso high that soe engineers do not bother ampith tubing design in ampells ampith depths of less than ft 25 3 unless oerpressures are expected

Simplified Tensional Strength Design

Although burst and collase resistance ma not be significant considerations inuming -ells tensional strength is a critical design arameter for all -ells ouling

lea6age and failure -hich accounts for 0 of the roblems in -ell tubulars often

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1284

ma be the result of inadeuate tensional design rather than a burst or sealingroblem In this resect it is articularl imortant to remember that test ressures

imose substantial iston forces on the tubing (eg a 000 si (3 Pa) ressuretest on a lug set inside in (3mm) tubing -ill increase the tension on the

hanger b (000)( 4)(44l) E 30 lb (4 6amp)

It is also imortant to recogni+e that unli6e other strength arameters the API 8ointstrength is based on a failure condition rather than the onset of lastic deformation

The failure condition is either an un+iing of the in and bo1 in the case of APIthreads because of ielding (also called 8umout)D or brea6age of reduced cross

section at the threads in the case of suare threads

ltinall there are all sorts of additional tensional loads that -e do not normallanal+e in detail (eg shoc6 loading and drag forces during running bending

stresses buc6ling crosssectional iston forces changes in buoanc)

ince it is common ractice to ma6e a reliminar tensional design using tubing

-eight loading onl a higher design factor is used for tension and eseciall for 8oint

strength (Table 1 aboe) ome comanies and more conseratie engineers -illeen ignore the otential benefits of buoanc 2uoanc results in a iston force onthe lo-er end of the tubing and as a first aro1imation it ma normall be assumed

that

12amphere

CB buoyant ampeight

=amp E -eight in air

E densit of steel ( gmcc)

E densit of fluid

8igure 5 graphically depicts the tensional and copressional forces at ampork on a tapered string of tubular goods $he load resulting fro the ampeight of the pipe is shoampn for a string ampeighed in airand ampith the buoyant forces accounted for as piston forces or approxiated using EFuation 12Ce can see that at a point approxiately idampay in the length of the heaier pipe at the bottoof the string there is a change fro copression to tension $his is also the concept amphich guidesthe design of drillstrings ampith the purpose of keeping the drillpipe in tension amphile using theheaier drill collars to aintain a copressional load on the bit

Part of gt1amle gies the reliminar tension design considerations for thecomletion alread coered in art

Example 2 (part 2

reliminary Tension Design

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1384

$ubing ampeight 9gt lb7ft

Tubing length 00 ft

Pac6er fluid inhibited oil

03 sift E 0 gmcc

=amp E 4 00E 300 lb

E 0 300

E 04 lb

Joint Specifications

)55 lt

EGE H4 EGE H4 5

PI Aoint strengthKlb3

6 1 1(5 12

4esign factorTable 13

1 1 1 1

4esign capacityKlb3

55gt 559 655 611

Tubing Tension Design Considerations 1 eFuires lt tubing at surface

7euires 8oint strength caabilit of gtKgt or euialent

3 In ie- of ressures deth and H -ould robabl select remium

grade couling

any copanies hae these design techniFues prograed for the coputer and use the saegeneral techniFue for both tubing and casing designs

Tubing Design Parameters

It is imortant to remember that -hile the rimar function of the tubing is as aconduit for hdrocarbon roduction or for in8ection of -ater or gas the most seere

loadings often occur during -ell serice or 6illing oerations or during ressuretests It is therefore rudent to ma6e roision for these oerations -hen designing

a comletion and to chec6 out the tubing limitations -hen lanning a -ell sericingoeration (eg a stimulation or a -or6oer) are must be ta6en not to increase

comletion costs e1cessiel b tring to ma6e roisions for all sorts of unli6el butossible occurrences It must also be remembered that there are stes that can be

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1484

ta6en to mitigate the induced stresses during man oerations (eg alingannular ressure or heating fracturing fluids) Ln the other hand the conseuential

costs of a failed tubing string or of haing to run a secial -or6ing string in termsof deferred roduction and rig time can be uite substantial Assessment of the

most cost effectie solution is generall a 8udgment call based on the engineer5se1erience and on cororate attitudes and olic A tical set of arameters has

alread been illustrated in gt1amle

urst

The tubing and -ellhead should be designed for suee+e and 6ill conditions incefines in the erforations or oil can sometimes cause a chec6 ale effect -hen

attemting to suee+e bac6 liuids man comletion designers li6e to hae thefle1ibilit of being able to raise the bottomhole ressure to the lt2P or at least to the

ltPP Ho-eer -ith high ermeabilit reseroirs or gas -ells in -hich fracturestimulation is unli6el comletion engineers are often satisfied -ith a certain

minimum differential for in8ection The alue selected aries from area to area andfrom coman to coman but is commonl either around 000 si ( Pa) or 33

of the reseroir ressure The author suggests

1 8BP amphere k1 1 d kg 5 d

ltPP for suee+ing liuids -here 6 00 md

3 I2HP F 000 si ( Pa) for suee+ing gas -here6g 0 mdD or for suee+ing liuids -here 6 000 md

8ro the rock echanics theory presented by eertsa 163 and others it ay be deducedthat in a tectonically relaxed area a proisional estiate of the fracture propagation gradient8P3 can be obtained fro the eFuation

13

ltPM N lt2M N sift ( 6Pam) 1

amphere s oerburden stress J1 psi7ft depth3

E ore ressure si

G E deth ft

ltPM E formation roagation gradient sift

lt2M E formation brea6do-n gradient sift

$he specification of the pressure test conditions is often critical to burst design oernentregulations soeties specify pressure test conditions eg to at least 0 of the reseroirpressure or to 1 psi 5 Pa3 oer the axiu differential pressure expected at the packer3If no regulations exist ost operators test to their tubing design conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1584

$ollapse

eere collase loads on the tubing can occur

bull in gas ampells and high oil ampells ampith loamp-floamping botto-hole pressures and deep-set safety ales after bloampdoampn to test a plug etc

bull during annulus ressure tests or oeration of shear circulation deices

bull -here there are ressured annuli

bull during underbalance erforating or testing at high dra-do-n

bull during tubing blo-outs

It is iportant to reeber that tension reduces collapse strength $his biaxial effect should beexained for large diaeter tubings especially if reduced collapse design assuptions and7or adeep-set safety ale is used

Tension

Tubing strings are not onl sub8ected to running tensions -ith all the associatedshoc6 and acceleration loadings but also to aring oerating stresses due to iston

forces on the steel andor an lugs ums standing ales and the li6e in thetubing oreoer if the tubing is anchored or held b a ac6er its oerating tension

-ill ar as a result of

bull theral effects hot production or cold kill fluid3

bull iston effects (changes in buoanc and forces at 8oint usets)

bull ballooning effects (changes in internal or e1ternal ressure)

bull buc6ling effects (longitudinal instabilit)

$hese potential probles are listed in ters of their ost coon relatie agnitude althoughthe relatie iportance of piston and ballooning effects is ariable3

$ombined oading

=hile the designer of tubular goods normall tal6s in terms of burst collase and

tension comression as if the -ere indeendent it is obious that in most actualloading situations the occur simultaneousl Precise stress analsis should reallconsider a tria1ial loading situation

The simultaneous solution of all the associated euations is rather comlicated Anumber of comuter rograms are aailable but for most field engineers the -ill be

a blac6 bo1 solution This can be dangerous It is imortant to chec6 that theformulas are roerl handled articularl -ith resect to collase -hich is a

stabilit effect Therefore it is usual for critical stress analses (eg for ultra dee

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1684

high ressure or sour -ells) to be underta6en b a secialist consultant researchgrou or intracoman tas6 force oreoer since this is not the routine design

techniue design factors are less -ell roen (although a alue of is oftenused)

A more conenient aroach for the intermediate range moderatel comle1 design

roblem is to use the ellise of bia1ial ield stress roosed b Holmuist and ampadai(3) The critical relationshis are (a) tension reduces collase resistanceD (b)comression reduces burst resistance

The other imortant concet in the consideration of tria1ial loads is that ressurechanges affect a1ial stresses or cause tubing moement This has been e1tensiel

discussed in Pgt aers b $ubins6i () Hammerlindl () and tillebroer()

ending

2ending stresses can be significant in large tubulars The are comressie in the

inner -all and tensional in the outer -all the most detrimental being

1ampamphere

the radius of curature ft3

sb E bending stress

gt E Ooung5s modulus (for steel gt E 30 0 si)

do E outside diameter of the tubular

Bending stresses result fro both hole curature and buckling $he effects of doglegs need onlybe considered if they are ery seere 1L71 ft= 1L7( 3 or if ery large tubing 5 172 to 6 in=1gt to 16 3 is being used

Production Casing

The roduction casing must be adeuatel si+ed for the lanned comletion It -illobiousl affect the si+e of the other reuired casing strings the bit selection the

caacit of the rig and the oerall -ell costs The roduction casing must bedesigned for the loads that ma be imosed during the roducing life of the field It

is similar to tubing design in seeral -as

urst

Production casing must be designed to -ithstand the ma1imum closedin tubing

ressure that can be e1ected If a ac6er has been used this ressure is assumed

to be alied at the to of a full column of ac6er fluid (ie for the case of a tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1784

failure at the surface) =e usuall assume that the e1ternal ressure resisting burstis a -ater gradient If the ac6er fluid is heaier than -ater the burst load -ill

increase -ith deth

In the eent that a snubbing oeration could not be conenientl attemted if atubing brea6 occurs at the surface the casing must be strong enough to -ithstand a

bullhead suee+e on the lie tubing string in -hich case this -ould be the designcriteria for the casing and -ellhead

In man cases it ma be necessar to design the casing for loads imosed during

stimulation and ressure testing onersel the casing caacit must be chec6ed-hen designing a fracturing treatment This is articularl imortant in -ells -here

no ac6er is used

$ollapse

Production casing ma be sub8ect to comlete eacuation during roductionoerations if the -ell is oerated on gas lift or umedoff or if the ac6er or

-or6oer fluid is lost into a deleted +one As the ie ma hae deteriorated beforethis occurs a higher design factor (F) is often used for roduction casing

eere collase loads ma occur in situations in -hich thermal e1ansion of theannular fluid bet-een the roduction and intermediate strings cannot be bled off

(eg in some subsea -ells)

Increased loading should be assumed if lie annuli are a feature of the area 7educed

loadings ma be assumed if the -ells -ill not be umed off gas lifted or seereldeleted

eere collase loads ma e1ist in the a section during high dra-do-n

underbalanced erforating and testing and suee+e either or both cementation andfracturing ( ltigure $ollapse loads in the pay ) It is highl adisable to maintainsome set casingtubing annulus ressure during such serice oerations

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1884

Figure 1

Tensionamp$ompression

In high rate roduction areas and thermal -ells e1ansion of the roduction tubingma imose additional tension on the casing strings ia the ac6er

$ouplings

In high ressure (000 siD 34 Pa) high temerature (300B ltD 4 ) andor

seerel sour conditions remium casing coulings are recommended

aterial Selection

In sour enironments material secification must consider the chances of Hcontamination of the casingtubing annulus and the added ossibilit of temerature

changes during stimulation affecting the stress corrosion tolerance of the ie

Couplings

There are man forms of couling aailable some of -hich hae been dedicated tothe ublic through the ausices of the API -hile others are roduced b or under

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1984

license from a secific manufacturer It -as in fact the need to obtain astandardi+ation of thread forms and diameters that led to the formation of the API

ommittee on tandardi+ation of Tubular Moods in 4

The API coulings ( ltigure

Figure 1

ltigure and ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2084

Figure 2

$utaways of basic types of couplings) are of three basic tes e1ternal uset (gtKgt)

nonuset (ampK) and integral 8oint

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2184

Figure 3

Threads are of t-o main forms The round API threads are -ea6er than the ie

bod (ie N00 efficient) The buttress threads -ere deeloed b the ampationalTube Giision of the Knited tates teel ororation to roide a high strength

couling for dee high ressure -ell serice This thread is used in a number ofrorietar coulings eg Hdril A Atlas2radford

All taered threads achiee a seal b driing the in and bo1 surfaces together undersufficient stress to generate a bearing ressure e1ceeding an differential that is to

be subseuentl alied Ho-eer a small siral oid is al-as left bet-een themating surfaces and must be filled -ith solids in the form of thread comound (This

is the reason for careful secification of the comound in 2ul A) Ln API roundthreads this oid occurs bet-een the crest and root of the mating threads -hile on

buttress threads it e1tends oer the -hole flan6 of the thread on the beeled side

To imroe lea6 resistance eseciall at eleated temeratures and under high

ressure differential the socalled remium seals -ere deeloed These consist of either metaltometal seals on taered ortions of the in and bo1 surfaces or an

elastomer seal ring or both This te of seal reuires a high ualit finish andrecise gauging and insection The couling is therefore more costl ince API and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2284

buttress threads hae roen to be er reliable in the field the decision to use themore e1ensie remium seals reuires careful economic 8ustification In general

their alication has roen aluable in highl corrosie conditions in high ressuregas -ells or high ressurehigh ML7 oil -ells and in thermal -ells sub8ect to high

comressie loads The ma be used -here -or6oer costs are high (egoffshore) In general API tubulars are adeuate for differential ressures of less than

000 si (344 Pa) and temeratures of less than 300B lt (0B ) using hightemerature thread comound ltor corrosie conditions and continuous gas sericethe ressure limit is often reduced to 00 si ( Pa)

gt1ercises

)ilfield nits

The in 4 lbft J ampK tubing string in a 000ft oil -ell -as designed

based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional load -ould beimosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 00 si after the

-ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The -ell

roduces 30B API oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

SI nits

The 3mm ( in) 6gmm (4 lbft) J ampK tubing string in an 30moil -ell -as designed based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional

load is imosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 3 Paafter the -ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The

-ell roduces 6gm3 oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

olutions

)ilfield nits

=eight in air E 000 ft 1 4 E 3400 lb

2uoanc in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2384

Buoyant ampeight amphen run (gt x 65 ((9 lb

=ater gradient (M E ) E 0433 sift

Lil gradient (M E 0) E 0 1 0433 E 03 sift

IG of tubing E 44 in Ai E 40 in

=eight of oil in tubing E 000 1 03 1 40 E 04 lb

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell has been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 19gt2 (gt 5 gt93 19gt2 (gt 2(gt 51(2 lb

The API 8oint strength rating of in 4 lbft J nonuset tubing E 00lb

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor) E (00) ()E 4400 lb

Therefore the roosed loading e1ceeds the design secifications and a lea6 mightoccur during the test In fact the loading e1ceeds design secs een -ithout adding

the 00 si of -ellhead ressure (actual load 404 lb comared -ith an allo-ableof 4400 lb) Ho-eer using a 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions

ressure tests of u to 4 si -ould be ermissible

6293 1((3 19gt2 (gt pt gt93

Pt E 4 si

+ nits Ceight in air 1( x 5 16(5 kg 165 kM

2uoanc factor in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater E gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12Buoyant ampeight amphen run 165 x 65 1gt2 kM

=ater gradient (M E 0) E 4 6PamLil gradient (M E 0) 0 1 4 E 6Pam

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2484

IG of tubing E mm thus Ai E 30 1 l04 m

=eight of oil in tubing E (30 m) ( 6Pam) (30 1 03 m)E 44 6amp

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell had been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 gt6gt 165 (5 (1 x 1 -(3 gt6gt 165 156 22gt6 kM

8ro 8igure 1 the PI Aoint strength rating of 6(- 5 kg7 )-55 nonupset tubing is

629 lbs (222 kM3

Figure 1

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor)

(222715 2152 kM

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2584

$herefore the proposed loading exceeds the design specifications and a leak ight occur duringthe test In fact the loading exceeds design specifications een at ero ampellhead pressure actualload of gt6gt 165 216 kM copared ampith an alloampable load of 2152 kM3

Ho-eer using the 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions ressure tests

of u to 6Pa -ould be ermissible

216 pt (1 x l-gt3

t E 4 6Pa

2 )ilfield nits 12-ft hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubing

head pressure can be expectedN If the casing ampellhead and tubing are to be designed for asFueee kill at fracture propagation pressure 8PP3 amphat ampellhead pressure ampould be expected atthe start of the kill operationN Gse EFuation 1( for estiating the 8P3

13

+ units (99- hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubinghead pressure is expectedN

If the casing -ellhead and tubing are to be designed for a suee+e 6ill at fractureroagation ressure (ltPP) -hat -ellhead ressure -ould be e1ected at the start

of the 6ill oerationQ (Kse gtuation 3 for estimating the ltPM)

olutions

)ilfield nits

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure on

hydrocarbon-filled tubing

1125

External Packer fluid and eroannulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressure 1125

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2684

shut-in tubing pressure

Internal $ubing epty anddepressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight in Body 1(((

copletion fluid )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125

)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g of 0 E 04

At 000 ft assuming a hdrostatic gradient of 0433 sift the bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP 12 x gt(( 519 psiampith gas surface pressure 519 x 6gt6 I$P (1 psi

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be sift and using gtuation 3 to estimate

the fracture roagation ressure

E 0 sift

ltPP E 0 000 ft E 04 si

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the forationpropagation pressure inus the pressure due to the gas gradient

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2784

$IP 12 6163 - 519 - (13 62 psigore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP 12 6163 6gt6 9gt26 psi$herefore a 5 psi ampellhead should not be used een though the axiu closed-in tubinghead pressure is only about gt psi

SI nits

7eferring to Table 1

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g E 0 E 04

At 30 m assuming a normal hdrostatic ressure of 6Pa m bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP (99 65 (55 kPa

ampith gas surface pressure (55 6gt6 I$P 296 kPa

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be 6Pam and using gtuation 3 toestimate the fracture roagation ressure

E 6Pam

ltPP E 30 E 3 6Pa

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the foration propagation pressure inus the pressure due tothe gas gradient

THIP E (30 ) (30 0) E 0 6Pa

ore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP (99 19213 6gt6 gtgt(1 kPa

9gt Pa ampellhead should therefore be used

3hellip)ilfield nits

A 000ft -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 000 T2d using intubing encounters 0 ft of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of 3000 si =hat

rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight of tubing is to be

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2884

used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming that

Grade -eight lbft

Collapse

+trength psi

urst

+trength psi

Tensional

+trength 1 lb

Cost Coparison

)-55 155 gtgt gt1 ( cheapest

16 gt1 5(2 (2

-65 16 96 625 gt2( ost expensie

M- 16 92 66gt gtgt9 oderately expensie

2 ( 52gt

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 043 sift)

reseroir ressure 3000 si

6ill ressure 000 si aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 5 5 psi7ft3

If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure onhydrocarbon- filledtubing

1125

External Packer fluid and ero

annulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressureshut-in tubing pressure

1125

Internal $ubing epty and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2984

depressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight incopletion fluid

Body 1((( )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

Assume lie oil gradient is 03 sift

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at theac6er and the running tension

SI nits

A 30m -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 400 m3da of oil -ith l40mm ( inch) tubing encounters 0 m of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of

000 6Pa =hat rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight oftubing is to be used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming

that

Grade -eight

$gmm

Collapse

+trength

$Pa

urst

+trength

$Pa

Tensional

+trength

$amp

Cost Coparison

)-55 2(1 2655 ((19gt 1((gt cheapest

25( ((5( (99 1gt9(

-65 25( gt151 gt6 12 ost expensie

M- 25( gt(2 5((95 1gt oderately expensie

2 9 91gt 2((1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3084

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 40 6Pam)

reseroir ressure 000 6Pa

6ill ressure 000 6Pa aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 53 22(3 5 kPa7If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Assume lie oil gradient is 6Pam

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at the

ac6er and the running tensions

olution

)ilfield nits

I$P IBP - o 4

o ( psi7ft

under operating conditions I$P ( - ( 63 psi

under axiu conditions assuing gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 3000 E si

under 6ill conditions

8P 5 5

5 5 x 61 psi7ft

ltPP E 000 0

E 000 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3184

O BIP oil kill3

5 psieFuialent $P oil kill3

5 - ( x 6 2 psi

In the case of a gas kill

Iamp 2HIP(gas 6ill)

( 1 psi gt psi

eFuialent $P gas kill3

5gt x BP 5gt x gt (gt19 psi

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a ( psi ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a 5 psi ampellhead

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialent

to the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating

burst rating E ma1 THP design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 34 E 343 si

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading Calculation

alculate first assuming a high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid f 3 43 gt(53 63 (gt5 psi

ma1 HP E ma1 ITHP (assumes lea6)E si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 304E 0 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3284

ma1 collase load E 0 0 si (assumes emt tubing)E 0 si

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 0 1 si

E 30 si

$herefore strictly speaking ampe should use 2-lb7ft M- tubing although it is ore likely a l6-lb7ft ampould be selected since the probability is ery loamp that such seere collapse-loadingassuptions ampould proe true

alculate ne1t assuming a lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 00 si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 00 F 304 siE 34 si

ma1 collase load E 34 si

reuired collase rating E 34 E 443 si

Ce could select 16 lb7ft )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculations

ampeight in air C 4 16 lb7ft3 6 ft3 11 lb

buoyancy factor

625

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 000 lb

E 04000 lb

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (04000) () lb

16 lb$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3384

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubingcomletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

in 0lbft amp0 tubing meets all criteria for this te of roduction 7is6 of

gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing bet-een amp0 and J grades

SI nits

I$P IBP - ρo x 4

ρo 969 kPa7

under operating conditions I$P 26 - 969 x 21(3

92gt9 kPaunder axiu conditions gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 000 E 6Pa

under 6ill conditions

8P 53 22(3 5

53 22(3 5

19 kPa7

ltPP E (30) (00)

E 3400 6Pa

O BIP oil kill3 (gt kPa eFuialent $P oil kill3 (gt - 969 x 21(3

1929 kPa

In the case of a gas 6ill

Iamp 2HIP

(gas 6ill) E 000 F 000 6Pa

266 kPaeFuialent $P gas kill3 5gt x BP

5gt x 266 2(959 kPa

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a 26 Pa ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a (gt5 Pa ampellhead

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3484

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialentto the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating Calculation

burst rating E ma1 THP 1 design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 3 1

E 3 6Pa

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading

alculate first assuming high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid ρf 3 43

gt3 21(3 25 kPa

ax P ax I$P assues leak3 1696 kPa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 0

E 33 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 33 0 6Pa (assumes emt tubing)

E 33 6Pa

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 33 1 E 434 6Pa

Therefore strictl sea6ing -e should use a 6gm amp0 tubing but moreli6el 36gm tubing -ould be selected since the robabilit of such seere

collase loading is er lo-

alculate ne1t assuming lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 4 6Pa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 4 F 0

E 0 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 0 6Pa

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3584

reuired collase rating E 0 1 E 300 6Pa

Ce could select 25(-kg7 )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculation

ampeight in air 25( 21( 5( kg 525 kM

buoanc factor E

EE0

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 6ampE 4 6amp

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (4) ()

E 30 6amp

$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubing

comletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

40mm ( inch) 36gm 0 tubing meets all criteria for this te ofroduction 7is6 of gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing

bet-een 0 and J grades

Pac6ers

Pac$er unctions

A ac6er is a subsurface tool that roides a seal bet-een the tubing and

casingthereb reenting the ertical moement of fluids across this sealing oint

Pac6ers are used for the follo-ing reasons

9 to imroe safet b roiding a barrier to flo- through the annulus

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3684

9 to 6ee -ell fluids and ressures isolated from the casing

9 to imroe flo- conditions and reent heading

9 to searate +ones in the same -ellbore

9 to lace 6ill fluids or treating fluids in the casing annulus

9 to ac6 off erforations rather than use suee+e cementing

9 to 6ee gas lift or hdraulic o-er fluid in8ection ressure isolated from the

formation

9 to anchor the tubing

9 to install a casing um

9 to minimi+e heat losses b allo-ing the use of an emt annulus or thermal

insulator

9 to isolate a casing lea6 or lea6ing liner la

9 to facilitate temorar -ell serice oerations (eg stimulations suee+es)

Pac$er T+pes

There are man ac6er manufacturers some of -hom offer an e1tensie ariet ofac6ers -ith each differing to some degree from those of the other manufacturers

This rather be-ildering arra can ho-eer be groued into rincial classes or

tes and ma be further categori+ed b method of setting b direction of ressureacross the ac6er and b the number of bores through the ac6er

Pac6ers can be rimaril classified as either retrieable or ermanent or

ermanentretrieable or inflatable

)etrievable acers

This te of ac6er is run on the tubing ( ltigure )etrievable pacer )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3784

Figure 1

After setting it can be released and recoered from the -ell on the tubing ince it is

an integral art of the tubing string the tubing cannot be remoed from the -ell-ithout ulling the ac6er unless a detachable ac6er head is used

7etrieable ac6ers ma be designed to be set mechanicall or hdraulicallechanical setting methods include rotation of the tubing string recirocation of the

tubing string or the alication of tension or setdo-n -eight =ith mechanical

ac6ers the tubing is usuall set in comression

Hdraulic ac6ers are set b aling hdraulic ressure through the tubing stringbut once set the hold the set osition mechanicall The tubing is usuall in tension

7etrieable ac6ers are usuall used for comle1 multi+one and multistringcomletions Their main limitation -as in their limited abilit to accommodate tubing

stress changes -ithout unsettingD the aailabilit of effectie sli 8oints anddetachable heads has eased this situation An historical roblem -as failure of the

internal elastomer seals but this technolog also has imroed mar6edl in the lastdecade All metaltometal seal ac6ers are aailable but are e1ensie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3884

Lne disadantage of retrieable ac6ers is that if the fail to retriee the must beremoed b milling them out of the casing -ith an abrasie milling head and a

drillstring The are er difficult to mill Menerall this te of ac6er is used undernonseere conditions (differential ressures less than 000 si (344 Pa)

temeratures less than 300B lt (4B )

2ecause of the setting mechanism retrieable ac6ers tend to hae a restrictedbore comared -ith other ac6ers designed for the same casing si+e This factorma restrict flo- or limit -ireline oerations belo- the ac6er deth

ermanent acers

Permanent ac6ers are indeendent of the tubing and ma be run on tubing or on

-ireline ( ltigure and ltigure 3 )

Figure 2

The tubing can be released from the ac6er and can be ulled leaing the ac6er set

in the casing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3984

Figure 3

Tubing can subseuentl be run bac6 and resealed in the ac6er The ac6er ma

thus be considered an integral art of the casing It is sometimes called either aroduction ac6er or a retainerroduction ac6er

The ermanent ac6er cannot be recoered as such but it can be destructiel

remoed (eg b milling) ( ltigure 4 and ltigure )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4084

Figure 4

If the ac6er includes a tailie and must be recoered a millout e1tension is

needed on the ac6er for the ac6er ic6er or catch sleee on the mill to engageIn other cases it ma be adeuate to siml ush the ac6er to the bottom of the

casing after milling

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 684

Figure 4

Example 2 (part 1

Graphical Tubing Design

lanning Data

KBE ( ft 15 3

$4 115 ft (5 3

$bg 2 67 in 4 6( 3

losed-in bottoholepressure

55 psi ( Pa3

estiated fro ud ampeight

8oration breakdoampn 125 psi 9 Pa3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 784

pressure

estiated fro offset ampell

8racture propagationpressure

2 psi 9( Pa3

estiated fro offset ampell

Packer fluid inhibited oil ( psi7ft3

Production expect sour gas

gas graity reseroir3

gas graity 6 separator3

)55 or lt tubular to be used

tiulation fracture expected assue 2 barrels per inute3= axiualloampable annulus pressure is 2 psi 1(6 kPa3

T Estimate

Depth ofHole

Gas Gravity

ft $ $amp $ $(

1 (5 6 6 69 6(

2 91 5 59 5( gt9

( 15 ( (5 ( 2

gt 121 2 1gt 6 5

5 152gt 1 ( 5 6

9 1( ( 6( 5gt gt6

6 21(( 9gt 5gt gtgt 2(

2gt( gt6 (5 2( 1

26gt( 2 19 gt 66

1 (gt 12 6 69gt 65

11 ((5( 65 6 699 6(6

12 (99 66 69( 6gt6 616

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 884

1( (92 69( 6gt9 62 96

1gt gt296 6gt6 62 612 96

15 gt562 6(2 61( 95 95

19 gt69 616 96 96 9gt1

16 511 62 92 952 92gt

1 5gt9 96 959 9gt5 96

1 561 96( 952 9(1 5

2 96 95 9(6 915 56gt

Table 2 7atio bet-een surface ressure and bottomhole ressure in gas -ells for a

range of gas graities

t a gas graity I$P 626 IBP ( psi

At a gas grait E 0 ITHP E 0 I2HP E 44 si

8or a kill situation bottohole inAection pressure IBP 2 psi 55 psi 2 psi 65psi

If gas graity $IP 626 BIP 6263 653

E43 si

Assumed Fracture Conditions 1 8oration breakdoampn achieed ampith ampater

ltracture 8ob carried out -ith -aterbase fluid

8riction loss in 2 67 in tubing at 2 BP using ampater ampith friction reducer is (5 psi71 ft for115 ft 4oampell andbook3

8PP 2 psi

ltriction E F40 si (30 )

Head E si (04 00)

ltrac THPE 00 si

Prepare a depth pressure plot 8igure 2 3 in the folloamping anner 1 Plot the closed-in bottohole pressure IBP3

Plot the formation brea6do-n ressure (lt2P) and the fractureroagation ressure (ltPP)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 984

3 Plot the ac6er fluid gradient fracture fluid gradient and -atergradient

4 gtstimate -et and dr gas gradients and lot these u from the

closedin bottomhole ressure

gtstablish the closedin tubing head ressure for normal roductionconditions (ie oil or as in this case -et gas) and for -orst case

design assumtion (usuall dr gas)

gtstablish ma1imum THP for -hich comletion is to be designed

-hich normall -ill be 6ill or stimulation conditions (fluid gradientthrough lt2P ltPP or secified differential aboe ITHP) ltor gt1amle

the grahical design should no- loo6 li6e ltigure

gtstablish through insection the greatest differential ressure at

surface and do-nhole (usuall stimulation conditions) Getermine -hatstes can be ta6en to reduce loading (eg maintaining ma1imum

allo-able annulus ressure during stimulation) Plot ad8usted annulusressure line ( ltigure 3 )

Plot burst load line (2$$) as difference bet-een most critical tubingand annulus ressures The 2$$ is a function of the relatie densities in

the tubing and annulus 2$$ -ill generall but not al-as decrease-ith deth ( ltigure 3 )

Plot critical collase load conditions ($$) ampormall -e assume thata slo- lea6 has changed the HP to ITHP and that tubing is emt

and deressured This can occur in gas -ells if the tubing becomeslugged or a do-nhole safet ale is closed onditions can aroach

this situation in oil -ells after a fracture treatment if oeratorscommence 6ic6off before bleeding off annulus ressure (In some

cases this ma be a more critical load ( ltigure 4 ))

0 Plot ressure test conditions (PT) This is often the most critical

load to -hich a comletion is sub8ected onsider timing of the

ressure test and densit of fluids in the tubing and annulus at time oftest

$oo6 u tubing erformance data in API 2ulletin

Ad8ust API internal ield (burst) and collase resistancesecifications -ith design factor (see ltigure and API 2ulletin )

3 $ist resulting tubing caabilities ( ltigure 4 )

4 omare design loads -ith tubing caabilities and select tubing In

most cases the otimum tubing grade and -eight -ill ar -ith deth

To minimi+e costs andor tensional loads such ariations ma beincororated although there -ill then be a constraint on ressure

testing caabilities Ho-eer most oerators refer to use a common

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1084

-eight and grade throughout the comletion if ossible This reducesthe ris6 of installation and oerating errors =hen regulations ermit

the designer ma be able to comromise slightl on accommodatingloading conditions dee in the hole if the associated design

assumtion is e1tremel unrealistic (eg a comletel emt tubing ina high roductiit oil -ell) Ho-eer the designer must first chec6 on

ho- critical the actual bia1ial (or tria1ial) loading conditions are li6elto be and ma6e aroriate notes in the -ell file

Cith reference to Exaple 2 in 8igure gt the options include the folloamping 1 full string of 9gt lb7ft lt tubing

0 to 00 ft E 4 lbft J00 to TG E 4 lbft $0

3 full string of 4 lbft J -ith modified collase design criteria of000 si as ma1imum HP -ith an emt tubing

ince 2 psi is the axiu alloampable annulus pressure during stiulation option ( ay bean acceptable design ince the differential cost of )55 and lt is around D( per ft the potentialsaing of D(gt5 betampeen options 1 and ( ay Austify further detailed engineering ampork n theother hand if the ampellstrea is expected to be extreely corrosie the higher grade tubing aybe selected in any case to proide a corrosion alloampance

The 6e things to note from ltigure (Effect of buoyancy on axial load ) are

bull the ost seere burst loadings occur at surface

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1184

Figure amp

bull the most seere burst and collase loadings occur during ressure testing

-ell 6ill and stimulation

bull the most seere collase loading occurs do-nhole

bull additional annulus ressure can be used to reduce burst loading roided

the casing is strong enough

bull the tubinghead ressure during 6ill oerations (THIP) often aro1imates or

e1ceeds the reseroir ressure (I2HP)

Cith relatiely sall tubing strings (5 in or 3 the inherent burst and collapse strength isso high that soe engineers do not bother ampith tubing design in ampells ampith depths of less than ft 25 3 unless oerpressures are expected

Simplified Tensional Strength Design

Although burst and collase resistance ma not be significant considerations inuming -ells tensional strength is a critical design arameter for all -ells ouling

lea6age and failure -hich accounts for 0 of the roblems in -ell tubulars often

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1284

ma be the result of inadeuate tensional design rather than a burst or sealingroblem In this resect it is articularl imortant to remember that test ressures

imose substantial iston forces on the tubing (eg a 000 si (3 Pa) ressuretest on a lug set inside in (3mm) tubing -ill increase the tension on the

hanger b (000)( 4)(44l) E 30 lb (4 6amp)

It is also imortant to recogni+e that unli6e other strength arameters the API 8ointstrength is based on a failure condition rather than the onset of lastic deformation

The failure condition is either an un+iing of the in and bo1 in the case of APIthreads because of ielding (also called 8umout)D or brea6age of reduced cross

section at the threads in the case of suare threads

ltinall there are all sorts of additional tensional loads that -e do not normallanal+e in detail (eg shoc6 loading and drag forces during running bending

stresses buc6ling crosssectional iston forces changes in buoanc)

ince it is common ractice to ma6e a reliminar tensional design using tubing

-eight loading onl a higher design factor is used for tension and eseciall for 8oint

strength (Table 1 aboe) ome comanies and more conseratie engineers -illeen ignore the otential benefits of buoanc 2uoanc results in a iston force onthe lo-er end of the tubing and as a first aro1imation it ma normall be assumed

that

12amphere

CB buoyant ampeight

=amp E -eight in air

E densit of steel ( gmcc)

E densit of fluid

8igure 5 graphically depicts the tensional and copressional forces at ampork on a tapered string of tubular goods $he load resulting fro the ampeight of the pipe is shoampn for a string ampeighed in airand ampith the buoyant forces accounted for as piston forces or approxiated using EFuation 12Ce can see that at a point approxiately idampay in the length of the heaier pipe at the bottoof the string there is a change fro copression to tension $his is also the concept amphich guidesthe design of drillstrings ampith the purpose of keeping the drillpipe in tension amphile using theheaier drill collars to aintain a copressional load on the bit

Part of gt1amle gies the reliminar tension design considerations for thecomletion alread coered in art

Example 2 (part 2

reliminary Tension Design

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1384

$ubing ampeight 9gt lb7ft

Tubing length 00 ft

Pac6er fluid inhibited oil

03 sift E 0 gmcc

=amp E 4 00E 300 lb

E 0 300

E 04 lb

Joint Specifications

)55 lt

EGE H4 EGE H4 5

PI Aoint strengthKlb3

6 1 1(5 12

4esign factorTable 13

1 1 1 1

4esign capacityKlb3

55gt 559 655 611

Tubing Tension Design Considerations 1 eFuires lt tubing at surface

7euires 8oint strength caabilit of gtKgt or euialent

3 In ie- of ressures deth and H -ould robabl select remium

grade couling

any copanies hae these design techniFues prograed for the coputer and use the saegeneral techniFue for both tubing and casing designs

Tubing Design Parameters

It is imortant to remember that -hile the rimar function of the tubing is as aconduit for hdrocarbon roduction or for in8ection of -ater or gas the most seere

loadings often occur during -ell serice or 6illing oerations or during ressuretests It is therefore rudent to ma6e roision for these oerations -hen designing

a comletion and to chec6 out the tubing limitations -hen lanning a -ell sericingoeration (eg a stimulation or a -or6oer) are must be ta6en not to increase

comletion costs e1cessiel b tring to ma6e roisions for all sorts of unli6el butossible occurrences It must also be remembered that there are stes that can be

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1484

ta6en to mitigate the induced stresses during man oerations (eg alingannular ressure or heating fracturing fluids) Ln the other hand the conseuential

costs of a failed tubing string or of haing to run a secial -or6ing string in termsof deferred roduction and rig time can be uite substantial Assessment of the

most cost effectie solution is generall a 8udgment call based on the engineer5se1erience and on cororate attitudes and olic A tical set of arameters has

alread been illustrated in gt1amle

urst

The tubing and -ellhead should be designed for suee+e and 6ill conditions incefines in the erforations or oil can sometimes cause a chec6 ale effect -hen

attemting to suee+e bac6 liuids man comletion designers li6e to hae thefle1ibilit of being able to raise the bottomhole ressure to the lt2P or at least to the

ltPP Ho-eer -ith high ermeabilit reseroirs or gas -ells in -hich fracturestimulation is unli6el comletion engineers are often satisfied -ith a certain

minimum differential for in8ection The alue selected aries from area to area andfrom coman to coman but is commonl either around 000 si ( Pa) or 33

of the reseroir ressure The author suggests

1 8BP amphere k1 1 d kg 5 d

ltPP for suee+ing liuids -here 6 00 md

3 I2HP F 000 si ( Pa) for suee+ing gas -here6g 0 mdD or for suee+ing liuids -here 6 000 md

8ro the rock echanics theory presented by eertsa 163 and others it ay be deducedthat in a tectonically relaxed area a proisional estiate of the fracture propagation gradient8P3 can be obtained fro the eFuation

13

ltPM N lt2M N sift ( 6Pam) 1

amphere s oerburden stress J1 psi7ft depth3

E ore ressure si

G E deth ft

ltPM E formation roagation gradient sift

lt2M E formation brea6do-n gradient sift

$he specification of the pressure test conditions is often critical to burst design oernentregulations soeties specify pressure test conditions eg to at least 0 of the reseroirpressure or to 1 psi 5 Pa3 oer the axiu differential pressure expected at the packer3If no regulations exist ost operators test to their tubing design conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1584

$ollapse

eere collase loads on the tubing can occur

bull in gas ampells and high oil ampells ampith loamp-floamping botto-hole pressures and deep-set safety ales after bloampdoampn to test a plug etc

bull during annulus ressure tests or oeration of shear circulation deices

bull -here there are ressured annuli

bull during underbalance erforating or testing at high dra-do-n

bull during tubing blo-outs

It is iportant to reeber that tension reduces collapse strength $his biaxial effect should beexained for large diaeter tubings especially if reduced collapse design assuptions and7or adeep-set safety ale is used

Tension

Tubing strings are not onl sub8ected to running tensions -ith all the associatedshoc6 and acceleration loadings but also to aring oerating stresses due to iston

forces on the steel andor an lugs ums standing ales and the li6e in thetubing oreoer if the tubing is anchored or held b a ac6er its oerating tension

-ill ar as a result of

bull theral effects hot production or cold kill fluid3

bull iston effects (changes in buoanc and forces at 8oint usets)

bull ballooning effects (changes in internal or e1ternal ressure)

bull buc6ling effects (longitudinal instabilit)

$hese potential probles are listed in ters of their ost coon relatie agnitude althoughthe relatie iportance of piston and ballooning effects is ariable3

$ombined oading

=hile the designer of tubular goods normall tal6s in terms of burst collase and

tension comression as if the -ere indeendent it is obious that in most actualloading situations the occur simultaneousl Precise stress analsis should reallconsider a tria1ial loading situation

The simultaneous solution of all the associated euations is rather comlicated Anumber of comuter rograms are aailable but for most field engineers the -ill be

a blac6 bo1 solution This can be dangerous It is imortant to chec6 that theformulas are roerl handled articularl -ith resect to collase -hich is a

stabilit effect Therefore it is usual for critical stress analses (eg for ultra dee

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1684

high ressure or sour -ells) to be underta6en b a secialist consultant researchgrou or intracoman tas6 force oreoer since this is not the routine design

techniue design factors are less -ell roen (although a alue of is oftenused)

A more conenient aroach for the intermediate range moderatel comle1 design

roblem is to use the ellise of bia1ial ield stress roosed b Holmuist and ampadai(3) The critical relationshis are (a) tension reduces collase resistanceD (b)comression reduces burst resistance

The other imortant concet in the consideration of tria1ial loads is that ressurechanges affect a1ial stresses or cause tubing moement This has been e1tensiel

discussed in Pgt aers b $ubins6i () Hammerlindl () and tillebroer()

ending

2ending stresses can be significant in large tubulars The are comressie in the

inner -all and tensional in the outer -all the most detrimental being

1ampamphere

the radius of curature ft3

sb E bending stress

gt E Ooung5s modulus (for steel gt E 30 0 si)

do E outside diameter of the tubular

Bending stresses result fro both hole curature and buckling $he effects of doglegs need onlybe considered if they are ery seere 1L71 ft= 1L7( 3 or if ery large tubing 5 172 to 6 in=1gt to 16 3 is being used

Production Casing

The roduction casing must be adeuatel si+ed for the lanned comletion It -illobiousl affect the si+e of the other reuired casing strings the bit selection the

caacit of the rig and the oerall -ell costs The roduction casing must bedesigned for the loads that ma be imosed during the roducing life of the field It

is similar to tubing design in seeral -as

urst

Production casing must be designed to -ithstand the ma1imum closedin tubing

ressure that can be e1ected If a ac6er has been used this ressure is assumed

to be alied at the to of a full column of ac6er fluid (ie for the case of a tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1784

failure at the surface) =e usuall assume that the e1ternal ressure resisting burstis a -ater gradient If the ac6er fluid is heaier than -ater the burst load -ill

increase -ith deth

In the eent that a snubbing oeration could not be conenientl attemted if atubing brea6 occurs at the surface the casing must be strong enough to -ithstand a

bullhead suee+e on the lie tubing string in -hich case this -ould be the designcriteria for the casing and -ellhead

In man cases it ma be necessar to design the casing for loads imosed during

stimulation and ressure testing onersel the casing caacit must be chec6ed-hen designing a fracturing treatment This is articularl imortant in -ells -here

no ac6er is used

$ollapse

Production casing ma be sub8ect to comlete eacuation during roductionoerations if the -ell is oerated on gas lift or umedoff or if the ac6er or

-or6oer fluid is lost into a deleted +one As the ie ma hae deteriorated beforethis occurs a higher design factor (F) is often used for roduction casing

eere collase loads ma occur in situations in -hich thermal e1ansion of theannular fluid bet-een the roduction and intermediate strings cannot be bled off

(eg in some subsea -ells)

Increased loading should be assumed if lie annuli are a feature of the area 7educed

loadings ma be assumed if the -ells -ill not be umed off gas lifted or seereldeleted

eere collase loads ma e1ist in the a section during high dra-do-n

underbalanced erforating and testing and suee+e either or both cementation andfracturing ( ltigure $ollapse loads in the pay ) It is highl adisable to maintainsome set casingtubing annulus ressure during such serice oerations

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1884

Figure 1

Tensionamp$ompression

In high rate roduction areas and thermal -ells e1ansion of the roduction tubingma imose additional tension on the casing strings ia the ac6er

$ouplings

In high ressure (000 siD 34 Pa) high temerature (300B ltD 4 ) andor

seerel sour conditions remium casing coulings are recommended

aterial Selection

In sour enironments material secification must consider the chances of Hcontamination of the casingtubing annulus and the added ossibilit of temerature

changes during stimulation affecting the stress corrosion tolerance of the ie

Couplings

There are man forms of couling aailable some of -hich hae been dedicated tothe ublic through the ausices of the API -hile others are roduced b or under

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1984

license from a secific manufacturer It -as in fact the need to obtain astandardi+ation of thread forms and diameters that led to the formation of the API

ommittee on tandardi+ation of Tubular Moods in 4

The API coulings ( ltigure

Figure 1

ltigure and ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2084

Figure 2

$utaways of basic types of couplings) are of three basic tes e1ternal uset (gtKgt)

nonuset (ampK) and integral 8oint

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2184

Figure 3

Threads are of t-o main forms The round API threads are -ea6er than the ie

bod (ie N00 efficient) The buttress threads -ere deeloed b the ampationalTube Giision of the Knited tates teel ororation to roide a high strength

couling for dee high ressure -ell serice This thread is used in a number ofrorietar coulings eg Hdril A Atlas2radford

All taered threads achiee a seal b driing the in and bo1 surfaces together undersufficient stress to generate a bearing ressure e1ceeding an differential that is to

be subseuentl alied Ho-eer a small siral oid is al-as left bet-een themating surfaces and must be filled -ith solids in the form of thread comound (This

is the reason for careful secification of the comound in 2ul A) Ln API roundthreads this oid occurs bet-een the crest and root of the mating threads -hile on

buttress threads it e1tends oer the -hole flan6 of the thread on the beeled side

To imroe lea6 resistance eseciall at eleated temeratures and under high

ressure differential the socalled remium seals -ere deeloed These consist of either metaltometal seals on taered ortions of the in and bo1 surfaces or an

elastomer seal ring or both This te of seal reuires a high ualit finish andrecise gauging and insection The couling is therefore more costl ince API and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2284

buttress threads hae roen to be er reliable in the field the decision to use themore e1ensie remium seals reuires careful economic 8ustification In general

their alication has roen aluable in highl corrosie conditions in high ressuregas -ells or high ressurehigh ML7 oil -ells and in thermal -ells sub8ect to high

comressie loads The ma be used -here -or6oer costs are high (egoffshore) In general API tubulars are adeuate for differential ressures of less than

000 si (344 Pa) and temeratures of less than 300B lt (0B ) using hightemerature thread comound ltor corrosie conditions and continuous gas sericethe ressure limit is often reduced to 00 si ( Pa)

gt1ercises

)ilfield nits

The in 4 lbft J ampK tubing string in a 000ft oil -ell -as designed

based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional load -ould beimosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 00 si after the

-ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The -ell

roduces 30B API oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

SI nits

The 3mm ( in) 6gmm (4 lbft) J ampK tubing string in an 30moil -ell -as designed based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional

load is imosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 3 Paafter the -ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The

-ell roduces 6gm3 oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

olutions

)ilfield nits

=eight in air E 000 ft 1 4 E 3400 lb

2uoanc in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2384

Buoyant ampeight amphen run (gt x 65 ((9 lb

=ater gradient (M E ) E 0433 sift

Lil gradient (M E 0) E 0 1 0433 E 03 sift

IG of tubing E 44 in Ai E 40 in

=eight of oil in tubing E 000 1 03 1 40 E 04 lb

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell has been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 19gt2 (gt 5 gt93 19gt2 (gt 2(gt 51(2 lb

The API 8oint strength rating of in 4 lbft J nonuset tubing E 00lb

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor) E (00) ()E 4400 lb

Therefore the roosed loading e1ceeds the design secifications and a lea6 mightoccur during the test In fact the loading e1ceeds design secs een -ithout adding

the 00 si of -ellhead ressure (actual load 404 lb comared -ith an allo-ableof 4400 lb) Ho-eer using a 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions

ressure tests of u to 4 si -ould be ermissible

6293 1((3 19gt2 (gt pt gt93

Pt E 4 si

+ nits Ceight in air 1( x 5 16(5 kg 165 kM

2uoanc factor in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater E gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12Buoyant ampeight amphen run 165 x 65 1gt2 kM

=ater gradient (M E 0) E 4 6PamLil gradient (M E 0) 0 1 4 E 6Pam

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2484

IG of tubing E mm thus Ai E 30 1 l04 m

=eight of oil in tubing E (30 m) ( 6Pam) (30 1 03 m)E 44 6amp

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell had been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 gt6gt 165 (5 (1 x 1 -(3 gt6gt 165 156 22gt6 kM

8ro 8igure 1 the PI Aoint strength rating of 6(- 5 kg7 )-55 nonupset tubing is

629 lbs (222 kM3

Figure 1

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor)

(222715 2152 kM

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2584

$herefore the proposed loading exceeds the design specifications and a leak ight occur duringthe test In fact the loading exceeds design specifications een at ero ampellhead pressure actualload of gt6gt 165 216 kM copared ampith an alloampable load of 2152 kM3

Ho-eer using the 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions ressure tests

of u to 6Pa -ould be ermissible

216 pt (1 x l-gt3

t E 4 6Pa

2 )ilfield nits 12-ft hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubing

head pressure can be expectedN If the casing ampellhead and tubing are to be designed for asFueee kill at fracture propagation pressure 8PP3 amphat ampellhead pressure ampould be expected atthe start of the kill operationN Gse EFuation 1( for estiating the 8P3

13

+ units (99- hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubinghead pressure is expectedN

If the casing -ellhead and tubing are to be designed for a suee+e 6ill at fractureroagation ressure (ltPP) -hat -ellhead ressure -ould be e1ected at the start

of the 6ill oerationQ (Kse gtuation 3 for estimating the ltPM)

olutions

)ilfield nits

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure on

hydrocarbon-filled tubing

1125

External Packer fluid and eroannulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressure 1125

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2684

shut-in tubing pressure

Internal $ubing epty anddepressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight in Body 1(((

copletion fluid )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125

)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g of 0 E 04

At 000 ft assuming a hdrostatic gradient of 0433 sift the bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP 12 x gt(( 519 psiampith gas surface pressure 519 x 6gt6 I$P (1 psi

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be sift and using gtuation 3 to estimate

the fracture roagation ressure

E 0 sift

ltPP E 0 000 ft E 04 si

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the forationpropagation pressure inus the pressure due to the gas gradient

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2784

$IP 12 6163 - 519 - (13 62 psigore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP 12 6163 6gt6 9gt26 psi$herefore a 5 psi ampellhead should not be used een though the axiu closed-in tubinghead pressure is only about gt psi

SI nits

7eferring to Table 1

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g E 0 E 04

At 30 m assuming a normal hdrostatic ressure of 6Pa m bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP (99 65 (55 kPa

ampith gas surface pressure (55 6gt6 I$P 296 kPa

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be 6Pam and using gtuation 3 toestimate the fracture roagation ressure

E 6Pam

ltPP E 30 E 3 6Pa

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the foration propagation pressure inus the pressure due tothe gas gradient

THIP E (30 ) (30 0) E 0 6Pa

ore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP (99 19213 6gt6 gtgt(1 kPa

9gt Pa ampellhead should therefore be used

3hellip)ilfield nits

A 000ft -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 000 T2d using intubing encounters 0 ft of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of 3000 si =hat

rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight of tubing is to be

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2884

used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming that

Grade -eight lbft

Collapse

+trength psi

urst

+trength psi

Tensional

+trength 1 lb

Cost Coparison

)-55 155 gtgt gt1 ( cheapest

16 gt1 5(2 (2

-65 16 96 625 gt2( ost expensie

M- 16 92 66gt gtgt9 oderately expensie

2 ( 52gt

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 043 sift)

reseroir ressure 3000 si

6ill ressure 000 si aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 5 5 psi7ft3

If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure onhydrocarbon- filledtubing

1125

External Packer fluid and ero

annulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressureshut-in tubing pressure

1125

Internal $ubing epty and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2984

depressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight incopletion fluid

Body 1((( )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

Assume lie oil gradient is 03 sift

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at theac6er and the running tension

SI nits

A 30m -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 400 m3da of oil -ith l40mm ( inch) tubing encounters 0 m of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of

000 6Pa =hat rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight oftubing is to be used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming

that

Grade -eight

$gmm

Collapse

+trength

$Pa

urst

+trength

$Pa

Tensional

+trength

$amp

Cost Coparison

)-55 2(1 2655 ((19gt 1((gt cheapest

25( ((5( (99 1gt9(

-65 25( gt151 gt6 12 ost expensie

M- 25( gt(2 5((95 1gt oderately expensie

2 9 91gt 2((1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3084

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 40 6Pam)

reseroir ressure 000 6Pa

6ill ressure 000 6Pa aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 53 22(3 5 kPa7If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Assume lie oil gradient is 6Pam

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at the

ac6er and the running tensions

olution

)ilfield nits

I$P IBP - o 4

o ( psi7ft

under operating conditions I$P ( - ( 63 psi

under axiu conditions assuing gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 3000 E si

under 6ill conditions

8P 5 5

5 5 x 61 psi7ft

ltPP E 000 0

E 000 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3184

O BIP oil kill3

5 psieFuialent $P oil kill3

5 - ( x 6 2 psi

In the case of a gas kill

Iamp 2HIP(gas 6ill)

( 1 psi gt psi

eFuialent $P gas kill3

5gt x BP 5gt x gt (gt19 psi

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a ( psi ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a 5 psi ampellhead

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialent

to the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating

burst rating E ma1 THP design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 34 E 343 si

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading Calculation

alculate first assuming a high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid f 3 43 gt(53 63 (gt5 psi

ma1 HP E ma1 ITHP (assumes lea6)E si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 304E 0 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3284

ma1 collase load E 0 0 si (assumes emt tubing)E 0 si

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 0 1 si

E 30 si

$herefore strictly speaking ampe should use 2-lb7ft M- tubing although it is ore likely a l6-lb7ft ampould be selected since the probability is ery loamp that such seere collapse-loadingassuptions ampould proe true

alculate ne1t assuming a lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 00 si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 00 F 304 siE 34 si

ma1 collase load E 34 si

reuired collase rating E 34 E 443 si

Ce could select 16 lb7ft )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculations

ampeight in air C 4 16 lb7ft3 6 ft3 11 lb

buoyancy factor

625

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 000 lb

E 04000 lb

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (04000) () lb

16 lb$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3384

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubingcomletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

in 0lbft amp0 tubing meets all criteria for this te of roduction 7is6 of

gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing bet-een amp0 and J grades

SI nits

I$P IBP - ρo x 4

ρo 969 kPa7

under operating conditions I$P 26 - 969 x 21(3

92gt9 kPaunder axiu conditions gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 000 E 6Pa

under 6ill conditions

8P 53 22(3 5

53 22(3 5

19 kPa7

ltPP E (30) (00)

E 3400 6Pa

O BIP oil kill3 (gt kPa eFuialent $P oil kill3 (gt - 969 x 21(3

1929 kPa

In the case of a gas 6ill

Iamp 2HIP

(gas 6ill) E 000 F 000 6Pa

266 kPaeFuialent $P gas kill3 5gt x BP

5gt x 266 2(959 kPa

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a 26 Pa ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a (gt5 Pa ampellhead

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3484

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialentto the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating Calculation

burst rating E ma1 THP 1 design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 3 1

E 3 6Pa

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading

alculate first assuming high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid ρf 3 43

gt3 21(3 25 kPa

ax P ax I$P assues leak3 1696 kPa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 0

E 33 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 33 0 6Pa (assumes emt tubing)

E 33 6Pa

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 33 1 E 434 6Pa

Therefore strictl sea6ing -e should use a 6gm amp0 tubing but moreli6el 36gm tubing -ould be selected since the robabilit of such seere

collase loading is er lo-

alculate ne1t assuming lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 4 6Pa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 4 F 0

E 0 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 0 6Pa

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3584

reuired collase rating E 0 1 E 300 6Pa

Ce could select 25(-kg7 )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculation

ampeight in air 25( 21( 5( kg 525 kM

buoanc factor E

EE0

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 6ampE 4 6amp

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (4) ()

E 30 6amp

$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubing

comletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

40mm ( inch) 36gm 0 tubing meets all criteria for this te ofroduction 7is6 of gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing

bet-een 0 and J grades

Pac6ers

Pac$er unctions

A ac6er is a subsurface tool that roides a seal bet-een the tubing and

casingthereb reenting the ertical moement of fluids across this sealing oint

Pac6ers are used for the follo-ing reasons

9 to imroe safet b roiding a barrier to flo- through the annulus

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3684

9 to 6ee -ell fluids and ressures isolated from the casing

9 to imroe flo- conditions and reent heading

9 to searate +ones in the same -ellbore

9 to lace 6ill fluids or treating fluids in the casing annulus

9 to ac6 off erforations rather than use suee+e cementing

9 to 6ee gas lift or hdraulic o-er fluid in8ection ressure isolated from the

formation

9 to anchor the tubing

9 to install a casing um

9 to minimi+e heat losses b allo-ing the use of an emt annulus or thermal

insulator

9 to isolate a casing lea6 or lea6ing liner la

9 to facilitate temorar -ell serice oerations (eg stimulations suee+es)

Pac$er T+pes

There are man ac6er manufacturers some of -hom offer an e1tensie ariet ofac6ers -ith each differing to some degree from those of the other manufacturers

This rather be-ildering arra can ho-eer be groued into rincial classes or

tes and ma be further categori+ed b method of setting b direction of ressureacross the ac6er and b the number of bores through the ac6er

Pac6ers can be rimaril classified as either retrieable or ermanent or

ermanentretrieable or inflatable

)etrievable acers

This te of ac6er is run on the tubing ( ltigure )etrievable pacer )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3784

Figure 1

After setting it can be released and recoered from the -ell on the tubing ince it is

an integral art of the tubing string the tubing cannot be remoed from the -ell-ithout ulling the ac6er unless a detachable ac6er head is used

7etrieable ac6ers ma be designed to be set mechanicall or hdraulicallechanical setting methods include rotation of the tubing string recirocation of the

tubing string or the alication of tension or setdo-n -eight =ith mechanical

ac6ers the tubing is usuall set in comression

Hdraulic ac6ers are set b aling hdraulic ressure through the tubing stringbut once set the hold the set osition mechanicall The tubing is usuall in tension

7etrieable ac6ers are usuall used for comle1 multi+one and multistringcomletions Their main limitation -as in their limited abilit to accommodate tubing

stress changes -ithout unsettingD the aailabilit of effectie sli 8oints anddetachable heads has eased this situation An historical roblem -as failure of the

internal elastomer seals but this technolog also has imroed mar6edl in the lastdecade All metaltometal seal ac6ers are aailable but are e1ensie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3884

Lne disadantage of retrieable ac6ers is that if the fail to retriee the must beremoed b milling them out of the casing -ith an abrasie milling head and a

drillstring The are er difficult to mill Menerall this te of ac6er is used undernonseere conditions (differential ressures less than 000 si (344 Pa)

temeratures less than 300B lt (4B )

2ecause of the setting mechanism retrieable ac6ers tend to hae a restrictedbore comared -ith other ac6ers designed for the same casing si+e This factorma restrict flo- or limit -ireline oerations belo- the ac6er deth

ermanent acers

Permanent ac6ers are indeendent of the tubing and ma be run on tubing or on

-ireline ( ltigure and ltigure 3 )

Figure 2

The tubing can be released from the ac6er and can be ulled leaing the ac6er set

in the casing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3984

Figure 3

Tubing can subseuentl be run bac6 and resealed in the ac6er The ac6er ma

thus be considered an integral art of the casing It is sometimes called either aroduction ac6er or a retainerroduction ac6er

The ermanent ac6er cannot be recoered as such but it can be destructiel

remoed (eg b milling) ( ltigure 4 and ltigure )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4084

Figure 4

If the ac6er includes a tailie and must be recoered a millout e1tension is

needed on the ac6er for the ac6er ic6er or catch sleee on the mill to engageIn other cases it ma be adeuate to siml ush the ac6er to the bottom of the

casing after milling

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 784

pressure

estiated fro offset ampell

8racture propagationpressure

2 psi 9( Pa3

estiated fro offset ampell

Packer fluid inhibited oil ( psi7ft3

Production expect sour gas

gas graity reseroir3

gas graity 6 separator3

)55 or lt tubular to be used

tiulation fracture expected assue 2 barrels per inute3= axiualloampable annulus pressure is 2 psi 1(6 kPa3

T Estimate

Depth ofHole

Gas Gravity

ft $ $amp $ $(

1 (5 6 6 69 6(

2 91 5 59 5( gt9

( 15 ( (5 ( 2

gt 121 2 1gt 6 5

5 152gt 1 ( 5 6

9 1( ( 6( 5gt gt6

6 21(( 9gt 5gt gtgt 2(

2gt( gt6 (5 2( 1

26gt( 2 19 gt 66

1 (gt 12 6 69gt 65

11 ((5( 65 6 699 6(6

12 (99 66 69( 6gt6 616

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 884

1( (92 69( 6gt9 62 96

1gt gt296 6gt6 62 612 96

15 gt562 6(2 61( 95 95

19 gt69 616 96 96 9gt1

16 511 62 92 952 92gt

1 5gt9 96 959 9gt5 96

1 561 96( 952 9(1 5

2 96 95 9(6 915 56gt

Table 2 7atio bet-een surface ressure and bottomhole ressure in gas -ells for a

range of gas graities

t a gas graity I$P 626 IBP ( psi

At a gas grait E 0 ITHP E 0 I2HP E 44 si

8or a kill situation bottohole inAection pressure IBP 2 psi 55 psi 2 psi 65psi

If gas graity $IP 626 BIP 6263 653

E43 si

Assumed Fracture Conditions 1 8oration breakdoampn achieed ampith ampater

ltracture 8ob carried out -ith -aterbase fluid

8riction loss in 2 67 in tubing at 2 BP using ampater ampith friction reducer is (5 psi71 ft for115 ft 4oampell andbook3

8PP 2 psi

ltriction E F40 si (30 )

Head E si (04 00)

ltrac THPE 00 si

Prepare a depth pressure plot 8igure 2 3 in the folloamping anner 1 Plot the closed-in bottohole pressure IBP3

Plot the formation brea6do-n ressure (lt2P) and the fractureroagation ressure (ltPP)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 984

3 Plot the ac6er fluid gradient fracture fluid gradient and -atergradient

4 gtstimate -et and dr gas gradients and lot these u from the

closedin bottomhole ressure

gtstablish the closedin tubing head ressure for normal roductionconditions (ie oil or as in this case -et gas) and for -orst case

design assumtion (usuall dr gas)

gtstablish ma1imum THP for -hich comletion is to be designed

-hich normall -ill be 6ill or stimulation conditions (fluid gradientthrough lt2P ltPP or secified differential aboe ITHP) ltor gt1amle

the grahical design should no- loo6 li6e ltigure

gtstablish through insection the greatest differential ressure at

surface and do-nhole (usuall stimulation conditions) Getermine -hatstes can be ta6en to reduce loading (eg maintaining ma1imum

allo-able annulus ressure during stimulation) Plot ad8usted annulusressure line ( ltigure 3 )

Plot burst load line (2$$) as difference bet-een most critical tubingand annulus ressures The 2$$ is a function of the relatie densities in

the tubing and annulus 2$$ -ill generall but not al-as decrease-ith deth ( ltigure 3 )

Plot critical collase load conditions ($$) ampormall -e assume thata slo- lea6 has changed the HP to ITHP and that tubing is emt

and deressured This can occur in gas -ells if the tubing becomeslugged or a do-nhole safet ale is closed onditions can aroach

this situation in oil -ells after a fracture treatment if oeratorscommence 6ic6off before bleeding off annulus ressure (In some

cases this ma be a more critical load ( ltigure 4 ))

0 Plot ressure test conditions (PT) This is often the most critical

load to -hich a comletion is sub8ected onsider timing of the

ressure test and densit of fluids in the tubing and annulus at time oftest

$oo6 u tubing erformance data in API 2ulletin

Ad8ust API internal ield (burst) and collase resistancesecifications -ith design factor (see ltigure and API 2ulletin )

3 $ist resulting tubing caabilities ( ltigure 4 )

4 omare design loads -ith tubing caabilities and select tubing In

most cases the otimum tubing grade and -eight -ill ar -ith deth

To minimi+e costs andor tensional loads such ariations ma beincororated although there -ill then be a constraint on ressure

testing caabilities Ho-eer most oerators refer to use a common

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1084

-eight and grade throughout the comletion if ossible This reducesthe ris6 of installation and oerating errors =hen regulations ermit

the designer ma be able to comromise slightl on accommodatingloading conditions dee in the hole if the associated design

assumtion is e1tremel unrealistic (eg a comletel emt tubing ina high roductiit oil -ell) Ho-eer the designer must first chec6 on

ho- critical the actual bia1ial (or tria1ial) loading conditions are li6elto be and ma6e aroriate notes in the -ell file

Cith reference to Exaple 2 in 8igure gt the options include the folloamping 1 full string of 9gt lb7ft lt tubing

0 to 00 ft E 4 lbft J00 to TG E 4 lbft $0

3 full string of 4 lbft J -ith modified collase design criteria of000 si as ma1imum HP -ith an emt tubing

ince 2 psi is the axiu alloampable annulus pressure during stiulation option ( ay bean acceptable design ince the differential cost of )55 and lt is around D( per ft the potentialsaing of D(gt5 betampeen options 1 and ( ay Austify further detailed engineering ampork n theother hand if the ampellstrea is expected to be extreely corrosie the higher grade tubing aybe selected in any case to proide a corrosion alloampance

The 6e things to note from ltigure (Effect of buoyancy on axial load ) are

bull the ost seere burst loadings occur at surface

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1184

Figure amp

bull the most seere burst and collase loadings occur during ressure testing

-ell 6ill and stimulation

bull the most seere collase loading occurs do-nhole

bull additional annulus ressure can be used to reduce burst loading roided

the casing is strong enough

bull the tubinghead ressure during 6ill oerations (THIP) often aro1imates or

e1ceeds the reseroir ressure (I2HP)

Cith relatiely sall tubing strings (5 in or 3 the inherent burst and collapse strength isso high that soe engineers do not bother ampith tubing design in ampells ampith depths of less than ft 25 3 unless oerpressures are expected

Simplified Tensional Strength Design

Although burst and collase resistance ma not be significant considerations inuming -ells tensional strength is a critical design arameter for all -ells ouling

lea6age and failure -hich accounts for 0 of the roblems in -ell tubulars often

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1284

ma be the result of inadeuate tensional design rather than a burst or sealingroblem In this resect it is articularl imortant to remember that test ressures

imose substantial iston forces on the tubing (eg a 000 si (3 Pa) ressuretest on a lug set inside in (3mm) tubing -ill increase the tension on the

hanger b (000)( 4)(44l) E 30 lb (4 6amp)

It is also imortant to recogni+e that unli6e other strength arameters the API 8ointstrength is based on a failure condition rather than the onset of lastic deformation

The failure condition is either an un+iing of the in and bo1 in the case of APIthreads because of ielding (also called 8umout)D or brea6age of reduced cross

section at the threads in the case of suare threads

ltinall there are all sorts of additional tensional loads that -e do not normallanal+e in detail (eg shoc6 loading and drag forces during running bending

stresses buc6ling crosssectional iston forces changes in buoanc)

ince it is common ractice to ma6e a reliminar tensional design using tubing

-eight loading onl a higher design factor is used for tension and eseciall for 8oint

strength (Table 1 aboe) ome comanies and more conseratie engineers -illeen ignore the otential benefits of buoanc 2uoanc results in a iston force onthe lo-er end of the tubing and as a first aro1imation it ma normall be assumed

that

12amphere

CB buoyant ampeight

=amp E -eight in air

E densit of steel ( gmcc)

E densit of fluid

8igure 5 graphically depicts the tensional and copressional forces at ampork on a tapered string of tubular goods $he load resulting fro the ampeight of the pipe is shoampn for a string ampeighed in airand ampith the buoyant forces accounted for as piston forces or approxiated using EFuation 12Ce can see that at a point approxiately idampay in the length of the heaier pipe at the bottoof the string there is a change fro copression to tension $his is also the concept amphich guidesthe design of drillstrings ampith the purpose of keeping the drillpipe in tension amphile using theheaier drill collars to aintain a copressional load on the bit

Part of gt1amle gies the reliminar tension design considerations for thecomletion alread coered in art

Example 2 (part 2

reliminary Tension Design

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1384

$ubing ampeight 9gt lb7ft

Tubing length 00 ft

Pac6er fluid inhibited oil

03 sift E 0 gmcc

=amp E 4 00E 300 lb

E 0 300

E 04 lb

Joint Specifications

)55 lt

EGE H4 EGE H4 5

PI Aoint strengthKlb3

6 1 1(5 12

4esign factorTable 13

1 1 1 1

4esign capacityKlb3

55gt 559 655 611

Tubing Tension Design Considerations 1 eFuires lt tubing at surface

7euires 8oint strength caabilit of gtKgt or euialent

3 In ie- of ressures deth and H -ould robabl select remium

grade couling

any copanies hae these design techniFues prograed for the coputer and use the saegeneral techniFue for both tubing and casing designs

Tubing Design Parameters

It is imortant to remember that -hile the rimar function of the tubing is as aconduit for hdrocarbon roduction or for in8ection of -ater or gas the most seere

loadings often occur during -ell serice or 6illing oerations or during ressuretests It is therefore rudent to ma6e roision for these oerations -hen designing

a comletion and to chec6 out the tubing limitations -hen lanning a -ell sericingoeration (eg a stimulation or a -or6oer) are must be ta6en not to increase

comletion costs e1cessiel b tring to ma6e roisions for all sorts of unli6el butossible occurrences It must also be remembered that there are stes that can be

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1484

ta6en to mitigate the induced stresses during man oerations (eg alingannular ressure or heating fracturing fluids) Ln the other hand the conseuential

costs of a failed tubing string or of haing to run a secial -or6ing string in termsof deferred roduction and rig time can be uite substantial Assessment of the

most cost effectie solution is generall a 8udgment call based on the engineer5se1erience and on cororate attitudes and olic A tical set of arameters has

alread been illustrated in gt1amle

urst

The tubing and -ellhead should be designed for suee+e and 6ill conditions incefines in the erforations or oil can sometimes cause a chec6 ale effect -hen

attemting to suee+e bac6 liuids man comletion designers li6e to hae thefle1ibilit of being able to raise the bottomhole ressure to the lt2P or at least to the

ltPP Ho-eer -ith high ermeabilit reseroirs or gas -ells in -hich fracturestimulation is unli6el comletion engineers are often satisfied -ith a certain

minimum differential for in8ection The alue selected aries from area to area andfrom coman to coman but is commonl either around 000 si ( Pa) or 33

of the reseroir ressure The author suggests

1 8BP amphere k1 1 d kg 5 d

ltPP for suee+ing liuids -here 6 00 md

3 I2HP F 000 si ( Pa) for suee+ing gas -here6g 0 mdD or for suee+ing liuids -here 6 000 md

8ro the rock echanics theory presented by eertsa 163 and others it ay be deducedthat in a tectonically relaxed area a proisional estiate of the fracture propagation gradient8P3 can be obtained fro the eFuation

13

ltPM N lt2M N sift ( 6Pam) 1

amphere s oerburden stress J1 psi7ft depth3

E ore ressure si

G E deth ft

ltPM E formation roagation gradient sift

lt2M E formation brea6do-n gradient sift

$he specification of the pressure test conditions is often critical to burst design oernentregulations soeties specify pressure test conditions eg to at least 0 of the reseroirpressure or to 1 psi 5 Pa3 oer the axiu differential pressure expected at the packer3If no regulations exist ost operators test to their tubing design conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1584

$ollapse

eere collase loads on the tubing can occur

bull in gas ampells and high oil ampells ampith loamp-floamping botto-hole pressures and deep-set safety ales after bloampdoampn to test a plug etc

bull during annulus ressure tests or oeration of shear circulation deices

bull -here there are ressured annuli

bull during underbalance erforating or testing at high dra-do-n

bull during tubing blo-outs

It is iportant to reeber that tension reduces collapse strength $his biaxial effect should beexained for large diaeter tubings especially if reduced collapse design assuptions and7or adeep-set safety ale is used

Tension

Tubing strings are not onl sub8ected to running tensions -ith all the associatedshoc6 and acceleration loadings but also to aring oerating stresses due to iston

forces on the steel andor an lugs ums standing ales and the li6e in thetubing oreoer if the tubing is anchored or held b a ac6er its oerating tension

-ill ar as a result of

bull theral effects hot production or cold kill fluid3

bull iston effects (changes in buoanc and forces at 8oint usets)

bull ballooning effects (changes in internal or e1ternal ressure)

bull buc6ling effects (longitudinal instabilit)

$hese potential probles are listed in ters of their ost coon relatie agnitude althoughthe relatie iportance of piston and ballooning effects is ariable3

$ombined oading

=hile the designer of tubular goods normall tal6s in terms of burst collase and

tension comression as if the -ere indeendent it is obious that in most actualloading situations the occur simultaneousl Precise stress analsis should reallconsider a tria1ial loading situation

The simultaneous solution of all the associated euations is rather comlicated Anumber of comuter rograms are aailable but for most field engineers the -ill be

a blac6 bo1 solution This can be dangerous It is imortant to chec6 that theformulas are roerl handled articularl -ith resect to collase -hich is a

stabilit effect Therefore it is usual for critical stress analses (eg for ultra dee

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1684

high ressure or sour -ells) to be underta6en b a secialist consultant researchgrou or intracoman tas6 force oreoer since this is not the routine design

techniue design factors are less -ell roen (although a alue of is oftenused)

A more conenient aroach for the intermediate range moderatel comle1 design

roblem is to use the ellise of bia1ial ield stress roosed b Holmuist and ampadai(3) The critical relationshis are (a) tension reduces collase resistanceD (b)comression reduces burst resistance

The other imortant concet in the consideration of tria1ial loads is that ressurechanges affect a1ial stresses or cause tubing moement This has been e1tensiel

discussed in Pgt aers b $ubins6i () Hammerlindl () and tillebroer()

ending

2ending stresses can be significant in large tubulars The are comressie in the

inner -all and tensional in the outer -all the most detrimental being

1ampamphere

the radius of curature ft3

sb E bending stress

gt E Ooung5s modulus (for steel gt E 30 0 si)

do E outside diameter of the tubular

Bending stresses result fro both hole curature and buckling $he effects of doglegs need onlybe considered if they are ery seere 1L71 ft= 1L7( 3 or if ery large tubing 5 172 to 6 in=1gt to 16 3 is being used

Production Casing

The roduction casing must be adeuatel si+ed for the lanned comletion It -illobiousl affect the si+e of the other reuired casing strings the bit selection the

caacit of the rig and the oerall -ell costs The roduction casing must bedesigned for the loads that ma be imosed during the roducing life of the field It

is similar to tubing design in seeral -as

urst

Production casing must be designed to -ithstand the ma1imum closedin tubing

ressure that can be e1ected If a ac6er has been used this ressure is assumed

to be alied at the to of a full column of ac6er fluid (ie for the case of a tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1784

failure at the surface) =e usuall assume that the e1ternal ressure resisting burstis a -ater gradient If the ac6er fluid is heaier than -ater the burst load -ill

increase -ith deth

In the eent that a snubbing oeration could not be conenientl attemted if atubing brea6 occurs at the surface the casing must be strong enough to -ithstand a

bullhead suee+e on the lie tubing string in -hich case this -ould be the designcriteria for the casing and -ellhead

In man cases it ma be necessar to design the casing for loads imosed during

stimulation and ressure testing onersel the casing caacit must be chec6ed-hen designing a fracturing treatment This is articularl imortant in -ells -here

no ac6er is used

$ollapse

Production casing ma be sub8ect to comlete eacuation during roductionoerations if the -ell is oerated on gas lift or umedoff or if the ac6er or

-or6oer fluid is lost into a deleted +one As the ie ma hae deteriorated beforethis occurs a higher design factor (F) is often used for roduction casing

eere collase loads ma occur in situations in -hich thermal e1ansion of theannular fluid bet-een the roduction and intermediate strings cannot be bled off

(eg in some subsea -ells)

Increased loading should be assumed if lie annuli are a feature of the area 7educed

loadings ma be assumed if the -ells -ill not be umed off gas lifted or seereldeleted

eere collase loads ma e1ist in the a section during high dra-do-n

underbalanced erforating and testing and suee+e either or both cementation andfracturing ( ltigure $ollapse loads in the pay ) It is highl adisable to maintainsome set casingtubing annulus ressure during such serice oerations

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1884

Figure 1

Tensionamp$ompression

In high rate roduction areas and thermal -ells e1ansion of the roduction tubingma imose additional tension on the casing strings ia the ac6er

$ouplings

In high ressure (000 siD 34 Pa) high temerature (300B ltD 4 ) andor

seerel sour conditions remium casing coulings are recommended

aterial Selection

In sour enironments material secification must consider the chances of Hcontamination of the casingtubing annulus and the added ossibilit of temerature

changes during stimulation affecting the stress corrosion tolerance of the ie

Couplings

There are man forms of couling aailable some of -hich hae been dedicated tothe ublic through the ausices of the API -hile others are roduced b or under

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1984

license from a secific manufacturer It -as in fact the need to obtain astandardi+ation of thread forms and diameters that led to the formation of the API

ommittee on tandardi+ation of Tubular Moods in 4

The API coulings ( ltigure

Figure 1

ltigure and ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2084

Figure 2

$utaways of basic types of couplings) are of three basic tes e1ternal uset (gtKgt)

nonuset (ampK) and integral 8oint

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2184

Figure 3

Threads are of t-o main forms The round API threads are -ea6er than the ie

bod (ie N00 efficient) The buttress threads -ere deeloed b the ampationalTube Giision of the Knited tates teel ororation to roide a high strength

couling for dee high ressure -ell serice This thread is used in a number ofrorietar coulings eg Hdril A Atlas2radford

All taered threads achiee a seal b driing the in and bo1 surfaces together undersufficient stress to generate a bearing ressure e1ceeding an differential that is to

be subseuentl alied Ho-eer a small siral oid is al-as left bet-een themating surfaces and must be filled -ith solids in the form of thread comound (This

is the reason for careful secification of the comound in 2ul A) Ln API roundthreads this oid occurs bet-een the crest and root of the mating threads -hile on

buttress threads it e1tends oer the -hole flan6 of the thread on the beeled side

To imroe lea6 resistance eseciall at eleated temeratures and under high

ressure differential the socalled remium seals -ere deeloed These consist of either metaltometal seals on taered ortions of the in and bo1 surfaces or an

elastomer seal ring or both This te of seal reuires a high ualit finish andrecise gauging and insection The couling is therefore more costl ince API and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2284

buttress threads hae roen to be er reliable in the field the decision to use themore e1ensie remium seals reuires careful economic 8ustification In general

their alication has roen aluable in highl corrosie conditions in high ressuregas -ells or high ressurehigh ML7 oil -ells and in thermal -ells sub8ect to high

comressie loads The ma be used -here -or6oer costs are high (egoffshore) In general API tubulars are adeuate for differential ressures of less than

000 si (344 Pa) and temeratures of less than 300B lt (0B ) using hightemerature thread comound ltor corrosie conditions and continuous gas sericethe ressure limit is often reduced to 00 si ( Pa)

gt1ercises

)ilfield nits

The in 4 lbft J ampK tubing string in a 000ft oil -ell -as designed

based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional load -ould beimosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 00 si after the

-ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The -ell

roduces 30B API oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

SI nits

The 3mm ( in) 6gmm (4 lbft) J ampK tubing string in an 30moil -ell -as designed based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional

load is imosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 3 Paafter the -ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The

-ell roduces 6gm3 oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

olutions

)ilfield nits

=eight in air E 000 ft 1 4 E 3400 lb

2uoanc in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2384

Buoyant ampeight amphen run (gt x 65 ((9 lb

=ater gradient (M E ) E 0433 sift

Lil gradient (M E 0) E 0 1 0433 E 03 sift

IG of tubing E 44 in Ai E 40 in

=eight of oil in tubing E 000 1 03 1 40 E 04 lb

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell has been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 19gt2 (gt 5 gt93 19gt2 (gt 2(gt 51(2 lb

The API 8oint strength rating of in 4 lbft J nonuset tubing E 00lb

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor) E (00) ()E 4400 lb

Therefore the roosed loading e1ceeds the design secifications and a lea6 mightoccur during the test In fact the loading e1ceeds design secs een -ithout adding

the 00 si of -ellhead ressure (actual load 404 lb comared -ith an allo-ableof 4400 lb) Ho-eer using a 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions

ressure tests of u to 4 si -ould be ermissible

6293 1((3 19gt2 (gt pt gt93

Pt E 4 si

+ nits Ceight in air 1( x 5 16(5 kg 165 kM

2uoanc factor in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater E gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12Buoyant ampeight amphen run 165 x 65 1gt2 kM

=ater gradient (M E 0) E 4 6PamLil gradient (M E 0) 0 1 4 E 6Pam

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2484

IG of tubing E mm thus Ai E 30 1 l04 m

=eight of oil in tubing E (30 m) ( 6Pam) (30 1 03 m)E 44 6amp

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell had been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 gt6gt 165 (5 (1 x 1 -(3 gt6gt 165 156 22gt6 kM

8ro 8igure 1 the PI Aoint strength rating of 6(- 5 kg7 )-55 nonupset tubing is

629 lbs (222 kM3

Figure 1

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor)

(222715 2152 kM

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2584

$herefore the proposed loading exceeds the design specifications and a leak ight occur duringthe test In fact the loading exceeds design specifications een at ero ampellhead pressure actualload of gt6gt 165 216 kM copared ampith an alloampable load of 2152 kM3

Ho-eer using the 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions ressure tests

of u to 6Pa -ould be ermissible

216 pt (1 x l-gt3

t E 4 6Pa

2 )ilfield nits 12-ft hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubing

head pressure can be expectedN If the casing ampellhead and tubing are to be designed for asFueee kill at fracture propagation pressure 8PP3 amphat ampellhead pressure ampould be expected atthe start of the kill operationN Gse EFuation 1( for estiating the 8P3

13

+ units (99- hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubinghead pressure is expectedN

If the casing -ellhead and tubing are to be designed for a suee+e 6ill at fractureroagation ressure (ltPP) -hat -ellhead ressure -ould be e1ected at the start

of the 6ill oerationQ (Kse gtuation 3 for estimating the ltPM)

olutions

)ilfield nits

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure on

hydrocarbon-filled tubing

1125

External Packer fluid and eroannulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressure 1125

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2684

shut-in tubing pressure

Internal $ubing epty anddepressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight in Body 1(((

copletion fluid )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125

)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g of 0 E 04

At 000 ft assuming a hdrostatic gradient of 0433 sift the bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP 12 x gt(( 519 psiampith gas surface pressure 519 x 6gt6 I$P (1 psi

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be sift and using gtuation 3 to estimate

the fracture roagation ressure

E 0 sift

ltPP E 0 000 ft E 04 si

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the forationpropagation pressure inus the pressure due to the gas gradient

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2784

$IP 12 6163 - 519 - (13 62 psigore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP 12 6163 6gt6 9gt26 psi$herefore a 5 psi ampellhead should not be used een though the axiu closed-in tubinghead pressure is only about gt psi

SI nits

7eferring to Table 1

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g E 0 E 04

At 30 m assuming a normal hdrostatic ressure of 6Pa m bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP (99 65 (55 kPa

ampith gas surface pressure (55 6gt6 I$P 296 kPa

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be 6Pam and using gtuation 3 toestimate the fracture roagation ressure

E 6Pam

ltPP E 30 E 3 6Pa

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the foration propagation pressure inus the pressure due tothe gas gradient

THIP E (30 ) (30 0) E 0 6Pa

ore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP (99 19213 6gt6 gtgt(1 kPa

9gt Pa ampellhead should therefore be used

3hellip)ilfield nits

A 000ft -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 000 T2d using intubing encounters 0 ft of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of 3000 si =hat

rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight of tubing is to be

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2884

used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming that

Grade -eight lbft

Collapse

+trength psi

urst

+trength psi

Tensional

+trength 1 lb

Cost Coparison

)-55 155 gtgt gt1 ( cheapest

16 gt1 5(2 (2

-65 16 96 625 gt2( ost expensie

M- 16 92 66gt gtgt9 oderately expensie

2 ( 52gt

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 043 sift)

reseroir ressure 3000 si

6ill ressure 000 si aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 5 5 psi7ft3

If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure onhydrocarbon- filledtubing

1125

External Packer fluid and ero

annulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressureshut-in tubing pressure

1125

Internal $ubing epty and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2984

depressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight incopletion fluid

Body 1((( )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

Assume lie oil gradient is 03 sift

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at theac6er and the running tension

SI nits

A 30m -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 400 m3da of oil -ith l40mm ( inch) tubing encounters 0 m of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of

000 6Pa =hat rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight oftubing is to be used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming

that

Grade -eight

$gmm

Collapse

+trength

$Pa

urst

+trength

$Pa

Tensional

+trength

$amp

Cost Coparison

)-55 2(1 2655 ((19gt 1((gt cheapest

25( ((5( (99 1gt9(

-65 25( gt151 gt6 12 ost expensie

M- 25( gt(2 5((95 1gt oderately expensie

2 9 91gt 2((1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3084

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 40 6Pam)

reseroir ressure 000 6Pa

6ill ressure 000 6Pa aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 53 22(3 5 kPa7If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Assume lie oil gradient is 6Pam

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at the

ac6er and the running tensions

olution

)ilfield nits

I$P IBP - o 4

o ( psi7ft

under operating conditions I$P ( - ( 63 psi

under axiu conditions assuing gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 3000 E si

under 6ill conditions

8P 5 5

5 5 x 61 psi7ft

ltPP E 000 0

E 000 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3184

O BIP oil kill3

5 psieFuialent $P oil kill3

5 - ( x 6 2 psi

In the case of a gas kill

Iamp 2HIP(gas 6ill)

( 1 psi gt psi

eFuialent $P gas kill3

5gt x BP 5gt x gt (gt19 psi

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a ( psi ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a 5 psi ampellhead

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialent

to the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating

burst rating E ma1 THP design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 34 E 343 si

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading Calculation

alculate first assuming a high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid f 3 43 gt(53 63 (gt5 psi

ma1 HP E ma1 ITHP (assumes lea6)E si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 304E 0 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3284

ma1 collase load E 0 0 si (assumes emt tubing)E 0 si

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 0 1 si

E 30 si

$herefore strictly speaking ampe should use 2-lb7ft M- tubing although it is ore likely a l6-lb7ft ampould be selected since the probability is ery loamp that such seere collapse-loadingassuptions ampould proe true

alculate ne1t assuming a lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 00 si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 00 F 304 siE 34 si

ma1 collase load E 34 si

reuired collase rating E 34 E 443 si

Ce could select 16 lb7ft )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculations

ampeight in air C 4 16 lb7ft3 6 ft3 11 lb

buoyancy factor

625

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 000 lb

E 04000 lb

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (04000) () lb

16 lb$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3384

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubingcomletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

in 0lbft amp0 tubing meets all criteria for this te of roduction 7is6 of

gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing bet-een amp0 and J grades

SI nits

I$P IBP - ρo x 4

ρo 969 kPa7

under operating conditions I$P 26 - 969 x 21(3

92gt9 kPaunder axiu conditions gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 000 E 6Pa

under 6ill conditions

8P 53 22(3 5

53 22(3 5

19 kPa7

ltPP E (30) (00)

E 3400 6Pa

O BIP oil kill3 (gt kPa eFuialent $P oil kill3 (gt - 969 x 21(3

1929 kPa

In the case of a gas 6ill

Iamp 2HIP

(gas 6ill) E 000 F 000 6Pa

266 kPaeFuialent $P gas kill3 5gt x BP

5gt x 266 2(959 kPa

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a 26 Pa ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a (gt5 Pa ampellhead

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3484

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialentto the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating Calculation

burst rating E ma1 THP 1 design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 3 1

E 3 6Pa

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading

alculate first assuming high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid ρf 3 43

gt3 21(3 25 kPa

ax P ax I$P assues leak3 1696 kPa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 0

E 33 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 33 0 6Pa (assumes emt tubing)

E 33 6Pa

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 33 1 E 434 6Pa

Therefore strictl sea6ing -e should use a 6gm amp0 tubing but moreli6el 36gm tubing -ould be selected since the robabilit of such seere

collase loading is er lo-

alculate ne1t assuming lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 4 6Pa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 4 F 0

E 0 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 0 6Pa

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3584

reuired collase rating E 0 1 E 300 6Pa

Ce could select 25(-kg7 )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculation

ampeight in air 25( 21( 5( kg 525 kM

buoanc factor E

EE0

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 6ampE 4 6amp

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (4) ()

E 30 6amp

$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubing

comletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

40mm ( inch) 36gm 0 tubing meets all criteria for this te ofroduction 7is6 of gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing

bet-een 0 and J grades

Pac6ers

Pac$er unctions

A ac6er is a subsurface tool that roides a seal bet-een the tubing and

casingthereb reenting the ertical moement of fluids across this sealing oint

Pac6ers are used for the follo-ing reasons

9 to imroe safet b roiding a barrier to flo- through the annulus

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3684

9 to 6ee -ell fluids and ressures isolated from the casing

9 to imroe flo- conditions and reent heading

9 to searate +ones in the same -ellbore

9 to lace 6ill fluids or treating fluids in the casing annulus

9 to ac6 off erforations rather than use suee+e cementing

9 to 6ee gas lift or hdraulic o-er fluid in8ection ressure isolated from the

formation

9 to anchor the tubing

9 to install a casing um

9 to minimi+e heat losses b allo-ing the use of an emt annulus or thermal

insulator

9 to isolate a casing lea6 or lea6ing liner la

9 to facilitate temorar -ell serice oerations (eg stimulations suee+es)

Pac$er T+pes

There are man ac6er manufacturers some of -hom offer an e1tensie ariet ofac6ers -ith each differing to some degree from those of the other manufacturers

This rather be-ildering arra can ho-eer be groued into rincial classes or

tes and ma be further categori+ed b method of setting b direction of ressureacross the ac6er and b the number of bores through the ac6er

Pac6ers can be rimaril classified as either retrieable or ermanent or

ermanentretrieable or inflatable

)etrievable acers

This te of ac6er is run on the tubing ( ltigure )etrievable pacer )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3784

Figure 1

After setting it can be released and recoered from the -ell on the tubing ince it is

an integral art of the tubing string the tubing cannot be remoed from the -ell-ithout ulling the ac6er unless a detachable ac6er head is used

7etrieable ac6ers ma be designed to be set mechanicall or hdraulicallechanical setting methods include rotation of the tubing string recirocation of the

tubing string or the alication of tension or setdo-n -eight =ith mechanical

ac6ers the tubing is usuall set in comression

Hdraulic ac6ers are set b aling hdraulic ressure through the tubing stringbut once set the hold the set osition mechanicall The tubing is usuall in tension

7etrieable ac6ers are usuall used for comle1 multi+one and multistringcomletions Their main limitation -as in their limited abilit to accommodate tubing

stress changes -ithout unsettingD the aailabilit of effectie sli 8oints anddetachable heads has eased this situation An historical roblem -as failure of the

internal elastomer seals but this technolog also has imroed mar6edl in the lastdecade All metaltometal seal ac6ers are aailable but are e1ensie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3884

Lne disadantage of retrieable ac6ers is that if the fail to retriee the must beremoed b milling them out of the casing -ith an abrasie milling head and a

drillstring The are er difficult to mill Menerall this te of ac6er is used undernonseere conditions (differential ressures less than 000 si (344 Pa)

temeratures less than 300B lt (4B )

2ecause of the setting mechanism retrieable ac6ers tend to hae a restrictedbore comared -ith other ac6ers designed for the same casing si+e This factorma restrict flo- or limit -ireline oerations belo- the ac6er deth

ermanent acers

Permanent ac6ers are indeendent of the tubing and ma be run on tubing or on

-ireline ( ltigure and ltigure 3 )

Figure 2

The tubing can be released from the ac6er and can be ulled leaing the ac6er set

in the casing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3984

Figure 3

Tubing can subseuentl be run bac6 and resealed in the ac6er The ac6er ma

thus be considered an integral art of the casing It is sometimes called either aroduction ac6er or a retainerroduction ac6er

The ermanent ac6er cannot be recoered as such but it can be destructiel

remoed (eg b milling) ( ltigure 4 and ltigure )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4084

Figure 4

If the ac6er includes a tailie and must be recoered a millout e1tension is

needed on the ac6er for the ac6er ic6er or catch sleee on the mill to engageIn other cases it ma be adeuate to siml ush the ac6er to the bottom of the

casing after milling

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 884

1( (92 69( 6gt9 62 96

1gt gt296 6gt6 62 612 96

15 gt562 6(2 61( 95 95

19 gt69 616 96 96 9gt1

16 511 62 92 952 92gt

1 5gt9 96 959 9gt5 96

1 561 96( 952 9(1 5

2 96 95 9(6 915 56gt

Table 2 7atio bet-een surface ressure and bottomhole ressure in gas -ells for a

range of gas graities

t a gas graity I$P 626 IBP ( psi

At a gas grait E 0 ITHP E 0 I2HP E 44 si

8or a kill situation bottohole inAection pressure IBP 2 psi 55 psi 2 psi 65psi

If gas graity $IP 626 BIP 6263 653

E43 si

Assumed Fracture Conditions 1 8oration breakdoampn achieed ampith ampater

ltracture 8ob carried out -ith -aterbase fluid

8riction loss in 2 67 in tubing at 2 BP using ampater ampith friction reducer is (5 psi71 ft for115 ft 4oampell andbook3

8PP 2 psi

ltriction E F40 si (30 )

Head E si (04 00)

ltrac THPE 00 si

Prepare a depth pressure plot 8igure 2 3 in the folloamping anner 1 Plot the closed-in bottohole pressure IBP3

Plot the formation brea6do-n ressure (lt2P) and the fractureroagation ressure (ltPP)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 984

3 Plot the ac6er fluid gradient fracture fluid gradient and -atergradient

4 gtstimate -et and dr gas gradients and lot these u from the

closedin bottomhole ressure

gtstablish the closedin tubing head ressure for normal roductionconditions (ie oil or as in this case -et gas) and for -orst case

design assumtion (usuall dr gas)

gtstablish ma1imum THP for -hich comletion is to be designed

-hich normall -ill be 6ill or stimulation conditions (fluid gradientthrough lt2P ltPP or secified differential aboe ITHP) ltor gt1amle

the grahical design should no- loo6 li6e ltigure

gtstablish through insection the greatest differential ressure at

surface and do-nhole (usuall stimulation conditions) Getermine -hatstes can be ta6en to reduce loading (eg maintaining ma1imum

allo-able annulus ressure during stimulation) Plot ad8usted annulusressure line ( ltigure 3 )

Plot burst load line (2$$) as difference bet-een most critical tubingand annulus ressures The 2$$ is a function of the relatie densities in

the tubing and annulus 2$$ -ill generall but not al-as decrease-ith deth ( ltigure 3 )

Plot critical collase load conditions ($$) ampormall -e assume thata slo- lea6 has changed the HP to ITHP and that tubing is emt

and deressured This can occur in gas -ells if the tubing becomeslugged or a do-nhole safet ale is closed onditions can aroach

this situation in oil -ells after a fracture treatment if oeratorscommence 6ic6off before bleeding off annulus ressure (In some

cases this ma be a more critical load ( ltigure 4 ))

0 Plot ressure test conditions (PT) This is often the most critical

load to -hich a comletion is sub8ected onsider timing of the

ressure test and densit of fluids in the tubing and annulus at time oftest

$oo6 u tubing erformance data in API 2ulletin

Ad8ust API internal ield (burst) and collase resistancesecifications -ith design factor (see ltigure and API 2ulletin )

3 $ist resulting tubing caabilities ( ltigure 4 )

4 omare design loads -ith tubing caabilities and select tubing In

most cases the otimum tubing grade and -eight -ill ar -ith deth

To minimi+e costs andor tensional loads such ariations ma beincororated although there -ill then be a constraint on ressure

testing caabilities Ho-eer most oerators refer to use a common

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1084

-eight and grade throughout the comletion if ossible This reducesthe ris6 of installation and oerating errors =hen regulations ermit

the designer ma be able to comromise slightl on accommodatingloading conditions dee in the hole if the associated design

assumtion is e1tremel unrealistic (eg a comletel emt tubing ina high roductiit oil -ell) Ho-eer the designer must first chec6 on

ho- critical the actual bia1ial (or tria1ial) loading conditions are li6elto be and ma6e aroriate notes in the -ell file

Cith reference to Exaple 2 in 8igure gt the options include the folloamping 1 full string of 9gt lb7ft lt tubing

0 to 00 ft E 4 lbft J00 to TG E 4 lbft $0

3 full string of 4 lbft J -ith modified collase design criteria of000 si as ma1imum HP -ith an emt tubing

ince 2 psi is the axiu alloampable annulus pressure during stiulation option ( ay bean acceptable design ince the differential cost of )55 and lt is around D( per ft the potentialsaing of D(gt5 betampeen options 1 and ( ay Austify further detailed engineering ampork n theother hand if the ampellstrea is expected to be extreely corrosie the higher grade tubing aybe selected in any case to proide a corrosion alloampance

The 6e things to note from ltigure (Effect of buoyancy on axial load ) are

bull the ost seere burst loadings occur at surface

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1184

Figure amp

bull the most seere burst and collase loadings occur during ressure testing

-ell 6ill and stimulation

bull the most seere collase loading occurs do-nhole

bull additional annulus ressure can be used to reduce burst loading roided

the casing is strong enough

bull the tubinghead ressure during 6ill oerations (THIP) often aro1imates or

e1ceeds the reseroir ressure (I2HP)

Cith relatiely sall tubing strings (5 in or 3 the inherent burst and collapse strength isso high that soe engineers do not bother ampith tubing design in ampells ampith depths of less than ft 25 3 unless oerpressures are expected

Simplified Tensional Strength Design

Although burst and collase resistance ma not be significant considerations inuming -ells tensional strength is a critical design arameter for all -ells ouling

lea6age and failure -hich accounts for 0 of the roblems in -ell tubulars often

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1284

ma be the result of inadeuate tensional design rather than a burst or sealingroblem In this resect it is articularl imortant to remember that test ressures

imose substantial iston forces on the tubing (eg a 000 si (3 Pa) ressuretest on a lug set inside in (3mm) tubing -ill increase the tension on the

hanger b (000)( 4)(44l) E 30 lb (4 6amp)

It is also imortant to recogni+e that unli6e other strength arameters the API 8ointstrength is based on a failure condition rather than the onset of lastic deformation

The failure condition is either an un+iing of the in and bo1 in the case of APIthreads because of ielding (also called 8umout)D or brea6age of reduced cross

section at the threads in the case of suare threads

ltinall there are all sorts of additional tensional loads that -e do not normallanal+e in detail (eg shoc6 loading and drag forces during running bending

stresses buc6ling crosssectional iston forces changes in buoanc)

ince it is common ractice to ma6e a reliminar tensional design using tubing

-eight loading onl a higher design factor is used for tension and eseciall for 8oint

strength (Table 1 aboe) ome comanies and more conseratie engineers -illeen ignore the otential benefits of buoanc 2uoanc results in a iston force onthe lo-er end of the tubing and as a first aro1imation it ma normall be assumed

that

12amphere

CB buoyant ampeight

=amp E -eight in air

E densit of steel ( gmcc)

E densit of fluid

8igure 5 graphically depicts the tensional and copressional forces at ampork on a tapered string of tubular goods $he load resulting fro the ampeight of the pipe is shoampn for a string ampeighed in airand ampith the buoyant forces accounted for as piston forces or approxiated using EFuation 12Ce can see that at a point approxiately idampay in the length of the heaier pipe at the bottoof the string there is a change fro copression to tension $his is also the concept amphich guidesthe design of drillstrings ampith the purpose of keeping the drillpipe in tension amphile using theheaier drill collars to aintain a copressional load on the bit

Part of gt1amle gies the reliminar tension design considerations for thecomletion alread coered in art

Example 2 (part 2

reliminary Tension Design

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1384

$ubing ampeight 9gt lb7ft

Tubing length 00 ft

Pac6er fluid inhibited oil

03 sift E 0 gmcc

=amp E 4 00E 300 lb

E 0 300

E 04 lb

Joint Specifications

)55 lt

EGE H4 EGE H4 5

PI Aoint strengthKlb3

6 1 1(5 12

4esign factorTable 13

1 1 1 1

4esign capacityKlb3

55gt 559 655 611

Tubing Tension Design Considerations 1 eFuires lt tubing at surface

7euires 8oint strength caabilit of gtKgt or euialent

3 In ie- of ressures deth and H -ould robabl select remium

grade couling

any copanies hae these design techniFues prograed for the coputer and use the saegeneral techniFue for both tubing and casing designs

Tubing Design Parameters

It is imortant to remember that -hile the rimar function of the tubing is as aconduit for hdrocarbon roduction or for in8ection of -ater or gas the most seere

loadings often occur during -ell serice or 6illing oerations or during ressuretests It is therefore rudent to ma6e roision for these oerations -hen designing

a comletion and to chec6 out the tubing limitations -hen lanning a -ell sericingoeration (eg a stimulation or a -or6oer) are must be ta6en not to increase

comletion costs e1cessiel b tring to ma6e roisions for all sorts of unli6el butossible occurrences It must also be remembered that there are stes that can be

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1484

ta6en to mitigate the induced stresses during man oerations (eg alingannular ressure or heating fracturing fluids) Ln the other hand the conseuential

costs of a failed tubing string or of haing to run a secial -or6ing string in termsof deferred roduction and rig time can be uite substantial Assessment of the

most cost effectie solution is generall a 8udgment call based on the engineer5se1erience and on cororate attitudes and olic A tical set of arameters has

alread been illustrated in gt1amle

urst

The tubing and -ellhead should be designed for suee+e and 6ill conditions incefines in the erforations or oil can sometimes cause a chec6 ale effect -hen

attemting to suee+e bac6 liuids man comletion designers li6e to hae thefle1ibilit of being able to raise the bottomhole ressure to the lt2P or at least to the

ltPP Ho-eer -ith high ermeabilit reseroirs or gas -ells in -hich fracturestimulation is unli6el comletion engineers are often satisfied -ith a certain

minimum differential for in8ection The alue selected aries from area to area andfrom coman to coman but is commonl either around 000 si ( Pa) or 33

of the reseroir ressure The author suggests

1 8BP amphere k1 1 d kg 5 d

ltPP for suee+ing liuids -here 6 00 md

3 I2HP F 000 si ( Pa) for suee+ing gas -here6g 0 mdD or for suee+ing liuids -here 6 000 md

8ro the rock echanics theory presented by eertsa 163 and others it ay be deducedthat in a tectonically relaxed area a proisional estiate of the fracture propagation gradient8P3 can be obtained fro the eFuation

13

ltPM N lt2M N sift ( 6Pam) 1

amphere s oerburden stress J1 psi7ft depth3

E ore ressure si

G E deth ft

ltPM E formation roagation gradient sift

lt2M E formation brea6do-n gradient sift

$he specification of the pressure test conditions is often critical to burst design oernentregulations soeties specify pressure test conditions eg to at least 0 of the reseroirpressure or to 1 psi 5 Pa3 oer the axiu differential pressure expected at the packer3If no regulations exist ost operators test to their tubing design conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1584

$ollapse

eere collase loads on the tubing can occur

bull in gas ampells and high oil ampells ampith loamp-floamping botto-hole pressures and deep-set safety ales after bloampdoampn to test a plug etc

bull during annulus ressure tests or oeration of shear circulation deices

bull -here there are ressured annuli

bull during underbalance erforating or testing at high dra-do-n

bull during tubing blo-outs

It is iportant to reeber that tension reduces collapse strength $his biaxial effect should beexained for large diaeter tubings especially if reduced collapse design assuptions and7or adeep-set safety ale is used

Tension

Tubing strings are not onl sub8ected to running tensions -ith all the associatedshoc6 and acceleration loadings but also to aring oerating stresses due to iston

forces on the steel andor an lugs ums standing ales and the li6e in thetubing oreoer if the tubing is anchored or held b a ac6er its oerating tension

-ill ar as a result of

bull theral effects hot production or cold kill fluid3

bull iston effects (changes in buoanc and forces at 8oint usets)

bull ballooning effects (changes in internal or e1ternal ressure)

bull buc6ling effects (longitudinal instabilit)

$hese potential probles are listed in ters of their ost coon relatie agnitude althoughthe relatie iportance of piston and ballooning effects is ariable3

$ombined oading

=hile the designer of tubular goods normall tal6s in terms of burst collase and

tension comression as if the -ere indeendent it is obious that in most actualloading situations the occur simultaneousl Precise stress analsis should reallconsider a tria1ial loading situation

The simultaneous solution of all the associated euations is rather comlicated Anumber of comuter rograms are aailable but for most field engineers the -ill be

a blac6 bo1 solution This can be dangerous It is imortant to chec6 that theformulas are roerl handled articularl -ith resect to collase -hich is a

stabilit effect Therefore it is usual for critical stress analses (eg for ultra dee

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1684

high ressure or sour -ells) to be underta6en b a secialist consultant researchgrou or intracoman tas6 force oreoer since this is not the routine design

techniue design factors are less -ell roen (although a alue of is oftenused)

A more conenient aroach for the intermediate range moderatel comle1 design

roblem is to use the ellise of bia1ial ield stress roosed b Holmuist and ampadai(3) The critical relationshis are (a) tension reduces collase resistanceD (b)comression reduces burst resistance

The other imortant concet in the consideration of tria1ial loads is that ressurechanges affect a1ial stresses or cause tubing moement This has been e1tensiel

discussed in Pgt aers b $ubins6i () Hammerlindl () and tillebroer()

ending

2ending stresses can be significant in large tubulars The are comressie in the

inner -all and tensional in the outer -all the most detrimental being

1ampamphere

the radius of curature ft3

sb E bending stress

gt E Ooung5s modulus (for steel gt E 30 0 si)

do E outside diameter of the tubular

Bending stresses result fro both hole curature and buckling $he effects of doglegs need onlybe considered if they are ery seere 1L71 ft= 1L7( 3 or if ery large tubing 5 172 to 6 in=1gt to 16 3 is being used

Production Casing

The roduction casing must be adeuatel si+ed for the lanned comletion It -illobiousl affect the si+e of the other reuired casing strings the bit selection the

caacit of the rig and the oerall -ell costs The roduction casing must bedesigned for the loads that ma be imosed during the roducing life of the field It

is similar to tubing design in seeral -as

urst

Production casing must be designed to -ithstand the ma1imum closedin tubing

ressure that can be e1ected If a ac6er has been used this ressure is assumed

to be alied at the to of a full column of ac6er fluid (ie for the case of a tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1784

failure at the surface) =e usuall assume that the e1ternal ressure resisting burstis a -ater gradient If the ac6er fluid is heaier than -ater the burst load -ill

increase -ith deth

In the eent that a snubbing oeration could not be conenientl attemted if atubing brea6 occurs at the surface the casing must be strong enough to -ithstand a

bullhead suee+e on the lie tubing string in -hich case this -ould be the designcriteria for the casing and -ellhead

In man cases it ma be necessar to design the casing for loads imosed during

stimulation and ressure testing onersel the casing caacit must be chec6ed-hen designing a fracturing treatment This is articularl imortant in -ells -here

no ac6er is used

$ollapse

Production casing ma be sub8ect to comlete eacuation during roductionoerations if the -ell is oerated on gas lift or umedoff or if the ac6er or

-or6oer fluid is lost into a deleted +one As the ie ma hae deteriorated beforethis occurs a higher design factor (F) is often used for roduction casing

eere collase loads ma occur in situations in -hich thermal e1ansion of theannular fluid bet-een the roduction and intermediate strings cannot be bled off

(eg in some subsea -ells)

Increased loading should be assumed if lie annuli are a feature of the area 7educed

loadings ma be assumed if the -ells -ill not be umed off gas lifted or seereldeleted

eere collase loads ma e1ist in the a section during high dra-do-n

underbalanced erforating and testing and suee+e either or both cementation andfracturing ( ltigure $ollapse loads in the pay ) It is highl adisable to maintainsome set casingtubing annulus ressure during such serice oerations

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1884

Figure 1

Tensionamp$ompression

In high rate roduction areas and thermal -ells e1ansion of the roduction tubingma imose additional tension on the casing strings ia the ac6er

$ouplings

In high ressure (000 siD 34 Pa) high temerature (300B ltD 4 ) andor

seerel sour conditions remium casing coulings are recommended

aterial Selection

In sour enironments material secification must consider the chances of Hcontamination of the casingtubing annulus and the added ossibilit of temerature

changes during stimulation affecting the stress corrosion tolerance of the ie

Couplings

There are man forms of couling aailable some of -hich hae been dedicated tothe ublic through the ausices of the API -hile others are roduced b or under

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1984

license from a secific manufacturer It -as in fact the need to obtain astandardi+ation of thread forms and diameters that led to the formation of the API

ommittee on tandardi+ation of Tubular Moods in 4

The API coulings ( ltigure

Figure 1

ltigure and ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2084

Figure 2

$utaways of basic types of couplings) are of three basic tes e1ternal uset (gtKgt)

nonuset (ampK) and integral 8oint

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2184

Figure 3

Threads are of t-o main forms The round API threads are -ea6er than the ie

bod (ie N00 efficient) The buttress threads -ere deeloed b the ampationalTube Giision of the Knited tates teel ororation to roide a high strength

couling for dee high ressure -ell serice This thread is used in a number ofrorietar coulings eg Hdril A Atlas2radford

All taered threads achiee a seal b driing the in and bo1 surfaces together undersufficient stress to generate a bearing ressure e1ceeding an differential that is to

be subseuentl alied Ho-eer a small siral oid is al-as left bet-een themating surfaces and must be filled -ith solids in the form of thread comound (This

is the reason for careful secification of the comound in 2ul A) Ln API roundthreads this oid occurs bet-een the crest and root of the mating threads -hile on

buttress threads it e1tends oer the -hole flan6 of the thread on the beeled side

To imroe lea6 resistance eseciall at eleated temeratures and under high

ressure differential the socalled remium seals -ere deeloed These consist of either metaltometal seals on taered ortions of the in and bo1 surfaces or an

elastomer seal ring or both This te of seal reuires a high ualit finish andrecise gauging and insection The couling is therefore more costl ince API and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2284

buttress threads hae roen to be er reliable in the field the decision to use themore e1ensie remium seals reuires careful economic 8ustification In general

their alication has roen aluable in highl corrosie conditions in high ressuregas -ells or high ressurehigh ML7 oil -ells and in thermal -ells sub8ect to high

comressie loads The ma be used -here -or6oer costs are high (egoffshore) In general API tubulars are adeuate for differential ressures of less than

000 si (344 Pa) and temeratures of less than 300B lt (0B ) using hightemerature thread comound ltor corrosie conditions and continuous gas sericethe ressure limit is often reduced to 00 si ( Pa)

gt1ercises

)ilfield nits

The in 4 lbft J ampK tubing string in a 000ft oil -ell -as designed

based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional load -ould beimosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 00 si after the

-ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The -ell

roduces 30B API oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

SI nits

The 3mm ( in) 6gmm (4 lbft) J ampK tubing string in an 30moil -ell -as designed based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional

load is imosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 3 Paafter the -ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The

-ell roduces 6gm3 oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

olutions

)ilfield nits

=eight in air E 000 ft 1 4 E 3400 lb

2uoanc in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2384

Buoyant ampeight amphen run (gt x 65 ((9 lb

=ater gradient (M E ) E 0433 sift

Lil gradient (M E 0) E 0 1 0433 E 03 sift

IG of tubing E 44 in Ai E 40 in

=eight of oil in tubing E 000 1 03 1 40 E 04 lb

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell has been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 19gt2 (gt 5 gt93 19gt2 (gt 2(gt 51(2 lb

The API 8oint strength rating of in 4 lbft J nonuset tubing E 00lb

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor) E (00) ()E 4400 lb

Therefore the roosed loading e1ceeds the design secifications and a lea6 mightoccur during the test In fact the loading e1ceeds design secs een -ithout adding

the 00 si of -ellhead ressure (actual load 404 lb comared -ith an allo-ableof 4400 lb) Ho-eer using a 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions

ressure tests of u to 4 si -ould be ermissible

6293 1((3 19gt2 (gt pt gt93

Pt E 4 si

+ nits Ceight in air 1( x 5 16(5 kg 165 kM

2uoanc factor in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater E gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12Buoyant ampeight amphen run 165 x 65 1gt2 kM

=ater gradient (M E 0) E 4 6PamLil gradient (M E 0) 0 1 4 E 6Pam

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2484

IG of tubing E mm thus Ai E 30 1 l04 m

=eight of oil in tubing E (30 m) ( 6Pam) (30 1 03 m)E 44 6amp

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell had been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 gt6gt 165 (5 (1 x 1 -(3 gt6gt 165 156 22gt6 kM

8ro 8igure 1 the PI Aoint strength rating of 6(- 5 kg7 )-55 nonupset tubing is

629 lbs (222 kM3

Figure 1

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor)

(222715 2152 kM

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2584

$herefore the proposed loading exceeds the design specifications and a leak ight occur duringthe test In fact the loading exceeds design specifications een at ero ampellhead pressure actualload of gt6gt 165 216 kM copared ampith an alloampable load of 2152 kM3

Ho-eer using the 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions ressure tests

of u to 6Pa -ould be ermissible

216 pt (1 x l-gt3

t E 4 6Pa

2 )ilfield nits 12-ft hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubing

head pressure can be expectedN If the casing ampellhead and tubing are to be designed for asFueee kill at fracture propagation pressure 8PP3 amphat ampellhead pressure ampould be expected atthe start of the kill operationN Gse EFuation 1( for estiating the 8P3

13

+ units (99- hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubinghead pressure is expectedN

If the casing -ellhead and tubing are to be designed for a suee+e 6ill at fractureroagation ressure (ltPP) -hat -ellhead ressure -ould be e1ected at the start

of the 6ill oerationQ (Kse gtuation 3 for estimating the ltPM)

olutions

)ilfield nits

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure on

hydrocarbon-filled tubing

1125

External Packer fluid and eroannulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressure 1125

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2684

shut-in tubing pressure

Internal $ubing epty anddepressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight in Body 1(((

copletion fluid )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125

)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g of 0 E 04

At 000 ft assuming a hdrostatic gradient of 0433 sift the bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP 12 x gt(( 519 psiampith gas surface pressure 519 x 6gt6 I$P (1 psi

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be sift and using gtuation 3 to estimate

the fracture roagation ressure

E 0 sift

ltPP E 0 000 ft E 04 si

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the forationpropagation pressure inus the pressure due to the gas gradient

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2784

$IP 12 6163 - 519 - (13 62 psigore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP 12 6163 6gt6 9gt26 psi$herefore a 5 psi ampellhead should not be used een though the axiu closed-in tubinghead pressure is only about gt psi

SI nits

7eferring to Table 1

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g E 0 E 04

At 30 m assuming a normal hdrostatic ressure of 6Pa m bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP (99 65 (55 kPa

ampith gas surface pressure (55 6gt6 I$P 296 kPa

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be 6Pam and using gtuation 3 toestimate the fracture roagation ressure

E 6Pam

ltPP E 30 E 3 6Pa

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the foration propagation pressure inus the pressure due tothe gas gradient

THIP E (30 ) (30 0) E 0 6Pa

ore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP (99 19213 6gt6 gtgt(1 kPa

9gt Pa ampellhead should therefore be used

3hellip)ilfield nits

A 000ft -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 000 T2d using intubing encounters 0 ft of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of 3000 si =hat

rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight of tubing is to be

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2884

used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming that

Grade -eight lbft

Collapse

+trength psi

urst

+trength psi

Tensional

+trength 1 lb

Cost Coparison

)-55 155 gtgt gt1 ( cheapest

16 gt1 5(2 (2

-65 16 96 625 gt2( ost expensie

M- 16 92 66gt gtgt9 oderately expensie

2 ( 52gt

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 043 sift)

reseroir ressure 3000 si

6ill ressure 000 si aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 5 5 psi7ft3

If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure onhydrocarbon- filledtubing

1125

External Packer fluid and ero

annulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressureshut-in tubing pressure

1125

Internal $ubing epty and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2984

depressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight incopletion fluid

Body 1((( )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

Assume lie oil gradient is 03 sift

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at theac6er and the running tension

SI nits

A 30m -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 400 m3da of oil -ith l40mm ( inch) tubing encounters 0 m of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of

000 6Pa =hat rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight oftubing is to be used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming

that

Grade -eight

$gmm

Collapse

+trength

$Pa

urst

+trength

$Pa

Tensional

+trength

$amp

Cost Coparison

)-55 2(1 2655 ((19gt 1((gt cheapest

25( ((5( (99 1gt9(

-65 25( gt151 gt6 12 ost expensie

M- 25( gt(2 5((95 1gt oderately expensie

2 9 91gt 2((1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3084

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 40 6Pam)

reseroir ressure 000 6Pa

6ill ressure 000 6Pa aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 53 22(3 5 kPa7If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Assume lie oil gradient is 6Pam

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at the

ac6er and the running tensions

olution

)ilfield nits

I$P IBP - o 4

o ( psi7ft

under operating conditions I$P ( - ( 63 psi

under axiu conditions assuing gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 3000 E si

under 6ill conditions

8P 5 5

5 5 x 61 psi7ft

ltPP E 000 0

E 000 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3184

O BIP oil kill3

5 psieFuialent $P oil kill3

5 - ( x 6 2 psi

In the case of a gas kill

Iamp 2HIP(gas 6ill)

( 1 psi gt psi

eFuialent $P gas kill3

5gt x BP 5gt x gt (gt19 psi

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a ( psi ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a 5 psi ampellhead

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialent

to the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating

burst rating E ma1 THP design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 34 E 343 si

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading Calculation

alculate first assuming a high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid f 3 43 gt(53 63 (gt5 psi

ma1 HP E ma1 ITHP (assumes lea6)E si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 304E 0 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3284

ma1 collase load E 0 0 si (assumes emt tubing)E 0 si

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 0 1 si

E 30 si

$herefore strictly speaking ampe should use 2-lb7ft M- tubing although it is ore likely a l6-lb7ft ampould be selected since the probability is ery loamp that such seere collapse-loadingassuptions ampould proe true

alculate ne1t assuming a lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 00 si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 00 F 304 siE 34 si

ma1 collase load E 34 si

reuired collase rating E 34 E 443 si

Ce could select 16 lb7ft )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculations

ampeight in air C 4 16 lb7ft3 6 ft3 11 lb

buoyancy factor

625

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 000 lb

E 04000 lb

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (04000) () lb

16 lb$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3384

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubingcomletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

in 0lbft amp0 tubing meets all criteria for this te of roduction 7is6 of

gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing bet-een amp0 and J grades

SI nits

I$P IBP - ρo x 4

ρo 969 kPa7

under operating conditions I$P 26 - 969 x 21(3

92gt9 kPaunder axiu conditions gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 000 E 6Pa

under 6ill conditions

8P 53 22(3 5

53 22(3 5

19 kPa7

ltPP E (30) (00)

E 3400 6Pa

O BIP oil kill3 (gt kPa eFuialent $P oil kill3 (gt - 969 x 21(3

1929 kPa

In the case of a gas 6ill

Iamp 2HIP

(gas 6ill) E 000 F 000 6Pa

266 kPaeFuialent $P gas kill3 5gt x BP

5gt x 266 2(959 kPa

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a 26 Pa ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a (gt5 Pa ampellhead

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3484

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialentto the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating Calculation

burst rating E ma1 THP 1 design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 3 1

E 3 6Pa

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading

alculate first assuming high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid ρf 3 43

gt3 21(3 25 kPa

ax P ax I$P assues leak3 1696 kPa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 0

E 33 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 33 0 6Pa (assumes emt tubing)

E 33 6Pa

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 33 1 E 434 6Pa

Therefore strictl sea6ing -e should use a 6gm amp0 tubing but moreli6el 36gm tubing -ould be selected since the robabilit of such seere

collase loading is er lo-

alculate ne1t assuming lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 4 6Pa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 4 F 0

E 0 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 0 6Pa

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3584

reuired collase rating E 0 1 E 300 6Pa

Ce could select 25(-kg7 )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculation

ampeight in air 25( 21( 5( kg 525 kM

buoanc factor E

EE0

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 6ampE 4 6amp

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (4) ()

E 30 6amp

$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubing

comletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

40mm ( inch) 36gm 0 tubing meets all criteria for this te ofroduction 7is6 of gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing

bet-een 0 and J grades

Pac6ers

Pac$er unctions

A ac6er is a subsurface tool that roides a seal bet-een the tubing and

casingthereb reenting the ertical moement of fluids across this sealing oint

Pac6ers are used for the follo-ing reasons

9 to imroe safet b roiding a barrier to flo- through the annulus

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3684

9 to 6ee -ell fluids and ressures isolated from the casing

9 to imroe flo- conditions and reent heading

9 to searate +ones in the same -ellbore

9 to lace 6ill fluids or treating fluids in the casing annulus

9 to ac6 off erforations rather than use suee+e cementing

9 to 6ee gas lift or hdraulic o-er fluid in8ection ressure isolated from the

formation

9 to anchor the tubing

9 to install a casing um

9 to minimi+e heat losses b allo-ing the use of an emt annulus or thermal

insulator

9 to isolate a casing lea6 or lea6ing liner la

9 to facilitate temorar -ell serice oerations (eg stimulations suee+es)

Pac$er T+pes

There are man ac6er manufacturers some of -hom offer an e1tensie ariet ofac6ers -ith each differing to some degree from those of the other manufacturers

This rather be-ildering arra can ho-eer be groued into rincial classes or

tes and ma be further categori+ed b method of setting b direction of ressureacross the ac6er and b the number of bores through the ac6er

Pac6ers can be rimaril classified as either retrieable or ermanent or

ermanentretrieable or inflatable

)etrievable acers

This te of ac6er is run on the tubing ( ltigure )etrievable pacer )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3784

Figure 1

After setting it can be released and recoered from the -ell on the tubing ince it is

an integral art of the tubing string the tubing cannot be remoed from the -ell-ithout ulling the ac6er unless a detachable ac6er head is used

7etrieable ac6ers ma be designed to be set mechanicall or hdraulicallechanical setting methods include rotation of the tubing string recirocation of the

tubing string or the alication of tension or setdo-n -eight =ith mechanical

ac6ers the tubing is usuall set in comression

Hdraulic ac6ers are set b aling hdraulic ressure through the tubing stringbut once set the hold the set osition mechanicall The tubing is usuall in tension

7etrieable ac6ers are usuall used for comle1 multi+one and multistringcomletions Their main limitation -as in their limited abilit to accommodate tubing

stress changes -ithout unsettingD the aailabilit of effectie sli 8oints anddetachable heads has eased this situation An historical roblem -as failure of the

internal elastomer seals but this technolog also has imroed mar6edl in the lastdecade All metaltometal seal ac6ers are aailable but are e1ensie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3884

Lne disadantage of retrieable ac6ers is that if the fail to retriee the must beremoed b milling them out of the casing -ith an abrasie milling head and a

drillstring The are er difficult to mill Menerall this te of ac6er is used undernonseere conditions (differential ressures less than 000 si (344 Pa)

temeratures less than 300B lt (4B )

2ecause of the setting mechanism retrieable ac6ers tend to hae a restrictedbore comared -ith other ac6ers designed for the same casing si+e This factorma restrict flo- or limit -ireline oerations belo- the ac6er deth

ermanent acers

Permanent ac6ers are indeendent of the tubing and ma be run on tubing or on

-ireline ( ltigure and ltigure 3 )

Figure 2

The tubing can be released from the ac6er and can be ulled leaing the ac6er set

in the casing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3984

Figure 3

Tubing can subseuentl be run bac6 and resealed in the ac6er The ac6er ma

thus be considered an integral art of the casing It is sometimes called either aroduction ac6er or a retainerroduction ac6er

The ermanent ac6er cannot be recoered as such but it can be destructiel

remoed (eg b milling) ( ltigure 4 and ltigure )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4084

Figure 4

If the ac6er includes a tailie and must be recoered a millout e1tension is

needed on the ac6er for the ac6er ic6er or catch sleee on the mill to engageIn other cases it ma be adeuate to siml ush the ac6er to the bottom of the

casing after milling

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 984

3 Plot the ac6er fluid gradient fracture fluid gradient and -atergradient

4 gtstimate -et and dr gas gradients and lot these u from the

closedin bottomhole ressure

gtstablish the closedin tubing head ressure for normal roductionconditions (ie oil or as in this case -et gas) and for -orst case

design assumtion (usuall dr gas)

gtstablish ma1imum THP for -hich comletion is to be designed

-hich normall -ill be 6ill or stimulation conditions (fluid gradientthrough lt2P ltPP or secified differential aboe ITHP) ltor gt1amle

the grahical design should no- loo6 li6e ltigure

gtstablish through insection the greatest differential ressure at

surface and do-nhole (usuall stimulation conditions) Getermine -hatstes can be ta6en to reduce loading (eg maintaining ma1imum

allo-able annulus ressure during stimulation) Plot ad8usted annulusressure line ( ltigure 3 )

Plot burst load line (2$$) as difference bet-een most critical tubingand annulus ressures The 2$$ is a function of the relatie densities in

the tubing and annulus 2$$ -ill generall but not al-as decrease-ith deth ( ltigure 3 )

Plot critical collase load conditions ($$) ampormall -e assume thata slo- lea6 has changed the HP to ITHP and that tubing is emt

and deressured This can occur in gas -ells if the tubing becomeslugged or a do-nhole safet ale is closed onditions can aroach

this situation in oil -ells after a fracture treatment if oeratorscommence 6ic6off before bleeding off annulus ressure (In some

cases this ma be a more critical load ( ltigure 4 ))

0 Plot ressure test conditions (PT) This is often the most critical

load to -hich a comletion is sub8ected onsider timing of the

ressure test and densit of fluids in the tubing and annulus at time oftest

$oo6 u tubing erformance data in API 2ulletin

Ad8ust API internal ield (burst) and collase resistancesecifications -ith design factor (see ltigure and API 2ulletin )

3 $ist resulting tubing caabilities ( ltigure 4 )

4 omare design loads -ith tubing caabilities and select tubing In

most cases the otimum tubing grade and -eight -ill ar -ith deth

To minimi+e costs andor tensional loads such ariations ma beincororated although there -ill then be a constraint on ressure

testing caabilities Ho-eer most oerators refer to use a common

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1084

-eight and grade throughout the comletion if ossible This reducesthe ris6 of installation and oerating errors =hen regulations ermit

the designer ma be able to comromise slightl on accommodatingloading conditions dee in the hole if the associated design

assumtion is e1tremel unrealistic (eg a comletel emt tubing ina high roductiit oil -ell) Ho-eer the designer must first chec6 on

ho- critical the actual bia1ial (or tria1ial) loading conditions are li6elto be and ma6e aroriate notes in the -ell file

Cith reference to Exaple 2 in 8igure gt the options include the folloamping 1 full string of 9gt lb7ft lt tubing

0 to 00 ft E 4 lbft J00 to TG E 4 lbft $0

3 full string of 4 lbft J -ith modified collase design criteria of000 si as ma1imum HP -ith an emt tubing

ince 2 psi is the axiu alloampable annulus pressure during stiulation option ( ay bean acceptable design ince the differential cost of )55 and lt is around D( per ft the potentialsaing of D(gt5 betampeen options 1 and ( ay Austify further detailed engineering ampork n theother hand if the ampellstrea is expected to be extreely corrosie the higher grade tubing aybe selected in any case to proide a corrosion alloampance

The 6e things to note from ltigure (Effect of buoyancy on axial load ) are

bull the ost seere burst loadings occur at surface

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1184

Figure amp

bull the most seere burst and collase loadings occur during ressure testing

-ell 6ill and stimulation

bull the most seere collase loading occurs do-nhole

bull additional annulus ressure can be used to reduce burst loading roided

the casing is strong enough

bull the tubinghead ressure during 6ill oerations (THIP) often aro1imates or

e1ceeds the reseroir ressure (I2HP)

Cith relatiely sall tubing strings (5 in or 3 the inherent burst and collapse strength isso high that soe engineers do not bother ampith tubing design in ampells ampith depths of less than ft 25 3 unless oerpressures are expected

Simplified Tensional Strength Design

Although burst and collase resistance ma not be significant considerations inuming -ells tensional strength is a critical design arameter for all -ells ouling

lea6age and failure -hich accounts for 0 of the roblems in -ell tubulars often

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1284

ma be the result of inadeuate tensional design rather than a burst or sealingroblem In this resect it is articularl imortant to remember that test ressures

imose substantial iston forces on the tubing (eg a 000 si (3 Pa) ressuretest on a lug set inside in (3mm) tubing -ill increase the tension on the

hanger b (000)( 4)(44l) E 30 lb (4 6amp)

It is also imortant to recogni+e that unli6e other strength arameters the API 8ointstrength is based on a failure condition rather than the onset of lastic deformation

The failure condition is either an un+iing of the in and bo1 in the case of APIthreads because of ielding (also called 8umout)D or brea6age of reduced cross

section at the threads in the case of suare threads

ltinall there are all sorts of additional tensional loads that -e do not normallanal+e in detail (eg shoc6 loading and drag forces during running bending

stresses buc6ling crosssectional iston forces changes in buoanc)

ince it is common ractice to ma6e a reliminar tensional design using tubing

-eight loading onl a higher design factor is used for tension and eseciall for 8oint

strength (Table 1 aboe) ome comanies and more conseratie engineers -illeen ignore the otential benefits of buoanc 2uoanc results in a iston force onthe lo-er end of the tubing and as a first aro1imation it ma normall be assumed

that

12amphere

CB buoyant ampeight

=amp E -eight in air

E densit of steel ( gmcc)

E densit of fluid

8igure 5 graphically depicts the tensional and copressional forces at ampork on a tapered string of tubular goods $he load resulting fro the ampeight of the pipe is shoampn for a string ampeighed in airand ampith the buoyant forces accounted for as piston forces or approxiated using EFuation 12Ce can see that at a point approxiately idampay in the length of the heaier pipe at the bottoof the string there is a change fro copression to tension $his is also the concept amphich guidesthe design of drillstrings ampith the purpose of keeping the drillpipe in tension amphile using theheaier drill collars to aintain a copressional load on the bit

Part of gt1amle gies the reliminar tension design considerations for thecomletion alread coered in art

Example 2 (part 2

reliminary Tension Design

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1384

$ubing ampeight 9gt lb7ft

Tubing length 00 ft

Pac6er fluid inhibited oil

03 sift E 0 gmcc

=amp E 4 00E 300 lb

E 0 300

E 04 lb

Joint Specifications

)55 lt

EGE H4 EGE H4 5

PI Aoint strengthKlb3

6 1 1(5 12

4esign factorTable 13

1 1 1 1

4esign capacityKlb3

55gt 559 655 611

Tubing Tension Design Considerations 1 eFuires lt tubing at surface

7euires 8oint strength caabilit of gtKgt or euialent

3 In ie- of ressures deth and H -ould robabl select remium

grade couling

any copanies hae these design techniFues prograed for the coputer and use the saegeneral techniFue for both tubing and casing designs

Tubing Design Parameters

It is imortant to remember that -hile the rimar function of the tubing is as aconduit for hdrocarbon roduction or for in8ection of -ater or gas the most seere

loadings often occur during -ell serice or 6illing oerations or during ressuretests It is therefore rudent to ma6e roision for these oerations -hen designing

a comletion and to chec6 out the tubing limitations -hen lanning a -ell sericingoeration (eg a stimulation or a -or6oer) are must be ta6en not to increase

comletion costs e1cessiel b tring to ma6e roisions for all sorts of unli6el butossible occurrences It must also be remembered that there are stes that can be

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1484

ta6en to mitigate the induced stresses during man oerations (eg alingannular ressure or heating fracturing fluids) Ln the other hand the conseuential

costs of a failed tubing string or of haing to run a secial -or6ing string in termsof deferred roduction and rig time can be uite substantial Assessment of the

most cost effectie solution is generall a 8udgment call based on the engineer5se1erience and on cororate attitudes and olic A tical set of arameters has

alread been illustrated in gt1amle

urst

The tubing and -ellhead should be designed for suee+e and 6ill conditions incefines in the erforations or oil can sometimes cause a chec6 ale effect -hen

attemting to suee+e bac6 liuids man comletion designers li6e to hae thefle1ibilit of being able to raise the bottomhole ressure to the lt2P or at least to the

ltPP Ho-eer -ith high ermeabilit reseroirs or gas -ells in -hich fracturestimulation is unli6el comletion engineers are often satisfied -ith a certain

minimum differential for in8ection The alue selected aries from area to area andfrom coman to coman but is commonl either around 000 si ( Pa) or 33

of the reseroir ressure The author suggests

1 8BP amphere k1 1 d kg 5 d

ltPP for suee+ing liuids -here 6 00 md

3 I2HP F 000 si ( Pa) for suee+ing gas -here6g 0 mdD or for suee+ing liuids -here 6 000 md

8ro the rock echanics theory presented by eertsa 163 and others it ay be deducedthat in a tectonically relaxed area a proisional estiate of the fracture propagation gradient8P3 can be obtained fro the eFuation

13

ltPM N lt2M N sift ( 6Pam) 1

amphere s oerburden stress J1 psi7ft depth3

E ore ressure si

G E deth ft

ltPM E formation roagation gradient sift

lt2M E formation brea6do-n gradient sift

$he specification of the pressure test conditions is often critical to burst design oernentregulations soeties specify pressure test conditions eg to at least 0 of the reseroirpressure or to 1 psi 5 Pa3 oer the axiu differential pressure expected at the packer3If no regulations exist ost operators test to their tubing design conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1584

$ollapse

eere collase loads on the tubing can occur

bull in gas ampells and high oil ampells ampith loamp-floamping botto-hole pressures and deep-set safety ales after bloampdoampn to test a plug etc

bull during annulus ressure tests or oeration of shear circulation deices

bull -here there are ressured annuli

bull during underbalance erforating or testing at high dra-do-n

bull during tubing blo-outs

It is iportant to reeber that tension reduces collapse strength $his biaxial effect should beexained for large diaeter tubings especially if reduced collapse design assuptions and7or adeep-set safety ale is used

Tension

Tubing strings are not onl sub8ected to running tensions -ith all the associatedshoc6 and acceleration loadings but also to aring oerating stresses due to iston

forces on the steel andor an lugs ums standing ales and the li6e in thetubing oreoer if the tubing is anchored or held b a ac6er its oerating tension

-ill ar as a result of

bull theral effects hot production or cold kill fluid3

bull iston effects (changes in buoanc and forces at 8oint usets)

bull ballooning effects (changes in internal or e1ternal ressure)

bull buc6ling effects (longitudinal instabilit)

$hese potential probles are listed in ters of their ost coon relatie agnitude althoughthe relatie iportance of piston and ballooning effects is ariable3

$ombined oading

=hile the designer of tubular goods normall tal6s in terms of burst collase and

tension comression as if the -ere indeendent it is obious that in most actualloading situations the occur simultaneousl Precise stress analsis should reallconsider a tria1ial loading situation

The simultaneous solution of all the associated euations is rather comlicated Anumber of comuter rograms are aailable but for most field engineers the -ill be

a blac6 bo1 solution This can be dangerous It is imortant to chec6 that theformulas are roerl handled articularl -ith resect to collase -hich is a

stabilit effect Therefore it is usual for critical stress analses (eg for ultra dee

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1684

high ressure or sour -ells) to be underta6en b a secialist consultant researchgrou or intracoman tas6 force oreoer since this is not the routine design

techniue design factors are less -ell roen (although a alue of is oftenused)

A more conenient aroach for the intermediate range moderatel comle1 design

roblem is to use the ellise of bia1ial ield stress roosed b Holmuist and ampadai(3) The critical relationshis are (a) tension reduces collase resistanceD (b)comression reduces burst resistance

The other imortant concet in the consideration of tria1ial loads is that ressurechanges affect a1ial stresses or cause tubing moement This has been e1tensiel

discussed in Pgt aers b $ubins6i () Hammerlindl () and tillebroer()

ending

2ending stresses can be significant in large tubulars The are comressie in the

inner -all and tensional in the outer -all the most detrimental being

1ampamphere

the radius of curature ft3

sb E bending stress

gt E Ooung5s modulus (for steel gt E 30 0 si)

do E outside diameter of the tubular

Bending stresses result fro both hole curature and buckling $he effects of doglegs need onlybe considered if they are ery seere 1L71 ft= 1L7( 3 or if ery large tubing 5 172 to 6 in=1gt to 16 3 is being used

Production Casing

The roduction casing must be adeuatel si+ed for the lanned comletion It -illobiousl affect the si+e of the other reuired casing strings the bit selection the

caacit of the rig and the oerall -ell costs The roduction casing must bedesigned for the loads that ma be imosed during the roducing life of the field It

is similar to tubing design in seeral -as

urst

Production casing must be designed to -ithstand the ma1imum closedin tubing

ressure that can be e1ected If a ac6er has been used this ressure is assumed

to be alied at the to of a full column of ac6er fluid (ie for the case of a tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1784

failure at the surface) =e usuall assume that the e1ternal ressure resisting burstis a -ater gradient If the ac6er fluid is heaier than -ater the burst load -ill

increase -ith deth

In the eent that a snubbing oeration could not be conenientl attemted if atubing brea6 occurs at the surface the casing must be strong enough to -ithstand a

bullhead suee+e on the lie tubing string in -hich case this -ould be the designcriteria for the casing and -ellhead

In man cases it ma be necessar to design the casing for loads imosed during

stimulation and ressure testing onersel the casing caacit must be chec6ed-hen designing a fracturing treatment This is articularl imortant in -ells -here

no ac6er is used

$ollapse

Production casing ma be sub8ect to comlete eacuation during roductionoerations if the -ell is oerated on gas lift or umedoff or if the ac6er or

-or6oer fluid is lost into a deleted +one As the ie ma hae deteriorated beforethis occurs a higher design factor (F) is often used for roduction casing

eere collase loads ma occur in situations in -hich thermal e1ansion of theannular fluid bet-een the roduction and intermediate strings cannot be bled off

(eg in some subsea -ells)

Increased loading should be assumed if lie annuli are a feature of the area 7educed

loadings ma be assumed if the -ells -ill not be umed off gas lifted or seereldeleted

eere collase loads ma e1ist in the a section during high dra-do-n

underbalanced erforating and testing and suee+e either or both cementation andfracturing ( ltigure $ollapse loads in the pay ) It is highl adisable to maintainsome set casingtubing annulus ressure during such serice oerations

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1884

Figure 1

Tensionamp$ompression

In high rate roduction areas and thermal -ells e1ansion of the roduction tubingma imose additional tension on the casing strings ia the ac6er

$ouplings

In high ressure (000 siD 34 Pa) high temerature (300B ltD 4 ) andor

seerel sour conditions remium casing coulings are recommended

aterial Selection

In sour enironments material secification must consider the chances of Hcontamination of the casingtubing annulus and the added ossibilit of temerature

changes during stimulation affecting the stress corrosion tolerance of the ie

Couplings

There are man forms of couling aailable some of -hich hae been dedicated tothe ublic through the ausices of the API -hile others are roduced b or under

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1984

license from a secific manufacturer It -as in fact the need to obtain astandardi+ation of thread forms and diameters that led to the formation of the API

ommittee on tandardi+ation of Tubular Moods in 4

The API coulings ( ltigure

Figure 1

ltigure and ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2084

Figure 2

$utaways of basic types of couplings) are of three basic tes e1ternal uset (gtKgt)

nonuset (ampK) and integral 8oint

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2184

Figure 3

Threads are of t-o main forms The round API threads are -ea6er than the ie

bod (ie N00 efficient) The buttress threads -ere deeloed b the ampationalTube Giision of the Knited tates teel ororation to roide a high strength

couling for dee high ressure -ell serice This thread is used in a number ofrorietar coulings eg Hdril A Atlas2radford

All taered threads achiee a seal b driing the in and bo1 surfaces together undersufficient stress to generate a bearing ressure e1ceeding an differential that is to

be subseuentl alied Ho-eer a small siral oid is al-as left bet-een themating surfaces and must be filled -ith solids in the form of thread comound (This

is the reason for careful secification of the comound in 2ul A) Ln API roundthreads this oid occurs bet-een the crest and root of the mating threads -hile on

buttress threads it e1tends oer the -hole flan6 of the thread on the beeled side

To imroe lea6 resistance eseciall at eleated temeratures and under high

ressure differential the socalled remium seals -ere deeloed These consist of either metaltometal seals on taered ortions of the in and bo1 surfaces or an

elastomer seal ring or both This te of seal reuires a high ualit finish andrecise gauging and insection The couling is therefore more costl ince API and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2284

buttress threads hae roen to be er reliable in the field the decision to use themore e1ensie remium seals reuires careful economic 8ustification In general

their alication has roen aluable in highl corrosie conditions in high ressuregas -ells or high ressurehigh ML7 oil -ells and in thermal -ells sub8ect to high

comressie loads The ma be used -here -or6oer costs are high (egoffshore) In general API tubulars are adeuate for differential ressures of less than

000 si (344 Pa) and temeratures of less than 300B lt (0B ) using hightemerature thread comound ltor corrosie conditions and continuous gas sericethe ressure limit is often reduced to 00 si ( Pa)

gt1ercises

)ilfield nits

The in 4 lbft J ampK tubing string in a 000ft oil -ell -as designed

based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional load -ould beimosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 00 si after the

-ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The -ell

roduces 30B API oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

SI nits

The 3mm ( in) 6gmm (4 lbft) J ampK tubing string in an 30moil -ell -as designed based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional

load is imosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 3 Paafter the -ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The

-ell roduces 6gm3 oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

olutions

)ilfield nits

=eight in air E 000 ft 1 4 E 3400 lb

2uoanc in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2384

Buoyant ampeight amphen run (gt x 65 ((9 lb

=ater gradient (M E ) E 0433 sift

Lil gradient (M E 0) E 0 1 0433 E 03 sift

IG of tubing E 44 in Ai E 40 in

=eight of oil in tubing E 000 1 03 1 40 E 04 lb

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell has been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 19gt2 (gt 5 gt93 19gt2 (gt 2(gt 51(2 lb

The API 8oint strength rating of in 4 lbft J nonuset tubing E 00lb

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor) E (00) ()E 4400 lb

Therefore the roosed loading e1ceeds the design secifications and a lea6 mightoccur during the test In fact the loading e1ceeds design secs een -ithout adding

the 00 si of -ellhead ressure (actual load 404 lb comared -ith an allo-ableof 4400 lb) Ho-eer using a 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions

ressure tests of u to 4 si -ould be ermissible

6293 1((3 19gt2 (gt pt gt93

Pt E 4 si

+ nits Ceight in air 1( x 5 16(5 kg 165 kM

2uoanc factor in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater E gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12Buoyant ampeight amphen run 165 x 65 1gt2 kM

=ater gradient (M E 0) E 4 6PamLil gradient (M E 0) 0 1 4 E 6Pam

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2484

IG of tubing E mm thus Ai E 30 1 l04 m

=eight of oil in tubing E (30 m) ( 6Pam) (30 1 03 m)E 44 6amp

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell had been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 gt6gt 165 (5 (1 x 1 -(3 gt6gt 165 156 22gt6 kM

8ro 8igure 1 the PI Aoint strength rating of 6(- 5 kg7 )-55 nonupset tubing is

629 lbs (222 kM3

Figure 1

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor)

(222715 2152 kM

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2584

$herefore the proposed loading exceeds the design specifications and a leak ight occur duringthe test In fact the loading exceeds design specifications een at ero ampellhead pressure actualload of gt6gt 165 216 kM copared ampith an alloampable load of 2152 kM3

Ho-eer using the 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions ressure tests

of u to 6Pa -ould be ermissible

216 pt (1 x l-gt3

t E 4 6Pa

2 )ilfield nits 12-ft hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubing

head pressure can be expectedN If the casing ampellhead and tubing are to be designed for asFueee kill at fracture propagation pressure 8PP3 amphat ampellhead pressure ampould be expected atthe start of the kill operationN Gse EFuation 1( for estiating the 8P3

13

+ units (99- hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubinghead pressure is expectedN

If the casing -ellhead and tubing are to be designed for a suee+e 6ill at fractureroagation ressure (ltPP) -hat -ellhead ressure -ould be e1ected at the start

of the 6ill oerationQ (Kse gtuation 3 for estimating the ltPM)

olutions

)ilfield nits

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure on

hydrocarbon-filled tubing

1125

External Packer fluid and eroannulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressure 1125

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2684

shut-in tubing pressure

Internal $ubing epty anddepressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight in Body 1(((

copletion fluid )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125

)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g of 0 E 04

At 000 ft assuming a hdrostatic gradient of 0433 sift the bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP 12 x gt(( 519 psiampith gas surface pressure 519 x 6gt6 I$P (1 psi

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be sift and using gtuation 3 to estimate

the fracture roagation ressure

E 0 sift

ltPP E 0 000 ft E 04 si

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the forationpropagation pressure inus the pressure due to the gas gradient

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2784

$IP 12 6163 - 519 - (13 62 psigore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP 12 6163 6gt6 9gt26 psi$herefore a 5 psi ampellhead should not be used een though the axiu closed-in tubinghead pressure is only about gt psi

SI nits

7eferring to Table 1

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g E 0 E 04

At 30 m assuming a normal hdrostatic ressure of 6Pa m bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP (99 65 (55 kPa

ampith gas surface pressure (55 6gt6 I$P 296 kPa

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be 6Pam and using gtuation 3 toestimate the fracture roagation ressure

E 6Pam

ltPP E 30 E 3 6Pa

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the foration propagation pressure inus the pressure due tothe gas gradient

THIP E (30 ) (30 0) E 0 6Pa

ore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP (99 19213 6gt6 gtgt(1 kPa

9gt Pa ampellhead should therefore be used

3hellip)ilfield nits

A 000ft -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 000 T2d using intubing encounters 0 ft of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of 3000 si =hat

rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight of tubing is to be

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2884

used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming that

Grade -eight lbft

Collapse

+trength psi

urst

+trength psi

Tensional

+trength 1 lb

Cost Coparison

)-55 155 gtgt gt1 ( cheapest

16 gt1 5(2 (2

-65 16 96 625 gt2( ost expensie

M- 16 92 66gt gtgt9 oderately expensie

2 ( 52gt

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 043 sift)

reseroir ressure 3000 si

6ill ressure 000 si aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 5 5 psi7ft3

If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure onhydrocarbon- filledtubing

1125

External Packer fluid and ero

annulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressureshut-in tubing pressure

1125

Internal $ubing epty and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2984

depressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight incopletion fluid

Body 1((( )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

Assume lie oil gradient is 03 sift

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at theac6er and the running tension

SI nits

A 30m -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 400 m3da of oil -ith l40mm ( inch) tubing encounters 0 m of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of

000 6Pa =hat rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight oftubing is to be used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming

that

Grade -eight

$gmm

Collapse

+trength

$Pa

urst

+trength

$Pa

Tensional

+trength

$amp

Cost Coparison

)-55 2(1 2655 ((19gt 1((gt cheapest

25( ((5( (99 1gt9(

-65 25( gt151 gt6 12 ost expensie

M- 25( gt(2 5((95 1gt oderately expensie

2 9 91gt 2((1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3084

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 40 6Pam)

reseroir ressure 000 6Pa

6ill ressure 000 6Pa aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 53 22(3 5 kPa7If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Assume lie oil gradient is 6Pam

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at the

ac6er and the running tensions

olution

)ilfield nits

I$P IBP - o 4

o ( psi7ft

under operating conditions I$P ( - ( 63 psi

under axiu conditions assuing gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 3000 E si

under 6ill conditions

8P 5 5

5 5 x 61 psi7ft

ltPP E 000 0

E 000 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3184

O BIP oil kill3

5 psieFuialent $P oil kill3

5 - ( x 6 2 psi

In the case of a gas kill

Iamp 2HIP(gas 6ill)

( 1 psi gt psi

eFuialent $P gas kill3

5gt x BP 5gt x gt (gt19 psi

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a ( psi ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a 5 psi ampellhead

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialent

to the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating

burst rating E ma1 THP design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 34 E 343 si

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading Calculation

alculate first assuming a high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid f 3 43 gt(53 63 (gt5 psi

ma1 HP E ma1 ITHP (assumes lea6)E si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 304E 0 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3284

ma1 collase load E 0 0 si (assumes emt tubing)E 0 si

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 0 1 si

E 30 si

$herefore strictly speaking ampe should use 2-lb7ft M- tubing although it is ore likely a l6-lb7ft ampould be selected since the probability is ery loamp that such seere collapse-loadingassuptions ampould proe true

alculate ne1t assuming a lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 00 si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 00 F 304 siE 34 si

ma1 collase load E 34 si

reuired collase rating E 34 E 443 si

Ce could select 16 lb7ft )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculations

ampeight in air C 4 16 lb7ft3 6 ft3 11 lb

buoyancy factor

625

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 000 lb

E 04000 lb

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (04000) () lb

16 lb$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3384

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubingcomletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

in 0lbft amp0 tubing meets all criteria for this te of roduction 7is6 of

gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing bet-een amp0 and J grades

SI nits

I$P IBP - ρo x 4

ρo 969 kPa7

under operating conditions I$P 26 - 969 x 21(3

92gt9 kPaunder axiu conditions gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 000 E 6Pa

under 6ill conditions

8P 53 22(3 5

53 22(3 5

19 kPa7

ltPP E (30) (00)

E 3400 6Pa

O BIP oil kill3 (gt kPa eFuialent $P oil kill3 (gt - 969 x 21(3

1929 kPa

In the case of a gas 6ill

Iamp 2HIP

(gas 6ill) E 000 F 000 6Pa

266 kPaeFuialent $P gas kill3 5gt x BP

5gt x 266 2(959 kPa

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a 26 Pa ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a (gt5 Pa ampellhead

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3484

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialentto the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating Calculation

burst rating E ma1 THP 1 design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 3 1

E 3 6Pa

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading

alculate first assuming high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid ρf 3 43

gt3 21(3 25 kPa

ax P ax I$P assues leak3 1696 kPa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 0

E 33 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 33 0 6Pa (assumes emt tubing)

E 33 6Pa

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 33 1 E 434 6Pa

Therefore strictl sea6ing -e should use a 6gm amp0 tubing but moreli6el 36gm tubing -ould be selected since the robabilit of such seere

collase loading is er lo-

alculate ne1t assuming lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 4 6Pa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 4 F 0

E 0 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 0 6Pa

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3584

reuired collase rating E 0 1 E 300 6Pa

Ce could select 25(-kg7 )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculation

ampeight in air 25( 21( 5( kg 525 kM

buoanc factor E

EE0

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 6ampE 4 6amp

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (4) ()

E 30 6amp

$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubing

comletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

40mm ( inch) 36gm 0 tubing meets all criteria for this te ofroduction 7is6 of gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing

bet-een 0 and J grades

Pac6ers

Pac$er unctions

A ac6er is a subsurface tool that roides a seal bet-een the tubing and

casingthereb reenting the ertical moement of fluids across this sealing oint

Pac6ers are used for the follo-ing reasons

9 to imroe safet b roiding a barrier to flo- through the annulus

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3684

9 to 6ee -ell fluids and ressures isolated from the casing

9 to imroe flo- conditions and reent heading

9 to searate +ones in the same -ellbore

9 to lace 6ill fluids or treating fluids in the casing annulus

9 to ac6 off erforations rather than use suee+e cementing

9 to 6ee gas lift or hdraulic o-er fluid in8ection ressure isolated from the

formation

9 to anchor the tubing

9 to install a casing um

9 to minimi+e heat losses b allo-ing the use of an emt annulus or thermal

insulator

9 to isolate a casing lea6 or lea6ing liner la

9 to facilitate temorar -ell serice oerations (eg stimulations suee+es)

Pac$er T+pes

There are man ac6er manufacturers some of -hom offer an e1tensie ariet ofac6ers -ith each differing to some degree from those of the other manufacturers

This rather be-ildering arra can ho-eer be groued into rincial classes or

tes and ma be further categori+ed b method of setting b direction of ressureacross the ac6er and b the number of bores through the ac6er

Pac6ers can be rimaril classified as either retrieable or ermanent or

ermanentretrieable or inflatable

)etrievable acers

This te of ac6er is run on the tubing ( ltigure )etrievable pacer )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3784

Figure 1

After setting it can be released and recoered from the -ell on the tubing ince it is

an integral art of the tubing string the tubing cannot be remoed from the -ell-ithout ulling the ac6er unless a detachable ac6er head is used

7etrieable ac6ers ma be designed to be set mechanicall or hdraulicallechanical setting methods include rotation of the tubing string recirocation of the

tubing string or the alication of tension or setdo-n -eight =ith mechanical

ac6ers the tubing is usuall set in comression

Hdraulic ac6ers are set b aling hdraulic ressure through the tubing stringbut once set the hold the set osition mechanicall The tubing is usuall in tension

7etrieable ac6ers are usuall used for comle1 multi+one and multistringcomletions Their main limitation -as in their limited abilit to accommodate tubing

stress changes -ithout unsettingD the aailabilit of effectie sli 8oints anddetachable heads has eased this situation An historical roblem -as failure of the

internal elastomer seals but this technolog also has imroed mar6edl in the lastdecade All metaltometal seal ac6ers are aailable but are e1ensie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3884

Lne disadantage of retrieable ac6ers is that if the fail to retriee the must beremoed b milling them out of the casing -ith an abrasie milling head and a

drillstring The are er difficult to mill Menerall this te of ac6er is used undernonseere conditions (differential ressures less than 000 si (344 Pa)

temeratures less than 300B lt (4B )

2ecause of the setting mechanism retrieable ac6ers tend to hae a restrictedbore comared -ith other ac6ers designed for the same casing si+e This factorma restrict flo- or limit -ireline oerations belo- the ac6er deth

ermanent acers

Permanent ac6ers are indeendent of the tubing and ma be run on tubing or on

-ireline ( ltigure and ltigure 3 )

Figure 2

The tubing can be released from the ac6er and can be ulled leaing the ac6er set

in the casing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3984

Figure 3

Tubing can subseuentl be run bac6 and resealed in the ac6er The ac6er ma

thus be considered an integral art of the casing It is sometimes called either aroduction ac6er or a retainerroduction ac6er

The ermanent ac6er cannot be recoered as such but it can be destructiel

remoed (eg b milling) ( ltigure 4 and ltigure )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4084

Figure 4

If the ac6er includes a tailie and must be recoered a millout e1tension is

needed on the ac6er for the ac6er ic6er or catch sleee on the mill to engageIn other cases it ma be adeuate to siml ush the ac6er to the bottom of the

casing after milling

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1084

-eight and grade throughout the comletion if ossible This reducesthe ris6 of installation and oerating errors =hen regulations ermit

the designer ma be able to comromise slightl on accommodatingloading conditions dee in the hole if the associated design

assumtion is e1tremel unrealistic (eg a comletel emt tubing ina high roductiit oil -ell) Ho-eer the designer must first chec6 on

ho- critical the actual bia1ial (or tria1ial) loading conditions are li6elto be and ma6e aroriate notes in the -ell file

Cith reference to Exaple 2 in 8igure gt the options include the folloamping 1 full string of 9gt lb7ft lt tubing

0 to 00 ft E 4 lbft J00 to TG E 4 lbft $0

3 full string of 4 lbft J -ith modified collase design criteria of000 si as ma1imum HP -ith an emt tubing

ince 2 psi is the axiu alloampable annulus pressure during stiulation option ( ay bean acceptable design ince the differential cost of )55 and lt is around D( per ft the potentialsaing of D(gt5 betampeen options 1 and ( ay Austify further detailed engineering ampork n theother hand if the ampellstrea is expected to be extreely corrosie the higher grade tubing aybe selected in any case to proide a corrosion alloampance

The 6e things to note from ltigure (Effect of buoyancy on axial load ) are

bull the ost seere burst loadings occur at surface

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1184

Figure amp

bull the most seere burst and collase loadings occur during ressure testing

-ell 6ill and stimulation

bull the most seere collase loading occurs do-nhole

bull additional annulus ressure can be used to reduce burst loading roided

the casing is strong enough

bull the tubinghead ressure during 6ill oerations (THIP) often aro1imates or

e1ceeds the reseroir ressure (I2HP)

Cith relatiely sall tubing strings (5 in or 3 the inherent burst and collapse strength isso high that soe engineers do not bother ampith tubing design in ampells ampith depths of less than ft 25 3 unless oerpressures are expected

Simplified Tensional Strength Design

Although burst and collase resistance ma not be significant considerations inuming -ells tensional strength is a critical design arameter for all -ells ouling

lea6age and failure -hich accounts for 0 of the roblems in -ell tubulars often

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1284

ma be the result of inadeuate tensional design rather than a burst or sealingroblem In this resect it is articularl imortant to remember that test ressures

imose substantial iston forces on the tubing (eg a 000 si (3 Pa) ressuretest on a lug set inside in (3mm) tubing -ill increase the tension on the

hanger b (000)( 4)(44l) E 30 lb (4 6amp)

It is also imortant to recogni+e that unli6e other strength arameters the API 8ointstrength is based on a failure condition rather than the onset of lastic deformation

The failure condition is either an un+iing of the in and bo1 in the case of APIthreads because of ielding (also called 8umout)D or brea6age of reduced cross

section at the threads in the case of suare threads

ltinall there are all sorts of additional tensional loads that -e do not normallanal+e in detail (eg shoc6 loading and drag forces during running bending

stresses buc6ling crosssectional iston forces changes in buoanc)

ince it is common ractice to ma6e a reliminar tensional design using tubing

-eight loading onl a higher design factor is used for tension and eseciall for 8oint

strength (Table 1 aboe) ome comanies and more conseratie engineers -illeen ignore the otential benefits of buoanc 2uoanc results in a iston force onthe lo-er end of the tubing and as a first aro1imation it ma normall be assumed

that

12amphere

CB buoyant ampeight

=amp E -eight in air

E densit of steel ( gmcc)

E densit of fluid

8igure 5 graphically depicts the tensional and copressional forces at ampork on a tapered string of tubular goods $he load resulting fro the ampeight of the pipe is shoampn for a string ampeighed in airand ampith the buoyant forces accounted for as piston forces or approxiated using EFuation 12Ce can see that at a point approxiately idampay in the length of the heaier pipe at the bottoof the string there is a change fro copression to tension $his is also the concept amphich guidesthe design of drillstrings ampith the purpose of keeping the drillpipe in tension amphile using theheaier drill collars to aintain a copressional load on the bit

Part of gt1amle gies the reliminar tension design considerations for thecomletion alread coered in art

Example 2 (part 2

reliminary Tension Design

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1384

$ubing ampeight 9gt lb7ft

Tubing length 00 ft

Pac6er fluid inhibited oil

03 sift E 0 gmcc

=amp E 4 00E 300 lb

E 0 300

E 04 lb

Joint Specifications

)55 lt

EGE H4 EGE H4 5

PI Aoint strengthKlb3

6 1 1(5 12

4esign factorTable 13

1 1 1 1

4esign capacityKlb3

55gt 559 655 611

Tubing Tension Design Considerations 1 eFuires lt tubing at surface

7euires 8oint strength caabilit of gtKgt or euialent

3 In ie- of ressures deth and H -ould robabl select remium

grade couling

any copanies hae these design techniFues prograed for the coputer and use the saegeneral techniFue for both tubing and casing designs

Tubing Design Parameters

It is imortant to remember that -hile the rimar function of the tubing is as aconduit for hdrocarbon roduction or for in8ection of -ater or gas the most seere

loadings often occur during -ell serice or 6illing oerations or during ressuretests It is therefore rudent to ma6e roision for these oerations -hen designing

a comletion and to chec6 out the tubing limitations -hen lanning a -ell sericingoeration (eg a stimulation or a -or6oer) are must be ta6en not to increase

comletion costs e1cessiel b tring to ma6e roisions for all sorts of unli6el butossible occurrences It must also be remembered that there are stes that can be

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1484

ta6en to mitigate the induced stresses during man oerations (eg alingannular ressure or heating fracturing fluids) Ln the other hand the conseuential

costs of a failed tubing string or of haing to run a secial -or6ing string in termsof deferred roduction and rig time can be uite substantial Assessment of the

most cost effectie solution is generall a 8udgment call based on the engineer5se1erience and on cororate attitudes and olic A tical set of arameters has

alread been illustrated in gt1amle

urst

The tubing and -ellhead should be designed for suee+e and 6ill conditions incefines in the erforations or oil can sometimes cause a chec6 ale effect -hen

attemting to suee+e bac6 liuids man comletion designers li6e to hae thefle1ibilit of being able to raise the bottomhole ressure to the lt2P or at least to the

ltPP Ho-eer -ith high ermeabilit reseroirs or gas -ells in -hich fracturestimulation is unli6el comletion engineers are often satisfied -ith a certain

minimum differential for in8ection The alue selected aries from area to area andfrom coman to coman but is commonl either around 000 si ( Pa) or 33

of the reseroir ressure The author suggests

1 8BP amphere k1 1 d kg 5 d

ltPP for suee+ing liuids -here 6 00 md

3 I2HP F 000 si ( Pa) for suee+ing gas -here6g 0 mdD or for suee+ing liuids -here 6 000 md

8ro the rock echanics theory presented by eertsa 163 and others it ay be deducedthat in a tectonically relaxed area a proisional estiate of the fracture propagation gradient8P3 can be obtained fro the eFuation

13

ltPM N lt2M N sift ( 6Pam) 1

amphere s oerburden stress J1 psi7ft depth3

E ore ressure si

G E deth ft

ltPM E formation roagation gradient sift

lt2M E formation brea6do-n gradient sift

$he specification of the pressure test conditions is often critical to burst design oernentregulations soeties specify pressure test conditions eg to at least 0 of the reseroirpressure or to 1 psi 5 Pa3 oer the axiu differential pressure expected at the packer3If no regulations exist ost operators test to their tubing design conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1584

$ollapse

eere collase loads on the tubing can occur

bull in gas ampells and high oil ampells ampith loamp-floamping botto-hole pressures and deep-set safety ales after bloampdoampn to test a plug etc

bull during annulus ressure tests or oeration of shear circulation deices

bull -here there are ressured annuli

bull during underbalance erforating or testing at high dra-do-n

bull during tubing blo-outs

It is iportant to reeber that tension reduces collapse strength $his biaxial effect should beexained for large diaeter tubings especially if reduced collapse design assuptions and7or adeep-set safety ale is used

Tension

Tubing strings are not onl sub8ected to running tensions -ith all the associatedshoc6 and acceleration loadings but also to aring oerating stresses due to iston

forces on the steel andor an lugs ums standing ales and the li6e in thetubing oreoer if the tubing is anchored or held b a ac6er its oerating tension

-ill ar as a result of

bull theral effects hot production or cold kill fluid3

bull iston effects (changes in buoanc and forces at 8oint usets)

bull ballooning effects (changes in internal or e1ternal ressure)

bull buc6ling effects (longitudinal instabilit)

$hese potential probles are listed in ters of their ost coon relatie agnitude althoughthe relatie iportance of piston and ballooning effects is ariable3

$ombined oading

=hile the designer of tubular goods normall tal6s in terms of burst collase and

tension comression as if the -ere indeendent it is obious that in most actualloading situations the occur simultaneousl Precise stress analsis should reallconsider a tria1ial loading situation

The simultaneous solution of all the associated euations is rather comlicated Anumber of comuter rograms are aailable but for most field engineers the -ill be

a blac6 bo1 solution This can be dangerous It is imortant to chec6 that theformulas are roerl handled articularl -ith resect to collase -hich is a

stabilit effect Therefore it is usual for critical stress analses (eg for ultra dee

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1684

high ressure or sour -ells) to be underta6en b a secialist consultant researchgrou or intracoman tas6 force oreoer since this is not the routine design

techniue design factors are less -ell roen (although a alue of is oftenused)

A more conenient aroach for the intermediate range moderatel comle1 design

roblem is to use the ellise of bia1ial ield stress roosed b Holmuist and ampadai(3) The critical relationshis are (a) tension reduces collase resistanceD (b)comression reduces burst resistance

The other imortant concet in the consideration of tria1ial loads is that ressurechanges affect a1ial stresses or cause tubing moement This has been e1tensiel

discussed in Pgt aers b $ubins6i () Hammerlindl () and tillebroer()

ending

2ending stresses can be significant in large tubulars The are comressie in the

inner -all and tensional in the outer -all the most detrimental being

1ampamphere

the radius of curature ft3

sb E bending stress

gt E Ooung5s modulus (for steel gt E 30 0 si)

do E outside diameter of the tubular

Bending stresses result fro both hole curature and buckling $he effects of doglegs need onlybe considered if they are ery seere 1L71 ft= 1L7( 3 or if ery large tubing 5 172 to 6 in=1gt to 16 3 is being used

Production Casing

The roduction casing must be adeuatel si+ed for the lanned comletion It -illobiousl affect the si+e of the other reuired casing strings the bit selection the

caacit of the rig and the oerall -ell costs The roduction casing must bedesigned for the loads that ma be imosed during the roducing life of the field It

is similar to tubing design in seeral -as

urst

Production casing must be designed to -ithstand the ma1imum closedin tubing

ressure that can be e1ected If a ac6er has been used this ressure is assumed

to be alied at the to of a full column of ac6er fluid (ie for the case of a tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1784

failure at the surface) =e usuall assume that the e1ternal ressure resisting burstis a -ater gradient If the ac6er fluid is heaier than -ater the burst load -ill

increase -ith deth

In the eent that a snubbing oeration could not be conenientl attemted if atubing brea6 occurs at the surface the casing must be strong enough to -ithstand a

bullhead suee+e on the lie tubing string in -hich case this -ould be the designcriteria for the casing and -ellhead

In man cases it ma be necessar to design the casing for loads imosed during

stimulation and ressure testing onersel the casing caacit must be chec6ed-hen designing a fracturing treatment This is articularl imortant in -ells -here

no ac6er is used

$ollapse

Production casing ma be sub8ect to comlete eacuation during roductionoerations if the -ell is oerated on gas lift or umedoff or if the ac6er or

-or6oer fluid is lost into a deleted +one As the ie ma hae deteriorated beforethis occurs a higher design factor (F) is often used for roduction casing

eere collase loads ma occur in situations in -hich thermal e1ansion of theannular fluid bet-een the roduction and intermediate strings cannot be bled off

(eg in some subsea -ells)

Increased loading should be assumed if lie annuli are a feature of the area 7educed

loadings ma be assumed if the -ells -ill not be umed off gas lifted or seereldeleted

eere collase loads ma e1ist in the a section during high dra-do-n

underbalanced erforating and testing and suee+e either or both cementation andfracturing ( ltigure $ollapse loads in the pay ) It is highl adisable to maintainsome set casingtubing annulus ressure during such serice oerations

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1884

Figure 1

Tensionamp$ompression

In high rate roduction areas and thermal -ells e1ansion of the roduction tubingma imose additional tension on the casing strings ia the ac6er

$ouplings

In high ressure (000 siD 34 Pa) high temerature (300B ltD 4 ) andor

seerel sour conditions remium casing coulings are recommended

aterial Selection

In sour enironments material secification must consider the chances of Hcontamination of the casingtubing annulus and the added ossibilit of temerature

changes during stimulation affecting the stress corrosion tolerance of the ie

Couplings

There are man forms of couling aailable some of -hich hae been dedicated tothe ublic through the ausices of the API -hile others are roduced b or under

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1984

license from a secific manufacturer It -as in fact the need to obtain astandardi+ation of thread forms and diameters that led to the formation of the API

ommittee on tandardi+ation of Tubular Moods in 4

The API coulings ( ltigure

Figure 1

ltigure and ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2084

Figure 2

$utaways of basic types of couplings) are of three basic tes e1ternal uset (gtKgt)

nonuset (ampK) and integral 8oint

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2184

Figure 3

Threads are of t-o main forms The round API threads are -ea6er than the ie

bod (ie N00 efficient) The buttress threads -ere deeloed b the ampationalTube Giision of the Knited tates teel ororation to roide a high strength

couling for dee high ressure -ell serice This thread is used in a number ofrorietar coulings eg Hdril A Atlas2radford

All taered threads achiee a seal b driing the in and bo1 surfaces together undersufficient stress to generate a bearing ressure e1ceeding an differential that is to

be subseuentl alied Ho-eer a small siral oid is al-as left bet-een themating surfaces and must be filled -ith solids in the form of thread comound (This

is the reason for careful secification of the comound in 2ul A) Ln API roundthreads this oid occurs bet-een the crest and root of the mating threads -hile on

buttress threads it e1tends oer the -hole flan6 of the thread on the beeled side

To imroe lea6 resistance eseciall at eleated temeratures and under high

ressure differential the socalled remium seals -ere deeloed These consist of either metaltometal seals on taered ortions of the in and bo1 surfaces or an

elastomer seal ring or both This te of seal reuires a high ualit finish andrecise gauging and insection The couling is therefore more costl ince API and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2284

buttress threads hae roen to be er reliable in the field the decision to use themore e1ensie remium seals reuires careful economic 8ustification In general

their alication has roen aluable in highl corrosie conditions in high ressuregas -ells or high ressurehigh ML7 oil -ells and in thermal -ells sub8ect to high

comressie loads The ma be used -here -or6oer costs are high (egoffshore) In general API tubulars are adeuate for differential ressures of less than

000 si (344 Pa) and temeratures of less than 300B lt (0B ) using hightemerature thread comound ltor corrosie conditions and continuous gas sericethe ressure limit is often reduced to 00 si ( Pa)

gt1ercises

)ilfield nits

The in 4 lbft J ampK tubing string in a 000ft oil -ell -as designed

based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional load -ould beimosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 00 si after the

-ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The -ell

roduces 30B API oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

SI nits

The 3mm ( in) 6gmm (4 lbft) J ampK tubing string in an 30moil -ell -as designed based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional

load is imosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 3 Paafter the -ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The

-ell roduces 6gm3 oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

olutions

)ilfield nits

=eight in air E 000 ft 1 4 E 3400 lb

2uoanc in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2384

Buoyant ampeight amphen run (gt x 65 ((9 lb

=ater gradient (M E ) E 0433 sift

Lil gradient (M E 0) E 0 1 0433 E 03 sift

IG of tubing E 44 in Ai E 40 in

=eight of oil in tubing E 000 1 03 1 40 E 04 lb

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell has been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 19gt2 (gt 5 gt93 19gt2 (gt 2(gt 51(2 lb

The API 8oint strength rating of in 4 lbft J nonuset tubing E 00lb

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor) E (00) ()E 4400 lb

Therefore the roosed loading e1ceeds the design secifications and a lea6 mightoccur during the test In fact the loading e1ceeds design secs een -ithout adding

the 00 si of -ellhead ressure (actual load 404 lb comared -ith an allo-ableof 4400 lb) Ho-eer using a 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions

ressure tests of u to 4 si -ould be ermissible

6293 1((3 19gt2 (gt pt gt93

Pt E 4 si

+ nits Ceight in air 1( x 5 16(5 kg 165 kM

2uoanc factor in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater E gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12Buoyant ampeight amphen run 165 x 65 1gt2 kM

=ater gradient (M E 0) E 4 6PamLil gradient (M E 0) 0 1 4 E 6Pam

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2484

IG of tubing E mm thus Ai E 30 1 l04 m

=eight of oil in tubing E (30 m) ( 6Pam) (30 1 03 m)E 44 6amp

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell had been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 gt6gt 165 (5 (1 x 1 -(3 gt6gt 165 156 22gt6 kM

8ro 8igure 1 the PI Aoint strength rating of 6(- 5 kg7 )-55 nonupset tubing is

629 lbs (222 kM3

Figure 1

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor)

(222715 2152 kM

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2584

$herefore the proposed loading exceeds the design specifications and a leak ight occur duringthe test In fact the loading exceeds design specifications een at ero ampellhead pressure actualload of gt6gt 165 216 kM copared ampith an alloampable load of 2152 kM3

Ho-eer using the 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions ressure tests

of u to 6Pa -ould be ermissible

216 pt (1 x l-gt3

t E 4 6Pa

2 )ilfield nits 12-ft hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubing

head pressure can be expectedN If the casing ampellhead and tubing are to be designed for asFueee kill at fracture propagation pressure 8PP3 amphat ampellhead pressure ampould be expected atthe start of the kill operationN Gse EFuation 1( for estiating the 8P3

13

+ units (99- hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubinghead pressure is expectedN

If the casing -ellhead and tubing are to be designed for a suee+e 6ill at fractureroagation ressure (ltPP) -hat -ellhead ressure -ould be e1ected at the start

of the 6ill oerationQ (Kse gtuation 3 for estimating the ltPM)

olutions

)ilfield nits

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure on

hydrocarbon-filled tubing

1125

External Packer fluid and eroannulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressure 1125

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2684

shut-in tubing pressure

Internal $ubing epty anddepressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight in Body 1(((

copletion fluid )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125

)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g of 0 E 04

At 000 ft assuming a hdrostatic gradient of 0433 sift the bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP 12 x gt(( 519 psiampith gas surface pressure 519 x 6gt6 I$P (1 psi

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be sift and using gtuation 3 to estimate

the fracture roagation ressure

E 0 sift

ltPP E 0 000 ft E 04 si

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the forationpropagation pressure inus the pressure due to the gas gradient

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2784

$IP 12 6163 - 519 - (13 62 psigore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP 12 6163 6gt6 9gt26 psi$herefore a 5 psi ampellhead should not be used een though the axiu closed-in tubinghead pressure is only about gt psi

SI nits

7eferring to Table 1

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g E 0 E 04

At 30 m assuming a normal hdrostatic ressure of 6Pa m bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP (99 65 (55 kPa

ampith gas surface pressure (55 6gt6 I$P 296 kPa

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be 6Pam and using gtuation 3 toestimate the fracture roagation ressure

E 6Pam

ltPP E 30 E 3 6Pa

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the foration propagation pressure inus the pressure due tothe gas gradient

THIP E (30 ) (30 0) E 0 6Pa

ore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP (99 19213 6gt6 gtgt(1 kPa

9gt Pa ampellhead should therefore be used

3hellip)ilfield nits

A 000ft -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 000 T2d using intubing encounters 0 ft of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of 3000 si =hat

rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight of tubing is to be

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2884

used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming that

Grade -eight lbft

Collapse

+trength psi

urst

+trength psi

Tensional

+trength 1 lb

Cost Coparison

)-55 155 gtgt gt1 ( cheapest

16 gt1 5(2 (2

-65 16 96 625 gt2( ost expensie

M- 16 92 66gt gtgt9 oderately expensie

2 ( 52gt

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 043 sift)

reseroir ressure 3000 si

6ill ressure 000 si aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 5 5 psi7ft3

If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure onhydrocarbon- filledtubing

1125

External Packer fluid and ero

annulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressureshut-in tubing pressure

1125

Internal $ubing epty and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2984

depressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight incopletion fluid

Body 1((( )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

Assume lie oil gradient is 03 sift

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at theac6er and the running tension

SI nits

A 30m -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 400 m3da of oil -ith l40mm ( inch) tubing encounters 0 m of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of

000 6Pa =hat rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight oftubing is to be used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming

that

Grade -eight

$gmm

Collapse

+trength

$Pa

urst

+trength

$Pa

Tensional

+trength

$amp

Cost Coparison

)-55 2(1 2655 ((19gt 1((gt cheapest

25( ((5( (99 1gt9(

-65 25( gt151 gt6 12 ost expensie

M- 25( gt(2 5((95 1gt oderately expensie

2 9 91gt 2((1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3084

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 40 6Pam)

reseroir ressure 000 6Pa

6ill ressure 000 6Pa aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 53 22(3 5 kPa7If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Assume lie oil gradient is 6Pam

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at the

ac6er and the running tensions

olution

)ilfield nits

I$P IBP - o 4

o ( psi7ft

under operating conditions I$P ( - ( 63 psi

under axiu conditions assuing gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 3000 E si

under 6ill conditions

8P 5 5

5 5 x 61 psi7ft

ltPP E 000 0

E 000 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3184

O BIP oil kill3

5 psieFuialent $P oil kill3

5 - ( x 6 2 psi

In the case of a gas kill

Iamp 2HIP(gas 6ill)

( 1 psi gt psi

eFuialent $P gas kill3

5gt x BP 5gt x gt (gt19 psi

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a ( psi ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a 5 psi ampellhead

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialent

to the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating

burst rating E ma1 THP design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 34 E 343 si

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading Calculation

alculate first assuming a high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid f 3 43 gt(53 63 (gt5 psi

ma1 HP E ma1 ITHP (assumes lea6)E si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 304E 0 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3284

ma1 collase load E 0 0 si (assumes emt tubing)E 0 si

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 0 1 si

E 30 si

$herefore strictly speaking ampe should use 2-lb7ft M- tubing although it is ore likely a l6-lb7ft ampould be selected since the probability is ery loamp that such seere collapse-loadingassuptions ampould proe true

alculate ne1t assuming a lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 00 si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 00 F 304 siE 34 si

ma1 collase load E 34 si

reuired collase rating E 34 E 443 si

Ce could select 16 lb7ft )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculations

ampeight in air C 4 16 lb7ft3 6 ft3 11 lb

buoyancy factor

625

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 000 lb

E 04000 lb

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (04000) () lb

16 lb$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3384

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubingcomletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

in 0lbft amp0 tubing meets all criteria for this te of roduction 7is6 of

gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing bet-een amp0 and J grades

SI nits

I$P IBP - ρo x 4

ρo 969 kPa7

under operating conditions I$P 26 - 969 x 21(3

92gt9 kPaunder axiu conditions gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 000 E 6Pa

under 6ill conditions

8P 53 22(3 5

53 22(3 5

19 kPa7

ltPP E (30) (00)

E 3400 6Pa

O BIP oil kill3 (gt kPa eFuialent $P oil kill3 (gt - 969 x 21(3

1929 kPa

In the case of a gas 6ill

Iamp 2HIP

(gas 6ill) E 000 F 000 6Pa

266 kPaeFuialent $P gas kill3 5gt x BP

5gt x 266 2(959 kPa

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a 26 Pa ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a (gt5 Pa ampellhead

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3484

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialentto the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating Calculation

burst rating E ma1 THP 1 design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 3 1

E 3 6Pa

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading

alculate first assuming high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid ρf 3 43

gt3 21(3 25 kPa

ax P ax I$P assues leak3 1696 kPa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 0

E 33 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 33 0 6Pa (assumes emt tubing)

E 33 6Pa

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 33 1 E 434 6Pa

Therefore strictl sea6ing -e should use a 6gm amp0 tubing but moreli6el 36gm tubing -ould be selected since the robabilit of such seere

collase loading is er lo-

alculate ne1t assuming lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 4 6Pa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 4 F 0

E 0 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 0 6Pa

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3584

reuired collase rating E 0 1 E 300 6Pa

Ce could select 25(-kg7 )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculation

ampeight in air 25( 21( 5( kg 525 kM

buoanc factor E

EE0

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 6ampE 4 6amp

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (4) ()

E 30 6amp

$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubing

comletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

40mm ( inch) 36gm 0 tubing meets all criteria for this te ofroduction 7is6 of gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing

bet-een 0 and J grades

Pac6ers

Pac$er unctions

A ac6er is a subsurface tool that roides a seal bet-een the tubing and

casingthereb reenting the ertical moement of fluids across this sealing oint

Pac6ers are used for the follo-ing reasons

9 to imroe safet b roiding a barrier to flo- through the annulus

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3684

9 to 6ee -ell fluids and ressures isolated from the casing

9 to imroe flo- conditions and reent heading

9 to searate +ones in the same -ellbore

9 to lace 6ill fluids or treating fluids in the casing annulus

9 to ac6 off erforations rather than use suee+e cementing

9 to 6ee gas lift or hdraulic o-er fluid in8ection ressure isolated from the

formation

9 to anchor the tubing

9 to install a casing um

9 to minimi+e heat losses b allo-ing the use of an emt annulus or thermal

insulator

9 to isolate a casing lea6 or lea6ing liner la

9 to facilitate temorar -ell serice oerations (eg stimulations suee+es)

Pac$er T+pes

There are man ac6er manufacturers some of -hom offer an e1tensie ariet ofac6ers -ith each differing to some degree from those of the other manufacturers

This rather be-ildering arra can ho-eer be groued into rincial classes or

tes and ma be further categori+ed b method of setting b direction of ressureacross the ac6er and b the number of bores through the ac6er

Pac6ers can be rimaril classified as either retrieable or ermanent or

ermanentretrieable or inflatable

)etrievable acers

This te of ac6er is run on the tubing ( ltigure )etrievable pacer )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3784

Figure 1

After setting it can be released and recoered from the -ell on the tubing ince it is

an integral art of the tubing string the tubing cannot be remoed from the -ell-ithout ulling the ac6er unless a detachable ac6er head is used

7etrieable ac6ers ma be designed to be set mechanicall or hdraulicallechanical setting methods include rotation of the tubing string recirocation of the

tubing string or the alication of tension or setdo-n -eight =ith mechanical

ac6ers the tubing is usuall set in comression

Hdraulic ac6ers are set b aling hdraulic ressure through the tubing stringbut once set the hold the set osition mechanicall The tubing is usuall in tension

7etrieable ac6ers are usuall used for comle1 multi+one and multistringcomletions Their main limitation -as in their limited abilit to accommodate tubing

stress changes -ithout unsettingD the aailabilit of effectie sli 8oints anddetachable heads has eased this situation An historical roblem -as failure of the

internal elastomer seals but this technolog also has imroed mar6edl in the lastdecade All metaltometal seal ac6ers are aailable but are e1ensie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3884

Lne disadantage of retrieable ac6ers is that if the fail to retriee the must beremoed b milling them out of the casing -ith an abrasie milling head and a

drillstring The are er difficult to mill Menerall this te of ac6er is used undernonseere conditions (differential ressures less than 000 si (344 Pa)

temeratures less than 300B lt (4B )

2ecause of the setting mechanism retrieable ac6ers tend to hae a restrictedbore comared -ith other ac6ers designed for the same casing si+e This factorma restrict flo- or limit -ireline oerations belo- the ac6er deth

ermanent acers

Permanent ac6ers are indeendent of the tubing and ma be run on tubing or on

-ireline ( ltigure and ltigure 3 )

Figure 2

The tubing can be released from the ac6er and can be ulled leaing the ac6er set

in the casing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3984

Figure 3

Tubing can subseuentl be run bac6 and resealed in the ac6er The ac6er ma

thus be considered an integral art of the casing It is sometimes called either aroduction ac6er or a retainerroduction ac6er

The ermanent ac6er cannot be recoered as such but it can be destructiel

remoed (eg b milling) ( ltigure 4 and ltigure )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4084

Figure 4

If the ac6er includes a tailie and must be recoered a millout e1tension is

needed on the ac6er for the ac6er ic6er or catch sleee on the mill to engageIn other cases it ma be adeuate to siml ush the ac6er to the bottom of the

casing after milling

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1184

Figure amp

bull the most seere burst and collase loadings occur during ressure testing

-ell 6ill and stimulation

bull the most seere collase loading occurs do-nhole

bull additional annulus ressure can be used to reduce burst loading roided

the casing is strong enough

bull the tubinghead ressure during 6ill oerations (THIP) often aro1imates or

e1ceeds the reseroir ressure (I2HP)

Cith relatiely sall tubing strings (5 in or 3 the inherent burst and collapse strength isso high that soe engineers do not bother ampith tubing design in ampells ampith depths of less than ft 25 3 unless oerpressures are expected

Simplified Tensional Strength Design

Although burst and collase resistance ma not be significant considerations inuming -ells tensional strength is a critical design arameter for all -ells ouling

lea6age and failure -hich accounts for 0 of the roblems in -ell tubulars often

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1284

ma be the result of inadeuate tensional design rather than a burst or sealingroblem In this resect it is articularl imortant to remember that test ressures

imose substantial iston forces on the tubing (eg a 000 si (3 Pa) ressuretest on a lug set inside in (3mm) tubing -ill increase the tension on the

hanger b (000)( 4)(44l) E 30 lb (4 6amp)

It is also imortant to recogni+e that unli6e other strength arameters the API 8ointstrength is based on a failure condition rather than the onset of lastic deformation

The failure condition is either an un+iing of the in and bo1 in the case of APIthreads because of ielding (also called 8umout)D or brea6age of reduced cross

section at the threads in the case of suare threads

ltinall there are all sorts of additional tensional loads that -e do not normallanal+e in detail (eg shoc6 loading and drag forces during running bending

stresses buc6ling crosssectional iston forces changes in buoanc)

ince it is common ractice to ma6e a reliminar tensional design using tubing

-eight loading onl a higher design factor is used for tension and eseciall for 8oint

strength (Table 1 aboe) ome comanies and more conseratie engineers -illeen ignore the otential benefits of buoanc 2uoanc results in a iston force onthe lo-er end of the tubing and as a first aro1imation it ma normall be assumed

that

12amphere

CB buoyant ampeight

=amp E -eight in air

E densit of steel ( gmcc)

E densit of fluid

8igure 5 graphically depicts the tensional and copressional forces at ampork on a tapered string of tubular goods $he load resulting fro the ampeight of the pipe is shoampn for a string ampeighed in airand ampith the buoyant forces accounted for as piston forces or approxiated using EFuation 12Ce can see that at a point approxiately idampay in the length of the heaier pipe at the bottoof the string there is a change fro copression to tension $his is also the concept amphich guidesthe design of drillstrings ampith the purpose of keeping the drillpipe in tension amphile using theheaier drill collars to aintain a copressional load on the bit

Part of gt1amle gies the reliminar tension design considerations for thecomletion alread coered in art

Example 2 (part 2

reliminary Tension Design

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1384

$ubing ampeight 9gt lb7ft

Tubing length 00 ft

Pac6er fluid inhibited oil

03 sift E 0 gmcc

=amp E 4 00E 300 lb

E 0 300

E 04 lb

Joint Specifications

)55 lt

EGE H4 EGE H4 5

PI Aoint strengthKlb3

6 1 1(5 12

4esign factorTable 13

1 1 1 1

4esign capacityKlb3

55gt 559 655 611

Tubing Tension Design Considerations 1 eFuires lt tubing at surface

7euires 8oint strength caabilit of gtKgt or euialent

3 In ie- of ressures deth and H -ould robabl select remium

grade couling

any copanies hae these design techniFues prograed for the coputer and use the saegeneral techniFue for both tubing and casing designs

Tubing Design Parameters

It is imortant to remember that -hile the rimar function of the tubing is as aconduit for hdrocarbon roduction or for in8ection of -ater or gas the most seere

loadings often occur during -ell serice or 6illing oerations or during ressuretests It is therefore rudent to ma6e roision for these oerations -hen designing

a comletion and to chec6 out the tubing limitations -hen lanning a -ell sericingoeration (eg a stimulation or a -or6oer) are must be ta6en not to increase

comletion costs e1cessiel b tring to ma6e roisions for all sorts of unli6el butossible occurrences It must also be remembered that there are stes that can be

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1484

ta6en to mitigate the induced stresses during man oerations (eg alingannular ressure or heating fracturing fluids) Ln the other hand the conseuential

costs of a failed tubing string or of haing to run a secial -or6ing string in termsof deferred roduction and rig time can be uite substantial Assessment of the

most cost effectie solution is generall a 8udgment call based on the engineer5se1erience and on cororate attitudes and olic A tical set of arameters has

alread been illustrated in gt1amle

urst

The tubing and -ellhead should be designed for suee+e and 6ill conditions incefines in the erforations or oil can sometimes cause a chec6 ale effect -hen

attemting to suee+e bac6 liuids man comletion designers li6e to hae thefle1ibilit of being able to raise the bottomhole ressure to the lt2P or at least to the

ltPP Ho-eer -ith high ermeabilit reseroirs or gas -ells in -hich fracturestimulation is unli6el comletion engineers are often satisfied -ith a certain

minimum differential for in8ection The alue selected aries from area to area andfrom coman to coman but is commonl either around 000 si ( Pa) or 33

of the reseroir ressure The author suggests

1 8BP amphere k1 1 d kg 5 d

ltPP for suee+ing liuids -here 6 00 md

3 I2HP F 000 si ( Pa) for suee+ing gas -here6g 0 mdD or for suee+ing liuids -here 6 000 md

8ro the rock echanics theory presented by eertsa 163 and others it ay be deducedthat in a tectonically relaxed area a proisional estiate of the fracture propagation gradient8P3 can be obtained fro the eFuation

13

ltPM N lt2M N sift ( 6Pam) 1

amphere s oerburden stress J1 psi7ft depth3

E ore ressure si

G E deth ft

ltPM E formation roagation gradient sift

lt2M E formation brea6do-n gradient sift

$he specification of the pressure test conditions is often critical to burst design oernentregulations soeties specify pressure test conditions eg to at least 0 of the reseroirpressure or to 1 psi 5 Pa3 oer the axiu differential pressure expected at the packer3If no regulations exist ost operators test to their tubing design conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1584

$ollapse

eere collase loads on the tubing can occur

bull in gas ampells and high oil ampells ampith loamp-floamping botto-hole pressures and deep-set safety ales after bloampdoampn to test a plug etc

bull during annulus ressure tests or oeration of shear circulation deices

bull -here there are ressured annuli

bull during underbalance erforating or testing at high dra-do-n

bull during tubing blo-outs

It is iportant to reeber that tension reduces collapse strength $his biaxial effect should beexained for large diaeter tubings especially if reduced collapse design assuptions and7or adeep-set safety ale is used

Tension

Tubing strings are not onl sub8ected to running tensions -ith all the associatedshoc6 and acceleration loadings but also to aring oerating stresses due to iston

forces on the steel andor an lugs ums standing ales and the li6e in thetubing oreoer if the tubing is anchored or held b a ac6er its oerating tension

-ill ar as a result of

bull theral effects hot production or cold kill fluid3

bull iston effects (changes in buoanc and forces at 8oint usets)

bull ballooning effects (changes in internal or e1ternal ressure)

bull buc6ling effects (longitudinal instabilit)

$hese potential probles are listed in ters of their ost coon relatie agnitude althoughthe relatie iportance of piston and ballooning effects is ariable3

$ombined oading

=hile the designer of tubular goods normall tal6s in terms of burst collase and

tension comression as if the -ere indeendent it is obious that in most actualloading situations the occur simultaneousl Precise stress analsis should reallconsider a tria1ial loading situation

The simultaneous solution of all the associated euations is rather comlicated Anumber of comuter rograms are aailable but for most field engineers the -ill be

a blac6 bo1 solution This can be dangerous It is imortant to chec6 that theformulas are roerl handled articularl -ith resect to collase -hich is a

stabilit effect Therefore it is usual for critical stress analses (eg for ultra dee

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1684

high ressure or sour -ells) to be underta6en b a secialist consultant researchgrou or intracoman tas6 force oreoer since this is not the routine design

techniue design factors are less -ell roen (although a alue of is oftenused)

A more conenient aroach for the intermediate range moderatel comle1 design

roblem is to use the ellise of bia1ial ield stress roosed b Holmuist and ampadai(3) The critical relationshis are (a) tension reduces collase resistanceD (b)comression reduces burst resistance

The other imortant concet in the consideration of tria1ial loads is that ressurechanges affect a1ial stresses or cause tubing moement This has been e1tensiel

discussed in Pgt aers b $ubins6i () Hammerlindl () and tillebroer()

ending

2ending stresses can be significant in large tubulars The are comressie in the

inner -all and tensional in the outer -all the most detrimental being

1ampamphere

the radius of curature ft3

sb E bending stress

gt E Ooung5s modulus (for steel gt E 30 0 si)

do E outside diameter of the tubular

Bending stresses result fro both hole curature and buckling $he effects of doglegs need onlybe considered if they are ery seere 1L71 ft= 1L7( 3 or if ery large tubing 5 172 to 6 in=1gt to 16 3 is being used

Production Casing

The roduction casing must be adeuatel si+ed for the lanned comletion It -illobiousl affect the si+e of the other reuired casing strings the bit selection the

caacit of the rig and the oerall -ell costs The roduction casing must bedesigned for the loads that ma be imosed during the roducing life of the field It

is similar to tubing design in seeral -as

urst

Production casing must be designed to -ithstand the ma1imum closedin tubing

ressure that can be e1ected If a ac6er has been used this ressure is assumed

to be alied at the to of a full column of ac6er fluid (ie for the case of a tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1784

failure at the surface) =e usuall assume that the e1ternal ressure resisting burstis a -ater gradient If the ac6er fluid is heaier than -ater the burst load -ill

increase -ith deth

In the eent that a snubbing oeration could not be conenientl attemted if atubing brea6 occurs at the surface the casing must be strong enough to -ithstand a

bullhead suee+e on the lie tubing string in -hich case this -ould be the designcriteria for the casing and -ellhead

In man cases it ma be necessar to design the casing for loads imosed during

stimulation and ressure testing onersel the casing caacit must be chec6ed-hen designing a fracturing treatment This is articularl imortant in -ells -here

no ac6er is used

$ollapse

Production casing ma be sub8ect to comlete eacuation during roductionoerations if the -ell is oerated on gas lift or umedoff or if the ac6er or

-or6oer fluid is lost into a deleted +one As the ie ma hae deteriorated beforethis occurs a higher design factor (F) is often used for roduction casing

eere collase loads ma occur in situations in -hich thermal e1ansion of theannular fluid bet-een the roduction and intermediate strings cannot be bled off

(eg in some subsea -ells)

Increased loading should be assumed if lie annuli are a feature of the area 7educed

loadings ma be assumed if the -ells -ill not be umed off gas lifted or seereldeleted

eere collase loads ma e1ist in the a section during high dra-do-n

underbalanced erforating and testing and suee+e either or both cementation andfracturing ( ltigure $ollapse loads in the pay ) It is highl adisable to maintainsome set casingtubing annulus ressure during such serice oerations

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1884

Figure 1

Tensionamp$ompression

In high rate roduction areas and thermal -ells e1ansion of the roduction tubingma imose additional tension on the casing strings ia the ac6er

$ouplings

In high ressure (000 siD 34 Pa) high temerature (300B ltD 4 ) andor

seerel sour conditions remium casing coulings are recommended

aterial Selection

In sour enironments material secification must consider the chances of Hcontamination of the casingtubing annulus and the added ossibilit of temerature

changes during stimulation affecting the stress corrosion tolerance of the ie

Couplings

There are man forms of couling aailable some of -hich hae been dedicated tothe ublic through the ausices of the API -hile others are roduced b or under

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1984

license from a secific manufacturer It -as in fact the need to obtain astandardi+ation of thread forms and diameters that led to the formation of the API

ommittee on tandardi+ation of Tubular Moods in 4

The API coulings ( ltigure

Figure 1

ltigure and ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2084

Figure 2

$utaways of basic types of couplings) are of three basic tes e1ternal uset (gtKgt)

nonuset (ampK) and integral 8oint

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2184

Figure 3

Threads are of t-o main forms The round API threads are -ea6er than the ie

bod (ie N00 efficient) The buttress threads -ere deeloed b the ampationalTube Giision of the Knited tates teel ororation to roide a high strength

couling for dee high ressure -ell serice This thread is used in a number ofrorietar coulings eg Hdril A Atlas2radford

All taered threads achiee a seal b driing the in and bo1 surfaces together undersufficient stress to generate a bearing ressure e1ceeding an differential that is to

be subseuentl alied Ho-eer a small siral oid is al-as left bet-een themating surfaces and must be filled -ith solids in the form of thread comound (This

is the reason for careful secification of the comound in 2ul A) Ln API roundthreads this oid occurs bet-een the crest and root of the mating threads -hile on

buttress threads it e1tends oer the -hole flan6 of the thread on the beeled side

To imroe lea6 resistance eseciall at eleated temeratures and under high

ressure differential the socalled remium seals -ere deeloed These consist of either metaltometal seals on taered ortions of the in and bo1 surfaces or an

elastomer seal ring or both This te of seal reuires a high ualit finish andrecise gauging and insection The couling is therefore more costl ince API and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2284

buttress threads hae roen to be er reliable in the field the decision to use themore e1ensie remium seals reuires careful economic 8ustification In general

their alication has roen aluable in highl corrosie conditions in high ressuregas -ells or high ressurehigh ML7 oil -ells and in thermal -ells sub8ect to high

comressie loads The ma be used -here -or6oer costs are high (egoffshore) In general API tubulars are adeuate for differential ressures of less than

000 si (344 Pa) and temeratures of less than 300B lt (0B ) using hightemerature thread comound ltor corrosie conditions and continuous gas sericethe ressure limit is often reduced to 00 si ( Pa)

gt1ercises

)ilfield nits

The in 4 lbft J ampK tubing string in a 000ft oil -ell -as designed

based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional load -ould beimosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 00 si after the

-ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The -ell

roduces 30B API oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

SI nits

The 3mm ( in) 6gmm (4 lbft) J ampK tubing string in an 30moil -ell -as designed based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional

load is imosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 3 Paafter the -ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The

-ell roduces 6gm3 oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

olutions

)ilfield nits

=eight in air E 000 ft 1 4 E 3400 lb

2uoanc in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2384

Buoyant ampeight amphen run (gt x 65 ((9 lb

=ater gradient (M E ) E 0433 sift

Lil gradient (M E 0) E 0 1 0433 E 03 sift

IG of tubing E 44 in Ai E 40 in

=eight of oil in tubing E 000 1 03 1 40 E 04 lb

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell has been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 19gt2 (gt 5 gt93 19gt2 (gt 2(gt 51(2 lb

The API 8oint strength rating of in 4 lbft J nonuset tubing E 00lb

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor) E (00) ()E 4400 lb

Therefore the roosed loading e1ceeds the design secifications and a lea6 mightoccur during the test In fact the loading e1ceeds design secs een -ithout adding

the 00 si of -ellhead ressure (actual load 404 lb comared -ith an allo-ableof 4400 lb) Ho-eer using a 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions

ressure tests of u to 4 si -ould be ermissible

6293 1((3 19gt2 (gt pt gt93

Pt E 4 si

+ nits Ceight in air 1( x 5 16(5 kg 165 kM

2uoanc factor in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater E gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12Buoyant ampeight amphen run 165 x 65 1gt2 kM

=ater gradient (M E 0) E 4 6PamLil gradient (M E 0) 0 1 4 E 6Pam

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2484

IG of tubing E mm thus Ai E 30 1 l04 m

=eight of oil in tubing E (30 m) ( 6Pam) (30 1 03 m)E 44 6amp

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell had been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 gt6gt 165 (5 (1 x 1 -(3 gt6gt 165 156 22gt6 kM

8ro 8igure 1 the PI Aoint strength rating of 6(- 5 kg7 )-55 nonupset tubing is

629 lbs (222 kM3

Figure 1

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor)

(222715 2152 kM

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2584

$herefore the proposed loading exceeds the design specifications and a leak ight occur duringthe test In fact the loading exceeds design specifications een at ero ampellhead pressure actualload of gt6gt 165 216 kM copared ampith an alloampable load of 2152 kM3

Ho-eer using the 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions ressure tests

of u to 6Pa -ould be ermissible

216 pt (1 x l-gt3

t E 4 6Pa

2 )ilfield nits 12-ft hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubing

head pressure can be expectedN If the casing ampellhead and tubing are to be designed for asFueee kill at fracture propagation pressure 8PP3 amphat ampellhead pressure ampould be expected atthe start of the kill operationN Gse EFuation 1( for estiating the 8P3

13

+ units (99- hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubinghead pressure is expectedN

If the casing -ellhead and tubing are to be designed for a suee+e 6ill at fractureroagation ressure (ltPP) -hat -ellhead ressure -ould be e1ected at the start

of the 6ill oerationQ (Kse gtuation 3 for estimating the ltPM)

olutions

)ilfield nits

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure on

hydrocarbon-filled tubing

1125

External Packer fluid and eroannulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressure 1125

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2684

shut-in tubing pressure

Internal $ubing epty anddepressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight in Body 1(((

copletion fluid )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125

)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g of 0 E 04

At 000 ft assuming a hdrostatic gradient of 0433 sift the bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP 12 x gt(( 519 psiampith gas surface pressure 519 x 6gt6 I$P (1 psi

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be sift and using gtuation 3 to estimate

the fracture roagation ressure

E 0 sift

ltPP E 0 000 ft E 04 si

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the forationpropagation pressure inus the pressure due to the gas gradient

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2784

$IP 12 6163 - 519 - (13 62 psigore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP 12 6163 6gt6 9gt26 psi$herefore a 5 psi ampellhead should not be used een though the axiu closed-in tubinghead pressure is only about gt psi

SI nits

7eferring to Table 1

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g E 0 E 04

At 30 m assuming a normal hdrostatic ressure of 6Pa m bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP (99 65 (55 kPa

ampith gas surface pressure (55 6gt6 I$P 296 kPa

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be 6Pam and using gtuation 3 toestimate the fracture roagation ressure

E 6Pam

ltPP E 30 E 3 6Pa

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the foration propagation pressure inus the pressure due tothe gas gradient

THIP E (30 ) (30 0) E 0 6Pa

ore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP (99 19213 6gt6 gtgt(1 kPa

9gt Pa ampellhead should therefore be used

3hellip)ilfield nits

A 000ft -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 000 T2d using intubing encounters 0 ft of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of 3000 si =hat

rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight of tubing is to be

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2884

used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming that

Grade -eight lbft

Collapse

+trength psi

urst

+trength psi

Tensional

+trength 1 lb

Cost Coparison

)-55 155 gtgt gt1 ( cheapest

16 gt1 5(2 (2

-65 16 96 625 gt2( ost expensie

M- 16 92 66gt gtgt9 oderately expensie

2 ( 52gt

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 043 sift)

reseroir ressure 3000 si

6ill ressure 000 si aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 5 5 psi7ft3

If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure onhydrocarbon- filledtubing

1125

External Packer fluid and ero

annulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressureshut-in tubing pressure

1125

Internal $ubing epty and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2984

depressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight incopletion fluid

Body 1((( )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

Assume lie oil gradient is 03 sift

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at theac6er and the running tension

SI nits

A 30m -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 400 m3da of oil -ith l40mm ( inch) tubing encounters 0 m of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of

000 6Pa =hat rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight oftubing is to be used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming

that

Grade -eight

$gmm

Collapse

+trength

$Pa

urst

+trength

$Pa

Tensional

+trength

$amp

Cost Coparison

)-55 2(1 2655 ((19gt 1((gt cheapest

25( ((5( (99 1gt9(

-65 25( gt151 gt6 12 ost expensie

M- 25( gt(2 5((95 1gt oderately expensie

2 9 91gt 2((1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3084

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 40 6Pam)

reseroir ressure 000 6Pa

6ill ressure 000 6Pa aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 53 22(3 5 kPa7If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Assume lie oil gradient is 6Pam

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at the

ac6er and the running tensions

olution

)ilfield nits

I$P IBP - o 4

o ( psi7ft

under operating conditions I$P ( - ( 63 psi

under axiu conditions assuing gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 3000 E si

under 6ill conditions

8P 5 5

5 5 x 61 psi7ft

ltPP E 000 0

E 000 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3184

O BIP oil kill3

5 psieFuialent $P oil kill3

5 - ( x 6 2 psi

In the case of a gas kill

Iamp 2HIP(gas 6ill)

( 1 psi gt psi

eFuialent $P gas kill3

5gt x BP 5gt x gt (gt19 psi

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a ( psi ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a 5 psi ampellhead

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialent

to the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating

burst rating E ma1 THP design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 34 E 343 si

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading Calculation

alculate first assuming a high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid f 3 43 gt(53 63 (gt5 psi

ma1 HP E ma1 ITHP (assumes lea6)E si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 304E 0 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3284

ma1 collase load E 0 0 si (assumes emt tubing)E 0 si

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 0 1 si

E 30 si

$herefore strictly speaking ampe should use 2-lb7ft M- tubing although it is ore likely a l6-lb7ft ampould be selected since the probability is ery loamp that such seere collapse-loadingassuptions ampould proe true

alculate ne1t assuming a lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 00 si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 00 F 304 siE 34 si

ma1 collase load E 34 si

reuired collase rating E 34 E 443 si

Ce could select 16 lb7ft )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculations

ampeight in air C 4 16 lb7ft3 6 ft3 11 lb

buoyancy factor

625

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 000 lb

E 04000 lb

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (04000) () lb

16 lb$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3384

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubingcomletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

in 0lbft amp0 tubing meets all criteria for this te of roduction 7is6 of

gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing bet-een amp0 and J grades

SI nits

I$P IBP - ρo x 4

ρo 969 kPa7

under operating conditions I$P 26 - 969 x 21(3

92gt9 kPaunder axiu conditions gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 000 E 6Pa

under 6ill conditions

8P 53 22(3 5

53 22(3 5

19 kPa7

ltPP E (30) (00)

E 3400 6Pa

O BIP oil kill3 (gt kPa eFuialent $P oil kill3 (gt - 969 x 21(3

1929 kPa

In the case of a gas 6ill

Iamp 2HIP

(gas 6ill) E 000 F 000 6Pa

266 kPaeFuialent $P gas kill3 5gt x BP

5gt x 266 2(959 kPa

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a 26 Pa ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a (gt5 Pa ampellhead

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3484

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialentto the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating Calculation

burst rating E ma1 THP 1 design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 3 1

E 3 6Pa

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading

alculate first assuming high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid ρf 3 43

gt3 21(3 25 kPa

ax P ax I$P assues leak3 1696 kPa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 0

E 33 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 33 0 6Pa (assumes emt tubing)

E 33 6Pa

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 33 1 E 434 6Pa

Therefore strictl sea6ing -e should use a 6gm amp0 tubing but moreli6el 36gm tubing -ould be selected since the robabilit of such seere

collase loading is er lo-

alculate ne1t assuming lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 4 6Pa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 4 F 0

E 0 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 0 6Pa

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3584

reuired collase rating E 0 1 E 300 6Pa

Ce could select 25(-kg7 )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculation

ampeight in air 25( 21( 5( kg 525 kM

buoanc factor E

EE0

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 6ampE 4 6amp

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (4) ()

E 30 6amp

$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubing

comletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

40mm ( inch) 36gm 0 tubing meets all criteria for this te ofroduction 7is6 of gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing

bet-een 0 and J grades

Pac6ers

Pac$er unctions

A ac6er is a subsurface tool that roides a seal bet-een the tubing and

casingthereb reenting the ertical moement of fluids across this sealing oint

Pac6ers are used for the follo-ing reasons

9 to imroe safet b roiding a barrier to flo- through the annulus

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3684

9 to 6ee -ell fluids and ressures isolated from the casing

9 to imroe flo- conditions and reent heading

9 to searate +ones in the same -ellbore

9 to lace 6ill fluids or treating fluids in the casing annulus

9 to ac6 off erforations rather than use suee+e cementing

9 to 6ee gas lift or hdraulic o-er fluid in8ection ressure isolated from the

formation

9 to anchor the tubing

9 to install a casing um

9 to minimi+e heat losses b allo-ing the use of an emt annulus or thermal

insulator

9 to isolate a casing lea6 or lea6ing liner la

9 to facilitate temorar -ell serice oerations (eg stimulations suee+es)

Pac$er T+pes

There are man ac6er manufacturers some of -hom offer an e1tensie ariet ofac6ers -ith each differing to some degree from those of the other manufacturers

This rather be-ildering arra can ho-eer be groued into rincial classes or

tes and ma be further categori+ed b method of setting b direction of ressureacross the ac6er and b the number of bores through the ac6er

Pac6ers can be rimaril classified as either retrieable or ermanent or

ermanentretrieable or inflatable

)etrievable acers

This te of ac6er is run on the tubing ( ltigure )etrievable pacer )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3784

Figure 1

After setting it can be released and recoered from the -ell on the tubing ince it is

an integral art of the tubing string the tubing cannot be remoed from the -ell-ithout ulling the ac6er unless a detachable ac6er head is used

7etrieable ac6ers ma be designed to be set mechanicall or hdraulicallechanical setting methods include rotation of the tubing string recirocation of the

tubing string or the alication of tension or setdo-n -eight =ith mechanical

ac6ers the tubing is usuall set in comression

Hdraulic ac6ers are set b aling hdraulic ressure through the tubing stringbut once set the hold the set osition mechanicall The tubing is usuall in tension

7etrieable ac6ers are usuall used for comle1 multi+one and multistringcomletions Their main limitation -as in their limited abilit to accommodate tubing

stress changes -ithout unsettingD the aailabilit of effectie sli 8oints anddetachable heads has eased this situation An historical roblem -as failure of the

internal elastomer seals but this technolog also has imroed mar6edl in the lastdecade All metaltometal seal ac6ers are aailable but are e1ensie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3884

Lne disadantage of retrieable ac6ers is that if the fail to retriee the must beremoed b milling them out of the casing -ith an abrasie milling head and a

drillstring The are er difficult to mill Menerall this te of ac6er is used undernonseere conditions (differential ressures less than 000 si (344 Pa)

temeratures less than 300B lt (4B )

2ecause of the setting mechanism retrieable ac6ers tend to hae a restrictedbore comared -ith other ac6ers designed for the same casing si+e This factorma restrict flo- or limit -ireline oerations belo- the ac6er deth

ermanent acers

Permanent ac6ers are indeendent of the tubing and ma be run on tubing or on

-ireline ( ltigure and ltigure 3 )

Figure 2

The tubing can be released from the ac6er and can be ulled leaing the ac6er set

in the casing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3984

Figure 3

Tubing can subseuentl be run bac6 and resealed in the ac6er The ac6er ma

thus be considered an integral art of the casing It is sometimes called either aroduction ac6er or a retainerroduction ac6er

The ermanent ac6er cannot be recoered as such but it can be destructiel

remoed (eg b milling) ( ltigure 4 and ltigure )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4084

Figure 4

If the ac6er includes a tailie and must be recoered a millout e1tension is

needed on the ac6er for the ac6er ic6er or catch sleee on the mill to engageIn other cases it ma be adeuate to siml ush the ac6er to the bottom of the

casing after milling

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1284

ma be the result of inadeuate tensional design rather than a burst or sealingroblem In this resect it is articularl imortant to remember that test ressures

imose substantial iston forces on the tubing (eg a 000 si (3 Pa) ressuretest on a lug set inside in (3mm) tubing -ill increase the tension on the

hanger b (000)( 4)(44l) E 30 lb (4 6amp)

It is also imortant to recogni+e that unli6e other strength arameters the API 8ointstrength is based on a failure condition rather than the onset of lastic deformation

The failure condition is either an un+iing of the in and bo1 in the case of APIthreads because of ielding (also called 8umout)D or brea6age of reduced cross

section at the threads in the case of suare threads

ltinall there are all sorts of additional tensional loads that -e do not normallanal+e in detail (eg shoc6 loading and drag forces during running bending

stresses buc6ling crosssectional iston forces changes in buoanc)

ince it is common ractice to ma6e a reliminar tensional design using tubing

-eight loading onl a higher design factor is used for tension and eseciall for 8oint

strength (Table 1 aboe) ome comanies and more conseratie engineers -illeen ignore the otential benefits of buoanc 2uoanc results in a iston force onthe lo-er end of the tubing and as a first aro1imation it ma normall be assumed

that

12amphere

CB buoyant ampeight

=amp E -eight in air

E densit of steel ( gmcc)

E densit of fluid

8igure 5 graphically depicts the tensional and copressional forces at ampork on a tapered string of tubular goods $he load resulting fro the ampeight of the pipe is shoampn for a string ampeighed in airand ampith the buoyant forces accounted for as piston forces or approxiated using EFuation 12Ce can see that at a point approxiately idampay in the length of the heaier pipe at the bottoof the string there is a change fro copression to tension $his is also the concept amphich guidesthe design of drillstrings ampith the purpose of keeping the drillpipe in tension amphile using theheaier drill collars to aintain a copressional load on the bit

Part of gt1amle gies the reliminar tension design considerations for thecomletion alread coered in art

Example 2 (part 2

reliminary Tension Design

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1384

$ubing ampeight 9gt lb7ft

Tubing length 00 ft

Pac6er fluid inhibited oil

03 sift E 0 gmcc

=amp E 4 00E 300 lb

E 0 300

E 04 lb

Joint Specifications

)55 lt

EGE H4 EGE H4 5

PI Aoint strengthKlb3

6 1 1(5 12

4esign factorTable 13

1 1 1 1

4esign capacityKlb3

55gt 559 655 611

Tubing Tension Design Considerations 1 eFuires lt tubing at surface

7euires 8oint strength caabilit of gtKgt or euialent

3 In ie- of ressures deth and H -ould robabl select remium

grade couling

any copanies hae these design techniFues prograed for the coputer and use the saegeneral techniFue for both tubing and casing designs

Tubing Design Parameters

It is imortant to remember that -hile the rimar function of the tubing is as aconduit for hdrocarbon roduction or for in8ection of -ater or gas the most seere

loadings often occur during -ell serice or 6illing oerations or during ressuretests It is therefore rudent to ma6e roision for these oerations -hen designing

a comletion and to chec6 out the tubing limitations -hen lanning a -ell sericingoeration (eg a stimulation or a -or6oer) are must be ta6en not to increase

comletion costs e1cessiel b tring to ma6e roisions for all sorts of unli6el butossible occurrences It must also be remembered that there are stes that can be

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1484

ta6en to mitigate the induced stresses during man oerations (eg alingannular ressure or heating fracturing fluids) Ln the other hand the conseuential

costs of a failed tubing string or of haing to run a secial -or6ing string in termsof deferred roduction and rig time can be uite substantial Assessment of the

most cost effectie solution is generall a 8udgment call based on the engineer5se1erience and on cororate attitudes and olic A tical set of arameters has

alread been illustrated in gt1amle

urst

The tubing and -ellhead should be designed for suee+e and 6ill conditions incefines in the erforations or oil can sometimes cause a chec6 ale effect -hen

attemting to suee+e bac6 liuids man comletion designers li6e to hae thefle1ibilit of being able to raise the bottomhole ressure to the lt2P or at least to the

ltPP Ho-eer -ith high ermeabilit reseroirs or gas -ells in -hich fracturestimulation is unli6el comletion engineers are often satisfied -ith a certain

minimum differential for in8ection The alue selected aries from area to area andfrom coman to coman but is commonl either around 000 si ( Pa) or 33

of the reseroir ressure The author suggests

1 8BP amphere k1 1 d kg 5 d

ltPP for suee+ing liuids -here 6 00 md

3 I2HP F 000 si ( Pa) for suee+ing gas -here6g 0 mdD or for suee+ing liuids -here 6 000 md

8ro the rock echanics theory presented by eertsa 163 and others it ay be deducedthat in a tectonically relaxed area a proisional estiate of the fracture propagation gradient8P3 can be obtained fro the eFuation

13

ltPM N lt2M N sift ( 6Pam) 1

amphere s oerburden stress J1 psi7ft depth3

E ore ressure si

G E deth ft

ltPM E formation roagation gradient sift

lt2M E formation brea6do-n gradient sift

$he specification of the pressure test conditions is often critical to burst design oernentregulations soeties specify pressure test conditions eg to at least 0 of the reseroirpressure or to 1 psi 5 Pa3 oer the axiu differential pressure expected at the packer3If no regulations exist ost operators test to their tubing design conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1584

$ollapse

eere collase loads on the tubing can occur

bull in gas ampells and high oil ampells ampith loamp-floamping botto-hole pressures and deep-set safety ales after bloampdoampn to test a plug etc

bull during annulus ressure tests or oeration of shear circulation deices

bull -here there are ressured annuli

bull during underbalance erforating or testing at high dra-do-n

bull during tubing blo-outs

It is iportant to reeber that tension reduces collapse strength $his biaxial effect should beexained for large diaeter tubings especially if reduced collapse design assuptions and7or adeep-set safety ale is used

Tension

Tubing strings are not onl sub8ected to running tensions -ith all the associatedshoc6 and acceleration loadings but also to aring oerating stresses due to iston

forces on the steel andor an lugs ums standing ales and the li6e in thetubing oreoer if the tubing is anchored or held b a ac6er its oerating tension

-ill ar as a result of

bull theral effects hot production or cold kill fluid3

bull iston effects (changes in buoanc and forces at 8oint usets)

bull ballooning effects (changes in internal or e1ternal ressure)

bull buc6ling effects (longitudinal instabilit)

$hese potential probles are listed in ters of their ost coon relatie agnitude althoughthe relatie iportance of piston and ballooning effects is ariable3

$ombined oading

=hile the designer of tubular goods normall tal6s in terms of burst collase and

tension comression as if the -ere indeendent it is obious that in most actualloading situations the occur simultaneousl Precise stress analsis should reallconsider a tria1ial loading situation

The simultaneous solution of all the associated euations is rather comlicated Anumber of comuter rograms are aailable but for most field engineers the -ill be

a blac6 bo1 solution This can be dangerous It is imortant to chec6 that theformulas are roerl handled articularl -ith resect to collase -hich is a

stabilit effect Therefore it is usual for critical stress analses (eg for ultra dee

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1684

high ressure or sour -ells) to be underta6en b a secialist consultant researchgrou or intracoman tas6 force oreoer since this is not the routine design

techniue design factors are less -ell roen (although a alue of is oftenused)

A more conenient aroach for the intermediate range moderatel comle1 design

roblem is to use the ellise of bia1ial ield stress roosed b Holmuist and ampadai(3) The critical relationshis are (a) tension reduces collase resistanceD (b)comression reduces burst resistance

The other imortant concet in the consideration of tria1ial loads is that ressurechanges affect a1ial stresses or cause tubing moement This has been e1tensiel

discussed in Pgt aers b $ubins6i () Hammerlindl () and tillebroer()

ending

2ending stresses can be significant in large tubulars The are comressie in the

inner -all and tensional in the outer -all the most detrimental being

1ampamphere

the radius of curature ft3

sb E bending stress

gt E Ooung5s modulus (for steel gt E 30 0 si)

do E outside diameter of the tubular

Bending stresses result fro both hole curature and buckling $he effects of doglegs need onlybe considered if they are ery seere 1L71 ft= 1L7( 3 or if ery large tubing 5 172 to 6 in=1gt to 16 3 is being used

Production Casing

The roduction casing must be adeuatel si+ed for the lanned comletion It -illobiousl affect the si+e of the other reuired casing strings the bit selection the

caacit of the rig and the oerall -ell costs The roduction casing must bedesigned for the loads that ma be imosed during the roducing life of the field It

is similar to tubing design in seeral -as

urst

Production casing must be designed to -ithstand the ma1imum closedin tubing

ressure that can be e1ected If a ac6er has been used this ressure is assumed

to be alied at the to of a full column of ac6er fluid (ie for the case of a tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1784

failure at the surface) =e usuall assume that the e1ternal ressure resisting burstis a -ater gradient If the ac6er fluid is heaier than -ater the burst load -ill

increase -ith deth

In the eent that a snubbing oeration could not be conenientl attemted if atubing brea6 occurs at the surface the casing must be strong enough to -ithstand a

bullhead suee+e on the lie tubing string in -hich case this -ould be the designcriteria for the casing and -ellhead

In man cases it ma be necessar to design the casing for loads imosed during

stimulation and ressure testing onersel the casing caacit must be chec6ed-hen designing a fracturing treatment This is articularl imortant in -ells -here

no ac6er is used

$ollapse

Production casing ma be sub8ect to comlete eacuation during roductionoerations if the -ell is oerated on gas lift or umedoff or if the ac6er or

-or6oer fluid is lost into a deleted +one As the ie ma hae deteriorated beforethis occurs a higher design factor (F) is often used for roduction casing

eere collase loads ma occur in situations in -hich thermal e1ansion of theannular fluid bet-een the roduction and intermediate strings cannot be bled off

(eg in some subsea -ells)

Increased loading should be assumed if lie annuli are a feature of the area 7educed

loadings ma be assumed if the -ells -ill not be umed off gas lifted or seereldeleted

eere collase loads ma e1ist in the a section during high dra-do-n

underbalanced erforating and testing and suee+e either or both cementation andfracturing ( ltigure $ollapse loads in the pay ) It is highl adisable to maintainsome set casingtubing annulus ressure during such serice oerations

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1884

Figure 1

Tensionamp$ompression

In high rate roduction areas and thermal -ells e1ansion of the roduction tubingma imose additional tension on the casing strings ia the ac6er

$ouplings

In high ressure (000 siD 34 Pa) high temerature (300B ltD 4 ) andor

seerel sour conditions remium casing coulings are recommended

aterial Selection

In sour enironments material secification must consider the chances of Hcontamination of the casingtubing annulus and the added ossibilit of temerature

changes during stimulation affecting the stress corrosion tolerance of the ie

Couplings

There are man forms of couling aailable some of -hich hae been dedicated tothe ublic through the ausices of the API -hile others are roduced b or under

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1984

license from a secific manufacturer It -as in fact the need to obtain astandardi+ation of thread forms and diameters that led to the formation of the API

ommittee on tandardi+ation of Tubular Moods in 4

The API coulings ( ltigure

Figure 1

ltigure and ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2084

Figure 2

$utaways of basic types of couplings) are of three basic tes e1ternal uset (gtKgt)

nonuset (ampK) and integral 8oint

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2184

Figure 3

Threads are of t-o main forms The round API threads are -ea6er than the ie

bod (ie N00 efficient) The buttress threads -ere deeloed b the ampationalTube Giision of the Knited tates teel ororation to roide a high strength

couling for dee high ressure -ell serice This thread is used in a number ofrorietar coulings eg Hdril A Atlas2radford

All taered threads achiee a seal b driing the in and bo1 surfaces together undersufficient stress to generate a bearing ressure e1ceeding an differential that is to

be subseuentl alied Ho-eer a small siral oid is al-as left bet-een themating surfaces and must be filled -ith solids in the form of thread comound (This

is the reason for careful secification of the comound in 2ul A) Ln API roundthreads this oid occurs bet-een the crest and root of the mating threads -hile on

buttress threads it e1tends oer the -hole flan6 of the thread on the beeled side

To imroe lea6 resistance eseciall at eleated temeratures and under high

ressure differential the socalled remium seals -ere deeloed These consist of either metaltometal seals on taered ortions of the in and bo1 surfaces or an

elastomer seal ring or both This te of seal reuires a high ualit finish andrecise gauging and insection The couling is therefore more costl ince API and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2284

buttress threads hae roen to be er reliable in the field the decision to use themore e1ensie remium seals reuires careful economic 8ustification In general

their alication has roen aluable in highl corrosie conditions in high ressuregas -ells or high ressurehigh ML7 oil -ells and in thermal -ells sub8ect to high

comressie loads The ma be used -here -or6oer costs are high (egoffshore) In general API tubulars are adeuate for differential ressures of less than

000 si (344 Pa) and temeratures of less than 300B lt (0B ) using hightemerature thread comound ltor corrosie conditions and continuous gas sericethe ressure limit is often reduced to 00 si ( Pa)

gt1ercises

)ilfield nits

The in 4 lbft J ampK tubing string in a 000ft oil -ell -as designed

based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional load -ould beimosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 00 si after the

-ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The -ell

roduces 30B API oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

SI nits

The 3mm ( in) 6gmm (4 lbft) J ampK tubing string in an 30moil -ell -as designed based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional

load is imosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 3 Paafter the -ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The

-ell roduces 6gm3 oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

olutions

)ilfield nits

=eight in air E 000 ft 1 4 E 3400 lb

2uoanc in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2384

Buoyant ampeight amphen run (gt x 65 ((9 lb

=ater gradient (M E ) E 0433 sift

Lil gradient (M E 0) E 0 1 0433 E 03 sift

IG of tubing E 44 in Ai E 40 in

=eight of oil in tubing E 000 1 03 1 40 E 04 lb

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell has been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 19gt2 (gt 5 gt93 19gt2 (gt 2(gt 51(2 lb

The API 8oint strength rating of in 4 lbft J nonuset tubing E 00lb

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor) E (00) ()E 4400 lb

Therefore the roosed loading e1ceeds the design secifications and a lea6 mightoccur during the test In fact the loading e1ceeds design secs een -ithout adding

the 00 si of -ellhead ressure (actual load 404 lb comared -ith an allo-ableof 4400 lb) Ho-eer using a 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions

ressure tests of u to 4 si -ould be ermissible

6293 1((3 19gt2 (gt pt gt93

Pt E 4 si

+ nits Ceight in air 1( x 5 16(5 kg 165 kM

2uoanc factor in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater E gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12Buoyant ampeight amphen run 165 x 65 1gt2 kM

=ater gradient (M E 0) E 4 6PamLil gradient (M E 0) 0 1 4 E 6Pam

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2484

IG of tubing E mm thus Ai E 30 1 l04 m

=eight of oil in tubing E (30 m) ( 6Pam) (30 1 03 m)E 44 6amp

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell had been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 gt6gt 165 (5 (1 x 1 -(3 gt6gt 165 156 22gt6 kM

8ro 8igure 1 the PI Aoint strength rating of 6(- 5 kg7 )-55 nonupset tubing is

629 lbs (222 kM3

Figure 1

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor)

(222715 2152 kM

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2584

$herefore the proposed loading exceeds the design specifications and a leak ight occur duringthe test In fact the loading exceeds design specifications een at ero ampellhead pressure actualload of gt6gt 165 216 kM copared ampith an alloampable load of 2152 kM3

Ho-eer using the 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions ressure tests

of u to 6Pa -ould be ermissible

216 pt (1 x l-gt3

t E 4 6Pa

2 )ilfield nits 12-ft hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubing

head pressure can be expectedN If the casing ampellhead and tubing are to be designed for asFueee kill at fracture propagation pressure 8PP3 amphat ampellhead pressure ampould be expected atthe start of the kill operationN Gse EFuation 1( for estiating the 8P3

13

+ units (99- hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubinghead pressure is expectedN

If the casing -ellhead and tubing are to be designed for a suee+e 6ill at fractureroagation ressure (ltPP) -hat -ellhead ressure -ould be e1ected at the start

of the 6ill oerationQ (Kse gtuation 3 for estimating the ltPM)

olutions

)ilfield nits

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure on

hydrocarbon-filled tubing

1125

External Packer fluid and eroannulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressure 1125

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2684

shut-in tubing pressure

Internal $ubing epty anddepressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight in Body 1(((

copletion fluid )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125

)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g of 0 E 04

At 000 ft assuming a hdrostatic gradient of 0433 sift the bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP 12 x gt(( 519 psiampith gas surface pressure 519 x 6gt6 I$P (1 psi

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be sift and using gtuation 3 to estimate

the fracture roagation ressure

E 0 sift

ltPP E 0 000 ft E 04 si

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the forationpropagation pressure inus the pressure due to the gas gradient

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2784

$IP 12 6163 - 519 - (13 62 psigore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP 12 6163 6gt6 9gt26 psi$herefore a 5 psi ampellhead should not be used een though the axiu closed-in tubinghead pressure is only about gt psi

SI nits

7eferring to Table 1

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g E 0 E 04

At 30 m assuming a normal hdrostatic ressure of 6Pa m bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP (99 65 (55 kPa

ampith gas surface pressure (55 6gt6 I$P 296 kPa

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be 6Pam and using gtuation 3 toestimate the fracture roagation ressure

E 6Pam

ltPP E 30 E 3 6Pa

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the foration propagation pressure inus the pressure due tothe gas gradient

THIP E (30 ) (30 0) E 0 6Pa

ore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP (99 19213 6gt6 gtgt(1 kPa

9gt Pa ampellhead should therefore be used

3hellip)ilfield nits

A 000ft -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 000 T2d using intubing encounters 0 ft of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of 3000 si =hat

rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight of tubing is to be

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2884

used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming that

Grade -eight lbft

Collapse

+trength psi

urst

+trength psi

Tensional

+trength 1 lb

Cost Coparison

)-55 155 gtgt gt1 ( cheapest

16 gt1 5(2 (2

-65 16 96 625 gt2( ost expensie

M- 16 92 66gt gtgt9 oderately expensie

2 ( 52gt

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 043 sift)

reseroir ressure 3000 si

6ill ressure 000 si aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 5 5 psi7ft3

If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure onhydrocarbon- filledtubing

1125

External Packer fluid and ero

annulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressureshut-in tubing pressure

1125

Internal $ubing epty and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2984

depressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight incopletion fluid

Body 1((( )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

Assume lie oil gradient is 03 sift

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at theac6er and the running tension

SI nits

A 30m -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 400 m3da of oil -ith l40mm ( inch) tubing encounters 0 m of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of

000 6Pa =hat rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight oftubing is to be used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming

that

Grade -eight

$gmm

Collapse

+trength

$Pa

urst

+trength

$Pa

Tensional

+trength

$amp

Cost Coparison

)-55 2(1 2655 ((19gt 1((gt cheapest

25( ((5( (99 1gt9(

-65 25( gt151 gt6 12 ost expensie

M- 25( gt(2 5((95 1gt oderately expensie

2 9 91gt 2((1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3084

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 40 6Pam)

reseroir ressure 000 6Pa

6ill ressure 000 6Pa aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 53 22(3 5 kPa7If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Assume lie oil gradient is 6Pam

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at the

ac6er and the running tensions

olution

)ilfield nits

I$P IBP - o 4

o ( psi7ft

under operating conditions I$P ( - ( 63 psi

under axiu conditions assuing gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 3000 E si

under 6ill conditions

8P 5 5

5 5 x 61 psi7ft

ltPP E 000 0

E 000 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3184

O BIP oil kill3

5 psieFuialent $P oil kill3

5 - ( x 6 2 psi

In the case of a gas kill

Iamp 2HIP(gas 6ill)

( 1 psi gt psi

eFuialent $P gas kill3

5gt x BP 5gt x gt (gt19 psi

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a ( psi ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a 5 psi ampellhead

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialent

to the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating

burst rating E ma1 THP design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 34 E 343 si

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading Calculation

alculate first assuming a high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid f 3 43 gt(53 63 (gt5 psi

ma1 HP E ma1 ITHP (assumes lea6)E si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 304E 0 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3284

ma1 collase load E 0 0 si (assumes emt tubing)E 0 si

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 0 1 si

E 30 si

$herefore strictly speaking ampe should use 2-lb7ft M- tubing although it is ore likely a l6-lb7ft ampould be selected since the probability is ery loamp that such seere collapse-loadingassuptions ampould proe true

alculate ne1t assuming a lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 00 si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 00 F 304 siE 34 si

ma1 collase load E 34 si

reuired collase rating E 34 E 443 si

Ce could select 16 lb7ft )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculations

ampeight in air C 4 16 lb7ft3 6 ft3 11 lb

buoyancy factor

625

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 000 lb

E 04000 lb

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (04000) () lb

16 lb$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3384

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubingcomletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

in 0lbft amp0 tubing meets all criteria for this te of roduction 7is6 of

gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing bet-een amp0 and J grades

SI nits

I$P IBP - ρo x 4

ρo 969 kPa7

under operating conditions I$P 26 - 969 x 21(3

92gt9 kPaunder axiu conditions gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 000 E 6Pa

under 6ill conditions

8P 53 22(3 5

53 22(3 5

19 kPa7

ltPP E (30) (00)

E 3400 6Pa

O BIP oil kill3 (gt kPa eFuialent $P oil kill3 (gt - 969 x 21(3

1929 kPa

In the case of a gas 6ill

Iamp 2HIP

(gas 6ill) E 000 F 000 6Pa

266 kPaeFuialent $P gas kill3 5gt x BP

5gt x 266 2(959 kPa

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a 26 Pa ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a (gt5 Pa ampellhead

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3484

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialentto the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating Calculation

burst rating E ma1 THP 1 design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 3 1

E 3 6Pa

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading

alculate first assuming high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid ρf 3 43

gt3 21(3 25 kPa

ax P ax I$P assues leak3 1696 kPa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 0

E 33 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 33 0 6Pa (assumes emt tubing)

E 33 6Pa

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 33 1 E 434 6Pa

Therefore strictl sea6ing -e should use a 6gm amp0 tubing but moreli6el 36gm tubing -ould be selected since the robabilit of such seere

collase loading is er lo-

alculate ne1t assuming lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 4 6Pa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 4 F 0

E 0 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 0 6Pa

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3584

reuired collase rating E 0 1 E 300 6Pa

Ce could select 25(-kg7 )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculation

ampeight in air 25( 21( 5( kg 525 kM

buoanc factor E

EE0

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 6ampE 4 6amp

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (4) ()

E 30 6amp

$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubing

comletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

40mm ( inch) 36gm 0 tubing meets all criteria for this te ofroduction 7is6 of gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing

bet-een 0 and J grades

Pac6ers

Pac$er unctions

A ac6er is a subsurface tool that roides a seal bet-een the tubing and

casingthereb reenting the ertical moement of fluids across this sealing oint

Pac6ers are used for the follo-ing reasons

9 to imroe safet b roiding a barrier to flo- through the annulus

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3684

9 to 6ee -ell fluids and ressures isolated from the casing

9 to imroe flo- conditions and reent heading

9 to searate +ones in the same -ellbore

9 to lace 6ill fluids or treating fluids in the casing annulus

9 to ac6 off erforations rather than use suee+e cementing

9 to 6ee gas lift or hdraulic o-er fluid in8ection ressure isolated from the

formation

9 to anchor the tubing

9 to install a casing um

9 to minimi+e heat losses b allo-ing the use of an emt annulus or thermal

insulator

9 to isolate a casing lea6 or lea6ing liner la

9 to facilitate temorar -ell serice oerations (eg stimulations suee+es)

Pac$er T+pes

There are man ac6er manufacturers some of -hom offer an e1tensie ariet ofac6ers -ith each differing to some degree from those of the other manufacturers

This rather be-ildering arra can ho-eer be groued into rincial classes or

tes and ma be further categori+ed b method of setting b direction of ressureacross the ac6er and b the number of bores through the ac6er

Pac6ers can be rimaril classified as either retrieable or ermanent or

ermanentretrieable or inflatable

)etrievable acers

This te of ac6er is run on the tubing ( ltigure )etrievable pacer )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3784

Figure 1

After setting it can be released and recoered from the -ell on the tubing ince it is

an integral art of the tubing string the tubing cannot be remoed from the -ell-ithout ulling the ac6er unless a detachable ac6er head is used

7etrieable ac6ers ma be designed to be set mechanicall or hdraulicallechanical setting methods include rotation of the tubing string recirocation of the

tubing string or the alication of tension or setdo-n -eight =ith mechanical

ac6ers the tubing is usuall set in comression

Hdraulic ac6ers are set b aling hdraulic ressure through the tubing stringbut once set the hold the set osition mechanicall The tubing is usuall in tension

7etrieable ac6ers are usuall used for comle1 multi+one and multistringcomletions Their main limitation -as in their limited abilit to accommodate tubing

stress changes -ithout unsettingD the aailabilit of effectie sli 8oints anddetachable heads has eased this situation An historical roblem -as failure of the

internal elastomer seals but this technolog also has imroed mar6edl in the lastdecade All metaltometal seal ac6ers are aailable but are e1ensie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3884

Lne disadantage of retrieable ac6ers is that if the fail to retriee the must beremoed b milling them out of the casing -ith an abrasie milling head and a

drillstring The are er difficult to mill Menerall this te of ac6er is used undernonseere conditions (differential ressures less than 000 si (344 Pa)

temeratures less than 300B lt (4B )

2ecause of the setting mechanism retrieable ac6ers tend to hae a restrictedbore comared -ith other ac6ers designed for the same casing si+e This factorma restrict flo- or limit -ireline oerations belo- the ac6er deth

ermanent acers

Permanent ac6ers are indeendent of the tubing and ma be run on tubing or on

-ireline ( ltigure and ltigure 3 )

Figure 2

The tubing can be released from the ac6er and can be ulled leaing the ac6er set

in the casing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3984

Figure 3

Tubing can subseuentl be run bac6 and resealed in the ac6er The ac6er ma

thus be considered an integral art of the casing It is sometimes called either aroduction ac6er or a retainerroduction ac6er

The ermanent ac6er cannot be recoered as such but it can be destructiel

remoed (eg b milling) ( ltigure 4 and ltigure )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4084

Figure 4

If the ac6er includes a tailie and must be recoered a millout e1tension is

needed on the ac6er for the ac6er ic6er or catch sleee on the mill to engageIn other cases it ma be adeuate to siml ush the ac6er to the bottom of the

casing after milling

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1384

$ubing ampeight 9gt lb7ft

Tubing length 00 ft

Pac6er fluid inhibited oil

03 sift E 0 gmcc

=amp E 4 00E 300 lb

E 0 300

E 04 lb

Joint Specifications

)55 lt

EGE H4 EGE H4 5

PI Aoint strengthKlb3

6 1 1(5 12

4esign factorTable 13

1 1 1 1

4esign capacityKlb3

55gt 559 655 611

Tubing Tension Design Considerations 1 eFuires lt tubing at surface

7euires 8oint strength caabilit of gtKgt or euialent

3 In ie- of ressures deth and H -ould robabl select remium

grade couling

any copanies hae these design techniFues prograed for the coputer and use the saegeneral techniFue for both tubing and casing designs

Tubing Design Parameters

It is imortant to remember that -hile the rimar function of the tubing is as aconduit for hdrocarbon roduction or for in8ection of -ater or gas the most seere

loadings often occur during -ell serice or 6illing oerations or during ressuretests It is therefore rudent to ma6e roision for these oerations -hen designing

a comletion and to chec6 out the tubing limitations -hen lanning a -ell sericingoeration (eg a stimulation or a -or6oer) are must be ta6en not to increase

comletion costs e1cessiel b tring to ma6e roisions for all sorts of unli6el butossible occurrences It must also be remembered that there are stes that can be

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1484

ta6en to mitigate the induced stresses during man oerations (eg alingannular ressure or heating fracturing fluids) Ln the other hand the conseuential

costs of a failed tubing string or of haing to run a secial -or6ing string in termsof deferred roduction and rig time can be uite substantial Assessment of the

most cost effectie solution is generall a 8udgment call based on the engineer5se1erience and on cororate attitudes and olic A tical set of arameters has

alread been illustrated in gt1amle

urst

The tubing and -ellhead should be designed for suee+e and 6ill conditions incefines in the erforations or oil can sometimes cause a chec6 ale effect -hen

attemting to suee+e bac6 liuids man comletion designers li6e to hae thefle1ibilit of being able to raise the bottomhole ressure to the lt2P or at least to the

ltPP Ho-eer -ith high ermeabilit reseroirs or gas -ells in -hich fracturestimulation is unli6el comletion engineers are often satisfied -ith a certain

minimum differential for in8ection The alue selected aries from area to area andfrom coman to coman but is commonl either around 000 si ( Pa) or 33

of the reseroir ressure The author suggests

1 8BP amphere k1 1 d kg 5 d

ltPP for suee+ing liuids -here 6 00 md

3 I2HP F 000 si ( Pa) for suee+ing gas -here6g 0 mdD or for suee+ing liuids -here 6 000 md

8ro the rock echanics theory presented by eertsa 163 and others it ay be deducedthat in a tectonically relaxed area a proisional estiate of the fracture propagation gradient8P3 can be obtained fro the eFuation

13

ltPM N lt2M N sift ( 6Pam) 1

amphere s oerburden stress J1 psi7ft depth3

E ore ressure si

G E deth ft

ltPM E formation roagation gradient sift

lt2M E formation brea6do-n gradient sift

$he specification of the pressure test conditions is often critical to burst design oernentregulations soeties specify pressure test conditions eg to at least 0 of the reseroirpressure or to 1 psi 5 Pa3 oer the axiu differential pressure expected at the packer3If no regulations exist ost operators test to their tubing design conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1584

$ollapse

eere collase loads on the tubing can occur

bull in gas ampells and high oil ampells ampith loamp-floamping botto-hole pressures and deep-set safety ales after bloampdoampn to test a plug etc

bull during annulus ressure tests or oeration of shear circulation deices

bull -here there are ressured annuli

bull during underbalance erforating or testing at high dra-do-n

bull during tubing blo-outs

It is iportant to reeber that tension reduces collapse strength $his biaxial effect should beexained for large diaeter tubings especially if reduced collapse design assuptions and7or adeep-set safety ale is used

Tension

Tubing strings are not onl sub8ected to running tensions -ith all the associatedshoc6 and acceleration loadings but also to aring oerating stresses due to iston

forces on the steel andor an lugs ums standing ales and the li6e in thetubing oreoer if the tubing is anchored or held b a ac6er its oerating tension

-ill ar as a result of

bull theral effects hot production or cold kill fluid3

bull iston effects (changes in buoanc and forces at 8oint usets)

bull ballooning effects (changes in internal or e1ternal ressure)

bull buc6ling effects (longitudinal instabilit)

$hese potential probles are listed in ters of their ost coon relatie agnitude althoughthe relatie iportance of piston and ballooning effects is ariable3

$ombined oading

=hile the designer of tubular goods normall tal6s in terms of burst collase and

tension comression as if the -ere indeendent it is obious that in most actualloading situations the occur simultaneousl Precise stress analsis should reallconsider a tria1ial loading situation

The simultaneous solution of all the associated euations is rather comlicated Anumber of comuter rograms are aailable but for most field engineers the -ill be

a blac6 bo1 solution This can be dangerous It is imortant to chec6 that theformulas are roerl handled articularl -ith resect to collase -hich is a

stabilit effect Therefore it is usual for critical stress analses (eg for ultra dee

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1684

high ressure or sour -ells) to be underta6en b a secialist consultant researchgrou or intracoman tas6 force oreoer since this is not the routine design

techniue design factors are less -ell roen (although a alue of is oftenused)

A more conenient aroach for the intermediate range moderatel comle1 design

roblem is to use the ellise of bia1ial ield stress roosed b Holmuist and ampadai(3) The critical relationshis are (a) tension reduces collase resistanceD (b)comression reduces burst resistance

The other imortant concet in the consideration of tria1ial loads is that ressurechanges affect a1ial stresses or cause tubing moement This has been e1tensiel

discussed in Pgt aers b $ubins6i () Hammerlindl () and tillebroer()

ending

2ending stresses can be significant in large tubulars The are comressie in the

inner -all and tensional in the outer -all the most detrimental being

1ampamphere

the radius of curature ft3

sb E bending stress

gt E Ooung5s modulus (for steel gt E 30 0 si)

do E outside diameter of the tubular

Bending stresses result fro both hole curature and buckling $he effects of doglegs need onlybe considered if they are ery seere 1L71 ft= 1L7( 3 or if ery large tubing 5 172 to 6 in=1gt to 16 3 is being used

Production Casing

The roduction casing must be adeuatel si+ed for the lanned comletion It -illobiousl affect the si+e of the other reuired casing strings the bit selection the

caacit of the rig and the oerall -ell costs The roduction casing must bedesigned for the loads that ma be imosed during the roducing life of the field It

is similar to tubing design in seeral -as

urst

Production casing must be designed to -ithstand the ma1imum closedin tubing

ressure that can be e1ected If a ac6er has been used this ressure is assumed

to be alied at the to of a full column of ac6er fluid (ie for the case of a tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1784

failure at the surface) =e usuall assume that the e1ternal ressure resisting burstis a -ater gradient If the ac6er fluid is heaier than -ater the burst load -ill

increase -ith deth

In the eent that a snubbing oeration could not be conenientl attemted if atubing brea6 occurs at the surface the casing must be strong enough to -ithstand a

bullhead suee+e on the lie tubing string in -hich case this -ould be the designcriteria for the casing and -ellhead

In man cases it ma be necessar to design the casing for loads imosed during

stimulation and ressure testing onersel the casing caacit must be chec6ed-hen designing a fracturing treatment This is articularl imortant in -ells -here

no ac6er is used

$ollapse

Production casing ma be sub8ect to comlete eacuation during roductionoerations if the -ell is oerated on gas lift or umedoff or if the ac6er or

-or6oer fluid is lost into a deleted +one As the ie ma hae deteriorated beforethis occurs a higher design factor (F) is often used for roduction casing

eere collase loads ma occur in situations in -hich thermal e1ansion of theannular fluid bet-een the roduction and intermediate strings cannot be bled off

(eg in some subsea -ells)

Increased loading should be assumed if lie annuli are a feature of the area 7educed

loadings ma be assumed if the -ells -ill not be umed off gas lifted or seereldeleted

eere collase loads ma e1ist in the a section during high dra-do-n

underbalanced erforating and testing and suee+e either or both cementation andfracturing ( ltigure $ollapse loads in the pay ) It is highl adisable to maintainsome set casingtubing annulus ressure during such serice oerations

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1884

Figure 1

Tensionamp$ompression

In high rate roduction areas and thermal -ells e1ansion of the roduction tubingma imose additional tension on the casing strings ia the ac6er

$ouplings

In high ressure (000 siD 34 Pa) high temerature (300B ltD 4 ) andor

seerel sour conditions remium casing coulings are recommended

aterial Selection

In sour enironments material secification must consider the chances of Hcontamination of the casingtubing annulus and the added ossibilit of temerature

changes during stimulation affecting the stress corrosion tolerance of the ie

Couplings

There are man forms of couling aailable some of -hich hae been dedicated tothe ublic through the ausices of the API -hile others are roduced b or under

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1984

license from a secific manufacturer It -as in fact the need to obtain astandardi+ation of thread forms and diameters that led to the formation of the API

ommittee on tandardi+ation of Tubular Moods in 4

The API coulings ( ltigure

Figure 1

ltigure and ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2084

Figure 2

$utaways of basic types of couplings) are of three basic tes e1ternal uset (gtKgt)

nonuset (ampK) and integral 8oint

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2184

Figure 3

Threads are of t-o main forms The round API threads are -ea6er than the ie

bod (ie N00 efficient) The buttress threads -ere deeloed b the ampationalTube Giision of the Knited tates teel ororation to roide a high strength

couling for dee high ressure -ell serice This thread is used in a number ofrorietar coulings eg Hdril A Atlas2radford

All taered threads achiee a seal b driing the in and bo1 surfaces together undersufficient stress to generate a bearing ressure e1ceeding an differential that is to

be subseuentl alied Ho-eer a small siral oid is al-as left bet-een themating surfaces and must be filled -ith solids in the form of thread comound (This

is the reason for careful secification of the comound in 2ul A) Ln API roundthreads this oid occurs bet-een the crest and root of the mating threads -hile on

buttress threads it e1tends oer the -hole flan6 of the thread on the beeled side

To imroe lea6 resistance eseciall at eleated temeratures and under high

ressure differential the socalled remium seals -ere deeloed These consist of either metaltometal seals on taered ortions of the in and bo1 surfaces or an

elastomer seal ring or both This te of seal reuires a high ualit finish andrecise gauging and insection The couling is therefore more costl ince API and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2284

buttress threads hae roen to be er reliable in the field the decision to use themore e1ensie remium seals reuires careful economic 8ustification In general

their alication has roen aluable in highl corrosie conditions in high ressuregas -ells or high ressurehigh ML7 oil -ells and in thermal -ells sub8ect to high

comressie loads The ma be used -here -or6oer costs are high (egoffshore) In general API tubulars are adeuate for differential ressures of less than

000 si (344 Pa) and temeratures of less than 300B lt (0B ) using hightemerature thread comound ltor corrosie conditions and continuous gas sericethe ressure limit is often reduced to 00 si ( Pa)

gt1ercises

)ilfield nits

The in 4 lbft J ampK tubing string in a 000ft oil -ell -as designed

based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional load -ould beimosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 00 si after the

-ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The -ell

roduces 30B API oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

SI nits

The 3mm ( in) 6gmm (4 lbft) J ampK tubing string in an 30moil -ell -as designed based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional

load is imosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 3 Paafter the -ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The

-ell roduces 6gm3 oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

olutions

)ilfield nits

=eight in air E 000 ft 1 4 E 3400 lb

2uoanc in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2384

Buoyant ampeight amphen run (gt x 65 ((9 lb

=ater gradient (M E ) E 0433 sift

Lil gradient (M E 0) E 0 1 0433 E 03 sift

IG of tubing E 44 in Ai E 40 in

=eight of oil in tubing E 000 1 03 1 40 E 04 lb

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell has been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 19gt2 (gt 5 gt93 19gt2 (gt 2(gt 51(2 lb

The API 8oint strength rating of in 4 lbft J nonuset tubing E 00lb

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor) E (00) ()E 4400 lb

Therefore the roosed loading e1ceeds the design secifications and a lea6 mightoccur during the test In fact the loading e1ceeds design secs een -ithout adding

the 00 si of -ellhead ressure (actual load 404 lb comared -ith an allo-ableof 4400 lb) Ho-eer using a 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions

ressure tests of u to 4 si -ould be ermissible

6293 1((3 19gt2 (gt pt gt93

Pt E 4 si

+ nits Ceight in air 1( x 5 16(5 kg 165 kM

2uoanc factor in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater E gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12Buoyant ampeight amphen run 165 x 65 1gt2 kM

=ater gradient (M E 0) E 4 6PamLil gradient (M E 0) 0 1 4 E 6Pam

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2484

IG of tubing E mm thus Ai E 30 1 l04 m

=eight of oil in tubing E (30 m) ( 6Pam) (30 1 03 m)E 44 6amp

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell had been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 gt6gt 165 (5 (1 x 1 -(3 gt6gt 165 156 22gt6 kM

8ro 8igure 1 the PI Aoint strength rating of 6(- 5 kg7 )-55 nonupset tubing is

629 lbs (222 kM3

Figure 1

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor)

(222715 2152 kM

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2584

$herefore the proposed loading exceeds the design specifications and a leak ight occur duringthe test In fact the loading exceeds design specifications een at ero ampellhead pressure actualload of gt6gt 165 216 kM copared ampith an alloampable load of 2152 kM3

Ho-eer using the 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions ressure tests

of u to 6Pa -ould be ermissible

216 pt (1 x l-gt3

t E 4 6Pa

2 )ilfield nits 12-ft hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubing

head pressure can be expectedN If the casing ampellhead and tubing are to be designed for asFueee kill at fracture propagation pressure 8PP3 amphat ampellhead pressure ampould be expected atthe start of the kill operationN Gse EFuation 1( for estiating the 8P3

13

+ units (99- hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubinghead pressure is expectedN

If the casing -ellhead and tubing are to be designed for a suee+e 6ill at fractureroagation ressure (ltPP) -hat -ellhead ressure -ould be e1ected at the start

of the 6ill oerationQ (Kse gtuation 3 for estimating the ltPM)

olutions

)ilfield nits

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure on

hydrocarbon-filled tubing

1125

External Packer fluid and eroannulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressure 1125

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2684

shut-in tubing pressure

Internal $ubing epty anddepressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight in Body 1(((

copletion fluid )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125

)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g of 0 E 04

At 000 ft assuming a hdrostatic gradient of 0433 sift the bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP 12 x gt(( 519 psiampith gas surface pressure 519 x 6gt6 I$P (1 psi

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be sift and using gtuation 3 to estimate

the fracture roagation ressure

E 0 sift

ltPP E 0 000 ft E 04 si

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the forationpropagation pressure inus the pressure due to the gas gradient

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2784

$IP 12 6163 - 519 - (13 62 psigore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP 12 6163 6gt6 9gt26 psi$herefore a 5 psi ampellhead should not be used een though the axiu closed-in tubinghead pressure is only about gt psi

SI nits

7eferring to Table 1

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g E 0 E 04

At 30 m assuming a normal hdrostatic ressure of 6Pa m bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP (99 65 (55 kPa

ampith gas surface pressure (55 6gt6 I$P 296 kPa

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be 6Pam and using gtuation 3 toestimate the fracture roagation ressure

E 6Pam

ltPP E 30 E 3 6Pa

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the foration propagation pressure inus the pressure due tothe gas gradient

THIP E (30 ) (30 0) E 0 6Pa

ore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP (99 19213 6gt6 gtgt(1 kPa

9gt Pa ampellhead should therefore be used

3hellip)ilfield nits

A 000ft -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 000 T2d using intubing encounters 0 ft of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of 3000 si =hat

rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight of tubing is to be

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2884

used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming that

Grade -eight lbft

Collapse

+trength psi

urst

+trength psi

Tensional

+trength 1 lb

Cost Coparison

)-55 155 gtgt gt1 ( cheapest

16 gt1 5(2 (2

-65 16 96 625 gt2( ost expensie

M- 16 92 66gt gtgt9 oderately expensie

2 ( 52gt

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 043 sift)

reseroir ressure 3000 si

6ill ressure 000 si aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 5 5 psi7ft3

If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure onhydrocarbon- filledtubing

1125

External Packer fluid and ero

annulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressureshut-in tubing pressure

1125

Internal $ubing epty and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2984

depressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight incopletion fluid

Body 1((( )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

Assume lie oil gradient is 03 sift

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at theac6er and the running tension

SI nits

A 30m -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 400 m3da of oil -ith l40mm ( inch) tubing encounters 0 m of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of

000 6Pa =hat rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight oftubing is to be used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming

that

Grade -eight

$gmm

Collapse

+trength

$Pa

urst

+trength

$Pa

Tensional

+trength

$amp

Cost Coparison

)-55 2(1 2655 ((19gt 1((gt cheapest

25( ((5( (99 1gt9(

-65 25( gt151 gt6 12 ost expensie

M- 25( gt(2 5((95 1gt oderately expensie

2 9 91gt 2((1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3084

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 40 6Pam)

reseroir ressure 000 6Pa

6ill ressure 000 6Pa aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 53 22(3 5 kPa7If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Assume lie oil gradient is 6Pam

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at the

ac6er and the running tensions

olution

)ilfield nits

I$P IBP - o 4

o ( psi7ft

under operating conditions I$P ( - ( 63 psi

under axiu conditions assuing gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 3000 E si

under 6ill conditions

8P 5 5

5 5 x 61 psi7ft

ltPP E 000 0

E 000 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3184

O BIP oil kill3

5 psieFuialent $P oil kill3

5 - ( x 6 2 psi

In the case of a gas kill

Iamp 2HIP(gas 6ill)

( 1 psi gt psi

eFuialent $P gas kill3

5gt x BP 5gt x gt (gt19 psi

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a ( psi ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a 5 psi ampellhead

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialent

to the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating

burst rating E ma1 THP design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 34 E 343 si

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading Calculation

alculate first assuming a high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid f 3 43 gt(53 63 (gt5 psi

ma1 HP E ma1 ITHP (assumes lea6)E si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 304E 0 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3284

ma1 collase load E 0 0 si (assumes emt tubing)E 0 si

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 0 1 si

E 30 si

$herefore strictly speaking ampe should use 2-lb7ft M- tubing although it is ore likely a l6-lb7ft ampould be selected since the probability is ery loamp that such seere collapse-loadingassuptions ampould proe true

alculate ne1t assuming a lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 00 si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 00 F 304 siE 34 si

ma1 collase load E 34 si

reuired collase rating E 34 E 443 si

Ce could select 16 lb7ft )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculations

ampeight in air C 4 16 lb7ft3 6 ft3 11 lb

buoyancy factor

625

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 000 lb

E 04000 lb

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (04000) () lb

16 lb$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3384

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubingcomletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

in 0lbft amp0 tubing meets all criteria for this te of roduction 7is6 of

gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing bet-een amp0 and J grades

SI nits

I$P IBP - ρo x 4

ρo 969 kPa7

under operating conditions I$P 26 - 969 x 21(3

92gt9 kPaunder axiu conditions gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 000 E 6Pa

under 6ill conditions

8P 53 22(3 5

53 22(3 5

19 kPa7

ltPP E (30) (00)

E 3400 6Pa

O BIP oil kill3 (gt kPa eFuialent $P oil kill3 (gt - 969 x 21(3

1929 kPa

In the case of a gas 6ill

Iamp 2HIP

(gas 6ill) E 000 F 000 6Pa

266 kPaeFuialent $P gas kill3 5gt x BP

5gt x 266 2(959 kPa

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a 26 Pa ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a (gt5 Pa ampellhead

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3484

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialentto the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating Calculation

burst rating E ma1 THP 1 design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 3 1

E 3 6Pa

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading

alculate first assuming high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid ρf 3 43

gt3 21(3 25 kPa

ax P ax I$P assues leak3 1696 kPa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 0

E 33 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 33 0 6Pa (assumes emt tubing)

E 33 6Pa

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 33 1 E 434 6Pa

Therefore strictl sea6ing -e should use a 6gm amp0 tubing but moreli6el 36gm tubing -ould be selected since the robabilit of such seere

collase loading is er lo-

alculate ne1t assuming lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 4 6Pa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 4 F 0

E 0 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 0 6Pa

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3584

reuired collase rating E 0 1 E 300 6Pa

Ce could select 25(-kg7 )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculation

ampeight in air 25( 21( 5( kg 525 kM

buoanc factor E

EE0

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 6ampE 4 6amp

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (4) ()

E 30 6amp

$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubing

comletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

40mm ( inch) 36gm 0 tubing meets all criteria for this te ofroduction 7is6 of gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing

bet-een 0 and J grades

Pac6ers

Pac$er unctions

A ac6er is a subsurface tool that roides a seal bet-een the tubing and

casingthereb reenting the ertical moement of fluids across this sealing oint

Pac6ers are used for the follo-ing reasons

9 to imroe safet b roiding a barrier to flo- through the annulus

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3684

9 to 6ee -ell fluids and ressures isolated from the casing

9 to imroe flo- conditions and reent heading

9 to searate +ones in the same -ellbore

9 to lace 6ill fluids or treating fluids in the casing annulus

9 to ac6 off erforations rather than use suee+e cementing

9 to 6ee gas lift or hdraulic o-er fluid in8ection ressure isolated from the

formation

9 to anchor the tubing

9 to install a casing um

9 to minimi+e heat losses b allo-ing the use of an emt annulus or thermal

insulator

9 to isolate a casing lea6 or lea6ing liner la

9 to facilitate temorar -ell serice oerations (eg stimulations suee+es)

Pac$er T+pes

There are man ac6er manufacturers some of -hom offer an e1tensie ariet ofac6ers -ith each differing to some degree from those of the other manufacturers

This rather be-ildering arra can ho-eer be groued into rincial classes or

tes and ma be further categori+ed b method of setting b direction of ressureacross the ac6er and b the number of bores through the ac6er

Pac6ers can be rimaril classified as either retrieable or ermanent or

ermanentretrieable or inflatable

)etrievable acers

This te of ac6er is run on the tubing ( ltigure )etrievable pacer )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3784

Figure 1

After setting it can be released and recoered from the -ell on the tubing ince it is

an integral art of the tubing string the tubing cannot be remoed from the -ell-ithout ulling the ac6er unless a detachable ac6er head is used

7etrieable ac6ers ma be designed to be set mechanicall or hdraulicallechanical setting methods include rotation of the tubing string recirocation of the

tubing string or the alication of tension or setdo-n -eight =ith mechanical

ac6ers the tubing is usuall set in comression

Hdraulic ac6ers are set b aling hdraulic ressure through the tubing stringbut once set the hold the set osition mechanicall The tubing is usuall in tension

7etrieable ac6ers are usuall used for comle1 multi+one and multistringcomletions Their main limitation -as in their limited abilit to accommodate tubing

stress changes -ithout unsettingD the aailabilit of effectie sli 8oints anddetachable heads has eased this situation An historical roblem -as failure of the

internal elastomer seals but this technolog also has imroed mar6edl in the lastdecade All metaltometal seal ac6ers are aailable but are e1ensie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3884

Lne disadantage of retrieable ac6ers is that if the fail to retriee the must beremoed b milling them out of the casing -ith an abrasie milling head and a

drillstring The are er difficult to mill Menerall this te of ac6er is used undernonseere conditions (differential ressures less than 000 si (344 Pa)

temeratures less than 300B lt (4B )

2ecause of the setting mechanism retrieable ac6ers tend to hae a restrictedbore comared -ith other ac6ers designed for the same casing si+e This factorma restrict flo- or limit -ireline oerations belo- the ac6er deth

ermanent acers

Permanent ac6ers are indeendent of the tubing and ma be run on tubing or on

-ireline ( ltigure and ltigure 3 )

Figure 2

The tubing can be released from the ac6er and can be ulled leaing the ac6er set

in the casing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3984

Figure 3

Tubing can subseuentl be run bac6 and resealed in the ac6er The ac6er ma

thus be considered an integral art of the casing It is sometimes called either aroduction ac6er or a retainerroduction ac6er

The ermanent ac6er cannot be recoered as such but it can be destructiel

remoed (eg b milling) ( ltigure 4 and ltigure )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4084

Figure 4

If the ac6er includes a tailie and must be recoered a millout e1tension is

needed on the ac6er for the ac6er ic6er or catch sleee on the mill to engageIn other cases it ma be adeuate to siml ush the ac6er to the bottom of the

casing after milling

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1484

ta6en to mitigate the induced stresses during man oerations (eg alingannular ressure or heating fracturing fluids) Ln the other hand the conseuential

costs of a failed tubing string or of haing to run a secial -or6ing string in termsof deferred roduction and rig time can be uite substantial Assessment of the

most cost effectie solution is generall a 8udgment call based on the engineer5se1erience and on cororate attitudes and olic A tical set of arameters has

alread been illustrated in gt1amle

urst

The tubing and -ellhead should be designed for suee+e and 6ill conditions incefines in the erforations or oil can sometimes cause a chec6 ale effect -hen

attemting to suee+e bac6 liuids man comletion designers li6e to hae thefle1ibilit of being able to raise the bottomhole ressure to the lt2P or at least to the

ltPP Ho-eer -ith high ermeabilit reseroirs or gas -ells in -hich fracturestimulation is unli6el comletion engineers are often satisfied -ith a certain

minimum differential for in8ection The alue selected aries from area to area andfrom coman to coman but is commonl either around 000 si ( Pa) or 33

of the reseroir ressure The author suggests

1 8BP amphere k1 1 d kg 5 d

ltPP for suee+ing liuids -here 6 00 md

3 I2HP F 000 si ( Pa) for suee+ing gas -here6g 0 mdD or for suee+ing liuids -here 6 000 md

8ro the rock echanics theory presented by eertsa 163 and others it ay be deducedthat in a tectonically relaxed area a proisional estiate of the fracture propagation gradient8P3 can be obtained fro the eFuation

13

ltPM N lt2M N sift ( 6Pam) 1

amphere s oerburden stress J1 psi7ft depth3

E ore ressure si

G E deth ft

ltPM E formation roagation gradient sift

lt2M E formation brea6do-n gradient sift

$he specification of the pressure test conditions is often critical to burst design oernentregulations soeties specify pressure test conditions eg to at least 0 of the reseroirpressure or to 1 psi 5 Pa3 oer the axiu differential pressure expected at the packer3If no regulations exist ost operators test to their tubing design conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1584

$ollapse

eere collase loads on the tubing can occur

bull in gas ampells and high oil ampells ampith loamp-floamping botto-hole pressures and deep-set safety ales after bloampdoampn to test a plug etc

bull during annulus ressure tests or oeration of shear circulation deices

bull -here there are ressured annuli

bull during underbalance erforating or testing at high dra-do-n

bull during tubing blo-outs

It is iportant to reeber that tension reduces collapse strength $his biaxial effect should beexained for large diaeter tubings especially if reduced collapse design assuptions and7or adeep-set safety ale is used

Tension

Tubing strings are not onl sub8ected to running tensions -ith all the associatedshoc6 and acceleration loadings but also to aring oerating stresses due to iston

forces on the steel andor an lugs ums standing ales and the li6e in thetubing oreoer if the tubing is anchored or held b a ac6er its oerating tension

-ill ar as a result of

bull theral effects hot production or cold kill fluid3

bull iston effects (changes in buoanc and forces at 8oint usets)

bull ballooning effects (changes in internal or e1ternal ressure)

bull buc6ling effects (longitudinal instabilit)

$hese potential probles are listed in ters of their ost coon relatie agnitude althoughthe relatie iportance of piston and ballooning effects is ariable3

$ombined oading

=hile the designer of tubular goods normall tal6s in terms of burst collase and

tension comression as if the -ere indeendent it is obious that in most actualloading situations the occur simultaneousl Precise stress analsis should reallconsider a tria1ial loading situation

The simultaneous solution of all the associated euations is rather comlicated Anumber of comuter rograms are aailable but for most field engineers the -ill be

a blac6 bo1 solution This can be dangerous It is imortant to chec6 that theformulas are roerl handled articularl -ith resect to collase -hich is a

stabilit effect Therefore it is usual for critical stress analses (eg for ultra dee

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1684

high ressure or sour -ells) to be underta6en b a secialist consultant researchgrou or intracoman tas6 force oreoer since this is not the routine design

techniue design factors are less -ell roen (although a alue of is oftenused)

A more conenient aroach for the intermediate range moderatel comle1 design

roblem is to use the ellise of bia1ial ield stress roosed b Holmuist and ampadai(3) The critical relationshis are (a) tension reduces collase resistanceD (b)comression reduces burst resistance

The other imortant concet in the consideration of tria1ial loads is that ressurechanges affect a1ial stresses or cause tubing moement This has been e1tensiel

discussed in Pgt aers b $ubins6i () Hammerlindl () and tillebroer()

ending

2ending stresses can be significant in large tubulars The are comressie in the

inner -all and tensional in the outer -all the most detrimental being

1ampamphere

the radius of curature ft3

sb E bending stress

gt E Ooung5s modulus (for steel gt E 30 0 si)

do E outside diameter of the tubular

Bending stresses result fro both hole curature and buckling $he effects of doglegs need onlybe considered if they are ery seere 1L71 ft= 1L7( 3 or if ery large tubing 5 172 to 6 in=1gt to 16 3 is being used

Production Casing

The roduction casing must be adeuatel si+ed for the lanned comletion It -illobiousl affect the si+e of the other reuired casing strings the bit selection the

caacit of the rig and the oerall -ell costs The roduction casing must bedesigned for the loads that ma be imosed during the roducing life of the field It

is similar to tubing design in seeral -as

urst

Production casing must be designed to -ithstand the ma1imum closedin tubing

ressure that can be e1ected If a ac6er has been used this ressure is assumed

to be alied at the to of a full column of ac6er fluid (ie for the case of a tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1784

failure at the surface) =e usuall assume that the e1ternal ressure resisting burstis a -ater gradient If the ac6er fluid is heaier than -ater the burst load -ill

increase -ith deth

In the eent that a snubbing oeration could not be conenientl attemted if atubing brea6 occurs at the surface the casing must be strong enough to -ithstand a

bullhead suee+e on the lie tubing string in -hich case this -ould be the designcriteria for the casing and -ellhead

In man cases it ma be necessar to design the casing for loads imosed during

stimulation and ressure testing onersel the casing caacit must be chec6ed-hen designing a fracturing treatment This is articularl imortant in -ells -here

no ac6er is used

$ollapse

Production casing ma be sub8ect to comlete eacuation during roductionoerations if the -ell is oerated on gas lift or umedoff or if the ac6er or

-or6oer fluid is lost into a deleted +one As the ie ma hae deteriorated beforethis occurs a higher design factor (F) is often used for roduction casing

eere collase loads ma occur in situations in -hich thermal e1ansion of theannular fluid bet-een the roduction and intermediate strings cannot be bled off

(eg in some subsea -ells)

Increased loading should be assumed if lie annuli are a feature of the area 7educed

loadings ma be assumed if the -ells -ill not be umed off gas lifted or seereldeleted

eere collase loads ma e1ist in the a section during high dra-do-n

underbalanced erforating and testing and suee+e either or both cementation andfracturing ( ltigure $ollapse loads in the pay ) It is highl adisable to maintainsome set casingtubing annulus ressure during such serice oerations

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1884

Figure 1

Tensionamp$ompression

In high rate roduction areas and thermal -ells e1ansion of the roduction tubingma imose additional tension on the casing strings ia the ac6er

$ouplings

In high ressure (000 siD 34 Pa) high temerature (300B ltD 4 ) andor

seerel sour conditions remium casing coulings are recommended

aterial Selection

In sour enironments material secification must consider the chances of Hcontamination of the casingtubing annulus and the added ossibilit of temerature

changes during stimulation affecting the stress corrosion tolerance of the ie

Couplings

There are man forms of couling aailable some of -hich hae been dedicated tothe ublic through the ausices of the API -hile others are roduced b or under

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1984

license from a secific manufacturer It -as in fact the need to obtain astandardi+ation of thread forms and diameters that led to the formation of the API

ommittee on tandardi+ation of Tubular Moods in 4

The API coulings ( ltigure

Figure 1

ltigure and ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2084

Figure 2

$utaways of basic types of couplings) are of three basic tes e1ternal uset (gtKgt)

nonuset (ampK) and integral 8oint

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2184

Figure 3

Threads are of t-o main forms The round API threads are -ea6er than the ie

bod (ie N00 efficient) The buttress threads -ere deeloed b the ampationalTube Giision of the Knited tates teel ororation to roide a high strength

couling for dee high ressure -ell serice This thread is used in a number ofrorietar coulings eg Hdril A Atlas2radford

All taered threads achiee a seal b driing the in and bo1 surfaces together undersufficient stress to generate a bearing ressure e1ceeding an differential that is to

be subseuentl alied Ho-eer a small siral oid is al-as left bet-een themating surfaces and must be filled -ith solids in the form of thread comound (This

is the reason for careful secification of the comound in 2ul A) Ln API roundthreads this oid occurs bet-een the crest and root of the mating threads -hile on

buttress threads it e1tends oer the -hole flan6 of the thread on the beeled side

To imroe lea6 resistance eseciall at eleated temeratures and under high

ressure differential the socalled remium seals -ere deeloed These consist of either metaltometal seals on taered ortions of the in and bo1 surfaces or an

elastomer seal ring or both This te of seal reuires a high ualit finish andrecise gauging and insection The couling is therefore more costl ince API and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2284

buttress threads hae roen to be er reliable in the field the decision to use themore e1ensie remium seals reuires careful economic 8ustification In general

their alication has roen aluable in highl corrosie conditions in high ressuregas -ells or high ressurehigh ML7 oil -ells and in thermal -ells sub8ect to high

comressie loads The ma be used -here -or6oer costs are high (egoffshore) In general API tubulars are adeuate for differential ressures of less than

000 si (344 Pa) and temeratures of less than 300B lt (0B ) using hightemerature thread comound ltor corrosie conditions and continuous gas sericethe ressure limit is often reduced to 00 si ( Pa)

gt1ercises

)ilfield nits

The in 4 lbft J ampK tubing string in a 000ft oil -ell -as designed

based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional load -ould beimosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 00 si after the

-ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The -ell

roduces 30B API oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

SI nits

The 3mm ( in) 6gmm (4 lbft) J ampK tubing string in an 30moil -ell -as designed based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional

load is imosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 3 Paafter the -ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The

-ell roduces 6gm3 oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

olutions

)ilfield nits

=eight in air E 000 ft 1 4 E 3400 lb

2uoanc in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2384

Buoyant ampeight amphen run (gt x 65 ((9 lb

=ater gradient (M E ) E 0433 sift

Lil gradient (M E 0) E 0 1 0433 E 03 sift

IG of tubing E 44 in Ai E 40 in

=eight of oil in tubing E 000 1 03 1 40 E 04 lb

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell has been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 19gt2 (gt 5 gt93 19gt2 (gt 2(gt 51(2 lb

The API 8oint strength rating of in 4 lbft J nonuset tubing E 00lb

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor) E (00) ()E 4400 lb

Therefore the roosed loading e1ceeds the design secifications and a lea6 mightoccur during the test In fact the loading e1ceeds design secs een -ithout adding

the 00 si of -ellhead ressure (actual load 404 lb comared -ith an allo-ableof 4400 lb) Ho-eer using a 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions

ressure tests of u to 4 si -ould be ermissible

6293 1((3 19gt2 (gt pt gt93

Pt E 4 si

+ nits Ceight in air 1( x 5 16(5 kg 165 kM

2uoanc factor in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater E gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12Buoyant ampeight amphen run 165 x 65 1gt2 kM

=ater gradient (M E 0) E 4 6PamLil gradient (M E 0) 0 1 4 E 6Pam

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2484

IG of tubing E mm thus Ai E 30 1 l04 m

=eight of oil in tubing E (30 m) ( 6Pam) (30 1 03 m)E 44 6amp

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell had been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 gt6gt 165 (5 (1 x 1 -(3 gt6gt 165 156 22gt6 kM

8ro 8igure 1 the PI Aoint strength rating of 6(- 5 kg7 )-55 nonupset tubing is

629 lbs (222 kM3

Figure 1

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor)

(222715 2152 kM

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2584

$herefore the proposed loading exceeds the design specifications and a leak ight occur duringthe test In fact the loading exceeds design specifications een at ero ampellhead pressure actualload of gt6gt 165 216 kM copared ampith an alloampable load of 2152 kM3

Ho-eer using the 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions ressure tests

of u to 6Pa -ould be ermissible

216 pt (1 x l-gt3

t E 4 6Pa

2 )ilfield nits 12-ft hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubing

head pressure can be expectedN If the casing ampellhead and tubing are to be designed for asFueee kill at fracture propagation pressure 8PP3 amphat ampellhead pressure ampould be expected atthe start of the kill operationN Gse EFuation 1( for estiating the 8P3

13

+ units (99- hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubinghead pressure is expectedN

If the casing -ellhead and tubing are to be designed for a suee+e 6ill at fractureroagation ressure (ltPP) -hat -ellhead ressure -ould be e1ected at the start

of the 6ill oerationQ (Kse gtuation 3 for estimating the ltPM)

olutions

)ilfield nits

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure on

hydrocarbon-filled tubing

1125

External Packer fluid and eroannulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressure 1125

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2684

shut-in tubing pressure

Internal $ubing epty anddepressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight in Body 1(((

copletion fluid )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125

)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g of 0 E 04

At 000 ft assuming a hdrostatic gradient of 0433 sift the bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP 12 x gt(( 519 psiampith gas surface pressure 519 x 6gt6 I$P (1 psi

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be sift and using gtuation 3 to estimate

the fracture roagation ressure

E 0 sift

ltPP E 0 000 ft E 04 si

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the forationpropagation pressure inus the pressure due to the gas gradient

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2784

$IP 12 6163 - 519 - (13 62 psigore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP 12 6163 6gt6 9gt26 psi$herefore a 5 psi ampellhead should not be used een though the axiu closed-in tubinghead pressure is only about gt psi

SI nits

7eferring to Table 1

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g E 0 E 04

At 30 m assuming a normal hdrostatic ressure of 6Pa m bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP (99 65 (55 kPa

ampith gas surface pressure (55 6gt6 I$P 296 kPa

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be 6Pam and using gtuation 3 toestimate the fracture roagation ressure

E 6Pam

ltPP E 30 E 3 6Pa

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the foration propagation pressure inus the pressure due tothe gas gradient

THIP E (30 ) (30 0) E 0 6Pa

ore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP (99 19213 6gt6 gtgt(1 kPa

9gt Pa ampellhead should therefore be used

3hellip)ilfield nits

A 000ft -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 000 T2d using intubing encounters 0 ft of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of 3000 si =hat

rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight of tubing is to be

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2884

used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming that

Grade -eight lbft

Collapse

+trength psi

urst

+trength psi

Tensional

+trength 1 lb

Cost Coparison

)-55 155 gtgt gt1 ( cheapest

16 gt1 5(2 (2

-65 16 96 625 gt2( ost expensie

M- 16 92 66gt gtgt9 oderately expensie

2 ( 52gt

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 043 sift)

reseroir ressure 3000 si

6ill ressure 000 si aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 5 5 psi7ft3

If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure onhydrocarbon- filledtubing

1125

External Packer fluid and ero

annulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressureshut-in tubing pressure

1125

Internal $ubing epty and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2984

depressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight incopletion fluid

Body 1((( )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

Assume lie oil gradient is 03 sift

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at theac6er and the running tension

SI nits

A 30m -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 400 m3da of oil -ith l40mm ( inch) tubing encounters 0 m of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of

000 6Pa =hat rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight oftubing is to be used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming

that

Grade -eight

$gmm

Collapse

+trength

$Pa

urst

+trength

$Pa

Tensional

+trength

$amp

Cost Coparison

)-55 2(1 2655 ((19gt 1((gt cheapest

25( ((5( (99 1gt9(

-65 25( gt151 gt6 12 ost expensie

M- 25( gt(2 5((95 1gt oderately expensie

2 9 91gt 2((1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3084

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 40 6Pam)

reseroir ressure 000 6Pa

6ill ressure 000 6Pa aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 53 22(3 5 kPa7If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Assume lie oil gradient is 6Pam

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at the

ac6er and the running tensions

olution

)ilfield nits

I$P IBP - o 4

o ( psi7ft

under operating conditions I$P ( - ( 63 psi

under axiu conditions assuing gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 3000 E si

under 6ill conditions

8P 5 5

5 5 x 61 psi7ft

ltPP E 000 0

E 000 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3184

O BIP oil kill3

5 psieFuialent $P oil kill3

5 - ( x 6 2 psi

In the case of a gas kill

Iamp 2HIP(gas 6ill)

( 1 psi gt psi

eFuialent $P gas kill3

5gt x BP 5gt x gt (gt19 psi

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a ( psi ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a 5 psi ampellhead

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialent

to the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating

burst rating E ma1 THP design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 34 E 343 si

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading Calculation

alculate first assuming a high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid f 3 43 gt(53 63 (gt5 psi

ma1 HP E ma1 ITHP (assumes lea6)E si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 304E 0 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3284

ma1 collase load E 0 0 si (assumes emt tubing)E 0 si

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 0 1 si

E 30 si

$herefore strictly speaking ampe should use 2-lb7ft M- tubing although it is ore likely a l6-lb7ft ampould be selected since the probability is ery loamp that such seere collapse-loadingassuptions ampould proe true

alculate ne1t assuming a lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 00 si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 00 F 304 siE 34 si

ma1 collase load E 34 si

reuired collase rating E 34 E 443 si

Ce could select 16 lb7ft )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculations

ampeight in air C 4 16 lb7ft3 6 ft3 11 lb

buoyancy factor

625

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 000 lb

E 04000 lb

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (04000) () lb

16 lb$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3384

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubingcomletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

in 0lbft amp0 tubing meets all criteria for this te of roduction 7is6 of

gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing bet-een amp0 and J grades

SI nits

I$P IBP - ρo x 4

ρo 969 kPa7

under operating conditions I$P 26 - 969 x 21(3

92gt9 kPaunder axiu conditions gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 000 E 6Pa

under 6ill conditions

8P 53 22(3 5

53 22(3 5

19 kPa7

ltPP E (30) (00)

E 3400 6Pa

O BIP oil kill3 (gt kPa eFuialent $P oil kill3 (gt - 969 x 21(3

1929 kPa

In the case of a gas 6ill

Iamp 2HIP

(gas 6ill) E 000 F 000 6Pa

266 kPaeFuialent $P gas kill3 5gt x BP

5gt x 266 2(959 kPa

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a 26 Pa ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a (gt5 Pa ampellhead

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3484

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialentto the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating Calculation

burst rating E ma1 THP 1 design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 3 1

E 3 6Pa

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading

alculate first assuming high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid ρf 3 43

gt3 21(3 25 kPa

ax P ax I$P assues leak3 1696 kPa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 0

E 33 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 33 0 6Pa (assumes emt tubing)

E 33 6Pa

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 33 1 E 434 6Pa

Therefore strictl sea6ing -e should use a 6gm amp0 tubing but moreli6el 36gm tubing -ould be selected since the robabilit of such seere

collase loading is er lo-

alculate ne1t assuming lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 4 6Pa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 4 F 0

E 0 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 0 6Pa

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3584

reuired collase rating E 0 1 E 300 6Pa

Ce could select 25(-kg7 )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculation

ampeight in air 25( 21( 5( kg 525 kM

buoanc factor E

EE0

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 6ampE 4 6amp

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (4) ()

E 30 6amp

$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubing

comletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

40mm ( inch) 36gm 0 tubing meets all criteria for this te ofroduction 7is6 of gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing

bet-een 0 and J grades

Pac6ers

Pac$er unctions

A ac6er is a subsurface tool that roides a seal bet-een the tubing and

casingthereb reenting the ertical moement of fluids across this sealing oint

Pac6ers are used for the follo-ing reasons

9 to imroe safet b roiding a barrier to flo- through the annulus

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3684

9 to 6ee -ell fluids and ressures isolated from the casing

9 to imroe flo- conditions and reent heading

9 to searate +ones in the same -ellbore

9 to lace 6ill fluids or treating fluids in the casing annulus

9 to ac6 off erforations rather than use suee+e cementing

9 to 6ee gas lift or hdraulic o-er fluid in8ection ressure isolated from the

formation

9 to anchor the tubing

9 to install a casing um

9 to minimi+e heat losses b allo-ing the use of an emt annulus or thermal

insulator

9 to isolate a casing lea6 or lea6ing liner la

9 to facilitate temorar -ell serice oerations (eg stimulations suee+es)

Pac$er T+pes

There are man ac6er manufacturers some of -hom offer an e1tensie ariet ofac6ers -ith each differing to some degree from those of the other manufacturers

This rather be-ildering arra can ho-eer be groued into rincial classes or

tes and ma be further categori+ed b method of setting b direction of ressureacross the ac6er and b the number of bores through the ac6er

Pac6ers can be rimaril classified as either retrieable or ermanent or

ermanentretrieable or inflatable

)etrievable acers

This te of ac6er is run on the tubing ( ltigure )etrievable pacer )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3784

Figure 1

After setting it can be released and recoered from the -ell on the tubing ince it is

an integral art of the tubing string the tubing cannot be remoed from the -ell-ithout ulling the ac6er unless a detachable ac6er head is used

7etrieable ac6ers ma be designed to be set mechanicall or hdraulicallechanical setting methods include rotation of the tubing string recirocation of the

tubing string or the alication of tension or setdo-n -eight =ith mechanical

ac6ers the tubing is usuall set in comression

Hdraulic ac6ers are set b aling hdraulic ressure through the tubing stringbut once set the hold the set osition mechanicall The tubing is usuall in tension

7etrieable ac6ers are usuall used for comle1 multi+one and multistringcomletions Their main limitation -as in their limited abilit to accommodate tubing

stress changes -ithout unsettingD the aailabilit of effectie sli 8oints anddetachable heads has eased this situation An historical roblem -as failure of the

internal elastomer seals but this technolog also has imroed mar6edl in the lastdecade All metaltometal seal ac6ers are aailable but are e1ensie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3884

Lne disadantage of retrieable ac6ers is that if the fail to retriee the must beremoed b milling them out of the casing -ith an abrasie milling head and a

drillstring The are er difficult to mill Menerall this te of ac6er is used undernonseere conditions (differential ressures less than 000 si (344 Pa)

temeratures less than 300B lt (4B )

2ecause of the setting mechanism retrieable ac6ers tend to hae a restrictedbore comared -ith other ac6ers designed for the same casing si+e This factorma restrict flo- or limit -ireline oerations belo- the ac6er deth

ermanent acers

Permanent ac6ers are indeendent of the tubing and ma be run on tubing or on

-ireline ( ltigure and ltigure 3 )

Figure 2

The tubing can be released from the ac6er and can be ulled leaing the ac6er set

in the casing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3984

Figure 3

Tubing can subseuentl be run bac6 and resealed in the ac6er The ac6er ma

thus be considered an integral art of the casing It is sometimes called either aroduction ac6er or a retainerroduction ac6er

The ermanent ac6er cannot be recoered as such but it can be destructiel

remoed (eg b milling) ( ltigure 4 and ltigure )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4084

Figure 4

If the ac6er includes a tailie and must be recoered a millout e1tension is

needed on the ac6er for the ac6er ic6er or catch sleee on the mill to engageIn other cases it ma be adeuate to siml ush the ac6er to the bottom of the

casing after milling

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1584

$ollapse

eere collase loads on the tubing can occur

bull in gas ampells and high oil ampells ampith loamp-floamping botto-hole pressures and deep-set safety ales after bloampdoampn to test a plug etc

bull during annulus ressure tests or oeration of shear circulation deices

bull -here there are ressured annuli

bull during underbalance erforating or testing at high dra-do-n

bull during tubing blo-outs

It is iportant to reeber that tension reduces collapse strength $his biaxial effect should beexained for large diaeter tubings especially if reduced collapse design assuptions and7or adeep-set safety ale is used

Tension

Tubing strings are not onl sub8ected to running tensions -ith all the associatedshoc6 and acceleration loadings but also to aring oerating stresses due to iston

forces on the steel andor an lugs ums standing ales and the li6e in thetubing oreoer if the tubing is anchored or held b a ac6er its oerating tension

-ill ar as a result of

bull theral effects hot production or cold kill fluid3

bull iston effects (changes in buoanc and forces at 8oint usets)

bull ballooning effects (changes in internal or e1ternal ressure)

bull buc6ling effects (longitudinal instabilit)

$hese potential probles are listed in ters of their ost coon relatie agnitude althoughthe relatie iportance of piston and ballooning effects is ariable3

$ombined oading

=hile the designer of tubular goods normall tal6s in terms of burst collase and

tension comression as if the -ere indeendent it is obious that in most actualloading situations the occur simultaneousl Precise stress analsis should reallconsider a tria1ial loading situation

The simultaneous solution of all the associated euations is rather comlicated Anumber of comuter rograms are aailable but for most field engineers the -ill be

a blac6 bo1 solution This can be dangerous It is imortant to chec6 that theformulas are roerl handled articularl -ith resect to collase -hich is a

stabilit effect Therefore it is usual for critical stress analses (eg for ultra dee

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1684

high ressure or sour -ells) to be underta6en b a secialist consultant researchgrou or intracoman tas6 force oreoer since this is not the routine design

techniue design factors are less -ell roen (although a alue of is oftenused)

A more conenient aroach for the intermediate range moderatel comle1 design

roblem is to use the ellise of bia1ial ield stress roosed b Holmuist and ampadai(3) The critical relationshis are (a) tension reduces collase resistanceD (b)comression reduces burst resistance

The other imortant concet in the consideration of tria1ial loads is that ressurechanges affect a1ial stresses or cause tubing moement This has been e1tensiel

discussed in Pgt aers b $ubins6i () Hammerlindl () and tillebroer()

ending

2ending stresses can be significant in large tubulars The are comressie in the

inner -all and tensional in the outer -all the most detrimental being

1ampamphere

the radius of curature ft3

sb E bending stress

gt E Ooung5s modulus (for steel gt E 30 0 si)

do E outside diameter of the tubular

Bending stresses result fro both hole curature and buckling $he effects of doglegs need onlybe considered if they are ery seere 1L71 ft= 1L7( 3 or if ery large tubing 5 172 to 6 in=1gt to 16 3 is being used

Production Casing

The roduction casing must be adeuatel si+ed for the lanned comletion It -illobiousl affect the si+e of the other reuired casing strings the bit selection the

caacit of the rig and the oerall -ell costs The roduction casing must bedesigned for the loads that ma be imosed during the roducing life of the field It

is similar to tubing design in seeral -as

urst

Production casing must be designed to -ithstand the ma1imum closedin tubing

ressure that can be e1ected If a ac6er has been used this ressure is assumed

to be alied at the to of a full column of ac6er fluid (ie for the case of a tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1784

failure at the surface) =e usuall assume that the e1ternal ressure resisting burstis a -ater gradient If the ac6er fluid is heaier than -ater the burst load -ill

increase -ith deth

In the eent that a snubbing oeration could not be conenientl attemted if atubing brea6 occurs at the surface the casing must be strong enough to -ithstand a

bullhead suee+e on the lie tubing string in -hich case this -ould be the designcriteria for the casing and -ellhead

In man cases it ma be necessar to design the casing for loads imosed during

stimulation and ressure testing onersel the casing caacit must be chec6ed-hen designing a fracturing treatment This is articularl imortant in -ells -here

no ac6er is used

$ollapse

Production casing ma be sub8ect to comlete eacuation during roductionoerations if the -ell is oerated on gas lift or umedoff or if the ac6er or

-or6oer fluid is lost into a deleted +one As the ie ma hae deteriorated beforethis occurs a higher design factor (F) is often used for roduction casing

eere collase loads ma occur in situations in -hich thermal e1ansion of theannular fluid bet-een the roduction and intermediate strings cannot be bled off

(eg in some subsea -ells)

Increased loading should be assumed if lie annuli are a feature of the area 7educed

loadings ma be assumed if the -ells -ill not be umed off gas lifted or seereldeleted

eere collase loads ma e1ist in the a section during high dra-do-n

underbalanced erforating and testing and suee+e either or both cementation andfracturing ( ltigure $ollapse loads in the pay ) It is highl adisable to maintainsome set casingtubing annulus ressure during such serice oerations

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1884

Figure 1

Tensionamp$ompression

In high rate roduction areas and thermal -ells e1ansion of the roduction tubingma imose additional tension on the casing strings ia the ac6er

$ouplings

In high ressure (000 siD 34 Pa) high temerature (300B ltD 4 ) andor

seerel sour conditions remium casing coulings are recommended

aterial Selection

In sour enironments material secification must consider the chances of Hcontamination of the casingtubing annulus and the added ossibilit of temerature

changes during stimulation affecting the stress corrosion tolerance of the ie

Couplings

There are man forms of couling aailable some of -hich hae been dedicated tothe ublic through the ausices of the API -hile others are roduced b or under

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1984

license from a secific manufacturer It -as in fact the need to obtain astandardi+ation of thread forms and diameters that led to the formation of the API

ommittee on tandardi+ation of Tubular Moods in 4

The API coulings ( ltigure

Figure 1

ltigure and ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2084

Figure 2

$utaways of basic types of couplings) are of three basic tes e1ternal uset (gtKgt)

nonuset (ampK) and integral 8oint

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2184

Figure 3

Threads are of t-o main forms The round API threads are -ea6er than the ie

bod (ie N00 efficient) The buttress threads -ere deeloed b the ampationalTube Giision of the Knited tates teel ororation to roide a high strength

couling for dee high ressure -ell serice This thread is used in a number ofrorietar coulings eg Hdril A Atlas2radford

All taered threads achiee a seal b driing the in and bo1 surfaces together undersufficient stress to generate a bearing ressure e1ceeding an differential that is to

be subseuentl alied Ho-eer a small siral oid is al-as left bet-een themating surfaces and must be filled -ith solids in the form of thread comound (This

is the reason for careful secification of the comound in 2ul A) Ln API roundthreads this oid occurs bet-een the crest and root of the mating threads -hile on

buttress threads it e1tends oer the -hole flan6 of the thread on the beeled side

To imroe lea6 resistance eseciall at eleated temeratures and under high

ressure differential the socalled remium seals -ere deeloed These consist of either metaltometal seals on taered ortions of the in and bo1 surfaces or an

elastomer seal ring or both This te of seal reuires a high ualit finish andrecise gauging and insection The couling is therefore more costl ince API and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2284

buttress threads hae roen to be er reliable in the field the decision to use themore e1ensie remium seals reuires careful economic 8ustification In general

their alication has roen aluable in highl corrosie conditions in high ressuregas -ells or high ressurehigh ML7 oil -ells and in thermal -ells sub8ect to high

comressie loads The ma be used -here -or6oer costs are high (egoffshore) In general API tubulars are adeuate for differential ressures of less than

000 si (344 Pa) and temeratures of less than 300B lt (0B ) using hightemerature thread comound ltor corrosie conditions and continuous gas sericethe ressure limit is often reduced to 00 si ( Pa)

gt1ercises

)ilfield nits

The in 4 lbft J ampK tubing string in a 000ft oil -ell -as designed

based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional load -ould beimosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 00 si after the

-ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The -ell

roduces 30B API oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

SI nits

The 3mm ( in) 6gmm (4 lbft) J ampK tubing string in an 30moil -ell -as designed based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional

load is imosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 3 Paafter the -ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The

-ell roduces 6gm3 oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

olutions

)ilfield nits

=eight in air E 000 ft 1 4 E 3400 lb

2uoanc in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2384

Buoyant ampeight amphen run (gt x 65 ((9 lb

=ater gradient (M E ) E 0433 sift

Lil gradient (M E 0) E 0 1 0433 E 03 sift

IG of tubing E 44 in Ai E 40 in

=eight of oil in tubing E 000 1 03 1 40 E 04 lb

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell has been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 19gt2 (gt 5 gt93 19gt2 (gt 2(gt 51(2 lb

The API 8oint strength rating of in 4 lbft J nonuset tubing E 00lb

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor) E (00) ()E 4400 lb

Therefore the roosed loading e1ceeds the design secifications and a lea6 mightoccur during the test In fact the loading e1ceeds design secs een -ithout adding

the 00 si of -ellhead ressure (actual load 404 lb comared -ith an allo-ableof 4400 lb) Ho-eer using a 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions

ressure tests of u to 4 si -ould be ermissible

6293 1((3 19gt2 (gt pt gt93

Pt E 4 si

+ nits Ceight in air 1( x 5 16(5 kg 165 kM

2uoanc factor in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater E gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12Buoyant ampeight amphen run 165 x 65 1gt2 kM

=ater gradient (M E 0) E 4 6PamLil gradient (M E 0) 0 1 4 E 6Pam

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2484

IG of tubing E mm thus Ai E 30 1 l04 m

=eight of oil in tubing E (30 m) ( 6Pam) (30 1 03 m)E 44 6amp

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell had been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 gt6gt 165 (5 (1 x 1 -(3 gt6gt 165 156 22gt6 kM

8ro 8igure 1 the PI Aoint strength rating of 6(- 5 kg7 )-55 nonupset tubing is

629 lbs (222 kM3

Figure 1

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor)

(222715 2152 kM

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2584

$herefore the proposed loading exceeds the design specifications and a leak ight occur duringthe test In fact the loading exceeds design specifications een at ero ampellhead pressure actualload of gt6gt 165 216 kM copared ampith an alloampable load of 2152 kM3

Ho-eer using the 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions ressure tests

of u to 6Pa -ould be ermissible

216 pt (1 x l-gt3

t E 4 6Pa

2 )ilfield nits 12-ft hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubing

head pressure can be expectedN If the casing ampellhead and tubing are to be designed for asFueee kill at fracture propagation pressure 8PP3 amphat ampellhead pressure ampould be expected atthe start of the kill operationN Gse EFuation 1( for estiating the 8P3

13

+ units (99- hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubinghead pressure is expectedN

If the casing -ellhead and tubing are to be designed for a suee+e 6ill at fractureroagation ressure (ltPP) -hat -ellhead ressure -ould be e1ected at the start

of the 6ill oerationQ (Kse gtuation 3 for estimating the ltPM)

olutions

)ilfield nits

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure on

hydrocarbon-filled tubing

1125

External Packer fluid and eroannulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressure 1125

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2684

shut-in tubing pressure

Internal $ubing epty anddepressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight in Body 1(((

copletion fluid )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125

)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g of 0 E 04

At 000 ft assuming a hdrostatic gradient of 0433 sift the bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP 12 x gt(( 519 psiampith gas surface pressure 519 x 6gt6 I$P (1 psi

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be sift and using gtuation 3 to estimate

the fracture roagation ressure

E 0 sift

ltPP E 0 000 ft E 04 si

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the forationpropagation pressure inus the pressure due to the gas gradient

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2784

$IP 12 6163 - 519 - (13 62 psigore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP 12 6163 6gt6 9gt26 psi$herefore a 5 psi ampellhead should not be used een though the axiu closed-in tubinghead pressure is only about gt psi

SI nits

7eferring to Table 1

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g E 0 E 04

At 30 m assuming a normal hdrostatic ressure of 6Pa m bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP (99 65 (55 kPa

ampith gas surface pressure (55 6gt6 I$P 296 kPa

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be 6Pam and using gtuation 3 toestimate the fracture roagation ressure

E 6Pam

ltPP E 30 E 3 6Pa

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the foration propagation pressure inus the pressure due tothe gas gradient

THIP E (30 ) (30 0) E 0 6Pa

ore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP (99 19213 6gt6 gtgt(1 kPa

9gt Pa ampellhead should therefore be used

3hellip)ilfield nits

A 000ft -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 000 T2d using intubing encounters 0 ft of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of 3000 si =hat

rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight of tubing is to be

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2884

used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming that

Grade -eight lbft

Collapse

+trength psi

urst

+trength psi

Tensional

+trength 1 lb

Cost Coparison

)-55 155 gtgt gt1 ( cheapest

16 gt1 5(2 (2

-65 16 96 625 gt2( ost expensie

M- 16 92 66gt gtgt9 oderately expensie

2 ( 52gt

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 043 sift)

reseroir ressure 3000 si

6ill ressure 000 si aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 5 5 psi7ft3

If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure onhydrocarbon- filledtubing

1125

External Packer fluid and ero

annulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressureshut-in tubing pressure

1125

Internal $ubing epty and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2984

depressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight incopletion fluid

Body 1((( )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

Assume lie oil gradient is 03 sift

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at theac6er and the running tension

SI nits

A 30m -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 400 m3da of oil -ith l40mm ( inch) tubing encounters 0 m of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of

000 6Pa =hat rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight oftubing is to be used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming

that

Grade -eight

$gmm

Collapse

+trength

$Pa

urst

+trength

$Pa

Tensional

+trength

$amp

Cost Coparison

)-55 2(1 2655 ((19gt 1((gt cheapest

25( ((5( (99 1gt9(

-65 25( gt151 gt6 12 ost expensie

M- 25( gt(2 5((95 1gt oderately expensie

2 9 91gt 2((1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3084

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 40 6Pam)

reseroir ressure 000 6Pa

6ill ressure 000 6Pa aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 53 22(3 5 kPa7If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Assume lie oil gradient is 6Pam

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at the

ac6er and the running tensions

olution

)ilfield nits

I$P IBP - o 4

o ( psi7ft

under operating conditions I$P ( - ( 63 psi

under axiu conditions assuing gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 3000 E si

under 6ill conditions

8P 5 5

5 5 x 61 psi7ft

ltPP E 000 0

E 000 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3184

O BIP oil kill3

5 psieFuialent $P oil kill3

5 - ( x 6 2 psi

In the case of a gas kill

Iamp 2HIP(gas 6ill)

( 1 psi gt psi

eFuialent $P gas kill3

5gt x BP 5gt x gt (gt19 psi

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a ( psi ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a 5 psi ampellhead

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialent

to the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating

burst rating E ma1 THP design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 34 E 343 si

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading Calculation

alculate first assuming a high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid f 3 43 gt(53 63 (gt5 psi

ma1 HP E ma1 ITHP (assumes lea6)E si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 304E 0 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3284

ma1 collase load E 0 0 si (assumes emt tubing)E 0 si

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 0 1 si

E 30 si

$herefore strictly speaking ampe should use 2-lb7ft M- tubing although it is ore likely a l6-lb7ft ampould be selected since the probability is ery loamp that such seere collapse-loadingassuptions ampould proe true

alculate ne1t assuming a lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 00 si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 00 F 304 siE 34 si

ma1 collase load E 34 si

reuired collase rating E 34 E 443 si

Ce could select 16 lb7ft )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculations

ampeight in air C 4 16 lb7ft3 6 ft3 11 lb

buoyancy factor

625

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 000 lb

E 04000 lb

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (04000) () lb

16 lb$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3384

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubingcomletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

in 0lbft amp0 tubing meets all criteria for this te of roduction 7is6 of

gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing bet-een amp0 and J grades

SI nits

I$P IBP - ρo x 4

ρo 969 kPa7

under operating conditions I$P 26 - 969 x 21(3

92gt9 kPaunder axiu conditions gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 000 E 6Pa

under 6ill conditions

8P 53 22(3 5

53 22(3 5

19 kPa7

ltPP E (30) (00)

E 3400 6Pa

O BIP oil kill3 (gt kPa eFuialent $P oil kill3 (gt - 969 x 21(3

1929 kPa

In the case of a gas 6ill

Iamp 2HIP

(gas 6ill) E 000 F 000 6Pa

266 kPaeFuialent $P gas kill3 5gt x BP

5gt x 266 2(959 kPa

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a 26 Pa ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a (gt5 Pa ampellhead

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3484

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialentto the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating Calculation

burst rating E ma1 THP 1 design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 3 1

E 3 6Pa

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading

alculate first assuming high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid ρf 3 43

gt3 21(3 25 kPa

ax P ax I$P assues leak3 1696 kPa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 0

E 33 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 33 0 6Pa (assumes emt tubing)

E 33 6Pa

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 33 1 E 434 6Pa

Therefore strictl sea6ing -e should use a 6gm amp0 tubing but moreli6el 36gm tubing -ould be selected since the robabilit of such seere

collase loading is er lo-

alculate ne1t assuming lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 4 6Pa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 4 F 0

E 0 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 0 6Pa

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3584

reuired collase rating E 0 1 E 300 6Pa

Ce could select 25(-kg7 )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculation

ampeight in air 25( 21( 5( kg 525 kM

buoanc factor E

EE0

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 6ampE 4 6amp

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (4) ()

E 30 6amp

$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubing

comletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

40mm ( inch) 36gm 0 tubing meets all criteria for this te ofroduction 7is6 of gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing

bet-een 0 and J grades

Pac6ers

Pac$er unctions

A ac6er is a subsurface tool that roides a seal bet-een the tubing and

casingthereb reenting the ertical moement of fluids across this sealing oint

Pac6ers are used for the follo-ing reasons

9 to imroe safet b roiding a barrier to flo- through the annulus

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3684

9 to 6ee -ell fluids and ressures isolated from the casing

9 to imroe flo- conditions and reent heading

9 to searate +ones in the same -ellbore

9 to lace 6ill fluids or treating fluids in the casing annulus

9 to ac6 off erforations rather than use suee+e cementing

9 to 6ee gas lift or hdraulic o-er fluid in8ection ressure isolated from the

formation

9 to anchor the tubing

9 to install a casing um

9 to minimi+e heat losses b allo-ing the use of an emt annulus or thermal

insulator

9 to isolate a casing lea6 or lea6ing liner la

9 to facilitate temorar -ell serice oerations (eg stimulations suee+es)

Pac$er T+pes

There are man ac6er manufacturers some of -hom offer an e1tensie ariet ofac6ers -ith each differing to some degree from those of the other manufacturers

This rather be-ildering arra can ho-eer be groued into rincial classes or

tes and ma be further categori+ed b method of setting b direction of ressureacross the ac6er and b the number of bores through the ac6er

Pac6ers can be rimaril classified as either retrieable or ermanent or

ermanentretrieable or inflatable

)etrievable acers

This te of ac6er is run on the tubing ( ltigure )etrievable pacer )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3784

Figure 1

After setting it can be released and recoered from the -ell on the tubing ince it is

an integral art of the tubing string the tubing cannot be remoed from the -ell-ithout ulling the ac6er unless a detachable ac6er head is used

7etrieable ac6ers ma be designed to be set mechanicall or hdraulicallechanical setting methods include rotation of the tubing string recirocation of the

tubing string or the alication of tension or setdo-n -eight =ith mechanical

ac6ers the tubing is usuall set in comression

Hdraulic ac6ers are set b aling hdraulic ressure through the tubing stringbut once set the hold the set osition mechanicall The tubing is usuall in tension

7etrieable ac6ers are usuall used for comle1 multi+one and multistringcomletions Their main limitation -as in their limited abilit to accommodate tubing

stress changes -ithout unsettingD the aailabilit of effectie sli 8oints anddetachable heads has eased this situation An historical roblem -as failure of the

internal elastomer seals but this technolog also has imroed mar6edl in the lastdecade All metaltometal seal ac6ers are aailable but are e1ensie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3884

Lne disadantage of retrieable ac6ers is that if the fail to retriee the must beremoed b milling them out of the casing -ith an abrasie milling head and a

drillstring The are er difficult to mill Menerall this te of ac6er is used undernonseere conditions (differential ressures less than 000 si (344 Pa)

temeratures less than 300B lt (4B )

2ecause of the setting mechanism retrieable ac6ers tend to hae a restrictedbore comared -ith other ac6ers designed for the same casing si+e This factorma restrict flo- or limit -ireline oerations belo- the ac6er deth

ermanent acers

Permanent ac6ers are indeendent of the tubing and ma be run on tubing or on

-ireline ( ltigure and ltigure 3 )

Figure 2

The tubing can be released from the ac6er and can be ulled leaing the ac6er set

in the casing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3984

Figure 3

Tubing can subseuentl be run bac6 and resealed in the ac6er The ac6er ma

thus be considered an integral art of the casing It is sometimes called either aroduction ac6er or a retainerroduction ac6er

The ermanent ac6er cannot be recoered as such but it can be destructiel

remoed (eg b milling) ( ltigure 4 and ltigure )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4084

Figure 4

If the ac6er includes a tailie and must be recoered a millout e1tension is

needed on the ac6er for the ac6er ic6er or catch sleee on the mill to engageIn other cases it ma be adeuate to siml ush the ac6er to the bottom of the

casing after milling

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1684

high ressure or sour -ells) to be underta6en b a secialist consultant researchgrou or intracoman tas6 force oreoer since this is not the routine design

techniue design factors are less -ell roen (although a alue of is oftenused)

A more conenient aroach for the intermediate range moderatel comle1 design

roblem is to use the ellise of bia1ial ield stress roosed b Holmuist and ampadai(3) The critical relationshis are (a) tension reduces collase resistanceD (b)comression reduces burst resistance

The other imortant concet in the consideration of tria1ial loads is that ressurechanges affect a1ial stresses or cause tubing moement This has been e1tensiel

discussed in Pgt aers b $ubins6i () Hammerlindl () and tillebroer()

ending

2ending stresses can be significant in large tubulars The are comressie in the

inner -all and tensional in the outer -all the most detrimental being

1ampamphere

the radius of curature ft3

sb E bending stress

gt E Ooung5s modulus (for steel gt E 30 0 si)

do E outside diameter of the tubular

Bending stresses result fro both hole curature and buckling $he effects of doglegs need onlybe considered if they are ery seere 1L71 ft= 1L7( 3 or if ery large tubing 5 172 to 6 in=1gt to 16 3 is being used

Production Casing

The roduction casing must be adeuatel si+ed for the lanned comletion It -illobiousl affect the si+e of the other reuired casing strings the bit selection the

caacit of the rig and the oerall -ell costs The roduction casing must bedesigned for the loads that ma be imosed during the roducing life of the field It

is similar to tubing design in seeral -as

urst

Production casing must be designed to -ithstand the ma1imum closedin tubing

ressure that can be e1ected If a ac6er has been used this ressure is assumed

to be alied at the to of a full column of ac6er fluid (ie for the case of a tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1784

failure at the surface) =e usuall assume that the e1ternal ressure resisting burstis a -ater gradient If the ac6er fluid is heaier than -ater the burst load -ill

increase -ith deth

In the eent that a snubbing oeration could not be conenientl attemted if atubing brea6 occurs at the surface the casing must be strong enough to -ithstand a

bullhead suee+e on the lie tubing string in -hich case this -ould be the designcriteria for the casing and -ellhead

In man cases it ma be necessar to design the casing for loads imosed during

stimulation and ressure testing onersel the casing caacit must be chec6ed-hen designing a fracturing treatment This is articularl imortant in -ells -here

no ac6er is used

$ollapse

Production casing ma be sub8ect to comlete eacuation during roductionoerations if the -ell is oerated on gas lift or umedoff or if the ac6er or

-or6oer fluid is lost into a deleted +one As the ie ma hae deteriorated beforethis occurs a higher design factor (F) is often used for roduction casing

eere collase loads ma occur in situations in -hich thermal e1ansion of theannular fluid bet-een the roduction and intermediate strings cannot be bled off

(eg in some subsea -ells)

Increased loading should be assumed if lie annuli are a feature of the area 7educed

loadings ma be assumed if the -ells -ill not be umed off gas lifted or seereldeleted

eere collase loads ma e1ist in the a section during high dra-do-n

underbalanced erforating and testing and suee+e either or both cementation andfracturing ( ltigure $ollapse loads in the pay ) It is highl adisable to maintainsome set casingtubing annulus ressure during such serice oerations

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1884

Figure 1

Tensionamp$ompression

In high rate roduction areas and thermal -ells e1ansion of the roduction tubingma imose additional tension on the casing strings ia the ac6er

$ouplings

In high ressure (000 siD 34 Pa) high temerature (300B ltD 4 ) andor

seerel sour conditions remium casing coulings are recommended

aterial Selection

In sour enironments material secification must consider the chances of Hcontamination of the casingtubing annulus and the added ossibilit of temerature

changes during stimulation affecting the stress corrosion tolerance of the ie

Couplings

There are man forms of couling aailable some of -hich hae been dedicated tothe ublic through the ausices of the API -hile others are roduced b or under

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1984

license from a secific manufacturer It -as in fact the need to obtain astandardi+ation of thread forms and diameters that led to the formation of the API

ommittee on tandardi+ation of Tubular Moods in 4

The API coulings ( ltigure

Figure 1

ltigure and ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2084

Figure 2

$utaways of basic types of couplings) are of three basic tes e1ternal uset (gtKgt)

nonuset (ampK) and integral 8oint

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2184

Figure 3

Threads are of t-o main forms The round API threads are -ea6er than the ie

bod (ie N00 efficient) The buttress threads -ere deeloed b the ampationalTube Giision of the Knited tates teel ororation to roide a high strength

couling for dee high ressure -ell serice This thread is used in a number ofrorietar coulings eg Hdril A Atlas2radford

All taered threads achiee a seal b driing the in and bo1 surfaces together undersufficient stress to generate a bearing ressure e1ceeding an differential that is to

be subseuentl alied Ho-eer a small siral oid is al-as left bet-een themating surfaces and must be filled -ith solids in the form of thread comound (This

is the reason for careful secification of the comound in 2ul A) Ln API roundthreads this oid occurs bet-een the crest and root of the mating threads -hile on

buttress threads it e1tends oer the -hole flan6 of the thread on the beeled side

To imroe lea6 resistance eseciall at eleated temeratures and under high

ressure differential the socalled remium seals -ere deeloed These consist of either metaltometal seals on taered ortions of the in and bo1 surfaces or an

elastomer seal ring or both This te of seal reuires a high ualit finish andrecise gauging and insection The couling is therefore more costl ince API and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2284

buttress threads hae roen to be er reliable in the field the decision to use themore e1ensie remium seals reuires careful economic 8ustification In general

their alication has roen aluable in highl corrosie conditions in high ressuregas -ells or high ressurehigh ML7 oil -ells and in thermal -ells sub8ect to high

comressie loads The ma be used -here -or6oer costs are high (egoffshore) In general API tubulars are adeuate for differential ressures of less than

000 si (344 Pa) and temeratures of less than 300B lt (0B ) using hightemerature thread comound ltor corrosie conditions and continuous gas sericethe ressure limit is often reduced to 00 si ( Pa)

gt1ercises

)ilfield nits

The in 4 lbft J ampK tubing string in a 000ft oil -ell -as designed

based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional load -ould beimosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 00 si after the

-ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The -ell

roduces 30B API oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

SI nits

The 3mm ( in) 6gmm (4 lbft) J ampK tubing string in an 30moil -ell -as designed based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional

load is imosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 3 Paafter the -ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The

-ell roduces 6gm3 oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

olutions

)ilfield nits

=eight in air E 000 ft 1 4 E 3400 lb

2uoanc in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2384

Buoyant ampeight amphen run (gt x 65 ((9 lb

=ater gradient (M E ) E 0433 sift

Lil gradient (M E 0) E 0 1 0433 E 03 sift

IG of tubing E 44 in Ai E 40 in

=eight of oil in tubing E 000 1 03 1 40 E 04 lb

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell has been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 19gt2 (gt 5 gt93 19gt2 (gt 2(gt 51(2 lb

The API 8oint strength rating of in 4 lbft J nonuset tubing E 00lb

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor) E (00) ()E 4400 lb

Therefore the roosed loading e1ceeds the design secifications and a lea6 mightoccur during the test In fact the loading e1ceeds design secs een -ithout adding

the 00 si of -ellhead ressure (actual load 404 lb comared -ith an allo-ableof 4400 lb) Ho-eer using a 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions

ressure tests of u to 4 si -ould be ermissible

6293 1((3 19gt2 (gt pt gt93

Pt E 4 si

+ nits Ceight in air 1( x 5 16(5 kg 165 kM

2uoanc factor in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater E gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12Buoyant ampeight amphen run 165 x 65 1gt2 kM

=ater gradient (M E 0) E 4 6PamLil gradient (M E 0) 0 1 4 E 6Pam

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2484

IG of tubing E mm thus Ai E 30 1 l04 m

=eight of oil in tubing E (30 m) ( 6Pam) (30 1 03 m)E 44 6amp

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell had been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 gt6gt 165 (5 (1 x 1 -(3 gt6gt 165 156 22gt6 kM

8ro 8igure 1 the PI Aoint strength rating of 6(- 5 kg7 )-55 nonupset tubing is

629 lbs (222 kM3

Figure 1

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor)

(222715 2152 kM

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2584

$herefore the proposed loading exceeds the design specifications and a leak ight occur duringthe test In fact the loading exceeds design specifications een at ero ampellhead pressure actualload of gt6gt 165 216 kM copared ampith an alloampable load of 2152 kM3

Ho-eer using the 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions ressure tests

of u to 6Pa -ould be ermissible

216 pt (1 x l-gt3

t E 4 6Pa

2 )ilfield nits 12-ft hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubing

head pressure can be expectedN If the casing ampellhead and tubing are to be designed for asFueee kill at fracture propagation pressure 8PP3 amphat ampellhead pressure ampould be expected atthe start of the kill operationN Gse EFuation 1( for estiating the 8P3

13

+ units (99- hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubinghead pressure is expectedN

If the casing -ellhead and tubing are to be designed for a suee+e 6ill at fractureroagation ressure (ltPP) -hat -ellhead ressure -ould be e1ected at the start

of the 6ill oerationQ (Kse gtuation 3 for estimating the ltPM)

olutions

)ilfield nits

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure on

hydrocarbon-filled tubing

1125

External Packer fluid and eroannulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressure 1125

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2684

shut-in tubing pressure

Internal $ubing epty anddepressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight in Body 1(((

copletion fluid )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125

)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g of 0 E 04

At 000 ft assuming a hdrostatic gradient of 0433 sift the bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP 12 x gt(( 519 psiampith gas surface pressure 519 x 6gt6 I$P (1 psi

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be sift and using gtuation 3 to estimate

the fracture roagation ressure

E 0 sift

ltPP E 0 000 ft E 04 si

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the forationpropagation pressure inus the pressure due to the gas gradient

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2784

$IP 12 6163 - 519 - (13 62 psigore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP 12 6163 6gt6 9gt26 psi$herefore a 5 psi ampellhead should not be used een though the axiu closed-in tubinghead pressure is only about gt psi

SI nits

7eferring to Table 1

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g E 0 E 04

At 30 m assuming a normal hdrostatic ressure of 6Pa m bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP (99 65 (55 kPa

ampith gas surface pressure (55 6gt6 I$P 296 kPa

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be 6Pam and using gtuation 3 toestimate the fracture roagation ressure

E 6Pam

ltPP E 30 E 3 6Pa

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the foration propagation pressure inus the pressure due tothe gas gradient

THIP E (30 ) (30 0) E 0 6Pa

ore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP (99 19213 6gt6 gtgt(1 kPa

9gt Pa ampellhead should therefore be used

3hellip)ilfield nits

A 000ft -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 000 T2d using intubing encounters 0 ft of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of 3000 si =hat

rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight of tubing is to be

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2884

used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming that

Grade -eight lbft

Collapse

+trength psi

urst

+trength psi

Tensional

+trength 1 lb

Cost Coparison

)-55 155 gtgt gt1 ( cheapest

16 gt1 5(2 (2

-65 16 96 625 gt2( ost expensie

M- 16 92 66gt gtgt9 oderately expensie

2 ( 52gt

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 043 sift)

reseroir ressure 3000 si

6ill ressure 000 si aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 5 5 psi7ft3

If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure onhydrocarbon- filledtubing

1125

External Packer fluid and ero

annulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressureshut-in tubing pressure

1125

Internal $ubing epty and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2984

depressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight incopletion fluid

Body 1((( )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

Assume lie oil gradient is 03 sift

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at theac6er and the running tension

SI nits

A 30m -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 400 m3da of oil -ith l40mm ( inch) tubing encounters 0 m of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of

000 6Pa =hat rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight oftubing is to be used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming

that

Grade -eight

$gmm

Collapse

+trength

$Pa

urst

+trength

$Pa

Tensional

+trength

$amp

Cost Coparison

)-55 2(1 2655 ((19gt 1((gt cheapest

25( ((5( (99 1gt9(

-65 25( gt151 gt6 12 ost expensie

M- 25( gt(2 5((95 1gt oderately expensie

2 9 91gt 2((1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3084

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 40 6Pam)

reseroir ressure 000 6Pa

6ill ressure 000 6Pa aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 53 22(3 5 kPa7If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Assume lie oil gradient is 6Pam

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at the

ac6er and the running tensions

olution

)ilfield nits

I$P IBP - o 4

o ( psi7ft

under operating conditions I$P ( - ( 63 psi

under axiu conditions assuing gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 3000 E si

under 6ill conditions

8P 5 5

5 5 x 61 psi7ft

ltPP E 000 0

E 000 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3184

O BIP oil kill3

5 psieFuialent $P oil kill3

5 - ( x 6 2 psi

In the case of a gas kill

Iamp 2HIP(gas 6ill)

( 1 psi gt psi

eFuialent $P gas kill3

5gt x BP 5gt x gt (gt19 psi

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a ( psi ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a 5 psi ampellhead

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialent

to the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating

burst rating E ma1 THP design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 34 E 343 si

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading Calculation

alculate first assuming a high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid f 3 43 gt(53 63 (gt5 psi

ma1 HP E ma1 ITHP (assumes lea6)E si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 304E 0 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3284

ma1 collase load E 0 0 si (assumes emt tubing)E 0 si

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 0 1 si

E 30 si

$herefore strictly speaking ampe should use 2-lb7ft M- tubing although it is ore likely a l6-lb7ft ampould be selected since the probability is ery loamp that such seere collapse-loadingassuptions ampould proe true

alculate ne1t assuming a lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 00 si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 00 F 304 siE 34 si

ma1 collase load E 34 si

reuired collase rating E 34 E 443 si

Ce could select 16 lb7ft )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculations

ampeight in air C 4 16 lb7ft3 6 ft3 11 lb

buoyancy factor

625

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 000 lb

E 04000 lb

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (04000) () lb

16 lb$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3384

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubingcomletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

in 0lbft amp0 tubing meets all criteria for this te of roduction 7is6 of

gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing bet-een amp0 and J grades

SI nits

I$P IBP - ρo x 4

ρo 969 kPa7

under operating conditions I$P 26 - 969 x 21(3

92gt9 kPaunder axiu conditions gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 000 E 6Pa

under 6ill conditions

8P 53 22(3 5

53 22(3 5

19 kPa7

ltPP E (30) (00)

E 3400 6Pa

O BIP oil kill3 (gt kPa eFuialent $P oil kill3 (gt - 969 x 21(3

1929 kPa

In the case of a gas 6ill

Iamp 2HIP

(gas 6ill) E 000 F 000 6Pa

266 kPaeFuialent $P gas kill3 5gt x BP

5gt x 266 2(959 kPa

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a 26 Pa ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a (gt5 Pa ampellhead

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3484

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialentto the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating Calculation

burst rating E ma1 THP 1 design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 3 1

E 3 6Pa

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading

alculate first assuming high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid ρf 3 43

gt3 21(3 25 kPa

ax P ax I$P assues leak3 1696 kPa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 0

E 33 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 33 0 6Pa (assumes emt tubing)

E 33 6Pa

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 33 1 E 434 6Pa

Therefore strictl sea6ing -e should use a 6gm amp0 tubing but moreli6el 36gm tubing -ould be selected since the robabilit of such seere

collase loading is er lo-

alculate ne1t assuming lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 4 6Pa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 4 F 0

E 0 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 0 6Pa

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3584

reuired collase rating E 0 1 E 300 6Pa

Ce could select 25(-kg7 )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculation

ampeight in air 25( 21( 5( kg 525 kM

buoanc factor E

EE0

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 6ampE 4 6amp

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (4) ()

E 30 6amp

$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubing

comletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

40mm ( inch) 36gm 0 tubing meets all criteria for this te ofroduction 7is6 of gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing

bet-een 0 and J grades

Pac6ers

Pac$er unctions

A ac6er is a subsurface tool that roides a seal bet-een the tubing and

casingthereb reenting the ertical moement of fluids across this sealing oint

Pac6ers are used for the follo-ing reasons

9 to imroe safet b roiding a barrier to flo- through the annulus

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3684

9 to 6ee -ell fluids and ressures isolated from the casing

9 to imroe flo- conditions and reent heading

9 to searate +ones in the same -ellbore

9 to lace 6ill fluids or treating fluids in the casing annulus

9 to ac6 off erforations rather than use suee+e cementing

9 to 6ee gas lift or hdraulic o-er fluid in8ection ressure isolated from the

formation

9 to anchor the tubing

9 to install a casing um

9 to minimi+e heat losses b allo-ing the use of an emt annulus or thermal

insulator

9 to isolate a casing lea6 or lea6ing liner la

9 to facilitate temorar -ell serice oerations (eg stimulations suee+es)

Pac$er T+pes

There are man ac6er manufacturers some of -hom offer an e1tensie ariet ofac6ers -ith each differing to some degree from those of the other manufacturers

This rather be-ildering arra can ho-eer be groued into rincial classes or

tes and ma be further categori+ed b method of setting b direction of ressureacross the ac6er and b the number of bores through the ac6er

Pac6ers can be rimaril classified as either retrieable or ermanent or

ermanentretrieable or inflatable

)etrievable acers

This te of ac6er is run on the tubing ( ltigure )etrievable pacer )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3784

Figure 1

After setting it can be released and recoered from the -ell on the tubing ince it is

an integral art of the tubing string the tubing cannot be remoed from the -ell-ithout ulling the ac6er unless a detachable ac6er head is used

7etrieable ac6ers ma be designed to be set mechanicall or hdraulicallechanical setting methods include rotation of the tubing string recirocation of the

tubing string or the alication of tension or setdo-n -eight =ith mechanical

ac6ers the tubing is usuall set in comression

Hdraulic ac6ers are set b aling hdraulic ressure through the tubing stringbut once set the hold the set osition mechanicall The tubing is usuall in tension

7etrieable ac6ers are usuall used for comle1 multi+one and multistringcomletions Their main limitation -as in their limited abilit to accommodate tubing

stress changes -ithout unsettingD the aailabilit of effectie sli 8oints anddetachable heads has eased this situation An historical roblem -as failure of the

internal elastomer seals but this technolog also has imroed mar6edl in the lastdecade All metaltometal seal ac6ers are aailable but are e1ensie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3884

Lne disadantage of retrieable ac6ers is that if the fail to retriee the must beremoed b milling them out of the casing -ith an abrasie milling head and a

drillstring The are er difficult to mill Menerall this te of ac6er is used undernonseere conditions (differential ressures less than 000 si (344 Pa)

temeratures less than 300B lt (4B )

2ecause of the setting mechanism retrieable ac6ers tend to hae a restrictedbore comared -ith other ac6ers designed for the same casing si+e This factorma restrict flo- or limit -ireline oerations belo- the ac6er deth

ermanent acers

Permanent ac6ers are indeendent of the tubing and ma be run on tubing or on

-ireline ( ltigure and ltigure 3 )

Figure 2

The tubing can be released from the ac6er and can be ulled leaing the ac6er set

in the casing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3984

Figure 3

Tubing can subseuentl be run bac6 and resealed in the ac6er The ac6er ma

thus be considered an integral art of the casing It is sometimes called either aroduction ac6er or a retainerroduction ac6er

The ermanent ac6er cannot be recoered as such but it can be destructiel

remoed (eg b milling) ( ltigure 4 and ltigure )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4084

Figure 4

If the ac6er includes a tailie and must be recoered a millout e1tension is

needed on the ac6er for the ac6er ic6er or catch sleee on the mill to engageIn other cases it ma be adeuate to siml ush the ac6er to the bottom of the

casing after milling

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1784

failure at the surface) =e usuall assume that the e1ternal ressure resisting burstis a -ater gradient If the ac6er fluid is heaier than -ater the burst load -ill

increase -ith deth

In the eent that a snubbing oeration could not be conenientl attemted if atubing brea6 occurs at the surface the casing must be strong enough to -ithstand a

bullhead suee+e on the lie tubing string in -hich case this -ould be the designcriteria for the casing and -ellhead

In man cases it ma be necessar to design the casing for loads imosed during

stimulation and ressure testing onersel the casing caacit must be chec6ed-hen designing a fracturing treatment This is articularl imortant in -ells -here

no ac6er is used

$ollapse

Production casing ma be sub8ect to comlete eacuation during roductionoerations if the -ell is oerated on gas lift or umedoff or if the ac6er or

-or6oer fluid is lost into a deleted +one As the ie ma hae deteriorated beforethis occurs a higher design factor (F) is often used for roduction casing

eere collase loads ma occur in situations in -hich thermal e1ansion of theannular fluid bet-een the roduction and intermediate strings cannot be bled off

(eg in some subsea -ells)

Increased loading should be assumed if lie annuli are a feature of the area 7educed

loadings ma be assumed if the -ells -ill not be umed off gas lifted or seereldeleted

eere collase loads ma e1ist in the a section during high dra-do-n

underbalanced erforating and testing and suee+e either or both cementation andfracturing ( ltigure $ollapse loads in the pay ) It is highl adisable to maintainsome set casingtubing annulus ressure during such serice oerations

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1884

Figure 1

Tensionamp$ompression

In high rate roduction areas and thermal -ells e1ansion of the roduction tubingma imose additional tension on the casing strings ia the ac6er

$ouplings

In high ressure (000 siD 34 Pa) high temerature (300B ltD 4 ) andor

seerel sour conditions remium casing coulings are recommended

aterial Selection

In sour enironments material secification must consider the chances of Hcontamination of the casingtubing annulus and the added ossibilit of temerature

changes during stimulation affecting the stress corrosion tolerance of the ie

Couplings

There are man forms of couling aailable some of -hich hae been dedicated tothe ublic through the ausices of the API -hile others are roduced b or under

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1984

license from a secific manufacturer It -as in fact the need to obtain astandardi+ation of thread forms and diameters that led to the formation of the API

ommittee on tandardi+ation of Tubular Moods in 4

The API coulings ( ltigure

Figure 1

ltigure and ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2084

Figure 2

$utaways of basic types of couplings) are of three basic tes e1ternal uset (gtKgt)

nonuset (ampK) and integral 8oint

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2184

Figure 3

Threads are of t-o main forms The round API threads are -ea6er than the ie

bod (ie N00 efficient) The buttress threads -ere deeloed b the ampationalTube Giision of the Knited tates teel ororation to roide a high strength

couling for dee high ressure -ell serice This thread is used in a number ofrorietar coulings eg Hdril A Atlas2radford

All taered threads achiee a seal b driing the in and bo1 surfaces together undersufficient stress to generate a bearing ressure e1ceeding an differential that is to

be subseuentl alied Ho-eer a small siral oid is al-as left bet-een themating surfaces and must be filled -ith solids in the form of thread comound (This

is the reason for careful secification of the comound in 2ul A) Ln API roundthreads this oid occurs bet-een the crest and root of the mating threads -hile on

buttress threads it e1tends oer the -hole flan6 of the thread on the beeled side

To imroe lea6 resistance eseciall at eleated temeratures and under high

ressure differential the socalled remium seals -ere deeloed These consist of either metaltometal seals on taered ortions of the in and bo1 surfaces or an

elastomer seal ring or both This te of seal reuires a high ualit finish andrecise gauging and insection The couling is therefore more costl ince API and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2284

buttress threads hae roen to be er reliable in the field the decision to use themore e1ensie remium seals reuires careful economic 8ustification In general

their alication has roen aluable in highl corrosie conditions in high ressuregas -ells or high ressurehigh ML7 oil -ells and in thermal -ells sub8ect to high

comressie loads The ma be used -here -or6oer costs are high (egoffshore) In general API tubulars are adeuate for differential ressures of less than

000 si (344 Pa) and temeratures of less than 300B lt (0B ) using hightemerature thread comound ltor corrosie conditions and continuous gas sericethe ressure limit is often reduced to 00 si ( Pa)

gt1ercises

)ilfield nits

The in 4 lbft J ampK tubing string in a 000ft oil -ell -as designed

based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional load -ould beimosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 00 si after the

-ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The -ell

roduces 30B API oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

SI nits

The 3mm ( in) 6gmm (4 lbft) J ampK tubing string in an 30moil -ell -as designed based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional

load is imosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 3 Paafter the -ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The

-ell roduces 6gm3 oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

olutions

)ilfield nits

=eight in air E 000 ft 1 4 E 3400 lb

2uoanc in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2384

Buoyant ampeight amphen run (gt x 65 ((9 lb

=ater gradient (M E ) E 0433 sift

Lil gradient (M E 0) E 0 1 0433 E 03 sift

IG of tubing E 44 in Ai E 40 in

=eight of oil in tubing E 000 1 03 1 40 E 04 lb

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell has been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 19gt2 (gt 5 gt93 19gt2 (gt 2(gt 51(2 lb

The API 8oint strength rating of in 4 lbft J nonuset tubing E 00lb

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor) E (00) ()E 4400 lb

Therefore the roosed loading e1ceeds the design secifications and a lea6 mightoccur during the test In fact the loading e1ceeds design secs een -ithout adding

the 00 si of -ellhead ressure (actual load 404 lb comared -ith an allo-ableof 4400 lb) Ho-eer using a 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions

ressure tests of u to 4 si -ould be ermissible

6293 1((3 19gt2 (gt pt gt93

Pt E 4 si

+ nits Ceight in air 1( x 5 16(5 kg 165 kM

2uoanc factor in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater E gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12Buoyant ampeight amphen run 165 x 65 1gt2 kM

=ater gradient (M E 0) E 4 6PamLil gradient (M E 0) 0 1 4 E 6Pam

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2484

IG of tubing E mm thus Ai E 30 1 l04 m

=eight of oil in tubing E (30 m) ( 6Pam) (30 1 03 m)E 44 6amp

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell had been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 gt6gt 165 (5 (1 x 1 -(3 gt6gt 165 156 22gt6 kM

8ro 8igure 1 the PI Aoint strength rating of 6(- 5 kg7 )-55 nonupset tubing is

629 lbs (222 kM3

Figure 1

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor)

(222715 2152 kM

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2584

$herefore the proposed loading exceeds the design specifications and a leak ight occur duringthe test In fact the loading exceeds design specifications een at ero ampellhead pressure actualload of gt6gt 165 216 kM copared ampith an alloampable load of 2152 kM3

Ho-eer using the 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions ressure tests

of u to 6Pa -ould be ermissible

216 pt (1 x l-gt3

t E 4 6Pa

2 )ilfield nits 12-ft hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubing

head pressure can be expectedN If the casing ampellhead and tubing are to be designed for asFueee kill at fracture propagation pressure 8PP3 amphat ampellhead pressure ampould be expected atthe start of the kill operationN Gse EFuation 1( for estiating the 8P3

13

+ units (99- hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubinghead pressure is expectedN

If the casing -ellhead and tubing are to be designed for a suee+e 6ill at fractureroagation ressure (ltPP) -hat -ellhead ressure -ould be e1ected at the start

of the 6ill oerationQ (Kse gtuation 3 for estimating the ltPM)

olutions

)ilfield nits

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure on

hydrocarbon-filled tubing

1125

External Packer fluid and eroannulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressure 1125

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2684

shut-in tubing pressure

Internal $ubing epty anddepressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight in Body 1(((

copletion fluid )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125

)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g of 0 E 04

At 000 ft assuming a hdrostatic gradient of 0433 sift the bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP 12 x gt(( 519 psiampith gas surface pressure 519 x 6gt6 I$P (1 psi

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be sift and using gtuation 3 to estimate

the fracture roagation ressure

E 0 sift

ltPP E 0 000 ft E 04 si

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the forationpropagation pressure inus the pressure due to the gas gradient

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2784

$IP 12 6163 - 519 - (13 62 psigore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP 12 6163 6gt6 9gt26 psi$herefore a 5 psi ampellhead should not be used een though the axiu closed-in tubinghead pressure is only about gt psi

SI nits

7eferring to Table 1

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g E 0 E 04

At 30 m assuming a normal hdrostatic ressure of 6Pa m bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP (99 65 (55 kPa

ampith gas surface pressure (55 6gt6 I$P 296 kPa

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be 6Pam and using gtuation 3 toestimate the fracture roagation ressure

E 6Pam

ltPP E 30 E 3 6Pa

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the foration propagation pressure inus the pressure due tothe gas gradient

THIP E (30 ) (30 0) E 0 6Pa

ore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP (99 19213 6gt6 gtgt(1 kPa

9gt Pa ampellhead should therefore be used

3hellip)ilfield nits

A 000ft -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 000 T2d using intubing encounters 0 ft of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of 3000 si =hat

rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight of tubing is to be

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2884

used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming that

Grade -eight lbft

Collapse

+trength psi

urst

+trength psi

Tensional

+trength 1 lb

Cost Coparison

)-55 155 gtgt gt1 ( cheapest

16 gt1 5(2 (2

-65 16 96 625 gt2( ost expensie

M- 16 92 66gt gtgt9 oderately expensie

2 ( 52gt

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 043 sift)

reseroir ressure 3000 si

6ill ressure 000 si aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 5 5 psi7ft3

If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure onhydrocarbon- filledtubing

1125

External Packer fluid and ero

annulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressureshut-in tubing pressure

1125

Internal $ubing epty and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2984

depressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight incopletion fluid

Body 1((( )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

Assume lie oil gradient is 03 sift

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at theac6er and the running tension

SI nits

A 30m -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 400 m3da of oil -ith l40mm ( inch) tubing encounters 0 m of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of

000 6Pa =hat rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight oftubing is to be used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming

that

Grade -eight

$gmm

Collapse

+trength

$Pa

urst

+trength

$Pa

Tensional

+trength

$amp

Cost Coparison

)-55 2(1 2655 ((19gt 1((gt cheapest

25( ((5( (99 1gt9(

-65 25( gt151 gt6 12 ost expensie

M- 25( gt(2 5((95 1gt oderately expensie

2 9 91gt 2((1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3084

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 40 6Pam)

reseroir ressure 000 6Pa

6ill ressure 000 6Pa aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 53 22(3 5 kPa7If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Assume lie oil gradient is 6Pam

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at the

ac6er and the running tensions

olution

)ilfield nits

I$P IBP - o 4

o ( psi7ft

under operating conditions I$P ( - ( 63 psi

under axiu conditions assuing gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 3000 E si

under 6ill conditions

8P 5 5

5 5 x 61 psi7ft

ltPP E 000 0

E 000 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3184

O BIP oil kill3

5 psieFuialent $P oil kill3

5 - ( x 6 2 psi

In the case of a gas kill

Iamp 2HIP(gas 6ill)

( 1 psi gt psi

eFuialent $P gas kill3

5gt x BP 5gt x gt (gt19 psi

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a ( psi ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a 5 psi ampellhead

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialent

to the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating

burst rating E ma1 THP design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 34 E 343 si

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading Calculation

alculate first assuming a high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid f 3 43 gt(53 63 (gt5 psi

ma1 HP E ma1 ITHP (assumes lea6)E si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 304E 0 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3284

ma1 collase load E 0 0 si (assumes emt tubing)E 0 si

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 0 1 si

E 30 si

$herefore strictly speaking ampe should use 2-lb7ft M- tubing although it is ore likely a l6-lb7ft ampould be selected since the probability is ery loamp that such seere collapse-loadingassuptions ampould proe true

alculate ne1t assuming a lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 00 si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 00 F 304 siE 34 si

ma1 collase load E 34 si

reuired collase rating E 34 E 443 si

Ce could select 16 lb7ft )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculations

ampeight in air C 4 16 lb7ft3 6 ft3 11 lb

buoyancy factor

625

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 000 lb

E 04000 lb

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (04000) () lb

16 lb$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3384

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubingcomletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

in 0lbft amp0 tubing meets all criteria for this te of roduction 7is6 of

gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing bet-een amp0 and J grades

SI nits

I$P IBP - ρo x 4

ρo 969 kPa7

under operating conditions I$P 26 - 969 x 21(3

92gt9 kPaunder axiu conditions gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 000 E 6Pa

under 6ill conditions

8P 53 22(3 5

53 22(3 5

19 kPa7

ltPP E (30) (00)

E 3400 6Pa

O BIP oil kill3 (gt kPa eFuialent $P oil kill3 (gt - 969 x 21(3

1929 kPa

In the case of a gas 6ill

Iamp 2HIP

(gas 6ill) E 000 F 000 6Pa

266 kPaeFuialent $P gas kill3 5gt x BP

5gt x 266 2(959 kPa

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a 26 Pa ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a (gt5 Pa ampellhead

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3484

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialentto the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating Calculation

burst rating E ma1 THP 1 design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 3 1

E 3 6Pa

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading

alculate first assuming high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid ρf 3 43

gt3 21(3 25 kPa

ax P ax I$P assues leak3 1696 kPa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 0

E 33 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 33 0 6Pa (assumes emt tubing)

E 33 6Pa

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 33 1 E 434 6Pa

Therefore strictl sea6ing -e should use a 6gm amp0 tubing but moreli6el 36gm tubing -ould be selected since the robabilit of such seere

collase loading is er lo-

alculate ne1t assuming lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 4 6Pa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 4 F 0

E 0 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 0 6Pa

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3584

reuired collase rating E 0 1 E 300 6Pa

Ce could select 25(-kg7 )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculation

ampeight in air 25( 21( 5( kg 525 kM

buoanc factor E

EE0

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 6ampE 4 6amp

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (4) ()

E 30 6amp

$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubing

comletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

40mm ( inch) 36gm 0 tubing meets all criteria for this te ofroduction 7is6 of gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing

bet-een 0 and J grades

Pac6ers

Pac$er unctions

A ac6er is a subsurface tool that roides a seal bet-een the tubing and

casingthereb reenting the ertical moement of fluids across this sealing oint

Pac6ers are used for the follo-ing reasons

9 to imroe safet b roiding a barrier to flo- through the annulus

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3684

9 to 6ee -ell fluids and ressures isolated from the casing

9 to imroe flo- conditions and reent heading

9 to searate +ones in the same -ellbore

9 to lace 6ill fluids or treating fluids in the casing annulus

9 to ac6 off erforations rather than use suee+e cementing

9 to 6ee gas lift or hdraulic o-er fluid in8ection ressure isolated from the

formation

9 to anchor the tubing

9 to install a casing um

9 to minimi+e heat losses b allo-ing the use of an emt annulus or thermal

insulator

9 to isolate a casing lea6 or lea6ing liner la

9 to facilitate temorar -ell serice oerations (eg stimulations suee+es)

Pac$er T+pes

There are man ac6er manufacturers some of -hom offer an e1tensie ariet ofac6ers -ith each differing to some degree from those of the other manufacturers

This rather be-ildering arra can ho-eer be groued into rincial classes or

tes and ma be further categori+ed b method of setting b direction of ressureacross the ac6er and b the number of bores through the ac6er

Pac6ers can be rimaril classified as either retrieable or ermanent or

ermanentretrieable or inflatable

)etrievable acers

This te of ac6er is run on the tubing ( ltigure )etrievable pacer )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3784

Figure 1

After setting it can be released and recoered from the -ell on the tubing ince it is

an integral art of the tubing string the tubing cannot be remoed from the -ell-ithout ulling the ac6er unless a detachable ac6er head is used

7etrieable ac6ers ma be designed to be set mechanicall or hdraulicallechanical setting methods include rotation of the tubing string recirocation of the

tubing string or the alication of tension or setdo-n -eight =ith mechanical

ac6ers the tubing is usuall set in comression

Hdraulic ac6ers are set b aling hdraulic ressure through the tubing stringbut once set the hold the set osition mechanicall The tubing is usuall in tension

7etrieable ac6ers are usuall used for comle1 multi+one and multistringcomletions Their main limitation -as in their limited abilit to accommodate tubing

stress changes -ithout unsettingD the aailabilit of effectie sli 8oints anddetachable heads has eased this situation An historical roblem -as failure of the

internal elastomer seals but this technolog also has imroed mar6edl in the lastdecade All metaltometal seal ac6ers are aailable but are e1ensie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3884

Lne disadantage of retrieable ac6ers is that if the fail to retriee the must beremoed b milling them out of the casing -ith an abrasie milling head and a

drillstring The are er difficult to mill Menerall this te of ac6er is used undernonseere conditions (differential ressures less than 000 si (344 Pa)

temeratures less than 300B lt (4B )

2ecause of the setting mechanism retrieable ac6ers tend to hae a restrictedbore comared -ith other ac6ers designed for the same casing si+e This factorma restrict flo- or limit -ireline oerations belo- the ac6er deth

ermanent acers

Permanent ac6ers are indeendent of the tubing and ma be run on tubing or on

-ireline ( ltigure and ltigure 3 )

Figure 2

The tubing can be released from the ac6er and can be ulled leaing the ac6er set

in the casing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3984

Figure 3

Tubing can subseuentl be run bac6 and resealed in the ac6er The ac6er ma

thus be considered an integral art of the casing It is sometimes called either aroduction ac6er or a retainerroduction ac6er

The ermanent ac6er cannot be recoered as such but it can be destructiel

remoed (eg b milling) ( ltigure 4 and ltigure )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4084

Figure 4

If the ac6er includes a tailie and must be recoered a millout e1tension is

needed on the ac6er for the ac6er ic6er or catch sleee on the mill to engageIn other cases it ma be adeuate to siml ush the ac6er to the bottom of the

casing after milling

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1884

Figure 1

Tensionamp$ompression

In high rate roduction areas and thermal -ells e1ansion of the roduction tubingma imose additional tension on the casing strings ia the ac6er

$ouplings

In high ressure (000 siD 34 Pa) high temerature (300B ltD 4 ) andor

seerel sour conditions remium casing coulings are recommended

aterial Selection

In sour enironments material secification must consider the chances of Hcontamination of the casingtubing annulus and the added ossibilit of temerature

changes during stimulation affecting the stress corrosion tolerance of the ie

Couplings

There are man forms of couling aailable some of -hich hae been dedicated tothe ublic through the ausices of the API -hile others are roduced b or under

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1984

license from a secific manufacturer It -as in fact the need to obtain astandardi+ation of thread forms and diameters that led to the formation of the API

ommittee on tandardi+ation of Tubular Moods in 4

The API coulings ( ltigure

Figure 1

ltigure and ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2084

Figure 2

$utaways of basic types of couplings) are of three basic tes e1ternal uset (gtKgt)

nonuset (ampK) and integral 8oint

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2184

Figure 3

Threads are of t-o main forms The round API threads are -ea6er than the ie

bod (ie N00 efficient) The buttress threads -ere deeloed b the ampationalTube Giision of the Knited tates teel ororation to roide a high strength

couling for dee high ressure -ell serice This thread is used in a number ofrorietar coulings eg Hdril A Atlas2radford

All taered threads achiee a seal b driing the in and bo1 surfaces together undersufficient stress to generate a bearing ressure e1ceeding an differential that is to

be subseuentl alied Ho-eer a small siral oid is al-as left bet-een themating surfaces and must be filled -ith solids in the form of thread comound (This

is the reason for careful secification of the comound in 2ul A) Ln API roundthreads this oid occurs bet-een the crest and root of the mating threads -hile on

buttress threads it e1tends oer the -hole flan6 of the thread on the beeled side

To imroe lea6 resistance eseciall at eleated temeratures and under high

ressure differential the socalled remium seals -ere deeloed These consist of either metaltometal seals on taered ortions of the in and bo1 surfaces or an

elastomer seal ring or both This te of seal reuires a high ualit finish andrecise gauging and insection The couling is therefore more costl ince API and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2284

buttress threads hae roen to be er reliable in the field the decision to use themore e1ensie remium seals reuires careful economic 8ustification In general

their alication has roen aluable in highl corrosie conditions in high ressuregas -ells or high ressurehigh ML7 oil -ells and in thermal -ells sub8ect to high

comressie loads The ma be used -here -or6oer costs are high (egoffshore) In general API tubulars are adeuate for differential ressures of less than

000 si (344 Pa) and temeratures of less than 300B lt (0B ) using hightemerature thread comound ltor corrosie conditions and continuous gas sericethe ressure limit is often reduced to 00 si ( Pa)

gt1ercises

)ilfield nits

The in 4 lbft J ampK tubing string in a 000ft oil -ell -as designed

based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional load -ould beimosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 00 si after the

-ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The -ell

roduces 30B API oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

SI nits

The 3mm ( in) 6gmm (4 lbft) J ampK tubing string in an 30moil -ell -as designed based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional

load is imosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 3 Paafter the -ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The

-ell roduces 6gm3 oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

olutions

)ilfield nits

=eight in air E 000 ft 1 4 E 3400 lb

2uoanc in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2384

Buoyant ampeight amphen run (gt x 65 ((9 lb

=ater gradient (M E ) E 0433 sift

Lil gradient (M E 0) E 0 1 0433 E 03 sift

IG of tubing E 44 in Ai E 40 in

=eight of oil in tubing E 000 1 03 1 40 E 04 lb

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell has been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 19gt2 (gt 5 gt93 19gt2 (gt 2(gt 51(2 lb

The API 8oint strength rating of in 4 lbft J nonuset tubing E 00lb

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor) E (00) ()E 4400 lb

Therefore the roosed loading e1ceeds the design secifications and a lea6 mightoccur during the test In fact the loading e1ceeds design secs een -ithout adding

the 00 si of -ellhead ressure (actual load 404 lb comared -ith an allo-ableof 4400 lb) Ho-eer using a 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions

ressure tests of u to 4 si -ould be ermissible

6293 1((3 19gt2 (gt pt gt93

Pt E 4 si

+ nits Ceight in air 1( x 5 16(5 kg 165 kM

2uoanc factor in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater E gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12Buoyant ampeight amphen run 165 x 65 1gt2 kM

=ater gradient (M E 0) E 4 6PamLil gradient (M E 0) 0 1 4 E 6Pam

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2484

IG of tubing E mm thus Ai E 30 1 l04 m

=eight of oil in tubing E (30 m) ( 6Pam) (30 1 03 m)E 44 6amp

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell had been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 gt6gt 165 (5 (1 x 1 -(3 gt6gt 165 156 22gt6 kM

8ro 8igure 1 the PI Aoint strength rating of 6(- 5 kg7 )-55 nonupset tubing is

629 lbs (222 kM3

Figure 1

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor)

(222715 2152 kM

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2584

$herefore the proposed loading exceeds the design specifications and a leak ight occur duringthe test In fact the loading exceeds design specifications een at ero ampellhead pressure actualload of gt6gt 165 216 kM copared ampith an alloampable load of 2152 kM3

Ho-eer using the 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions ressure tests

of u to 6Pa -ould be ermissible

216 pt (1 x l-gt3

t E 4 6Pa

2 )ilfield nits 12-ft hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubing

head pressure can be expectedN If the casing ampellhead and tubing are to be designed for asFueee kill at fracture propagation pressure 8PP3 amphat ampellhead pressure ampould be expected atthe start of the kill operationN Gse EFuation 1( for estiating the 8P3

13

+ units (99- hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubinghead pressure is expectedN

If the casing -ellhead and tubing are to be designed for a suee+e 6ill at fractureroagation ressure (ltPP) -hat -ellhead ressure -ould be e1ected at the start

of the 6ill oerationQ (Kse gtuation 3 for estimating the ltPM)

olutions

)ilfield nits

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure on

hydrocarbon-filled tubing

1125

External Packer fluid and eroannulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressure 1125

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2684

shut-in tubing pressure

Internal $ubing epty anddepressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight in Body 1(((

copletion fluid )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125

)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g of 0 E 04

At 000 ft assuming a hdrostatic gradient of 0433 sift the bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP 12 x gt(( 519 psiampith gas surface pressure 519 x 6gt6 I$P (1 psi

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be sift and using gtuation 3 to estimate

the fracture roagation ressure

E 0 sift

ltPP E 0 000 ft E 04 si

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the forationpropagation pressure inus the pressure due to the gas gradient

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2784

$IP 12 6163 - 519 - (13 62 psigore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP 12 6163 6gt6 9gt26 psi$herefore a 5 psi ampellhead should not be used een though the axiu closed-in tubinghead pressure is only about gt psi

SI nits

7eferring to Table 1

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g E 0 E 04

At 30 m assuming a normal hdrostatic ressure of 6Pa m bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP (99 65 (55 kPa

ampith gas surface pressure (55 6gt6 I$P 296 kPa

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be 6Pam and using gtuation 3 toestimate the fracture roagation ressure

E 6Pam

ltPP E 30 E 3 6Pa

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the foration propagation pressure inus the pressure due tothe gas gradient

THIP E (30 ) (30 0) E 0 6Pa

ore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP (99 19213 6gt6 gtgt(1 kPa

9gt Pa ampellhead should therefore be used

3hellip)ilfield nits

A 000ft -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 000 T2d using intubing encounters 0 ft of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of 3000 si =hat

rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight of tubing is to be

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2884

used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming that

Grade -eight lbft

Collapse

+trength psi

urst

+trength psi

Tensional

+trength 1 lb

Cost Coparison

)-55 155 gtgt gt1 ( cheapest

16 gt1 5(2 (2

-65 16 96 625 gt2( ost expensie

M- 16 92 66gt gtgt9 oderately expensie

2 ( 52gt

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 043 sift)

reseroir ressure 3000 si

6ill ressure 000 si aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 5 5 psi7ft3

If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure onhydrocarbon- filledtubing

1125

External Packer fluid and ero

annulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressureshut-in tubing pressure

1125

Internal $ubing epty and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2984

depressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight incopletion fluid

Body 1((( )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

Assume lie oil gradient is 03 sift

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at theac6er and the running tension

SI nits

A 30m -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 400 m3da of oil -ith l40mm ( inch) tubing encounters 0 m of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of

000 6Pa =hat rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight oftubing is to be used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming

that

Grade -eight

$gmm

Collapse

+trength

$Pa

urst

+trength

$Pa

Tensional

+trength

$amp

Cost Coparison

)-55 2(1 2655 ((19gt 1((gt cheapest

25( ((5( (99 1gt9(

-65 25( gt151 gt6 12 ost expensie

M- 25( gt(2 5((95 1gt oderately expensie

2 9 91gt 2((1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3084

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 40 6Pam)

reseroir ressure 000 6Pa

6ill ressure 000 6Pa aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 53 22(3 5 kPa7If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Assume lie oil gradient is 6Pam

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at the

ac6er and the running tensions

olution

)ilfield nits

I$P IBP - o 4

o ( psi7ft

under operating conditions I$P ( - ( 63 psi

under axiu conditions assuing gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 3000 E si

under 6ill conditions

8P 5 5

5 5 x 61 psi7ft

ltPP E 000 0

E 000 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3184

O BIP oil kill3

5 psieFuialent $P oil kill3

5 - ( x 6 2 psi

In the case of a gas kill

Iamp 2HIP(gas 6ill)

( 1 psi gt psi

eFuialent $P gas kill3

5gt x BP 5gt x gt (gt19 psi

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a ( psi ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a 5 psi ampellhead

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialent

to the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating

burst rating E ma1 THP design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 34 E 343 si

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading Calculation

alculate first assuming a high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid f 3 43 gt(53 63 (gt5 psi

ma1 HP E ma1 ITHP (assumes lea6)E si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 304E 0 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3284

ma1 collase load E 0 0 si (assumes emt tubing)E 0 si

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 0 1 si

E 30 si

$herefore strictly speaking ampe should use 2-lb7ft M- tubing although it is ore likely a l6-lb7ft ampould be selected since the probability is ery loamp that such seere collapse-loadingassuptions ampould proe true

alculate ne1t assuming a lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 00 si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 00 F 304 siE 34 si

ma1 collase load E 34 si

reuired collase rating E 34 E 443 si

Ce could select 16 lb7ft )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculations

ampeight in air C 4 16 lb7ft3 6 ft3 11 lb

buoyancy factor

625

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 000 lb

E 04000 lb

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (04000) () lb

16 lb$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3384

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubingcomletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

in 0lbft amp0 tubing meets all criteria for this te of roduction 7is6 of

gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing bet-een amp0 and J grades

SI nits

I$P IBP - ρo x 4

ρo 969 kPa7

under operating conditions I$P 26 - 969 x 21(3

92gt9 kPaunder axiu conditions gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 000 E 6Pa

under 6ill conditions

8P 53 22(3 5

53 22(3 5

19 kPa7

ltPP E (30) (00)

E 3400 6Pa

O BIP oil kill3 (gt kPa eFuialent $P oil kill3 (gt - 969 x 21(3

1929 kPa

In the case of a gas 6ill

Iamp 2HIP

(gas 6ill) E 000 F 000 6Pa

266 kPaeFuialent $P gas kill3 5gt x BP

5gt x 266 2(959 kPa

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a 26 Pa ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a (gt5 Pa ampellhead

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3484

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialentto the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating Calculation

burst rating E ma1 THP 1 design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 3 1

E 3 6Pa

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading

alculate first assuming high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid ρf 3 43

gt3 21(3 25 kPa

ax P ax I$P assues leak3 1696 kPa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 0

E 33 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 33 0 6Pa (assumes emt tubing)

E 33 6Pa

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 33 1 E 434 6Pa

Therefore strictl sea6ing -e should use a 6gm amp0 tubing but moreli6el 36gm tubing -ould be selected since the robabilit of such seere

collase loading is er lo-

alculate ne1t assuming lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 4 6Pa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 4 F 0

E 0 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 0 6Pa

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3584

reuired collase rating E 0 1 E 300 6Pa

Ce could select 25(-kg7 )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculation

ampeight in air 25( 21( 5( kg 525 kM

buoanc factor E

EE0

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 6ampE 4 6amp

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (4) ()

E 30 6amp

$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubing

comletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

40mm ( inch) 36gm 0 tubing meets all criteria for this te ofroduction 7is6 of gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing

bet-een 0 and J grades

Pac6ers

Pac$er unctions

A ac6er is a subsurface tool that roides a seal bet-een the tubing and

casingthereb reenting the ertical moement of fluids across this sealing oint

Pac6ers are used for the follo-ing reasons

9 to imroe safet b roiding a barrier to flo- through the annulus

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3684

9 to 6ee -ell fluids and ressures isolated from the casing

9 to imroe flo- conditions and reent heading

9 to searate +ones in the same -ellbore

9 to lace 6ill fluids or treating fluids in the casing annulus

9 to ac6 off erforations rather than use suee+e cementing

9 to 6ee gas lift or hdraulic o-er fluid in8ection ressure isolated from the

formation

9 to anchor the tubing

9 to install a casing um

9 to minimi+e heat losses b allo-ing the use of an emt annulus or thermal

insulator

9 to isolate a casing lea6 or lea6ing liner la

9 to facilitate temorar -ell serice oerations (eg stimulations suee+es)

Pac$er T+pes

There are man ac6er manufacturers some of -hom offer an e1tensie ariet ofac6ers -ith each differing to some degree from those of the other manufacturers

This rather be-ildering arra can ho-eer be groued into rincial classes or

tes and ma be further categori+ed b method of setting b direction of ressureacross the ac6er and b the number of bores through the ac6er

Pac6ers can be rimaril classified as either retrieable or ermanent or

ermanentretrieable or inflatable

)etrievable acers

This te of ac6er is run on the tubing ( ltigure )etrievable pacer )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3784

Figure 1

After setting it can be released and recoered from the -ell on the tubing ince it is

an integral art of the tubing string the tubing cannot be remoed from the -ell-ithout ulling the ac6er unless a detachable ac6er head is used

7etrieable ac6ers ma be designed to be set mechanicall or hdraulicallechanical setting methods include rotation of the tubing string recirocation of the

tubing string or the alication of tension or setdo-n -eight =ith mechanical

ac6ers the tubing is usuall set in comression

Hdraulic ac6ers are set b aling hdraulic ressure through the tubing stringbut once set the hold the set osition mechanicall The tubing is usuall in tension

7etrieable ac6ers are usuall used for comle1 multi+one and multistringcomletions Their main limitation -as in their limited abilit to accommodate tubing

stress changes -ithout unsettingD the aailabilit of effectie sli 8oints anddetachable heads has eased this situation An historical roblem -as failure of the

internal elastomer seals but this technolog also has imroed mar6edl in the lastdecade All metaltometal seal ac6ers are aailable but are e1ensie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3884

Lne disadantage of retrieable ac6ers is that if the fail to retriee the must beremoed b milling them out of the casing -ith an abrasie milling head and a

drillstring The are er difficult to mill Menerall this te of ac6er is used undernonseere conditions (differential ressures less than 000 si (344 Pa)

temeratures less than 300B lt (4B )

2ecause of the setting mechanism retrieable ac6ers tend to hae a restrictedbore comared -ith other ac6ers designed for the same casing si+e This factorma restrict flo- or limit -ireline oerations belo- the ac6er deth

ermanent acers

Permanent ac6ers are indeendent of the tubing and ma be run on tubing or on

-ireline ( ltigure and ltigure 3 )

Figure 2

The tubing can be released from the ac6er and can be ulled leaing the ac6er set

in the casing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3984

Figure 3

Tubing can subseuentl be run bac6 and resealed in the ac6er The ac6er ma

thus be considered an integral art of the casing It is sometimes called either aroduction ac6er or a retainerroduction ac6er

The ermanent ac6er cannot be recoered as such but it can be destructiel

remoed (eg b milling) ( ltigure 4 and ltigure )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4084

Figure 4

If the ac6er includes a tailie and must be recoered a millout e1tension is

needed on the ac6er for the ac6er ic6er or catch sleee on the mill to engageIn other cases it ma be adeuate to siml ush the ac6er to the bottom of the

casing after milling

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 1984

license from a secific manufacturer It -as in fact the need to obtain astandardi+ation of thread forms and diameters that led to the formation of the API

ommittee on tandardi+ation of Tubular Moods in 4

The API coulings ( ltigure

Figure 1

ltigure and ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2084

Figure 2

$utaways of basic types of couplings) are of three basic tes e1ternal uset (gtKgt)

nonuset (ampK) and integral 8oint

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2184

Figure 3

Threads are of t-o main forms The round API threads are -ea6er than the ie

bod (ie N00 efficient) The buttress threads -ere deeloed b the ampationalTube Giision of the Knited tates teel ororation to roide a high strength

couling for dee high ressure -ell serice This thread is used in a number ofrorietar coulings eg Hdril A Atlas2radford

All taered threads achiee a seal b driing the in and bo1 surfaces together undersufficient stress to generate a bearing ressure e1ceeding an differential that is to

be subseuentl alied Ho-eer a small siral oid is al-as left bet-een themating surfaces and must be filled -ith solids in the form of thread comound (This

is the reason for careful secification of the comound in 2ul A) Ln API roundthreads this oid occurs bet-een the crest and root of the mating threads -hile on

buttress threads it e1tends oer the -hole flan6 of the thread on the beeled side

To imroe lea6 resistance eseciall at eleated temeratures and under high

ressure differential the socalled remium seals -ere deeloed These consist of either metaltometal seals on taered ortions of the in and bo1 surfaces or an

elastomer seal ring or both This te of seal reuires a high ualit finish andrecise gauging and insection The couling is therefore more costl ince API and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2284

buttress threads hae roen to be er reliable in the field the decision to use themore e1ensie remium seals reuires careful economic 8ustification In general

their alication has roen aluable in highl corrosie conditions in high ressuregas -ells or high ressurehigh ML7 oil -ells and in thermal -ells sub8ect to high

comressie loads The ma be used -here -or6oer costs are high (egoffshore) In general API tubulars are adeuate for differential ressures of less than

000 si (344 Pa) and temeratures of less than 300B lt (0B ) using hightemerature thread comound ltor corrosie conditions and continuous gas sericethe ressure limit is often reduced to 00 si ( Pa)

gt1ercises

)ilfield nits

The in 4 lbft J ampK tubing string in a 000ft oil -ell -as designed

based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional load -ould beimosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 00 si after the

-ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The -ell

roduces 30B API oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

SI nits

The 3mm ( in) 6gmm (4 lbft) J ampK tubing string in an 30moil -ell -as designed based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional

load is imosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 3 Paafter the -ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The

-ell roduces 6gm3 oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

olutions

)ilfield nits

=eight in air E 000 ft 1 4 E 3400 lb

2uoanc in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2384

Buoyant ampeight amphen run (gt x 65 ((9 lb

=ater gradient (M E ) E 0433 sift

Lil gradient (M E 0) E 0 1 0433 E 03 sift

IG of tubing E 44 in Ai E 40 in

=eight of oil in tubing E 000 1 03 1 40 E 04 lb

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell has been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 19gt2 (gt 5 gt93 19gt2 (gt 2(gt 51(2 lb

The API 8oint strength rating of in 4 lbft J nonuset tubing E 00lb

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor) E (00) ()E 4400 lb

Therefore the roosed loading e1ceeds the design secifications and a lea6 mightoccur during the test In fact the loading e1ceeds design secs een -ithout adding

the 00 si of -ellhead ressure (actual load 404 lb comared -ith an allo-ableof 4400 lb) Ho-eer using a 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions

ressure tests of u to 4 si -ould be ermissible

6293 1((3 19gt2 (gt pt gt93

Pt E 4 si

+ nits Ceight in air 1( x 5 16(5 kg 165 kM

2uoanc factor in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater E gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12Buoyant ampeight amphen run 165 x 65 1gt2 kM

=ater gradient (M E 0) E 4 6PamLil gradient (M E 0) 0 1 4 E 6Pam

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2484

IG of tubing E mm thus Ai E 30 1 l04 m

=eight of oil in tubing E (30 m) ( 6Pam) (30 1 03 m)E 44 6amp

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell had been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 gt6gt 165 (5 (1 x 1 -(3 gt6gt 165 156 22gt6 kM

8ro 8igure 1 the PI Aoint strength rating of 6(- 5 kg7 )-55 nonupset tubing is

629 lbs (222 kM3

Figure 1

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor)

(222715 2152 kM

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2584

$herefore the proposed loading exceeds the design specifications and a leak ight occur duringthe test In fact the loading exceeds design specifications een at ero ampellhead pressure actualload of gt6gt 165 216 kM copared ampith an alloampable load of 2152 kM3

Ho-eer using the 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions ressure tests

of u to 6Pa -ould be ermissible

216 pt (1 x l-gt3

t E 4 6Pa

2 )ilfield nits 12-ft hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubing

head pressure can be expectedN If the casing ampellhead and tubing are to be designed for asFueee kill at fracture propagation pressure 8PP3 amphat ampellhead pressure ampould be expected atthe start of the kill operationN Gse EFuation 1( for estiating the 8P3

13

+ units (99- hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubinghead pressure is expectedN

If the casing -ellhead and tubing are to be designed for a suee+e 6ill at fractureroagation ressure (ltPP) -hat -ellhead ressure -ould be e1ected at the start

of the 6ill oerationQ (Kse gtuation 3 for estimating the ltPM)

olutions

)ilfield nits

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure on

hydrocarbon-filled tubing

1125

External Packer fluid and eroannulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressure 1125

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2684

shut-in tubing pressure

Internal $ubing epty anddepressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight in Body 1(((

copletion fluid )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125

)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g of 0 E 04

At 000 ft assuming a hdrostatic gradient of 0433 sift the bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP 12 x gt(( 519 psiampith gas surface pressure 519 x 6gt6 I$P (1 psi

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be sift and using gtuation 3 to estimate

the fracture roagation ressure

E 0 sift

ltPP E 0 000 ft E 04 si

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the forationpropagation pressure inus the pressure due to the gas gradient

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2784

$IP 12 6163 - 519 - (13 62 psigore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP 12 6163 6gt6 9gt26 psi$herefore a 5 psi ampellhead should not be used een though the axiu closed-in tubinghead pressure is only about gt psi

SI nits

7eferring to Table 1

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g E 0 E 04

At 30 m assuming a normal hdrostatic ressure of 6Pa m bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP (99 65 (55 kPa

ampith gas surface pressure (55 6gt6 I$P 296 kPa

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be 6Pam and using gtuation 3 toestimate the fracture roagation ressure

E 6Pam

ltPP E 30 E 3 6Pa

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the foration propagation pressure inus the pressure due tothe gas gradient

THIP E (30 ) (30 0) E 0 6Pa

ore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP (99 19213 6gt6 gtgt(1 kPa

9gt Pa ampellhead should therefore be used

3hellip)ilfield nits

A 000ft -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 000 T2d using intubing encounters 0 ft of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of 3000 si =hat

rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight of tubing is to be

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2884

used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming that

Grade -eight lbft

Collapse

+trength psi

urst

+trength psi

Tensional

+trength 1 lb

Cost Coparison

)-55 155 gtgt gt1 ( cheapest

16 gt1 5(2 (2

-65 16 96 625 gt2( ost expensie

M- 16 92 66gt gtgt9 oderately expensie

2 ( 52gt

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 043 sift)

reseroir ressure 3000 si

6ill ressure 000 si aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 5 5 psi7ft3

If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure onhydrocarbon- filledtubing

1125

External Packer fluid and ero

annulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressureshut-in tubing pressure

1125

Internal $ubing epty and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2984

depressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight incopletion fluid

Body 1((( )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

Assume lie oil gradient is 03 sift

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at theac6er and the running tension

SI nits

A 30m -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 400 m3da of oil -ith l40mm ( inch) tubing encounters 0 m of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of

000 6Pa =hat rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight oftubing is to be used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming

that

Grade -eight

$gmm

Collapse

+trength

$Pa

urst

+trength

$Pa

Tensional

+trength

$amp

Cost Coparison

)-55 2(1 2655 ((19gt 1((gt cheapest

25( ((5( (99 1gt9(

-65 25( gt151 gt6 12 ost expensie

M- 25( gt(2 5((95 1gt oderately expensie

2 9 91gt 2((1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3084

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 40 6Pam)

reseroir ressure 000 6Pa

6ill ressure 000 6Pa aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 53 22(3 5 kPa7If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Assume lie oil gradient is 6Pam

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at the

ac6er and the running tensions

olution

)ilfield nits

I$P IBP - o 4

o ( psi7ft

under operating conditions I$P ( - ( 63 psi

under axiu conditions assuing gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 3000 E si

under 6ill conditions

8P 5 5

5 5 x 61 psi7ft

ltPP E 000 0

E 000 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3184

O BIP oil kill3

5 psieFuialent $P oil kill3

5 - ( x 6 2 psi

In the case of a gas kill

Iamp 2HIP(gas 6ill)

( 1 psi gt psi

eFuialent $P gas kill3

5gt x BP 5gt x gt (gt19 psi

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a ( psi ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a 5 psi ampellhead

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialent

to the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating

burst rating E ma1 THP design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 34 E 343 si

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading Calculation

alculate first assuming a high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid f 3 43 gt(53 63 (gt5 psi

ma1 HP E ma1 ITHP (assumes lea6)E si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 304E 0 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3284

ma1 collase load E 0 0 si (assumes emt tubing)E 0 si

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 0 1 si

E 30 si

$herefore strictly speaking ampe should use 2-lb7ft M- tubing although it is ore likely a l6-lb7ft ampould be selected since the probability is ery loamp that such seere collapse-loadingassuptions ampould proe true

alculate ne1t assuming a lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 00 si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 00 F 304 siE 34 si

ma1 collase load E 34 si

reuired collase rating E 34 E 443 si

Ce could select 16 lb7ft )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculations

ampeight in air C 4 16 lb7ft3 6 ft3 11 lb

buoyancy factor

625

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 000 lb

E 04000 lb

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (04000) () lb

16 lb$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3384

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubingcomletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

in 0lbft amp0 tubing meets all criteria for this te of roduction 7is6 of

gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing bet-een amp0 and J grades

SI nits

I$P IBP - ρo x 4

ρo 969 kPa7

under operating conditions I$P 26 - 969 x 21(3

92gt9 kPaunder axiu conditions gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 000 E 6Pa

under 6ill conditions

8P 53 22(3 5

53 22(3 5

19 kPa7

ltPP E (30) (00)

E 3400 6Pa

O BIP oil kill3 (gt kPa eFuialent $P oil kill3 (gt - 969 x 21(3

1929 kPa

In the case of a gas 6ill

Iamp 2HIP

(gas 6ill) E 000 F 000 6Pa

266 kPaeFuialent $P gas kill3 5gt x BP

5gt x 266 2(959 kPa

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a 26 Pa ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a (gt5 Pa ampellhead

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3484

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialentto the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating Calculation

burst rating E ma1 THP 1 design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 3 1

E 3 6Pa

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading

alculate first assuming high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid ρf 3 43

gt3 21(3 25 kPa

ax P ax I$P assues leak3 1696 kPa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 0

E 33 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 33 0 6Pa (assumes emt tubing)

E 33 6Pa

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 33 1 E 434 6Pa

Therefore strictl sea6ing -e should use a 6gm amp0 tubing but moreli6el 36gm tubing -ould be selected since the robabilit of such seere

collase loading is er lo-

alculate ne1t assuming lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 4 6Pa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 4 F 0

E 0 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 0 6Pa

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3584

reuired collase rating E 0 1 E 300 6Pa

Ce could select 25(-kg7 )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculation

ampeight in air 25( 21( 5( kg 525 kM

buoanc factor E

EE0

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 6ampE 4 6amp

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (4) ()

E 30 6amp

$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubing

comletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

40mm ( inch) 36gm 0 tubing meets all criteria for this te ofroduction 7is6 of gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing

bet-een 0 and J grades

Pac6ers

Pac$er unctions

A ac6er is a subsurface tool that roides a seal bet-een the tubing and

casingthereb reenting the ertical moement of fluids across this sealing oint

Pac6ers are used for the follo-ing reasons

9 to imroe safet b roiding a barrier to flo- through the annulus

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3684

9 to 6ee -ell fluids and ressures isolated from the casing

9 to imroe flo- conditions and reent heading

9 to searate +ones in the same -ellbore

9 to lace 6ill fluids or treating fluids in the casing annulus

9 to ac6 off erforations rather than use suee+e cementing

9 to 6ee gas lift or hdraulic o-er fluid in8ection ressure isolated from the

formation

9 to anchor the tubing

9 to install a casing um

9 to minimi+e heat losses b allo-ing the use of an emt annulus or thermal

insulator

9 to isolate a casing lea6 or lea6ing liner la

9 to facilitate temorar -ell serice oerations (eg stimulations suee+es)

Pac$er T+pes

There are man ac6er manufacturers some of -hom offer an e1tensie ariet ofac6ers -ith each differing to some degree from those of the other manufacturers

This rather be-ildering arra can ho-eer be groued into rincial classes or

tes and ma be further categori+ed b method of setting b direction of ressureacross the ac6er and b the number of bores through the ac6er

Pac6ers can be rimaril classified as either retrieable or ermanent or

ermanentretrieable or inflatable

)etrievable acers

This te of ac6er is run on the tubing ( ltigure )etrievable pacer )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3784

Figure 1

After setting it can be released and recoered from the -ell on the tubing ince it is

an integral art of the tubing string the tubing cannot be remoed from the -ell-ithout ulling the ac6er unless a detachable ac6er head is used

7etrieable ac6ers ma be designed to be set mechanicall or hdraulicallechanical setting methods include rotation of the tubing string recirocation of the

tubing string or the alication of tension or setdo-n -eight =ith mechanical

ac6ers the tubing is usuall set in comression

Hdraulic ac6ers are set b aling hdraulic ressure through the tubing stringbut once set the hold the set osition mechanicall The tubing is usuall in tension

7etrieable ac6ers are usuall used for comle1 multi+one and multistringcomletions Their main limitation -as in their limited abilit to accommodate tubing

stress changes -ithout unsettingD the aailabilit of effectie sli 8oints anddetachable heads has eased this situation An historical roblem -as failure of the

internal elastomer seals but this technolog also has imroed mar6edl in the lastdecade All metaltometal seal ac6ers are aailable but are e1ensie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3884

Lne disadantage of retrieable ac6ers is that if the fail to retriee the must beremoed b milling them out of the casing -ith an abrasie milling head and a

drillstring The are er difficult to mill Menerall this te of ac6er is used undernonseere conditions (differential ressures less than 000 si (344 Pa)

temeratures less than 300B lt (4B )

2ecause of the setting mechanism retrieable ac6ers tend to hae a restrictedbore comared -ith other ac6ers designed for the same casing si+e This factorma restrict flo- or limit -ireline oerations belo- the ac6er deth

ermanent acers

Permanent ac6ers are indeendent of the tubing and ma be run on tubing or on

-ireline ( ltigure and ltigure 3 )

Figure 2

The tubing can be released from the ac6er and can be ulled leaing the ac6er set

in the casing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3984

Figure 3

Tubing can subseuentl be run bac6 and resealed in the ac6er The ac6er ma

thus be considered an integral art of the casing It is sometimes called either aroduction ac6er or a retainerroduction ac6er

The ermanent ac6er cannot be recoered as such but it can be destructiel

remoed (eg b milling) ( ltigure 4 and ltigure )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4084

Figure 4

If the ac6er includes a tailie and must be recoered a millout e1tension is

needed on the ac6er for the ac6er ic6er or catch sleee on the mill to engageIn other cases it ma be adeuate to siml ush the ac6er to the bottom of the

casing after milling

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2084

Figure 2

$utaways of basic types of couplings) are of three basic tes e1ternal uset (gtKgt)

nonuset (ampK) and integral 8oint

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2184

Figure 3

Threads are of t-o main forms The round API threads are -ea6er than the ie

bod (ie N00 efficient) The buttress threads -ere deeloed b the ampationalTube Giision of the Knited tates teel ororation to roide a high strength

couling for dee high ressure -ell serice This thread is used in a number ofrorietar coulings eg Hdril A Atlas2radford

All taered threads achiee a seal b driing the in and bo1 surfaces together undersufficient stress to generate a bearing ressure e1ceeding an differential that is to

be subseuentl alied Ho-eer a small siral oid is al-as left bet-een themating surfaces and must be filled -ith solids in the form of thread comound (This

is the reason for careful secification of the comound in 2ul A) Ln API roundthreads this oid occurs bet-een the crest and root of the mating threads -hile on

buttress threads it e1tends oer the -hole flan6 of the thread on the beeled side

To imroe lea6 resistance eseciall at eleated temeratures and under high

ressure differential the socalled remium seals -ere deeloed These consist of either metaltometal seals on taered ortions of the in and bo1 surfaces or an

elastomer seal ring or both This te of seal reuires a high ualit finish andrecise gauging and insection The couling is therefore more costl ince API and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2284

buttress threads hae roen to be er reliable in the field the decision to use themore e1ensie remium seals reuires careful economic 8ustification In general

their alication has roen aluable in highl corrosie conditions in high ressuregas -ells or high ressurehigh ML7 oil -ells and in thermal -ells sub8ect to high

comressie loads The ma be used -here -or6oer costs are high (egoffshore) In general API tubulars are adeuate for differential ressures of less than

000 si (344 Pa) and temeratures of less than 300B lt (0B ) using hightemerature thread comound ltor corrosie conditions and continuous gas sericethe ressure limit is often reduced to 00 si ( Pa)

gt1ercises

)ilfield nits

The in 4 lbft J ampK tubing string in a 000ft oil -ell -as designed

based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional load -ould beimosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 00 si after the

-ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The -ell

roduces 30B API oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

SI nits

The 3mm ( in) 6gmm (4 lbft) J ampK tubing string in an 30moil -ell -as designed based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional

load is imosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 3 Paafter the -ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The

-ell roduces 6gm3 oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

olutions

)ilfield nits

=eight in air E 000 ft 1 4 E 3400 lb

2uoanc in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2384

Buoyant ampeight amphen run (gt x 65 ((9 lb

=ater gradient (M E ) E 0433 sift

Lil gradient (M E 0) E 0 1 0433 E 03 sift

IG of tubing E 44 in Ai E 40 in

=eight of oil in tubing E 000 1 03 1 40 E 04 lb

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell has been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 19gt2 (gt 5 gt93 19gt2 (gt 2(gt 51(2 lb

The API 8oint strength rating of in 4 lbft J nonuset tubing E 00lb

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor) E (00) ()E 4400 lb

Therefore the roosed loading e1ceeds the design secifications and a lea6 mightoccur during the test In fact the loading e1ceeds design secs een -ithout adding

the 00 si of -ellhead ressure (actual load 404 lb comared -ith an allo-ableof 4400 lb) Ho-eer using a 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions

ressure tests of u to 4 si -ould be ermissible

6293 1((3 19gt2 (gt pt gt93

Pt E 4 si

+ nits Ceight in air 1( x 5 16(5 kg 165 kM

2uoanc factor in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater E gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12Buoyant ampeight amphen run 165 x 65 1gt2 kM

=ater gradient (M E 0) E 4 6PamLil gradient (M E 0) 0 1 4 E 6Pam

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2484

IG of tubing E mm thus Ai E 30 1 l04 m

=eight of oil in tubing E (30 m) ( 6Pam) (30 1 03 m)E 44 6amp

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell had been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 gt6gt 165 (5 (1 x 1 -(3 gt6gt 165 156 22gt6 kM

8ro 8igure 1 the PI Aoint strength rating of 6(- 5 kg7 )-55 nonupset tubing is

629 lbs (222 kM3

Figure 1

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor)

(222715 2152 kM

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2584

$herefore the proposed loading exceeds the design specifications and a leak ight occur duringthe test In fact the loading exceeds design specifications een at ero ampellhead pressure actualload of gt6gt 165 216 kM copared ampith an alloampable load of 2152 kM3

Ho-eer using the 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions ressure tests

of u to 6Pa -ould be ermissible

216 pt (1 x l-gt3

t E 4 6Pa

2 )ilfield nits 12-ft hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubing

head pressure can be expectedN If the casing ampellhead and tubing are to be designed for asFueee kill at fracture propagation pressure 8PP3 amphat ampellhead pressure ampould be expected atthe start of the kill operationN Gse EFuation 1( for estiating the 8P3

13

+ units (99- hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubinghead pressure is expectedN

If the casing -ellhead and tubing are to be designed for a suee+e 6ill at fractureroagation ressure (ltPP) -hat -ellhead ressure -ould be e1ected at the start

of the 6ill oerationQ (Kse gtuation 3 for estimating the ltPM)

olutions

)ilfield nits

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure on

hydrocarbon-filled tubing

1125

External Packer fluid and eroannulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressure 1125

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2684

shut-in tubing pressure

Internal $ubing epty anddepressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight in Body 1(((

copletion fluid )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125

)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g of 0 E 04

At 000 ft assuming a hdrostatic gradient of 0433 sift the bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP 12 x gt(( 519 psiampith gas surface pressure 519 x 6gt6 I$P (1 psi

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be sift and using gtuation 3 to estimate

the fracture roagation ressure

E 0 sift

ltPP E 0 000 ft E 04 si

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the forationpropagation pressure inus the pressure due to the gas gradient

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2784

$IP 12 6163 - 519 - (13 62 psigore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP 12 6163 6gt6 9gt26 psi$herefore a 5 psi ampellhead should not be used een though the axiu closed-in tubinghead pressure is only about gt psi

SI nits

7eferring to Table 1

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g E 0 E 04

At 30 m assuming a normal hdrostatic ressure of 6Pa m bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP (99 65 (55 kPa

ampith gas surface pressure (55 6gt6 I$P 296 kPa

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be 6Pam and using gtuation 3 toestimate the fracture roagation ressure

E 6Pam

ltPP E 30 E 3 6Pa

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the foration propagation pressure inus the pressure due tothe gas gradient

THIP E (30 ) (30 0) E 0 6Pa

ore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP (99 19213 6gt6 gtgt(1 kPa

9gt Pa ampellhead should therefore be used

3hellip)ilfield nits

A 000ft -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 000 T2d using intubing encounters 0 ft of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of 3000 si =hat

rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight of tubing is to be

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2884

used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming that

Grade -eight lbft

Collapse

+trength psi

urst

+trength psi

Tensional

+trength 1 lb

Cost Coparison

)-55 155 gtgt gt1 ( cheapest

16 gt1 5(2 (2

-65 16 96 625 gt2( ost expensie

M- 16 92 66gt gtgt9 oderately expensie

2 ( 52gt

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 043 sift)

reseroir ressure 3000 si

6ill ressure 000 si aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 5 5 psi7ft3

If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure onhydrocarbon- filledtubing

1125

External Packer fluid and ero

annulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressureshut-in tubing pressure

1125

Internal $ubing epty and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2984

depressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight incopletion fluid

Body 1((( )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

Assume lie oil gradient is 03 sift

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at theac6er and the running tension

SI nits

A 30m -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 400 m3da of oil -ith l40mm ( inch) tubing encounters 0 m of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of

000 6Pa =hat rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight oftubing is to be used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming

that

Grade -eight

$gmm

Collapse

+trength

$Pa

urst

+trength

$Pa

Tensional

+trength

$amp

Cost Coparison

)-55 2(1 2655 ((19gt 1((gt cheapest

25( ((5( (99 1gt9(

-65 25( gt151 gt6 12 ost expensie

M- 25( gt(2 5((95 1gt oderately expensie

2 9 91gt 2((1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3084

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 40 6Pam)

reseroir ressure 000 6Pa

6ill ressure 000 6Pa aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 53 22(3 5 kPa7If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Assume lie oil gradient is 6Pam

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at the

ac6er and the running tensions

olution

)ilfield nits

I$P IBP - o 4

o ( psi7ft

under operating conditions I$P ( - ( 63 psi

under axiu conditions assuing gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 3000 E si

under 6ill conditions

8P 5 5

5 5 x 61 psi7ft

ltPP E 000 0

E 000 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3184

O BIP oil kill3

5 psieFuialent $P oil kill3

5 - ( x 6 2 psi

In the case of a gas kill

Iamp 2HIP(gas 6ill)

( 1 psi gt psi

eFuialent $P gas kill3

5gt x BP 5gt x gt (gt19 psi

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a ( psi ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a 5 psi ampellhead

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialent

to the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating

burst rating E ma1 THP design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 34 E 343 si

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading Calculation

alculate first assuming a high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid f 3 43 gt(53 63 (gt5 psi

ma1 HP E ma1 ITHP (assumes lea6)E si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 304E 0 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3284

ma1 collase load E 0 0 si (assumes emt tubing)E 0 si

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 0 1 si

E 30 si

$herefore strictly speaking ampe should use 2-lb7ft M- tubing although it is ore likely a l6-lb7ft ampould be selected since the probability is ery loamp that such seere collapse-loadingassuptions ampould proe true

alculate ne1t assuming a lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 00 si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 00 F 304 siE 34 si

ma1 collase load E 34 si

reuired collase rating E 34 E 443 si

Ce could select 16 lb7ft )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculations

ampeight in air C 4 16 lb7ft3 6 ft3 11 lb

buoyancy factor

625

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 000 lb

E 04000 lb

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (04000) () lb

16 lb$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3384

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubingcomletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

in 0lbft amp0 tubing meets all criteria for this te of roduction 7is6 of

gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing bet-een amp0 and J grades

SI nits

I$P IBP - ρo x 4

ρo 969 kPa7

under operating conditions I$P 26 - 969 x 21(3

92gt9 kPaunder axiu conditions gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 000 E 6Pa

under 6ill conditions

8P 53 22(3 5

53 22(3 5

19 kPa7

ltPP E (30) (00)

E 3400 6Pa

O BIP oil kill3 (gt kPa eFuialent $P oil kill3 (gt - 969 x 21(3

1929 kPa

In the case of a gas 6ill

Iamp 2HIP

(gas 6ill) E 000 F 000 6Pa

266 kPaeFuialent $P gas kill3 5gt x BP

5gt x 266 2(959 kPa

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a 26 Pa ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a (gt5 Pa ampellhead

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3484

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialentto the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating Calculation

burst rating E ma1 THP 1 design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 3 1

E 3 6Pa

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading

alculate first assuming high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid ρf 3 43

gt3 21(3 25 kPa

ax P ax I$P assues leak3 1696 kPa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 0

E 33 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 33 0 6Pa (assumes emt tubing)

E 33 6Pa

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 33 1 E 434 6Pa

Therefore strictl sea6ing -e should use a 6gm amp0 tubing but moreli6el 36gm tubing -ould be selected since the robabilit of such seere

collase loading is er lo-

alculate ne1t assuming lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 4 6Pa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 4 F 0

E 0 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 0 6Pa

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3584

reuired collase rating E 0 1 E 300 6Pa

Ce could select 25(-kg7 )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculation

ampeight in air 25( 21( 5( kg 525 kM

buoanc factor E

EE0

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 6ampE 4 6amp

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (4) ()

E 30 6amp

$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubing

comletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

40mm ( inch) 36gm 0 tubing meets all criteria for this te ofroduction 7is6 of gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing

bet-een 0 and J grades

Pac6ers

Pac$er unctions

A ac6er is a subsurface tool that roides a seal bet-een the tubing and

casingthereb reenting the ertical moement of fluids across this sealing oint

Pac6ers are used for the follo-ing reasons

9 to imroe safet b roiding a barrier to flo- through the annulus

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3684

9 to 6ee -ell fluids and ressures isolated from the casing

9 to imroe flo- conditions and reent heading

9 to searate +ones in the same -ellbore

9 to lace 6ill fluids or treating fluids in the casing annulus

9 to ac6 off erforations rather than use suee+e cementing

9 to 6ee gas lift or hdraulic o-er fluid in8ection ressure isolated from the

formation

9 to anchor the tubing

9 to install a casing um

9 to minimi+e heat losses b allo-ing the use of an emt annulus or thermal

insulator

9 to isolate a casing lea6 or lea6ing liner la

9 to facilitate temorar -ell serice oerations (eg stimulations suee+es)

Pac$er T+pes

There are man ac6er manufacturers some of -hom offer an e1tensie ariet ofac6ers -ith each differing to some degree from those of the other manufacturers

This rather be-ildering arra can ho-eer be groued into rincial classes or

tes and ma be further categori+ed b method of setting b direction of ressureacross the ac6er and b the number of bores through the ac6er

Pac6ers can be rimaril classified as either retrieable or ermanent or

ermanentretrieable or inflatable

)etrievable acers

This te of ac6er is run on the tubing ( ltigure )etrievable pacer )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3784

Figure 1

After setting it can be released and recoered from the -ell on the tubing ince it is

an integral art of the tubing string the tubing cannot be remoed from the -ell-ithout ulling the ac6er unless a detachable ac6er head is used

7etrieable ac6ers ma be designed to be set mechanicall or hdraulicallechanical setting methods include rotation of the tubing string recirocation of the

tubing string or the alication of tension or setdo-n -eight =ith mechanical

ac6ers the tubing is usuall set in comression

Hdraulic ac6ers are set b aling hdraulic ressure through the tubing stringbut once set the hold the set osition mechanicall The tubing is usuall in tension

7etrieable ac6ers are usuall used for comle1 multi+one and multistringcomletions Their main limitation -as in their limited abilit to accommodate tubing

stress changes -ithout unsettingD the aailabilit of effectie sli 8oints anddetachable heads has eased this situation An historical roblem -as failure of the

internal elastomer seals but this technolog also has imroed mar6edl in the lastdecade All metaltometal seal ac6ers are aailable but are e1ensie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3884

Lne disadantage of retrieable ac6ers is that if the fail to retriee the must beremoed b milling them out of the casing -ith an abrasie milling head and a

drillstring The are er difficult to mill Menerall this te of ac6er is used undernonseere conditions (differential ressures less than 000 si (344 Pa)

temeratures less than 300B lt (4B )

2ecause of the setting mechanism retrieable ac6ers tend to hae a restrictedbore comared -ith other ac6ers designed for the same casing si+e This factorma restrict flo- or limit -ireline oerations belo- the ac6er deth

ermanent acers

Permanent ac6ers are indeendent of the tubing and ma be run on tubing or on

-ireline ( ltigure and ltigure 3 )

Figure 2

The tubing can be released from the ac6er and can be ulled leaing the ac6er set

in the casing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3984

Figure 3

Tubing can subseuentl be run bac6 and resealed in the ac6er The ac6er ma

thus be considered an integral art of the casing It is sometimes called either aroduction ac6er or a retainerroduction ac6er

The ermanent ac6er cannot be recoered as such but it can be destructiel

remoed (eg b milling) ( ltigure 4 and ltigure )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4084

Figure 4

If the ac6er includes a tailie and must be recoered a millout e1tension is

needed on the ac6er for the ac6er ic6er or catch sleee on the mill to engageIn other cases it ma be adeuate to siml ush the ac6er to the bottom of the

casing after milling

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2184

Figure 3

Threads are of t-o main forms The round API threads are -ea6er than the ie

bod (ie N00 efficient) The buttress threads -ere deeloed b the ampationalTube Giision of the Knited tates teel ororation to roide a high strength

couling for dee high ressure -ell serice This thread is used in a number ofrorietar coulings eg Hdril A Atlas2radford

All taered threads achiee a seal b driing the in and bo1 surfaces together undersufficient stress to generate a bearing ressure e1ceeding an differential that is to

be subseuentl alied Ho-eer a small siral oid is al-as left bet-een themating surfaces and must be filled -ith solids in the form of thread comound (This

is the reason for careful secification of the comound in 2ul A) Ln API roundthreads this oid occurs bet-een the crest and root of the mating threads -hile on

buttress threads it e1tends oer the -hole flan6 of the thread on the beeled side

To imroe lea6 resistance eseciall at eleated temeratures and under high

ressure differential the socalled remium seals -ere deeloed These consist of either metaltometal seals on taered ortions of the in and bo1 surfaces or an

elastomer seal ring or both This te of seal reuires a high ualit finish andrecise gauging and insection The couling is therefore more costl ince API and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2284

buttress threads hae roen to be er reliable in the field the decision to use themore e1ensie remium seals reuires careful economic 8ustification In general

their alication has roen aluable in highl corrosie conditions in high ressuregas -ells or high ressurehigh ML7 oil -ells and in thermal -ells sub8ect to high

comressie loads The ma be used -here -or6oer costs are high (egoffshore) In general API tubulars are adeuate for differential ressures of less than

000 si (344 Pa) and temeratures of less than 300B lt (0B ) using hightemerature thread comound ltor corrosie conditions and continuous gas sericethe ressure limit is often reduced to 00 si ( Pa)

gt1ercises

)ilfield nits

The in 4 lbft J ampK tubing string in a 000ft oil -ell -as designed

based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional load -ould beimosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 00 si after the

-ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The -ell

roduces 30B API oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

SI nits

The 3mm ( in) 6gmm (4 lbft) J ampK tubing string in an 30moil -ell -as designed based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional

load is imosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 3 Paafter the -ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The

-ell roduces 6gm3 oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

olutions

)ilfield nits

=eight in air E 000 ft 1 4 E 3400 lb

2uoanc in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2384

Buoyant ampeight amphen run (gt x 65 ((9 lb

=ater gradient (M E ) E 0433 sift

Lil gradient (M E 0) E 0 1 0433 E 03 sift

IG of tubing E 44 in Ai E 40 in

=eight of oil in tubing E 000 1 03 1 40 E 04 lb

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell has been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 19gt2 (gt 5 gt93 19gt2 (gt 2(gt 51(2 lb

The API 8oint strength rating of in 4 lbft J nonuset tubing E 00lb

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor) E (00) ()E 4400 lb

Therefore the roosed loading e1ceeds the design secifications and a lea6 mightoccur during the test In fact the loading e1ceeds design secs een -ithout adding

the 00 si of -ellhead ressure (actual load 404 lb comared -ith an allo-ableof 4400 lb) Ho-eer using a 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions

ressure tests of u to 4 si -ould be ermissible

6293 1((3 19gt2 (gt pt gt93

Pt E 4 si

+ nits Ceight in air 1( x 5 16(5 kg 165 kM

2uoanc factor in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater E gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12Buoyant ampeight amphen run 165 x 65 1gt2 kM

=ater gradient (M E 0) E 4 6PamLil gradient (M E 0) 0 1 4 E 6Pam

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2484

IG of tubing E mm thus Ai E 30 1 l04 m

=eight of oil in tubing E (30 m) ( 6Pam) (30 1 03 m)E 44 6amp

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell had been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 gt6gt 165 (5 (1 x 1 -(3 gt6gt 165 156 22gt6 kM

8ro 8igure 1 the PI Aoint strength rating of 6(- 5 kg7 )-55 nonupset tubing is

629 lbs (222 kM3

Figure 1

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor)

(222715 2152 kM

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2584

$herefore the proposed loading exceeds the design specifications and a leak ight occur duringthe test In fact the loading exceeds design specifications een at ero ampellhead pressure actualload of gt6gt 165 216 kM copared ampith an alloampable load of 2152 kM3

Ho-eer using the 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions ressure tests

of u to 6Pa -ould be ermissible

216 pt (1 x l-gt3

t E 4 6Pa

2 )ilfield nits 12-ft hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubing

head pressure can be expectedN If the casing ampellhead and tubing are to be designed for asFueee kill at fracture propagation pressure 8PP3 amphat ampellhead pressure ampould be expected atthe start of the kill operationN Gse EFuation 1( for estiating the 8P3

13

+ units (99- hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubinghead pressure is expectedN

If the casing -ellhead and tubing are to be designed for a suee+e 6ill at fractureroagation ressure (ltPP) -hat -ellhead ressure -ould be e1ected at the start

of the 6ill oerationQ (Kse gtuation 3 for estimating the ltPM)

olutions

)ilfield nits

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure on

hydrocarbon-filled tubing

1125

External Packer fluid and eroannulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressure 1125

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2684

shut-in tubing pressure

Internal $ubing epty anddepressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight in Body 1(((

copletion fluid )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125

)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g of 0 E 04

At 000 ft assuming a hdrostatic gradient of 0433 sift the bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP 12 x gt(( 519 psiampith gas surface pressure 519 x 6gt6 I$P (1 psi

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be sift and using gtuation 3 to estimate

the fracture roagation ressure

E 0 sift

ltPP E 0 000 ft E 04 si

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the forationpropagation pressure inus the pressure due to the gas gradient

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2784

$IP 12 6163 - 519 - (13 62 psigore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP 12 6163 6gt6 9gt26 psi$herefore a 5 psi ampellhead should not be used een though the axiu closed-in tubinghead pressure is only about gt psi

SI nits

7eferring to Table 1

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g E 0 E 04

At 30 m assuming a normal hdrostatic ressure of 6Pa m bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP (99 65 (55 kPa

ampith gas surface pressure (55 6gt6 I$P 296 kPa

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be 6Pam and using gtuation 3 toestimate the fracture roagation ressure

E 6Pam

ltPP E 30 E 3 6Pa

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the foration propagation pressure inus the pressure due tothe gas gradient

THIP E (30 ) (30 0) E 0 6Pa

ore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP (99 19213 6gt6 gtgt(1 kPa

9gt Pa ampellhead should therefore be used

3hellip)ilfield nits

A 000ft -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 000 T2d using intubing encounters 0 ft of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of 3000 si =hat

rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight of tubing is to be

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2884

used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming that

Grade -eight lbft

Collapse

+trength psi

urst

+trength psi

Tensional

+trength 1 lb

Cost Coparison

)-55 155 gtgt gt1 ( cheapest

16 gt1 5(2 (2

-65 16 96 625 gt2( ost expensie

M- 16 92 66gt gtgt9 oderately expensie

2 ( 52gt

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 043 sift)

reseroir ressure 3000 si

6ill ressure 000 si aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 5 5 psi7ft3

If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure onhydrocarbon- filledtubing

1125

External Packer fluid and ero

annulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressureshut-in tubing pressure

1125

Internal $ubing epty and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2984

depressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight incopletion fluid

Body 1((( )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

Assume lie oil gradient is 03 sift

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at theac6er and the running tension

SI nits

A 30m -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 400 m3da of oil -ith l40mm ( inch) tubing encounters 0 m of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of

000 6Pa =hat rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight oftubing is to be used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming

that

Grade -eight

$gmm

Collapse

+trength

$Pa

urst

+trength

$Pa

Tensional

+trength

$amp

Cost Coparison

)-55 2(1 2655 ((19gt 1((gt cheapest

25( ((5( (99 1gt9(

-65 25( gt151 gt6 12 ost expensie

M- 25( gt(2 5((95 1gt oderately expensie

2 9 91gt 2((1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3084

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 40 6Pam)

reseroir ressure 000 6Pa

6ill ressure 000 6Pa aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 53 22(3 5 kPa7If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Assume lie oil gradient is 6Pam

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at the

ac6er and the running tensions

olution

)ilfield nits

I$P IBP - o 4

o ( psi7ft

under operating conditions I$P ( - ( 63 psi

under axiu conditions assuing gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 3000 E si

under 6ill conditions

8P 5 5

5 5 x 61 psi7ft

ltPP E 000 0

E 000 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3184

O BIP oil kill3

5 psieFuialent $P oil kill3

5 - ( x 6 2 psi

In the case of a gas kill

Iamp 2HIP(gas 6ill)

( 1 psi gt psi

eFuialent $P gas kill3

5gt x BP 5gt x gt (gt19 psi

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a ( psi ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a 5 psi ampellhead

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialent

to the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating

burst rating E ma1 THP design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 34 E 343 si

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading Calculation

alculate first assuming a high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid f 3 43 gt(53 63 (gt5 psi

ma1 HP E ma1 ITHP (assumes lea6)E si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 304E 0 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3284

ma1 collase load E 0 0 si (assumes emt tubing)E 0 si

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 0 1 si

E 30 si

$herefore strictly speaking ampe should use 2-lb7ft M- tubing although it is ore likely a l6-lb7ft ampould be selected since the probability is ery loamp that such seere collapse-loadingassuptions ampould proe true

alculate ne1t assuming a lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 00 si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 00 F 304 siE 34 si

ma1 collase load E 34 si

reuired collase rating E 34 E 443 si

Ce could select 16 lb7ft )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculations

ampeight in air C 4 16 lb7ft3 6 ft3 11 lb

buoyancy factor

625

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 000 lb

E 04000 lb

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (04000) () lb

16 lb$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3384

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubingcomletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

in 0lbft amp0 tubing meets all criteria for this te of roduction 7is6 of

gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing bet-een amp0 and J grades

SI nits

I$P IBP - ρo x 4

ρo 969 kPa7

under operating conditions I$P 26 - 969 x 21(3

92gt9 kPaunder axiu conditions gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 000 E 6Pa

under 6ill conditions

8P 53 22(3 5

53 22(3 5

19 kPa7

ltPP E (30) (00)

E 3400 6Pa

O BIP oil kill3 (gt kPa eFuialent $P oil kill3 (gt - 969 x 21(3

1929 kPa

In the case of a gas 6ill

Iamp 2HIP

(gas 6ill) E 000 F 000 6Pa

266 kPaeFuialent $P gas kill3 5gt x BP

5gt x 266 2(959 kPa

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a 26 Pa ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a (gt5 Pa ampellhead

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3484

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialentto the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating Calculation

burst rating E ma1 THP 1 design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 3 1

E 3 6Pa

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading

alculate first assuming high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid ρf 3 43

gt3 21(3 25 kPa

ax P ax I$P assues leak3 1696 kPa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 0

E 33 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 33 0 6Pa (assumes emt tubing)

E 33 6Pa

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 33 1 E 434 6Pa

Therefore strictl sea6ing -e should use a 6gm amp0 tubing but moreli6el 36gm tubing -ould be selected since the robabilit of such seere

collase loading is er lo-

alculate ne1t assuming lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 4 6Pa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 4 F 0

E 0 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 0 6Pa

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3584

reuired collase rating E 0 1 E 300 6Pa

Ce could select 25(-kg7 )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculation

ampeight in air 25( 21( 5( kg 525 kM

buoanc factor E

EE0

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 6ampE 4 6amp

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (4) ()

E 30 6amp

$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubing

comletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

40mm ( inch) 36gm 0 tubing meets all criteria for this te ofroduction 7is6 of gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing

bet-een 0 and J grades

Pac6ers

Pac$er unctions

A ac6er is a subsurface tool that roides a seal bet-een the tubing and

casingthereb reenting the ertical moement of fluids across this sealing oint

Pac6ers are used for the follo-ing reasons

9 to imroe safet b roiding a barrier to flo- through the annulus

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3684

9 to 6ee -ell fluids and ressures isolated from the casing

9 to imroe flo- conditions and reent heading

9 to searate +ones in the same -ellbore

9 to lace 6ill fluids or treating fluids in the casing annulus

9 to ac6 off erforations rather than use suee+e cementing

9 to 6ee gas lift or hdraulic o-er fluid in8ection ressure isolated from the

formation

9 to anchor the tubing

9 to install a casing um

9 to minimi+e heat losses b allo-ing the use of an emt annulus or thermal

insulator

9 to isolate a casing lea6 or lea6ing liner la

9 to facilitate temorar -ell serice oerations (eg stimulations suee+es)

Pac$er T+pes

There are man ac6er manufacturers some of -hom offer an e1tensie ariet ofac6ers -ith each differing to some degree from those of the other manufacturers

This rather be-ildering arra can ho-eer be groued into rincial classes or

tes and ma be further categori+ed b method of setting b direction of ressureacross the ac6er and b the number of bores through the ac6er

Pac6ers can be rimaril classified as either retrieable or ermanent or

ermanentretrieable or inflatable

)etrievable acers

This te of ac6er is run on the tubing ( ltigure )etrievable pacer )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3784

Figure 1

After setting it can be released and recoered from the -ell on the tubing ince it is

an integral art of the tubing string the tubing cannot be remoed from the -ell-ithout ulling the ac6er unless a detachable ac6er head is used

7etrieable ac6ers ma be designed to be set mechanicall or hdraulicallechanical setting methods include rotation of the tubing string recirocation of the

tubing string or the alication of tension or setdo-n -eight =ith mechanical

ac6ers the tubing is usuall set in comression

Hdraulic ac6ers are set b aling hdraulic ressure through the tubing stringbut once set the hold the set osition mechanicall The tubing is usuall in tension

7etrieable ac6ers are usuall used for comle1 multi+one and multistringcomletions Their main limitation -as in their limited abilit to accommodate tubing

stress changes -ithout unsettingD the aailabilit of effectie sli 8oints anddetachable heads has eased this situation An historical roblem -as failure of the

internal elastomer seals but this technolog also has imroed mar6edl in the lastdecade All metaltometal seal ac6ers are aailable but are e1ensie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3884

Lne disadantage of retrieable ac6ers is that if the fail to retriee the must beremoed b milling them out of the casing -ith an abrasie milling head and a

drillstring The are er difficult to mill Menerall this te of ac6er is used undernonseere conditions (differential ressures less than 000 si (344 Pa)

temeratures less than 300B lt (4B )

2ecause of the setting mechanism retrieable ac6ers tend to hae a restrictedbore comared -ith other ac6ers designed for the same casing si+e This factorma restrict flo- or limit -ireline oerations belo- the ac6er deth

ermanent acers

Permanent ac6ers are indeendent of the tubing and ma be run on tubing or on

-ireline ( ltigure and ltigure 3 )

Figure 2

The tubing can be released from the ac6er and can be ulled leaing the ac6er set

in the casing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3984

Figure 3

Tubing can subseuentl be run bac6 and resealed in the ac6er The ac6er ma

thus be considered an integral art of the casing It is sometimes called either aroduction ac6er or a retainerroduction ac6er

The ermanent ac6er cannot be recoered as such but it can be destructiel

remoed (eg b milling) ( ltigure 4 and ltigure )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4084

Figure 4

If the ac6er includes a tailie and must be recoered a millout e1tension is

needed on the ac6er for the ac6er ic6er or catch sleee on the mill to engageIn other cases it ma be adeuate to siml ush the ac6er to the bottom of the

casing after milling

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2284

buttress threads hae roen to be er reliable in the field the decision to use themore e1ensie remium seals reuires careful economic 8ustification In general

their alication has roen aluable in highl corrosie conditions in high ressuregas -ells or high ressurehigh ML7 oil -ells and in thermal -ells sub8ect to high

comressie loads The ma be used -here -or6oer costs are high (egoffshore) In general API tubulars are adeuate for differential ressures of less than

000 si (344 Pa) and temeratures of less than 300B lt (0B ) using hightemerature thread comound ltor corrosie conditions and continuous gas sericethe ressure limit is often reduced to 00 si ( Pa)

gt1ercises

)ilfield nits

The in 4 lbft J ampK tubing string in a 000ft oil -ell -as designed

based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional load -ould beimosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 00 si after the

-ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The -ell

roduces 30B API oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

SI nits

The 3mm ( in) 6gmm (4 lbft) J ampK tubing string in an 30moil -ell -as designed based on the tubing5s buoant -eight in -ater =hat additional

load is imosed on the tubing if a rod um -ere to be ressure tested to 3 Paafter the -ell had been oerating for some time and the annulus umed offQ The

-ell roduces 6gm3 oil (M 0) -ith no -ater

If coman olic dictates the use of a design factor of for 8oint strength can

this ressure test be safel carried outQ

olutions

)ilfield nits

=eight in air E 000 ft 1 4 E 3400 lb

2uoanc in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2384

Buoyant ampeight amphen run (gt x 65 ((9 lb

=ater gradient (M E ) E 0433 sift

Lil gradient (M E 0) E 0 1 0433 E 03 sift

IG of tubing E 44 in Ai E 40 in

=eight of oil in tubing E 000 1 03 1 40 E 04 lb

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell has been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 19gt2 (gt 5 gt93 19gt2 (gt 2(gt 51(2 lb

The API 8oint strength rating of in 4 lbft J nonuset tubing E 00lb

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor) E (00) ()E 4400 lb

Therefore the roosed loading e1ceeds the design secifications and a lea6 mightoccur during the test In fact the loading e1ceeds design secs een -ithout adding

the 00 si of -ellhead ressure (actual load 404 lb comared -ith an allo-ableof 4400 lb) Ho-eer using a 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions

ressure tests of u to 4 si -ould be ermissible

6293 1((3 19gt2 (gt pt gt93

Pt E 4 si

+ nits Ceight in air 1( x 5 16(5 kg 165 kM

2uoanc factor in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater E gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12Buoyant ampeight amphen run 165 x 65 1gt2 kM

=ater gradient (M E 0) E 4 6PamLil gradient (M E 0) 0 1 4 E 6Pam

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2484

IG of tubing E mm thus Ai E 30 1 l04 m

=eight of oil in tubing E (30 m) ( 6Pam) (30 1 03 m)E 44 6amp

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell had been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 gt6gt 165 (5 (1 x 1 -(3 gt6gt 165 156 22gt6 kM

8ro 8igure 1 the PI Aoint strength rating of 6(- 5 kg7 )-55 nonupset tubing is

629 lbs (222 kM3

Figure 1

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor)

(222715 2152 kM

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2584

$herefore the proposed loading exceeds the design specifications and a leak ight occur duringthe test In fact the loading exceeds design specifications een at ero ampellhead pressure actualload of gt6gt 165 216 kM copared ampith an alloampable load of 2152 kM3

Ho-eer using the 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions ressure tests

of u to 6Pa -ould be ermissible

216 pt (1 x l-gt3

t E 4 6Pa

2 )ilfield nits 12-ft hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubing

head pressure can be expectedN If the casing ampellhead and tubing are to be designed for asFueee kill at fracture propagation pressure 8PP3 amphat ampellhead pressure ampould be expected atthe start of the kill operationN Gse EFuation 1( for estiating the 8P3

13

+ units (99- hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubinghead pressure is expectedN

If the casing -ellhead and tubing are to be designed for a suee+e 6ill at fractureroagation ressure (ltPP) -hat -ellhead ressure -ould be e1ected at the start

of the 6ill oerationQ (Kse gtuation 3 for estimating the ltPM)

olutions

)ilfield nits

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure on

hydrocarbon-filled tubing

1125

External Packer fluid and eroannulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressure 1125

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2684

shut-in tubing pressure

Internal $ubing epty anddepressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight in Body 1(((

copletion fluid )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125

)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g of 0 E 04

At 000 ft assuming a hdrostatic gradient of 0433 sift the bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP 12 x gt(( 519 psiampith gas surface pressure 519 x 6gt6 I$P (1 psi

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be sift and using gtuation 3 to estimate

the fracture roagation ressure

E 0 sift

ltPP E 0 000 ft E 04 si

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the forationpropagation pressure inus the pressure due to the gas gradient

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2784

$IP 12 6163 - 519 - (13 62 psigore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP 12 6163 6gt6 9gt26 psi$herefore a 5 psi ampellhead should not be used een though the axiu closed-in tubinghead pressure is only about gt psi

SI nits

7eferring to Table 1

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g E 0 E 04

At 30 m assuming a normal hdrostatic ressure of 6Pa m bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP (99 65 (55 kPa

ampith gas surface pressure (55 6gt6 I$P 296 kPa

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be 6Pam and using gtuation 3 toestimate the fracture roagation ressure

E 6Pam

ltPP E 30 E 3 6Pa

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the foration propagation pressure inus the pressure due tothe gas gradient

THIP E (30 ) (30 0) E 0 6Pa

ore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP (99 19213 6gt6 gtgt(1 kPa

9gt Pa ampellhead should therefore be used

3hellip)ilfield nits

A 000ft -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 000 T2d using intubing encounters 0 ft of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of 3000 si =hat

rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight of tubing is to be

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2884

used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming that

Grade -eight lbft

Collapse

+trength psi

urst

+trength psi

Tensional

+trength 1 lb

Cost Coparison

)-55 155 gtgt gt1 ( cheapest

16 gt1 5(2 (2

-65 16 96 625 gt2( ost expensie

M- 16 92 66gt gtgt9 oderately expensie

2 ( 52gt

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 043 sift)

reseroir ressure 3000 si

6ill ressure 000 si aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 5 5 psi7ft3

If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure onhydrocarbon- filledtubing

1125

External Packer fluid and ero

annulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressureshut-in tubing pressure

1125

Internal $ubing epty and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2984

depressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight incopletion fluid

Body 1((( )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

Assume lie oil gradient is 03 sift

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at theac6er and the running tension

SI nits

A 30m -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 400 m3da of oil -ith l40mm ( inch) tubing encounters 0 m of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of

000 6Pa =hat rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight oftubing is to be used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming

that

Grade -eight

$gmm

Collapse

+trength

$Pa

urst

+trength

$Pa

Tensional

+trength

$amp

Cost Coparison

)-55 2(1 2655 ((19gt 1((gt cheapest

25( ((5( (99 1gt9(

-65 25( gt151 gt6 12 ost expensie

M- 25( gt(2 5((95 1gt oderately expensie

2 9 91gt 2((1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3084

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 40 6Pam)

reseroir ressure 000 6Pa

6ill ressure 000 6Pa aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 53 22(3 5 kPa7If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Assume lie oil gradient is 6Pam

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at the

ac6er and the running tensions

olution

)ilfield nits

I$P IBP - o 4

o ( psi7ft

under operating conditions I$P ( - ( 63 psi

under axiu conditions assuing gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 3000 E si

under 6ill conditions

8P 5 5

5 5 x 61 psi7ft

ltPP E 000 0

E 000 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3184

O BIP oil kill3

5 psieFuialent $P oil kill3

5 - ( x 6 2 psi

In the case of a gas kill

Iamp 2HIP(gas 6ill)

( 1 psi gt psi

eFuialent $P gas kill3

5gt x BP 5gt x gt (gt19 psi

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a ( psi ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a 5 psi ampellhead

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialent

to the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating

burst rating E ma1 THP design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 34 E 343 si

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading Calculation

alculate first assuming a high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid f 3 43 gt(53 63 (gt5 psi

ma1 HP E ma1 ITHP (assumes lea6)E si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 304E 0 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3284

ma1 collase load E 0 0 si (assumes emt tubing)E 0 si

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 0 1 si

E 30 si

$herefore strictly speaking ampe should use 2-lb7ft M- tubing although it is ore likely a l6-lb7ft ampould be selected since the probability is ery loamp that such seere collapse-loadingassuptions ampould proe true

alculate ne1t assuming a lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 00 si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 00 F 304 siE 34 si

ma1 collase load E 34 si

reuired collase rating E 34 E 443 si

Ce could select 16 lb7ft )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculations

ampeight in air C 4 16 lb7ft3 6 ft3 11 lb

buoyancy factor

625

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 000 lb

E 04000 lb

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (04000) () lb

16 lb$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3384

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubingcomletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

in 0lbft amp0 tubing meets all criteria for this te of roduction 7is6 of

gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing bet-een amp0 and J grades

SI nits

I$P IBP - ρo x 4

ρo 969 kPa7

under operating conditions I$P 26 - 969 x 21(3

92gt9 kPaunder axiu conditions gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 000 E 6Pa

under 6ill conditions

8P 53 22(3 5

53 22(3 5

19 kPa7

ltPP E (30) (00)

E 3400 6Pa

O BIP oil kill3 (gt kPa eFuialent $P oil kill3 (gt - 969 x 21(3

1929 kPa

In the case of a gas 6ill

Iamp 2HIP

(gas 6ill) E 000 F 000 6Pa

266 kPaeFuialent $P gas kill3 5gt x BP

5gt x 266 2(959 kPa

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a 26 Pa ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a (gt5 Pa ampellhead

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3484

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialentto the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating Calculation

burst rating E ma1 THP 1 design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 3 1

E 3 6Pa

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading

alculate first assuming high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid ρf 3 43

gt3 21(3 25 kPa

ax P ax I$P assues leak3 1696 kPa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 0

E 33 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 33 0 6Pa (assumes emt tubing)

E 33 6Pa

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 33 1 E 434 6Pa

Therefore strictl sea6ing -e should use a 6gm amp0 tubing but moreli6el 36gm tubing -ould be selected since the robabilit of such seere

collase loading is er lo-

alculate ne1t assuming lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 4 6Pa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 4 F 0

E 0 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 0 6Pa

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3584

reuired collase rating E 0 1 E 300 6Pa

Ce could select 25(-kg7 )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculation

ampeight in air 25( 21( 5( kg 525 kM

buoanc factor E

EE0

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 6ampE 4 6amp

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (4) ()

E 30 6amp

$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubing

comletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

40mm ( inch) 36gm 0 tubing meets all criteria for this te ofroduction 7is6 of gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing

bet-een 0 and J grades

Pac6ers

Pac$er unctions

A ac6er is a subsurface tool that roides a seal bet-een the tubing and

casingthereb reenting the ertical moement of fluids across this sealing oint

Pac6ers are used for the follo-ing reasons

9 to imroe safet b roiding a barrier to flo- through the annulus

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3684

9 to 6ee -ell fluids and ressures isolated from the casing

9 to imroe flo- conditions and reent heading

9 to searate +ones in the same -ellbore

9 to lace 6ill fluids or treating fluids in the casing annulus

9 to ac6 off erforations rather than use suee+e cementing

9 to 6ee gas lift or hdraulic o-er fluid in8ection ressure isolated from the

formation

9 to anchor the tubing

9 to install a casing um

9 to minimi+e heat losses b allo-ing the use of an emt annulus or thermal

insulator

9 to isolate a casing lea6 or lea6ing liner la

9 to facilitate temorar -ell serice oerations (eg stimulations suee+es)

Pac$er T+pes

There are man ac6er manufacturers some of -hom offer an e1tensie ariet ofac6ers -ith each differing to some degree from those of the other manufacturers

This rather be-ildering arra can ho-eer be groued into rincial classes or

tes and ma be further categori+ed b method of setting b direction of ressureacross the ac6er and b the number of bores through the ac6er

Pac6ers can be rimaril classified as either retrieable or ermanent or

ermanentretrieable or inflatable

)etrievable acers

This te of ac6er is run on the tubing ( ltigure )etrievable pacer )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3784

Figure 1

After setting it can be released and recoered from the -ell on the tubing ince it is

an integral art of the tubing string the tubing cannot be remoed from the -ell-ithout ulling the ac6er unless a detachable ac6er head is used

7etrieable ac6ers ma be designed to be set mechanicall or hdraulicallechanical setting methods include rotation of the tubing string recirocation of the

tubing string or the alication of tension or setdo-n -eight =ith mechanical

ac6ers the tubing is usuall set in comression

Hdraulic ac6ers are set b aling hdraulic ressure through the tubing stringbut once set the hold the set osition mechanicall The tubing is usuall in tension

7etrieable ac6ers are usuall used for comle1 multi+one and multistringcomletions Their main limitation -as in their limited abilit to accommodate tubing

stress changes -ithout unsettingD the aailabilit of effectie sli 8oints anddetachable heads has eased this situation An historical roblem -as failure of the

internal elastomer seals but this technolog also has imroed mar6edl in the lastdecade All metaltometal seal ac6ers are aailable but are e1ensie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3884

Lne disadantage of retrieable ac6ers is that if the fail to retriee the must beremoed b milling them out of the casing -ith an abrasie milling head and a

drillstring The are er difficult to mill Menerall this te of ac6er is used undernonseere conditions (differential ressures less than 000 si (344 Pa)

temeratures less than 300B lt (4B )

2ecause of the setting mechanism retrieable ac6ers tend to hae a restrictedbore comared -ith other ac6ers designed for the same casing si+e This factorma restrict flo- or limit -ireline oerations belo- the ac6er deth

ermanent acers

Permanent ac6ers are indeendent of the tubing and ma be run on tubing or on

-ireline ( ltigure and ltigure 3 )

Figure 2

The tubing can be released from the ac6er and can be ulled leaing the ac6er set

in the casing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3984

Figure 3

Tubing can subseuentl be run bac6 and resealed in the ac6er The ac6er ma

thus be considered an integral art of the casing It is sometimes called either aroduction ac6er or a retainerroduction ac6er

The ermanent ac6er cannot be recoered as such but it can be destructiel

remoed (eg b milling) ( ltigure 4 and ltigure )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4084

Figure 4

If the ac6er includes a tailie and must be recoered a millout e1tension is

needed on the ac6er for the ac6er ic6er or catch sleee on the mill to engageIn other cases it ma be adeuate to siml ush the ac6er to the bottom of the

casing after milling

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2384

Buoyant ampeight amphen run (gt x 65 ((9 lb

=ater gradient (M E ) E 0433 sift

Lil gradient (M E 0) E 0 1 0433 E 03 sift

IG of tubing E 44 in Ai E 40 in

=eight of oil in tubing E 000 1 03 1 40 E 04 lb

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell has been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 19gt2 (gt 5 gt93 19gt2 (gt 2(gt 51(2 lb

The API 8oint strength rating of in 4 lbft J nonuset tubing E 00lb

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor) E (00) ()E 4400 lb

Therefore the roosed loading e1ceeds the design secifications and a lea6 mightoccur during the test In fact the loading e1ceeds design secs een -ithout adding

the 00 si of -ellhead ressure (actual load 404 lb comared -ith an allo-ableof 4400 lb) Ho-eer using a 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions

ressure tests of u to 4 si -ould be ermissible

6293 1((3 19gt2 (gt pt gt93

Pt E 4 si

+ nits Ceight in air 1( x 5 16(5 kg 165 kM

2uoanc factor in -ater E E 0

(densit of -ater E gmccD densit of steel E gmccD use gtuation )

12Buoyant ampeight amphen run 165 x 65 1gt2 kM

=ater gradient (M E 0) E 4 6PamLil gradient (M E 0) 0 1 4 E 6Pam

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2484

IG of tubing E mm thus Ai E 30 1 l04 m

=eight of oil in tubing E (30 m) ( 6Pam) (30 1 03 m)E 44 6amp

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell had been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 gt6gt 165 (5 (1 x 1 -(3 gt6gt 165 156 22gt6 kM

8ro 8igure 1 the PI Aoint strength rating of 6(- 5 kg7 )-55 nonupset tubing is

629 lbs (222 kM3

Figure 1

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor)

(222715 2152 kM

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2584

$herefore the proposed loading exceeds the design specifications and a leak ight occur duringthe test In fact the loading exceeds design specifications een at ero ampellhead pressure actualload of gt6gt 165 216 kM copared ampith an alloampable load of 2152 kM3

Ho-eer using the 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions ressure tests

of u to 6Pa -ould be ermissible

216 pt (1 x l-gt3

t E 4 6Pa

2 )ilfield nits 12-ft hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubing

head pressure can be expectedN If the casing ampellhead and tubing are to be designed for asFueee kill at fracture propagation pressure 8PP3 amphat ampellhead pressure ampould be expected atthe start of the kill operationN Gse EFuation 1( for estiating the 8P3

13

+ units (99- hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubinghead pressure is expectedN

If the casing -ellhead and tubing are to be designed for a suee+e 6ill at fractureroagation ressure (ltPP) -hat -ellhead ressure -ould be e1ected at the start

of the 6ill oerationQ (Kse gtuation 3 for estimating the ltPM)

olutions

)ilfield nits

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure on

hydrocarbon-filled tubing

1125

External Packer fluid and eroannulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressure 1125

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2684

shut-in tubing pressure

Internal $ubing epty anddepressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight in Body 1(((

copletion fluid )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125

)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g of 0 E 04

At 000 ft assuming a hdrostatic gradient of 0433 sift the bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP 12 x gt(( 519 psiampith gas surface pressure 519 x 6gt6 I$P (1 psi

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be sift and using gtuation 3 to estimate

the fracture roagation ressure

E 0 sift

ltPP E 0 000 ft E 04 si

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the forationpropagation pressure inus the pressure due to the gas gradient

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2784

$IP 12 6163 - 519 - (13 62 psigore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP 12 6163 6gt6 9gt26 psi$herefore a 5 psi ampellhead should not be used een though the axiu closed-in tubinghead pressure is only about gt psi

SI nits

7eferring to Table 1

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g E 0 E 04

At 30 m assuming a normal hdrostatic ressure of 6Pa m bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP (99 65 (55 kPa

ampith gas surface pressure (55 6gt6 I$P 296 kPa

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be 6Pam and using gtuation 3 toestimate the fracture roagation ressure

E 6Pam

ltPP E 30 E 3 6Pa

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the foration propagation pressure inus the pressure due tothe gas gradient

THIP E (30 ) (30 0) E 0 6Pa

ore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP (99 19213 6gt6 gtgt(1 kPa

9gt Pa ampellhead should therefore be used

3hellip)ilfield nits

A 000ft -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 000 T2d using intubing encounters 0 ft of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of 3000 si =hat

rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight of tubing is to be

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2884

used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming that

Grade -eight lbft

Collapse

+trength psi

urst

+trength psi

Tensional

+trength 1 lb

Cost Coparison

)-55 155 gtgt gt1 ( cheapest

16 gt1 5(2 (2

-65 16 96 625 gt2( ost expensie

M- 16 92 66gt gtgt9 oderately expensie

2 ( 52gt

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 043 sift)

reseroir ressure 3000 si

6ill ressure 000 si aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 5 5 psi7ft3

If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure onhydrocarbon- filledtubing

1125

External Packer fluid and ero

annulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressureshut-in tubing pressure

1125

Internal $ubing epty and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2984

depressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight incopletion fluid

Body 1((( )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

Assume lie oil gradient is 03 sift

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at theac6er and the running tension

SI nits

A 30m -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 400 m3da of oil -ith l40mm ( inch) tubing encounters 0 m of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of

000 6Pa =hat rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight oftubing is to be used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming

that

Grade -eight

$gmm

Collapse

+trength

$Pa

urst

+trength

$Pa

Tensional

+trength

$amp

Cost Coparison

)-55 2(1 2655 ((19gt 1((gt cheapest

25( ((5( (99 1gt9(

-65 25( gt151 gt6 12 ost expensie

M- 25( gt(2 5((95 1gt oderately expensie

2 9 91gt 2((1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3084

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 40 6Pam)

reseroir ressure 000 6Pa

6ill ressure 000 6Pa aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 53 22(3 5 kPa7If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Assume lie oil gradient is 6Pam

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at the

ac6er and the running tensions

olution

)ilfield nits

I$P IBP - o 4

o ( psi7ft

under operating conditions I$P ( - ( 63 psi

under axiu conditions assuing gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 3000 E si

under 6ill conditions

8P 5 5

5 5 x 61 psi7ft

ltPP E 000 0

E 000 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3184

O BIP oil kill3

5 psieFuialent $P oil kill3

5 - ( x 6 2 psi

In the case of a gas kill

Iamp 2HIP(gas 6ill)

( 1 psi gt psi

eFuialent $P gas kill3

5gt x BP 5gt x gt (gt19 psi

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a ( psi ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a 5 psi ampellhead

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialent

to the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating

burst rating E ma1 THP design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 34 E 343 si

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading Calculation

alculate first assuming a high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid f 3 43 gt(53 63 (gt5 psi

ma1 HP E ma1 ITHP (assumes lea6)E si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 304E 0 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3284

ma1 collase load E 0 0 si (assumes emt tubing)E 0 si

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 0 1 si

E 30 si

$herefore strictly speaking ampe should use 2-lb7ft M- tubing although it is ore likely a l6-lb7ft ampould be selected since the probability is ery loamp that such seere collapse-loadingassuptions ampould proe true

alculate ne1t assuming a lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 00 si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 00 F 304 siE 34 si

ma1 collase load E 34 si

reuired collase rating E 34 E 443 si

Ce could select 16 lb7ft )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculations

ampeight in air C 4 16 lb7ft3 6 ft3 11 lb

buoyancy factor

625

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 000 lb

E 04000 lb

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (04000) () lb

16 lb$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3384

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubingcomletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

in 0lbft amp0 tubing meets all criteria for this te of roduction 7is6 of

gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing bet-een amp0 and J grades

SI nits

I$P IBP - ρo x 4

ρo 969 kPa7

under operating conditions I$P 26 - 969 x 21(3

92gt9 kPaunder axiu conditions gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 000 E 6Pa

under 6ill conditions

8P 53 22(3 5

53 22(3 5

19 kPa7

ltPP E (30) (00)

E 3400 6Pa

O BIP oil kill3 (gt kPa eFuialent $P oil kill3 (gt - 969 x 21(3

1929 kPa

In the case of a gas 6ill

Iamp 2HIP

(gas 6ill) E 000 F 000 6Pa

266 kPaeFuialent $P gas kill3 5gt x BP

5gt x 266 2(959 kPa

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a 26 Pa ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a (gt5 Pa ampellhead

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3484

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialentto the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating Calculation

burst rating E ma1 THP 1 design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 3 1

E 3 6Pa

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading

alculate first assuming high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid ρf 3 43

gt3 21(3 25 kPa

ax P ax I$P assues leak3 1696 kPa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 0

E 33 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 33 0 6Pa (assumes emt tubing)

E 33 6Pa

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 33 1 E 434 6Pa

Therefore strictl sea6ing -e should use a 6gm amp0 tubing but moreli6el 36gm tubing -ould be selected since the robabilit of such seere

collase loading is er lo-

alculate ne1t assuming lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 4 6Pa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 4 F 0

E 0 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 0 6Pa

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3584

reuired collase rating E 0 1 E 300 6Pa

Ce could select 25(-kg7 )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculation

ampeight in air 25( 21( 5( kg 525 kM

buoanc factor E

EE0

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 6ampE 4 6amp

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (4) ()

E 30 6amp

$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubing

comletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

40mm ( inch) 36gm 0 tubing meets all criteria for this te ofroduction 7is6 of gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing

bet-een 0 and J grades

Pac6ers

Pac$er unctions

A ac6er is a subsurface tool that roides a seal bet-een the tubing and

casingthereb reenting the ertical moement of fluids across this sealing oint

Pac6ers are used for the follo-ing reasons

9 to imroe safet b roiding a barrier to flo- through the annulus

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3684

9 to 6ee -ell fluids and ressures isolated from the casing

9 to imroe flo- conditions and reent heading

9 to searate +ones in the same -ellbore

9 to lace 6ill fluids or treating fluids in the casing annulus

9 to ac6 off erforations rather than use suee+e cementing

9 to 6ee gas lift or hdraulic o-er fluid in8ection ressure isolated from the

formation

9 to anchor the tubing

9 to install a casing um

9 to minimi+e heat losses b allo-ing the use of an emt annulus or thermal

insulator

9 to isolate a casing lea6 or lea6ing liner la

9 to facilitate temorar -ell serice oerations (eg stimulations suee+es)

Pac$er T+pes

There are man ac6er manufacturers some of -hom offer an e1tensie ariet ofac6ers -ith each differing to some degree from those of the other manufacturers

This rather be-ildering arra can ho-eer be groued into rincial classes or

tes and ma be further categori+ed b method of setting b direction of ressureacross the ac6er and b the number of bores through the ac6er

Pac6ers can be rimaril classified as either retrieable or ermanent or

ermanentretrieable or inflatable

)etrievable acers

This te of ac6er is run on the tubing ( ltigure )etrievable pacer )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3784

Figure 1

After setting it can be released and recoered from the -ell on the tubing ince it is

an integral art of the tubing string the tubing cannot be remoed from the -ell-ithout ulling the ac6er unless a detachable ac6er head is used

7etrieable ac6ers ma be designed to be set mechanicall or hdraulicallechanical setting methods include rotation of the tubing string recirocation of the

tubing string or the alication of tension or setdo-n -eight =ith mechanical

ac6ers the tubing is usuall set in comression

Hdraulic ac6ers are set b aling hdraulic ressure through the tubing stringbut once set the hold the set osition mechanicall The tubing is usuall in tension

7etrieable ac6ers are usuall used for comle1 multi+one and multistringcomletions Their main limitation -as in their limited abilit to accommodate tubing

stress changes -ithout unsettingD the aailabilit of effectie sli 8oints anddetachable heads has eased this situation An historical roblem -as failure of the

internal elastomer seals but this technolog also has imroed mar6edl in the lastdecade All metaltometal seal ac6ers are aailable but are e1ensie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3884

Lne disadantage of retrieable ac6ers is that if the fail to retriee the must beremoed b milling them out of the casing -ith an abrasie milling head and a

drillstring The are er difficult to mill Menerall this te of ac6er is used undernonseere conditions (differential ressures less than 000 si (344 Pa)

temeratures less than 300B lt (4B )

2ecause of the setting mechanism retrieable ac6ers tend to hae a restrictedbore comared -ith other ac6ers designed for the same casing si+e This factorma restrict flo- or limit -ireline oerations belo- the ac6er deth

ermanent acers

Permanent ac6ers are indeendent of the tubing and ma be run on tubing or on

-ireline ( ltigure and ltigure 3 )

Figure 2

The tubing can be released from the ac6er and can be ulled leaing the ac6er set

in the casing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3984

Figure 3

Tubing can subseuentl be run bac6 and resealed in the ac6er The ac6er ma

thus be considered an integral art of the casing It is sometimes called either aroduction ac6er or a retainerroduction ac6er

The ermanent ac6er cannot be recoered as such but it can be destructiel

remoed (eg b milling) ( ltigure 4 and ltigure )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4084

Figure 4

If the ac6er includes a tailie and must be recoered a millout e1tension is

needed on the ac6er for the ac6er ic6er or catch sleee on the mill to engageIn other cases it ma be adeuate to siml ush the ac6er to the bottom of the

casing after milling

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2484

IG of tubing E mm thus Ai E 30 1 l04 m

=eight of oil in tubing E (30 m) ( 6Pam) (30 1 03 m)E 44 6amp

Total alied tensile force at the surface after -ell had been umed off euals

Ceight of oil ampeight of tubing in dry casing applied pressure x area of tubing I4 gt6gt 165 (5 (1 x 1 -(3 gt6gt 165 156 22gt6 kM

8ro 8igure 1 the PI Aoint strength rating of 6(- 5 kg7 )-55 nonupset tubing is

629 lbs (222 kM3

Figure 1

If a design factor of for 8oint strength is dictated b coman olic the

allo-able tensile loading (-ith design factor)

(222715 2152 kM

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2584

$herefore the proposed loading exceeds the design specifications and a leak ight occur duringthe test In fact the loading exceeds design specifications een at ero ampellhead pressure actualload of gt6gt 165 216 kM copared ampith an alloampable load of 2152 kM3

Ho-eer using the 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions ressure tests

of u to 6Pa -ould be ermissible

216 pt (1 x l-gt3

t E 4 6Pa

2 )ilfield nits 12-ft hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubing

head pressure can be expectedN If the casing ampellhead and tubing are to be designed for asFueee kill at fracture propagation pressure 8PP3 amphat ampellhead pressure ampould be expected atthe start of the kill operationN Gse EFuation 1( for estiating the 8P3

13

+ units (99- hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubinghead pressure is expectedN

If the casing -ellhead and tubing are to be designed for a suee+e 6ill at fractureroagation ressure (ltPP) -hat -ellhead ressure -ould be e1ected at the start

of the 6ill oerationQ (Kse gtuation 3 for estimating the ltPM)

olutions

)ilfield nits

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure on

hydrocarbon-filled tubing

1125

External Packer fluid and eroannulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressure 1125

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2684

shut-in tubing pressure

Internal $ubing epty anddepressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight in Body 1(((

copletion fluid )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125

)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g of 0 E 04

At 000 ft assuming a hdrostatic gradient of 0433 sift the bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP 12 x gt(( 519 psiampith gas surface pressure 519 x 6gt6 I$P (1 psi

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be sift and using gtuation 3 to estimate

the fracture roagation ressure

E 0 sift

ltPP E 0 000 ft E 04 si

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the forationpropagation pressure inus the pressure due to the gas gradient

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2784

$IP 12 6163 - 519 - (13 62 psigore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP 12 6163 6gt6 9gt26 psi$herefore a 5 psi ampellhead should not be used een though the axiu closed-in tubinghead pressure is only about gt psi

SI nits

7eferring to Table 1

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g E 0 E 04

At 30 m assuming a normal hdrostatic ressure of 6Pa m bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP (99 65 (55 kPa

ampith gas surface pressure (55 6gt6 I$P 296 kPa

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be 6Pam and using gtuation 3 toestimate the fracture roagation ressure

E 6Pam

ltPP E 30 E 3 6Pa

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the foration propagation pressure inus the pressure due tothe gas gradient

THIP E (30 ) (30 0) E 0 6Pa

ore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP (99 19213 6gt6 gtgt(1 kPa

9gt Pa ampellhead should therefore be used

3hellip)ilfield nits

A 000ft -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 000 T2d using intubing encounters 0 ft of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of 3000 si =hat

rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight of tubing is to be

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2884

used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming that

Grade -eight lbft

Collapse

+trength psi

urst

+trength psi

Tensional

+trength 1 lb

Cost Coparison

)-55 155 gtgt gt1 ( cheapest

16 gt1 5(2 (2

-65 16 96 625 gt2( ost expensie

M- 16 92 66gt gtgt9 oderately expensie

2 ( 52gt

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 043 sift)

reseroir ressure 3000 si

6ill ressure 000 si aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 5 5 psi7ft3

If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure onhydrocarbon- filledtubing

1125

External Packer fluid and ero

annulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressureshut-in tubing pressure

1125

Internal $ubing epty and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2984

depressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight incopletion fluid

Body 1((( )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

Assume lie oil gradient is 03 sift

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at theac6er and the running tension

SI nits

A 30m -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 400 m3da of oil -ith l40mm ( inch) tubing encounters 0 m of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of

000 6Pa =hat rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight oftubing is to be used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming

that

Grade -eight

$gmm

Collapse

+trength

$Pa

urst

+trength

$Pa

Tensional

+trength

$amp

Cost Coparison

)-55 2(1 2655 ((19gt 1((gt cheapest

25( ((5( (99 1gt9(

-65 25( gt151 gt6 12 ost expensie

M- 25( gt(2 5((95 1gt oderately expensie

2 9 91gt 2((1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3084

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 40 6Pam)

reseroir ressure 000 6Pa

6ill ressure 000 6Pa aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 53 22(3 5 kPa7If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Assume lie oil gradient is 6Pam

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at the

ac6er and the running tensions

olution

)ilfield nits

I$P IBP - o 4

o ( psi7ft

under operating conditions I$P ( - ( 63 psi

under axiu conditions assuing gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 3000 E si

under 6ill conditions

8P 5 5

5 5 x 61 psi7ft

ltPP E 000 0

E 000 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3184

O BIP oil kill3

5 psieFuialent $P oil kill3

5 - ( x 6 2 psi

In the case of a gas kill

Iamp 2HIP(gas 6ill)

( 1 psi gt psi

eFuialent $P gas kill3

5gt x BP 5gt x gt (gt19 psi

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a ( psi ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a 5 psi ampellhead

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialent

to the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating

burst rating E ma1 THP design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 34 E 343 si

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading Calculation

alculate first assuming a high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid f 3 43 gt(53 63 (gt5 psi

ma1 HP E ma1 ITHP (assumes lea6)E si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 304E 0 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3284

ma1 collase load E 0 0 si (assumes emt tubing)E 0 si

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 0 1 si

E 30 si

$herefore strictly speaking ampe should use 2-lb7ft M- tubing although it is ore likely a l6-lb7ft ampould be selected since the probability is ery loamp that such seere collapse-loadingassuptions ampould proe true

alculate ne1t assuming a lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 00 si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 00 F 304 siE 34 si

ma1 collase load E 34 si

reuired collase rating E 34 E 443 si

Ce could select 16 lb7ft )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculations

ampeight in air C 4 16 lb7ft3 6 ft3 11 lb

buoyancy factor

625

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 000 lb

E 04000 lb

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (04000) () lb

16 lb$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3384

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubingcomletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

in 0lbft amp0 tubing meets all criteria for this te of roduction 7is6 of

gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing bet-een amp0 and J grades

SI nits

I$P IBP - ρo x 4

ρo 969 kPa7

under operating conditions I$P 26 - 969 x 21(3

92gt9 kPaunder axiu conditions gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 000 E 6Pa

under 6ill conditions

8P 53 22(3 5

53 22(3 5

19 kPa7

ltPP E (30) (00)

E 3400 6Pa

O BIP oil kill3 (gt kPa eFuialent $P oil kill3 (gt - 969 x 21(3

1929 kPa

In the case of a gas 6ill

Iamp 2HIP

(gas 6ill) E 000 F 000 6Pa

266 kPaeFuialent $P gas kill3 5gt x BP

5gt x 266 2(959 kPa

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a 26 Pa ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a (gt5 Pa ampellhead

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3484

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialentto the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating Calculation

burst rating E ma1 THP 1 design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 3 1

E 3 6Pa

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading

alculate first assuming high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid ρf 3 43

gt3 21(3 25 kPa

ax P ax I$P assues leak3 1696 kPa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 0

E 33 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 33 0 6Pa (assumes emt tubing)

E 33 6Pa

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 33 1 E 434 6Pa

Therefore strictl sea6ing -e should use a 6gm amp0 tubing but moreli6el 36gm tubing -ould be selected since the robabilit of such seere

collase loading is er lo-

alculate ne1t assuming lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 4 6Pa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 4 F 0

E 0 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 0 6Pa

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3584

reuired collase rating E 0 1 E 300 6Pa

Ce could select 25(-kg7 )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculation

ampeight in air 25( 21( 5( kg 525 kM

buoanc factor E

EE0

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 6ampE 4 6amp

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (4) ()

E 30 6amp

$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubing

comletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

40mm ( inch) 36gm 0 tubing meets all criteria for this te ofroduction 7is6 of gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing

bet-een 0 and J grades

Pac6ers

Pac$er unctions

A ac6er is a subsurface tool that roides a seal bet-een the tubing and

casingthereb reenting the ertical moement of fluids across this sealing oint

Pac6ers are used for the follo-ing reasons

9 to imroe safet b roiding a barrier to flo- through the annulus

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3684

9 to 6ee -ell fluids and ressures isolated from the casing

9 to imroe flo- conditions and reent heading

9 to searate +ones in the same -ellbore

9 to lace 6ill fluids or treating fluids in the casing annulus

9 to ac6 off erforations rather than use suee+e cementing

9 to 6ee gas lift or hdraulic o-er fluid in8ection ressure isolated from the

formation

9 to anchor the tubing

9 to install a casing um

9 to minimi+e heat losses b allo-ing the use of an emt annulus or thermal

insulator

9 to isolate a casing lea6 or lea6ing liner la

9 to facilitate temorar -ell serice oerations (eg stimulations suee+es)

Pac$er T+pes

There are man ac6er manufacturers some of -hom offer an e1tensie ariet ofac6ers -ith each differing to some degree from those of the other manufacturers

This rather be-ildering arra can ho-eer be groued into rincial classes or

tes and ma be further categori+ed b method of setting b direction of ressureacross the ac6er and b the number of bores through the ac6er

Pac6ers can be rimaril classified as either retrieable or ermanent or

ermanentretrieable or inflatable

)etrievable acers

This te of ac6er is run on the tubing ( ltigure )etrievable pacer )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3784

Figure 1

After setting it can be released and recoered from the -ell on the tubing ince it is

an integral art of the tubing string the tubing cannot be remoed from the -ell-ithout ulling the ac6er unless a detachable ac6er head is used

7etrieable ac6ers ma be designed to be set mechanicall or hdraulicallechanical setting methods include rotation of the tubing string recirocation of the

tubing string or the alication of tension or setdo-n -eight =ith mechanical

ac6ers the tubing is usuall set in comression

Hdraulic ac6ers are set b aling hdraulic ressure through the tubing stringbut once set the hold the set osition mechanicall The tubing is usuall in tension

7etrieable ac6ers are usuall used for comle1 multi+one and multistringcomletions Their main limitation -as in their limited abilit to accommodate tubing

stress changes -ithout unsettingD the aailabilit of effectie sli 8oints anddetachable heads has eased this situation An historical roblem -as failure of the

internal elastomer seals but this technolog also has imroed mar6edl in the lastdecade All metaltometal seal ac6ers are aailable but are e1ensie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3884

Lne disadantage of retrieable ac6ers is that if the fail to retriee the must beremoed b milling them out of the casing -ith an abrasie milling head and a

drillstring The are er difficult to mill Menerall this te of ac6er is used undernonseere conditions (differential ressures less than 000 si (344 Pa)

temeratures less than 300B lt (4B )

2ecause of the setting mechanism retrieable ac6ers tend to hae a restrictedbore comared -ith other ac6ers designed for the same casing si+e This factorma restrict flo- or limit -ireline oerations belo- the ac6er deth

ermanent acers

Permanent ac6ers are indeendent of the tubing and ma be run on tubing or on

-ireline ( ltigure and ltigure 3 )

Figure 2

The tubing can be released from the ac6er and can be ulled leaing the ac6er set

in the casing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3984

Figure 3

Tubing can subseuentl be run bac6 and resealed in the ac6er The ac6er ma

thus be considered an integral art of the casing It is sometimes called either aroduction ac6er or a retainerroduction ac6er

The ermanent ac6er cannot be recoered as such but it can be destructiel

remoed (eg b milling) ( ltigure 4 and ltigure )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4084

Figure 4

If the ac6er includes a tailie and must be recoered a millout e1tension is

needed on the ac6er for the ac6er ic6er or catch sleee on the mill to engageIn other cases it ma be adeuate to siml ush the ac6er to the bottom of the

casing after milling

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2584

$herefore the proposed loading exceeds the design specifications and a leak ight occur duringthe test In fact the loading exceeds design specifications een at ero ampellhead pressure actualload of gt6gt 165 216 kM copared ampith an alloampable load of 2152 kM3

Ho-eer using the 33 design factor for oerating loading conditions ressure tests

of u to 6Pa -ould be ermissible

216 pt (1 x l-gt3

t E 4 6Pa

2 )ilfield nits 12-ft hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubing

head pressure can be expectedN If the casing ampellhead and tubing are to be designed for asFueee kill at fracture propagation pressure 8PP3 amphat ampellhead pressure ampould be expected atthe start of the kill operationN Gse EFuation 1( for estiating the 8P3

13

+ units (99- hydrostatically pressured gas ampell γ g 63 is to be copleted Chat closed-in tubinghead pressure is expectedN

If the casing -ellhead and tubing are to be designed for a suee+e 6ill at fractureroagation ressure (ltPP) -hat -ellhead ressure -ould be e1ected at the start

of the 6ill oerationQ (Kse gtuation 3 for estimating the ltPM)

olutions

)ilfield nits

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure on

hydrocarbon-filled tubing

1125

External Packer fluid and eroannulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressure 1125

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2684

shut-in tubing pressure

Internal $ubing epty anddepressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight in Body 1(((

copletion fluid )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125

)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g of 0 E 04

At 000 ft assuming a hdrostatic gradient of 0433 sift the bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP 12 x gt(( 519 psiampith gas surface pressure 519 x 6gt6 I$P (1 psi

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be sift and using gtuation 3 to estimate

the fracture roagation ressure

E 0 sift

ltPP E 0 000 ft E 04 si

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the forationpropagation pressure inus the pressure due to the gas gradient

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2784

$IP 12 6163 - 519 - (13 62 psigore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP 12 6163 6gt6 9gt26 psi$herefore a 5 psi ampellhead should not be used een though the axiu closed-in tubinghead pressure is only about gt psi

SI nits

7eferring to Table 1

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g E 0 E 04

At 30 m assuming a normal hdrostatic ressure of 6Pa m bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP (99 65 (55 kPa

ampith gas surface pressure (55 6gt6 I$P 296 kPa

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be 6Pam and using gtuation 3 toestimate the fracture roagation ressure

E 6Pam

ltPP E 30 E 3 6Pa

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the foration propagation pressure inus the pressure due tothe gas gradient

THIP E (30 ) (30 0) E 0 6Pa

ore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP (99 19213 6gt6 gtgt(1 kPa

9gt Pa ampellhead should therefore be used

3hellip)ilfield nits

A 000ft -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 000 T2d using intubing encounters 0 ft of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of 3000 si =hat

rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight of tubing is to be

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2884

used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming that

Grade -eight lbft

Collapse

+trength psi

urst

+trength psi

Tensional

+trength 1 lb

Cost Coparison

)-55 155 gtgt gt1 ( cheapest

16 gt1 5(2 (2

-65 16 96 625 gt2( ost expensie

M- 16 92 66gt gtgt9 oderately expensie

2 ( 52gt

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 043 sift)

reseroir ressure 3000 si

6ill ressure 000 si aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 5 5 psi7ft3

If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure onhydrocarbon- filledtubing

1125

External Packer fluid and ero

annulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressureshut-in tubing pressure

1125

Internal $ubing epty and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2984

depressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight incopletion fluid

Body 1((( )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

Assume lie oil gradient is 03 sift

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at theac6er and the running tension

SI nits

A 30m -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 400 m3da of oil -ith l40mm ( inch) tubing encounters 0 m of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of

000 6Pa =hat rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight oftubing is to be used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming

that

Grade -eight

$gmm

Collapse

+trength

$Pa

urst

+trength

$Pa

Tensional

+trength

$amp

Cost Coparison

)-55 2(1 2655 ((19gt 1((gt cheapest

25( ((5( (99 1gt9(

-65 25( gt151 gt6 12 ost expensie

M- 25( gt(2 5((95 1gt oderately expensie

2 9 91gt 2((1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3084

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 40 6Pam)

reseroir ressure 000 6Pa

6ill ressure 000 6Pa aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 53 22(3 5 kPa7If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Assume lie oil gradient is 6Pam

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at the

ac6er and the running tensions

olution

)ilfield nits

I$P IBP - o 4

o ( psi7ft

under operating conditions I$P ( - ( 63 psi

under axiu conditions assuing gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 3000 E si

under 6ill conditions

8P 5 5

5 5 x 61 psi7ft

ltPP E 000 0

E 000 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3184

O BIP oil kill3

5 psieFuialent $P oil kill3

5 - ( x 6 2 psi

In the case of a gas kill

Iamp 2HIP(gas 6ill)

( 1 psi gt psi

eFuialent $P gas kill3

5gt x BP 5gt x gt (gt19 psi

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a ( psi ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a 5 psi ampellhead

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialent

to the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating

burst rating E ma1 THP design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 34 E 343 si

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading Calculation

alculate first assuming a high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid f 3 43 gt(53 63 (gt5 psi

ma1 HP E ma1 ITHP (assumes lea6)E si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 304E 0 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3284

ma1 collase load E 0 0 si (assumes emt tubing)E 0 si

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 0 1 si

E 30 si

$herefore strictly speaking ampe should use 2-lb7ft M- tubing although it is ore likely a l6-lb7ft ampould be selected since the probability is ery loamp that such seere collapse-loadingassuptions ampould proe true

alculate ne1t assuming a lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 00 si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 00 F 304 siE 34 si

ma1 collase load E 34 si

reuired collase rating E 34 E 443 si

Ce could select 16 lb7ft )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculations

ampeight in air C 4 16 lb7ft3 6 ft3 11 lb

buoyancy factor

625

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 000 lb

E 04000 lb

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (04000) () lb

16 lb$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3384

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubingcomletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

in 0lbft amp0 tubing meets all criteria for this te of roduction 7is6 of

gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing bet-een amp0 and J grades

SI nits

I$P IBP - ρo x 4

ρo 969 kPa7

under operating conditions I$P 26 - 969 x 21(3

92gt9 kPaunder axiu conditions gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 000 E 6Pa

under 6ill conditions

8P 53 22(3 5

53 22(3 5

19 kPa7

ltPP E (30) (00)

E 3400 6Pa

O BIP oil kill3 (gt kPa eFuialent $P oil kill3 (gt - 969 x 21(3

1929 kPa

In the case of a gas 6ill

Iamp 2HIP

(gas 6ill) E 000 F 000 6Pa

266 kPaeFuialent $P gas kill3 5gt x BP

5gt x 266 2(959 kPa

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a 26 Pa ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a (gt5 Pa ampellhead

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3484

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialentto the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating Calculation

burst rating E ma1 THP 1 design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 3 1

E 3 6Pa

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading

alculate first assuming high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid ρf 3 43

gt3 21(3 25 kPa

ax P ax I$P assues leak3 1696 kPa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 0

E 33 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 33 0 6Pa (assumes emt tubing)

E 33 6Pa

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 33 1 E 434 6Pa

Therefore strictl sea6ing -e should use a 6gm amp0 tubing but moreli6el 36gm tubing -ould be selected since the robabilit of such seere

collase loading is er lo-

alculate ne1t assuming lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 4 6Pa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 4 F 0

E 0 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 0 6Pa

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3584

reuired collase rating E 0 1 E 300 6Pa

Ce could select 25(-kg7 )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculation

ampeight in air 25( 21( 5( kg 525 kM

buoanc factor E

EE0

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 6ampE 4 6amp

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (4) ()

E 30 6amp

$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubing

comletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

40mm ( inch) 36gm 0 tubing meets all criteria for this te ofroduction 7is6 of gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing

bet-een 0 and J grades

Pac6ers

Pac$er unctions

A ac6er is a subsurface tool that roides a seal bet-een the tubing and

casingthereb reenting the ertical moement of fluids across this sealing oint

Pac6ers are used for the follo-ing reasons

9 to imroe safet b roiding a barrier to flo- through the annulus

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3684

9 to 6ee -ell fluids and ressures isolated from the casing

9 to imroe flo- conditions and reent heading

9 to searate +ones in the same -ellbore

9 to lace 6ill fluids or treating fluids in the casing annulus

9 to ac6 off erforations rather than use suee+e cementing

9 to 6ee gas lift or hdraulic o-er fluid in8ection ressure isolated from the

formation

9 to anchor the tubing

9 to install a casing um

9 to minimi+e heat losses b allo-ing the use of an emt annulus or thermal

insulator

9 to isolate a casing lea6 or lea6ing liner la

9 to facilitate temorar -ell serice oerations (eg stimulations suee+es)

Pac$er T+pes

There are man ac6er manufacturers some of -hom offer an e1tensie ariet ofac6ers -ith each differing to some degree from those of the other manufacturers

This rather be-ildering arra can ho-eer be groued into rincial classes or

tes and ma be further categori+ed b method of setting b direction of ressureacross the ac6er and b the number of bores through the ac6er

Pac6ers can be rimaril classified as either retrieable or ermanent or

ermanentretrieable or inflatable

)etrievable acers

This te of ac6er is run on the tubing ( ltigure )etrievable pacer )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3784

Figure 1

After setting it can be released and recoered from the -ell on the tubing ince it is

an integral art of the tubing string the tubing cannot be remoed from the -ell-ithout ulling the ac6er unless a detachable ac6er head is used

7etrieable ac6ers ma be designed to be set mechanicall or hdraulicallechanical setting methods include rotation of the tubing string recirocation of the

tubing string or the alication of tension or setdo-n -eight =ith mechanical

ac6ers the tubing is usuall set in comression

Hdraulic ac6ers are set b aling hdraulic ressure through the tubing stringbut once set the hold the set osition mechanicall The tubing is usuall in tension

7etrieable ac6ers are usuall used for comle1 multi+one and multistringcomletions Their main limitation -as in their limited abilit to accommodate tubing

stress changes -ithout unsettingD the aailabilit of effectie sli 8oints anddetachable heads has eased this situation An historical roblem -as failure of the

internal elastomer seals but this technolog also has imroed mar6edl in the lastdecade All metaltometal seal ac6ers are aailable but are e1ensie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3884

Lne disadantage of retrieable ac6ers is that if the fail to retriee the must beremoed b milling them out of the casing -ith an abrasie milling head and a

drillstring The are er difficult to mill Menerall this te of ac6er is used undernonseere conditions (differential ressures less than 000 si (344 Pa)

temeratures less than 300B lt (4B )

2ecause of the setting mechanism retrieable ac6ers tend to hae a restrictedbore comared -ith other ac6ers designed for the same casing si+e This factorma restrict flo- or limit -ireline oerations belo- the ac6er deth

ermanent acers

Permanent ac6ers are indeendent of the tubing and ma be run on tubing or on

-ireline ( ltigure and ltigure 3 )

Figure 2

The tubing can be released from the ac6er and can be ulled leaing the ac6er set

in the casing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3984

Figure 3

Tubing can subseuentl be run bac6 and resealed in the ac6er The ac6er ma

thus be considered an integral art of the casing It is sometimes called either aroduction ac6er or a retainerroduction ac6er

The ermanent ac6er cannot be recoered as such but it can be destructiel

remoed (eg b milling) ( ltigure 4 and ltigure )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4084

Figure 4

If the ac6er includes a tailie and must be recoered a millout e1tension is

needed on the ac6er for the ac6er ic6er or catch sleee on the mill to engageIn other cases it ma be adeuate to siml ush the ac6er to the bottom of the

casing after milling

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2684

shut-in tubing pressure

Internal $ubing epty anddepressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight in Body 1(((

copletion fluid )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125

)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g of 0 E 04

At 000 ft assuming a hdrostatic gradient of 0433 sift the bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP 12 x gt(( 519 psiampith gas surface pressure 519 x 6gt6 I$P (1 psi

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be sift and using gtuation 3 to estimate

the fracture roagation ressure

E 0 sift

ltPP E 0 000 ft E 04 si

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the forationpropagation pressure inus the pressure due to the gas gradient

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2784

$IP 12 6163 - 519 - (13 62 psigore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP 12 6163 6gt6 9gt26 psi$herefore a 5 psi ampellhead should not be used een though the axiu closed-in tubinghead pressure is only about gt psi

SI nits

7eferring to Table 1

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g E 0 E 04

At 30 m assuming a normal hdrostatic ressure of 6Pa m bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP (99 65 (55 kPa

ampith gas surface pressure (55 6gt6 I$P 296 kPa

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be 6Pam and using gtuation 3 toestimate the fracture roagation ressure

E 6Pam

ltPP E 30 E 3 6Pa

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the foration propagation pressure inus the pressure due tothe gas gradient

THIP E (30 ) (30 0) E 0 6Pa

ore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP (99 19213 6gt6 gtgt(1 kPa

9gt Pa ampellhead should therefore be used

3hellip)ilfield nits

A 000ft -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 000 T2d using intubing encounters 0 ft of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of 3000 si =hat

rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight of tubing is to be

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2884

used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming that

Grade -eight lbft

Collapse

+trength psi

urst

+trength psi

Tensional

+trength 1 lb

Cost Coparison

)-55 155 gtgt gt1 ( cheapest

16 gt1 5(2 (2

-65 16 96 625 gt2( ost expensie

M- 16 92 66gt gtgt9 oderately expensie

2 ( 52gt

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 043 sift)

reseroir ressure 3000 si

6ill ressure 000 si aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 5 5 psi7ft3

If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure onhydrocarbon- filledtubing

1125

External Packer fluid and ero

annulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressureshut-in tubing pressure

1125

Internal $ubing epty and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2984

depressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight incopletion fluid

Body 1((( )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

Assume lie oil gradient is 03 sift

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at theac6er and the running tension

SI nits

A 30m -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 400 m3da of oil -ith l40mm ( inch) tubing encounters 0 m of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of

000 6Pa =hat rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight oftubing is to be used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming

that

Grade -eight

$gmm

Collapse

+trength

$Pa

urst

+trength

$Pa

Tensional

+trength

$amp

Cost Coparison

)-55 2(1 2655 ((19gt 1((gt cheapest

25( ((5( (99 1gt9(

-65 25( gt151 gt6 12 ost expensie

M- 25( gt(2 5((95 1gt oderately expensie

2 9 91gt 2((1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3084

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 40 6Pam)

reseroir ressure 000 6Pa

6ill ressure 000 6Pa aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 53 22(3 5 kPa7If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Assume lie oil gradient is 6Pam

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at the

ac6er and the running tensions

olution

)ilfield nits

I$P IBP - o 4

o ( psi7ft

under operating conditions I$P ( - ( 63 psi

under axiu conditions assuing gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 3000 E si

under 6ill conditions

8P 5 5

5 5 x 61 psi7ft

ltPP E 000 0

E 000 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3184

O BIP oil kill3

5 psieFuialent $P oil kill3

5 - ( x 6 2 psi

In the case of a gas kill

Iamp 2HIP(gas 6ill)

( 1 psi gt psi

eFuialent $P gas kill3

5gt x BP 5gt x gt (gt19 psi

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a ( psi ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a 5 psi ampellhead

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialent

to the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating

burst rating E ma1 THP design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 34 E 343 si

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading Calculation

alculate first assuming a high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid f 3 43 gt(53 63 (gt5 psi

ma1 HP E ma1 ITHP (assumes lea6)E si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 304E 0 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3284

ma1 collase load E 0 0 si (assumes emt tubing)E 0 si

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 0 1 si

E 30 si

$herefore strictly speaking ampe should use 2-lb7ft M- tubing although it is ore likely a l6-lb7ft ampould be selected since the probability is ery loamp that such seere collapse-loadingassuptions ampould proe true

alculate ne1t assuming a lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 00 si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 00 F 304 siE 34 si

ma1 collase load E 34 si

reuired collase rating E 34 E 443 si

Ce could select 16 lb7ft )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculations

ampeight in air C 4 16 lb7ft3 6 ft3 11 lb

buoyancy factor

625

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 000 lb

E 04000 lb

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (04000) () lb

16 lb$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3384

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubingcomletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

in 0lbft amp0 tubing meets all criteria for this te of roduction 7is6 of

gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing bet-een amp0 and J grades

SI nits

I$P IBP - ρo x 4

ρo 969 kPa7

under operating conditions I$P 26 - 969 x 21(3

92gt9 kPaunder axiu conditions gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 000 E 6Pa

under 6ill conditions

8P 53 22(3 5

53 22(3 5

19 kPa7

ltPP E (30) (00)

E 3400 6Pa

O BIP oil kill3 (gt kPa eFuialent $P oil kill3 (gt - 969 x 21(3

1929 kPa

In the case of a gas 6ill

Iamp 2HIP

(gas 6ill) E 000 F 000 6Pa

266 kPaeFuialent $P gas kill3 5gt x BP

5gt x 266 2(959 kPa

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a 26 Pa ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a (gt5 Pa ampellhead

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3484

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialentto the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating Calculation

burst rating E ma1 THP 1 design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 3 1

E 3 6Pa

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading

alculate first assuming high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid ρf 3 43

gt3 21(3 25 kPa

ax P ax I$P assues leak3 1696 kPa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 0

E 33 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 33 0 6Pa (assumes emt tubing)

E 33 6Pa

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 33 1 E 434 6Pa

Therefore strictl sea6ing -e should use a 6gm amp0 tubing but moreli6el 36gm tubing -ould be selected since the robabilit of such seere

collase loading is er lo-

alculate ne1t assuming lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 4 6Pa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 4 F 0

E 0 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 0 6Pa

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3584

reuired collase rating E 0 1 E 300 6Pa

Ce could select 25(-kg7 )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculation

ampeight in air 25( 21( 5( kg 525 kM

buoanc factor E

EE0

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 6ampE 4 6amp

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (4) ()

E 30 6amp

$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubing

comletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

40mm ( inch) 36gm 0 tubing meets all criteria for this te ofroduction 7is6 of gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing

bet-een 0 and J grades

Pac6ers

Pac$er unctions

A ac6er is a subsurface tool that roides a seal bet-een the tubing and

casingthereb reenting the ertical moement of fluids across this sealing oint

Pac6ers are used for the follo-ing reasons

9 to imroe safet b roiding a barrier to flo- through the annulus

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3684

9 to 6ee -ell fluids and ressures isolated from the casing

9 to imroe flo- conditions and reent heading

9 to searate +ones in the same -ellbore

9 to lace 6ill fluids or treating fluids in the casing annulus

9 to ac6 off erforations rather than use suee+e cementing

9 to 6ee gas lift or hdraulic o-er fluid in8ection ressure isolated from the

formation

9 to anchor the tubing

9 to install a casing um

9 to minimi+e heat losses b allo-ing the use of an emt annulus or thermal

insulator

9 to isolate a casing lea6 or lea6ing liner la

9 to facilitate temorar -ell serice oerations (eg stimulations suee+es)

Pac$er T+pes

There are man ac6er manufacturers some of -hom offer an e1tensie ariet ofac6ers -ith each differing to some degree from those of the other manufacturers

This rather be-ildering arra can ho-eer be groued into rincial classes or

tes and ma be further categori+ed b method of setting b direction of ressureacross the ac6er and b the number of bores through the ac6er

Pac6ers can be rimaril classified as either retrieable or ermanent or

ermanentretrieable or inflatable

)etrievable acers

This te of ac6er is run on the tubing ( ltigure )etrievable pacer )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3784

Figure 1

After setting it can be released and recoered from the -ell on the tubing ince it is

an integral art of the tubing string the tubing cannot be remoed from the -ell-ithout ulling the ac6er unless a detachable ac6er head is used

7etrieable ac6ers ma be designed to be set mechanicall or hdraulicallechanical setting methods include rotation of the tubing string recirocation of the

tubing string or the alication of tension or setdo-n -eight =ith mechanical

ac6ers the tubing is usuall set in comression

Hdraulic ac6ers are set b aling hdraulic ressure through the tubing stringbut once set the hold the set osition mechanicall The tubing is usuall in tension

7etrieable ac6ers are usuall used for comle1 multi+one and multistringcomletions Their main limitation -as in their limited abilit to accommodate tubing

stress changes -ithout unsettingD the aailabilit of effectie sli 8oints anddetachable heads has eased this situation An historical roblem -as failure of the

internal elastomer seals but this technolog also has imroed mar6edl in the lastdecade All metaltometal seal ac6ers are aailable but are e1ensie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3884

Lne disadantage of retrieable ac6ers is that if the fail to retriee the must beremoed b milling them out of the casing -ith an abrasie milling head and a

drillstring The are er difficult to mill Menerall this te of ac6er is used undernonseere conditions (differential ressures less than 000 si (344 Pa)

temeratures less than 300B lt (4B )

2ecause of the setting mechanism retrieable ac6ers tend to hae a restrictedbore comared -ith other ac6ers designed for the same casing si+e This factorma restrict flo- or limit -ireline oerations belo- the ac6er deth

ermanent acers

Permanent ac6ers are indeendent of the tubing and ma be run on tubing or on

-ireline ( ltigure and ltigure 3 )

Figure 2

The tubing can be released from the ac6er and can be ulled leaing the ac6er set

in the casing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3984

Figure 3

Tubing can subseuentl be run bac6 and resealed in the ac6er The ac6er ma

thus be considered an integral art of the casing It is sometimes called either aroduction ac6er or a retainerroduction ac6er

The ermanent ac6er cannot be recoered as such but it can be destructiel

remoed (eg b milling) ( ltigure 4 and ltigure )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4084

Figure 4

If the ac6er includes a tailie and must be recoered a millout e1tension is

needed on the ac6er for the ac6er ic6er or catch sleee on the mill to engageIn other cases it ma be adeuate to siml ush the ac6er to the bottom of the

casing after milling

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2784

$IP 12 6163 - 519 - (13 62 psigore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP 12 6163 6gt6 9gt26 psi$herefore a 5 psi ampellhead should not be used een though the axiu closed-in tubinghead pressure is only about gt psi

SI nits

7eferring to Table 1

The ratio of THP to 2HP for γ g E 0 E 04

At 30 m assuming a normal hdrostatic ressure of 6Pa m bottomholeressure can be estimated as

BP (99 65 (55 kPa

ampith gas surface pressure (55 6gt6 I$P 296 kPa

Assuming the oerburden gradient to be 6Pam and using gtuation 3 toestimate the fracture roagation ressure

E 6Pam

ltPP E 30 E 3 6Pa

axiu ampellhead pressure at the start of the kill operation $IP3 ampill eFual the foration propagation pressure inus the pressure due tothe gas gradient

THIP E (30 ) (30 0) E 0 6Pa

ore correctly ampe should use the ratio in Table 1 since the increased pressure ampill increase thegas density

$IP (99 19213 6gt6 gtgt(1 kPa

9gt Pa ampellhead should therefore be used

3hellip)ilfield nits

A 000ft -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 000 T2d using intubing encounters 0 ft of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of 3000 si =hat

rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight of tubing is to be

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2884

used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming that

Grade -eight lbft

Collapse

+trength psi

urst

+trength psi

Tensional

+trength 1 lb

Cost Coparison

)-55 155 gtgt gt1 ( cheapest

16 gt1 5(2 (2

-65 16 96 625 gt2( ost expensie

M- 16 92 66gt gtgt9 oderately expensie

2 ( 52gt

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 043 sift)

reseroir ressure 3000 si

6ill ressure 000 si aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 5 5 psi7ft3

If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure onhydrocarbon- filledtubing

1125

External Packer fluid and ero

annulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressureshut-in tubing pressure

1125

Internal $ubing epty and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2984

depressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight incopletion fluid

Body 1((( )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

Assume lie oil gradient is 03 sift

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at theac6er and the running tension

SI nits

A 30m -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 400 m3da of oil -ith l40mm ( inch) tubing encounters 0 m of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of

000 6Pa =hat rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight oftubing is to be used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming

that

Grade -eight

$gmm

Collapse

+trength

$Pa

urst

+trength

$Pa

Tensional

+trength

$amp

Cost Coparison

)-55 2(1 2655 ((19gt 1((gt cheapest

25( ((5( (99 1gt9(

-65 25( gt151 gt6 12 ost expensie

M- 25( gt(2 5((95 1gt oderately expensie

2 9 91gt 2((1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3084

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 40 6Pam)

reseroir ressure 000 6Pa

6ill ressure 000 6Pa aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 53 22(3 5 kPa7If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Assume lie oil gradient is 6Pam

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at the

ac6er and the running tensions

olution

)ilfield nits

I$P IBP - o 4

o ( psi7ft

under operating conditions I$P ( - ( 63 psi

under axiu conditions assuing gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 3000 E si

under 6ill conditions

8P 5 5

5 5 x 61 psi7ft

ltPP E 000 0

E 000 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3184

O BIP oil kill3

5 psieFuialent $P oil kill3

5 - ( x 6 2 psi

In the case of a gas kill

Iamp 2HIP(gas 6ill)

( 1 psi gt psi

eFuialent $P gas kill3

5gt x BP 5gt x gt (gt19 psi

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a ( psi ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a 5 psi ampellhead

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialent

to the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating

burst rating E ma1 THP design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 34 E 343 si

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading Calculation

alculate first assuming a high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid f 3 43 gt(53 63 (gt5 psi

ma1 HP E ma1 ITHP (assumes lea6)E si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 304E 0 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3284

ma1 collase load E 0 0 si (assumes emt tubing)E 0 si

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 0 1 si

E 30 si

$herefore strictly speaking ampe should use 2-lb7ft M- tubing although it is ore likely a l6-lb7ft ampould be selected since the probability is ery loamp that such seere collapse-loadingassuptions ampould proe true

alculate ne1t assuming a lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 00 si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 00 F 304 siE 34 si

ma1 collase load E 34 si

reuired collase rating E 34 E 443 si

Ce could select 16 lb7ft )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculations

ampeight in air C 4 16 lb7ft3 6 ft3 11 lb

buoyancy factor

625

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 000 lb

E 04000 lb

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (04000) () lb

16 lb$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3384

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubingcomletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

in 0lbft amp0 tubing meets all criteria for this te of roduction 7is6 of

gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing bet-een amp0 and J grades

SI nits

I$P IBP - ρo x 4

ρo 969 kPa7

under operating conditions I$P 26 - 969 x 21(3

92gt9 kPaunder axiu conditions gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 000 E 6Pa

under 6ill conditions

8P 53 22(3 5

53 22(3 5

19 kPa7

ltPP E (30) (00)

E 3400 6Pa

O BIP oil kill3 (gt kPa eFuialent $P oil kill3 (gt - 969 x 21(3

1929 kPa

In the case of a gas 6ill

Iamp 2HIP

(gas 6ill) E 000 F 000 6Pa

266 kPaeFuialent $P gas kill3 5gt x BP

5gt x 266 2(959 kPa

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a 26 Pa ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a (gt5 Pa ampellhead

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3484

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialentto the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating Calculation

burst rating E ma1 THP 1 design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 3 1

E 3 6Pa

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading

alculate first assuming high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid ρf 3 43

gt3 21(3 25 kPa

ax P ax I$P assues leak3 1696 kPa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 0

E 33 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 33 0 6Pa (assumes emt tubing)

E 33 6Pa

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 33 1 E 434 6Pa

Therefore strictl sea6ing -e should use a 6gm amp0 tubing but moreli6el 36gm tubing -ould be selected since the robabilit of such seere

collase loading is er lo-

alculate ne1t assuming lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 4 6Pa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 4 F 0

E 0 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 0 6Pa

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3584

reuired collase rating E 0 1 E 300 6Pa

Ce could select 25(-kg7 )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculation

ampeight in air 25( 21( 5( kg 525 kM

buoanc factor E

EE0

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 6ampE 4 6amp

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (4) ()

E 30 6amp

$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubing

comletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

40mm ( inch) 36gm 0 tubing meets all criteria for this te ofroduction 7is6 of gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing

bet-een 0 and J grades

Pac6ers

Pac$er unctions

A ac6er is a subsurface tool that roides a seal bet-een the tubing and

casingthereb reenting the ertical moement of fluids across this sealing oint

Pac6ers are used for the follo-ing reasons

9 to imroe safet b roiding a barrier to flo- through the annulus

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3684

9 to 6ee -ell fluids and ressures isolated from the casing

9 to imroe flo- conditions and reent heading

9 to searate +ones in the same -ellbore

9 to lace 6ill fluids or treating fluids in the casing annulus

9 to ac6 off erforations rather than use suee+e cementing

9 to 6ee gas lift or hdraulic o-er fluid in8ection ressure isolated from the

formation

9 to anchor the tubing

9 to install a casing um

9 to minimi+e heat losses b allo-ing the use of an emt annulus or thermal

insulator

9 to isolate a casing lea6 or lea6ing liner la

9 to facilitate temorar -ell serice oerations (eg stimulations suee+es)

Pac$er T+pes

There are man ac6er manufacturers some of -hom offer an e1tensie ariet ofac6ers -ith each differing to some degree from those of the other manufacturers

This rather be-ildering arra can ho-eer be groued into rincial classes or

tes and ma be further categori+ed b method of setting b direction of ressureacross the ac6er and b the number of bores through the ac6er

Pac6ers can be rimaril classified as either retrieable or ermanent or

ermanentretrieable or inflatable

)etrievable acers

This te of ac6er is run on the tubing ( ltigure )etrievable pacer )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3784

Figure 1

After setting it can be released and recoered from the -ell on the tubing ince it is

an integral art of the tubing string the tubing cannot be remoed from the -ell-ithout ulling the ac6er unless a detachable ac6er head is used

7etrieable ac6ers ma be designed to be set mechanicall or hdraulicallechanical setting methods include rotation of the tubing string recirocation of the

tubing string or the alication of tension or setdo-n -eight =ith mechanical

ac6ers the tubing is usuall set in comression

Hdraulic ac6ers are set b aling hdraulic ressure through the tubing stringbut once set the hold the set osition mechanicall The tubing is usuall in tension

7etrieable ac6ers are usuall used for comle1 multi+one and multistringcomletions Their main limitation -as in their limited abilit to accommodate tubing

stress changes -ithout unsettingD the aailabilit of effectie sli 8oints anddetachable heads has eased this situation An historical roblem -as failure of the

internal elastomer seals but this technolog also has imroed mar6edl in the lastdecade All metaltometal seal ac6ers are aailable but are e1ensie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3884

Lne disadantage of retrieable ac6ers is that if the fail to retriee the must beremoed b milling them out of the casing -ith an abrasie milling head and a

drillstring The are er difficult to mill Menerall this te of ac6er is used undernonseere conditions (differential ressures less than 000 si (344 Pa)

temeratures less than 300B lt (4B )

2ecause of the setting mechanism retrieable ac6ers tend to hae a restrictedbore comared -ith other ac6ers designed for the same casing si+e This factorma restrict flo- or limit -ireline oerations belo- the ac6er deth

ermanent acers

Permanent ac6ers are indeendent of the tubing and ma be run on tubing or on

-ireline ( ltigure and ltigure 3 )

Figure 2

The tubing can be released from the ac6er and can be ulled leaing the ac6er set

in the casing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3984

Figure 3

Tubing can subseuentl be run bac6 and resealed in the ac6er The ac6er ma

thus be considered an integral art of the casing It is sometimes called either aroduction ac6er or a retainerroduction ac6er

The ermanent ac6er cannot be recoered as such but it can be destructiel

remoed (eg b milling) ( ltigure 4 and ltigure )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4084

Figure 4

If the ac6er includes a tailie and must be recoered a millout e1tension is

needed on the ac6er for the ac6er ic6er or catch sleee on the mill to engageIn other cases it ma be adeuate to siml ush the ac6er to the bottom of the

casing after milling

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2884

used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming that

Grade -eight lbft

Collapse

+trength psi

urst

+trength psi

Tensional

+trength 1 lb

Cost Coparison

)-55 155 gtgt gt1 ( cheapest

16 gt1 5(2 (2

-65 16 96 625 gt2( ost expensie

M- 16 92 66gt gtgt9 oderately expensie

2 ( 52gt

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 043 sift)

reseroir ressure 3000 si

6ill ressure 000 si aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 5 5 psi7ft3

If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Condition Loading Design Criteria Typical Design Factor

Burst Internal Kill pressure onhydrocarbon- filledtubing

1125

External Packer fluid and ero

annulus pressure

onsiderations heck effects ofcopression

ollapse External asing head pressureshut-in tubing pressure

1125

Internal $ubing epty and

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2984

depressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight incopletion fluid

Body 1((( )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

Assume lie oil gradient is 03 sift

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at theac6er and the running tension

SI nits

A 30m -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 400 m3da of oil -ith l40mm ( inch) tubing encounters 0 m of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of

000 6Pa =hat rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight oftubing is to be used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming

that

Grade -eight

$gmm

Collapse

+trength

$Pa

urst

+trength

$Pa

Tensional

+trength

$amp

Cost Coparison

)-55 2(1 2655 ((19gt 1((gt cheapest

25( ((5( (99 1gt9(

-65 25( gt151 gt6 12 ost expensie

M- 25( gt(2 5((95 1gt oderately expensie

2 9 91gt 2((1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3084

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 40 6Pam)

reseroir ressure 000 6Pa

6ill ressure 000 6Pa aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 53 22(3 5 kPa7If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Assume lie oil gradient is 6Pam

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at the

ac6er and the running tensions

olution

)ilfield nits

I$P IBP - o 4

o ( psi7ft

under operating conditions I$P ( - ( 63 psi

under axiu conditions assuing gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 3000 E si

under 6ill conditions

8P 5 5

5 5 x 61 psi7ft

ltPP E 000 0

E 000 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3184

O BIP oil kill3

5 psieFuialent $P oil kill3

5 - ( x 6 2 psi

In the case of a gas kill

Iamp 2HIP(gas 6ill)

( 1 psi gt psi

eFuialent $P gas kill3

5gt x BP 5gt x gt (gt19 psi

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a ( psi ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a 5 psi ampellhead

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialent

to the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating

burst rating E ma1 THP design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 34 E 343 si

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading Calculation

alculate first assuming a high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid f 3 43 gt(53 63 (gt5 psi

ma1 HP E ma1 ITHP (assumes lea6)E si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 304E 0 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3284

ma1 collase load E 0 0 si (assumes emt tubing)E 0 si

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 0 1 si

E 30 si

$herefore strictly speaking ampe should use 2-lb7ft M- tubing although it is ore likely a l6-lb7ft ampould be selected since the probability is ery loamp that such seere collapse-loadingassuptions ampould proe true

alculate ne1t assuming a lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 00 si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 00 F 304 siE 34 si

ma1 collase load E 34 si

reuired collase rating E 34 E 443 si

Ce could select 16 lb7ft )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculations

ampeight in air C 4 16 lb7ft3 6 ft3 11 lb

buoyancy factor

625

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 000 lb

E 04000 lb

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (04000) () lb

16 lb$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3384

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubingcomletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

in 0lbft amp0 tubing meets all criteria for this te of roduction 7is6 of

gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing bet-een amp0 and J grades

SI nits

I$P IBP - ρo x 4

ρo 969 kPa7

under operating conditions I$P 26 - 969 x 21(3

92gt9 kPaunder axiu conditions gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 000 E 6Pa

under 6ill conditions

8P 53 22(3 5

53 22(3 5

19 kPa7

ltPP E (30) (00)

E 3400 6Pa

O BIP oil kill3 (gt kPa eFuialent $P oil kill3 (gt - 969 x 21(3

1929 kPa

In the case of a gas 6ill

Iamp 2HIP

(gas 6ill) E 000 F 000 6Pa

266 kPaeFuialent $P gas kill3 5gt x BP

5gt x 266 2(959 kPa

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a 26 Pa ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a (gt5 Pa ampellhead

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3484

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialentto the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating Calculation

burst rating E ma1 THP 1 design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 3 1

E 3 6Pa

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading

alculate first assuming high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid ρf 3 43

gt3 21(3 25 kPa

ax P ax I$P assues leak3 1696 kPa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 0

E 33 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 33 0 6Pa (assumes emt tubing)

E 33 6Pa

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 33 1 E 434 6Pa

Therefore strictl sea6ing -e should use a 6gm amp0 tubing but moreli6el 36gm tubing -ould be selected since the robabilit of such seere

collase loading is er lo-

alculate ne1t assuming lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 4 6Pa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 4 F 0

E 0 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 0 6Pa

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3584

reuired collase rating E 0 1 E 300 6Pa

Ce could select 25(-kg7 )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculation

ampeight in air 25( 21( 5( kg 525 kM

buoanc factor E

EE0

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 6ampE 4 6amp

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (4) ()

E 30 6amp

$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubing

comletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

40mm ( inch) 36gm 0 tubing meets all criteria for this te ofroduction 7is6 of gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing

bet-een 0 and J grades

Pac6ers

Pac$er unctions

A ac6er is a subsurface tool that roides a seal bet-een the tubing and

casingthereb reenting the ertical moement of fluids across this sealing oint

Pac6ers are used for the follo-ing reasons

9 to imroe safet b roiding a barrier to flo- through the annulus

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3684

9 to 6ee -ell fluids and ressures isolated from the casing

9 to imroe flo- conditions and reent heading

9 to searate +ones in the same -ellbore

9 to lace 6ill fluids or treating fluids in the casing annulus

9 to ac6 off erforations rather than use suee+e cementing

9 to 6ee gas lift or hdraulic o-er fluid in8ection ressure isolated from the

formation

9 to anchor the tubing

9 to install a casing um

9 to minimi+e heat losses b allo-ing the use of an emt annulus or thermal

insulator

9 to isolate a casing lea6 or lea6ing liner la

9 to facilitate temorar -ell serice oerations (eg stimulations suee+es)

Pac$er T+pes

There are man ac6er manufacturers some of -hom offer an e1tensie ariet ofac6ers -ith each differing to some degree from those of the other manufacturers

This rather be-ildering arra can ho-eer be groued into rincial classes or

tes and ma be further categori+ed b method of setting b direction of ressureacross the ac6er and b the number of bores through the ac6er

Pac6ers can be rimaril classified as either retrieable or ermanent or

ermanentretrieable or inflatable

)etrievable acers

This te of ac6er is run on the tubing ( ltigure )etrievable pacer )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3784

Figure 1

After setting it can be released and recoered from the -ell on the tubing ince it is

an integral art of the tubing string the tubing cannot be remoed from the -ell-ithout ulling the ac6er unless a detachable ac6er head is used

7etrieable ac6ers ma be designed to be set mechanicall or hdraulicallechanical setting methods include rotation of the tubing string recirocation of the

tubing string or the alication of tension or setdo-n -eight =ith mechanical

ac6ers the tubing is usuall set in comression

Hdraulic ac6ers are set b aling hdraulic ressure through the tubing stringbut once set the hold the set osition mechanicall The tubing is usuall in tension

7etrieable ac6ers are usuall used for comle1 multi+one and multistringcomletions Their main limitation -as in their limited abilit to accommodate tubing

stress changes -ithout unsettingD the aailabilit of effectie sli 8oints anddetachable heads has eased this situation An historical roblem -as failure of the

internal elastomer seals but this technolog also has imroed mar6edl in the lastdecade All metaltometal seal ac6ers are aailable but are e1ensie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3884

Lne disadantage of retrieable ac6ers is that if the fail to retriee the must beremoed b milling them out of the casing -ith an abrasie milling head and a

drillstring The are er difficult to mill Menerall this te of ac6er is used undernonseere conditions (differential ressures less than 000 si (344 Pa)

temeratures less than 300B lt (4B )

2ecause of the setting mechanism retrieable ac6ers tend to hae a restrictedbore comared -ith other ac6ers designed for the same casing si+e This factorma restrict flo- or limit -ireline oerations belo- the ac6er deth

ermanent acers

Permanent ac6ers are indeendent of the tubing and ma be run on tubing or on

-ireline ( ltigure and ltigure 3 )

Figure 2

The tubing can be released from the ac6er and can be ulled leaing the ac6er set

in the casing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3984

Figure 3

Tubing can subseuentl be run bac6 and resealed in the ac6er The ac6er ma

thus be considered an integral art of the casing It is sometimes called either aroduction ac6er or a retainerroduction ac6er

The ermanent ac6er cannot be recoered as such but it can be destructiel

remoed (eg b milling) ( ltigure 4 and ltigure )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4084

Figure 4

If the ac6er includes a tailie and must be recoered a millout e1tension is

needed on the ac6er for the ac6er ic6er or catch sleee on the mill to engageIn other cases it ma be adeuate to siml ush the ac6er to the bottom of the

casing after milling

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 2984

depressured

onsiderations heck effects of tension

$ension unning Buoyant ampeight incopletion fluid

Body 1((( )oint 1+

$ension andopression

perating old stiulation and hotproduction conditions

Body 1125)oint 1(((

onsiderations heck effects ofteperature andpressure changes

$otal tress $riaxial ax stress 0 yield

CAssuming searate chec6s are not lanned on shoc6 and bending effectsD other-iseuse

Table 1 Typical criteria for tubing design on a flowing well

Assume lie oil gradient is 03 sift

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at theac6er and the running tension

SI nits

A 30m -ell that is to be roduced -ith a target of 400 m3da of oil -ith l40mm ( inch) tubing encounters 0 m of oilbearing formation -ith a ressure of

000 6Pa =hat rating of -ellhead should be usedQ If a single grade and -eight oftubing is to be used -hat is the cheaest string that can robabl be run assuming

that

Grade -eight

$gmm

Collapse

+trength

$Pa

urst

+trength

$Pa

Tensional

+trength

$amp

Cost Coparison

)-55 2(1 2655 ((19gt 1((gt cheapest

25( ((5( (99 1gt9(

-65 25( gt151 gt6 12 ost expensie

M- 25( gt(2 5((95 1gt oderately expensie

2 9 91gt 2((1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3084

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 40 6Pam)

reseroir ressure 000 6Pa

6ill ressure 000 6Pa aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 53 22(3 5 kPa7If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Assume lie oil gradient is 6Pam

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at the

ac6er and the running tensions

olution

)ilfield nits

I$P IBP - o 4

o ( psi7ft

under operating conditions I$P ( - ( 63 psi

under axiu conditions assuing gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 3000 E si

under 6ill conditions

8P 5 5

5 5 x 61 psi7ft

ltPP E 000 0

E 000 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3184

O BIP oil kill3

5 psieFuialent $P oil kill3

5 - ( x 6 2 psi

In the case of a gas kill

Iamp 2HIP(gas 6ill)

( 1 psi gt psi

eFuialent $P gas kill3

5gt x BP 5gt x gt (gt19 psi

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a ( psi ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a 5 psi ampellhead

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialent

to the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating

burst rating E ma1 THP design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 34 E 343 si

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading Calculation

alculate first assuming a high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid f 3 43 gt(53 63 (gt5 psi

ma1 HP E ma1 ITHP (assumes lea6)E si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 304E 0 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3284

ma1 collase load E 0 0 si (assumes emt tubing)E 0 si

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 0 1 si

E 30 si

$herefore strictly speaking ampe should use 2-lb7ft M- tubing although it is ore likely a l6-lb7ft ampould be selected since the probability is ery loamp that such seere collapse-loadingassuptions ampould proe true

alculate ne1t assuming a lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 00 si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 00 F 304 siE 34 si

ma1 collase load E 34 si

reuired collase rating E 34 E 443 si

Ce could select 16 lb7ft )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculations

ampeight in air C 4 16 lb7ft3 6 ft3 11 lb

buoyancy factor

625

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 000 lb

E 04000 lb

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (04000) () lb

16 lb$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3384

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubingcomletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

in 0lbft amp0 tubing meets all criteria for this te of roduction 7is6 of

gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing bet-een amp0 and J grades

SI nits

I$P IBP - ρo x 4

ρo 969 kPa7

under operating conditions I$P 26 - 969 x 21(3

92gt9 kPaunder axiu conditions gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 000 E 6Pa

under 6ill conditions

8P 53 22(3 5

53 22(3 5

19 kPa7

ltPP E (30) (00)

E 3400 6Pa

O BIP oil kill3 (gt kPa eFuialent $P oil kill3 (gt - 969 x 21(3

1929 kPa

In the case of a gas 6ill

Iamp 2HIP

(gas 6ill) E 000 F 000 6Pa

266 kPaeFuialent $P gas kill3 5gt x BP

5gt x 266 2(959 kPa

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a 26 Pa ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a (gt5 Pa ampellhead

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3484

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialentto the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating Calculation

burst rating E ma1 THP 1 design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 3 1

E 3 6Pa

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading

alculate first assuming high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid ρf 3 43

gt3 21(3 25 kPa

ax P ax I$P assues leak3 1696 kPa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 0

E 33 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 33 0 6Pa (assumes emt tubing)

E 33 6Pa

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 33 1 E 434 6Pa

Therefore strictl sea6ing -e should use a 6gm amp0 tubing but moreli6el 36gm tubing -ould be selected since the robabilit of such seere

collase loading is er lo-

alculate ne1t assuming lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 4 6Pa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 4 F 0

E 0 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 0 6Pa

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3584

reuired collase rating E 0 1 E 300 6Pa

Ce could select 25(-kg7 )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculation

ampeight in air 25( 21( 5( kg 525 kM

buoanc factor E

EE0

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 6ampE 4 6amp

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (4) ()

E 30 6amp

$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubing

comletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

40mm ( inch) 36gm 0 tubing meets all criteria for this te ofroduction 7is6 of gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing

bet-een 0 and J grades

Pac6ers

Pac$er unctions

A ac6er is a subsurface tool that roides a seal bet-een the tubing and

casingthereb reenting the ertical moement of fluids across this sealing oint

Pac6ers are used for the follo-ing reasons

9 to imroe safet b roiding a barrier to flo- through the annulus

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3684

9 to 6ee -ell fluids and ressures isolated from the casing

9 to imroe flo- conditions and reent heading

9 to searate +ones in the same -ellbore

9 to lace 6ill fluids or treating fluids in the casing annulus

9 to ac6 off erforations rather than use suee+e cementing

9 to 6ee gas lift or hdraulic o-er fluid in8ection ressure isolated from the

formation

9 to anchor the tubing

9 to install a casing um

9 to minimi+e heat losses b allo-ing the use of an emt annulus or thermal

insulator

9 to isolate a casing lea6 or lea6ing liner la

9 to facilitate temorar -ell serice oerations (eg stimulations suee+es)

Pac$er T+pes

There are man ac6er manufacturers some of -hom offer an e1tensie ariet ofac6ers -ith each differing to some degree from those of the other manufacturers

This rather be-ildering arra can ho-eer be groued into rincial classes or

tes and ma be further categori+ed b method of setting b direction of ressureacross the ac6er and b the number of bores through the ac6er

Pac6ers can be rimaril classified as either retrieable or ermanent or

ermanentretrieable or inflatable

)etrievable acers

This te of ac6er is run on the tubing ( ltigure )etrievable pacer )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3784

Figure 1

After setting it can be released and recoered from the -ell on the tubing ince it is

an integral art of the tubing string the tubing cannot be remoed from the -ell-ithout ulling the ac6er unless a detachable ac6er head is used

7etrieable ac6ers ma be designed to be set mechanicall or hdraulicallechanical setting methods include rotation of the tubing string recirocation of the

tubing string or the alication of tension or setdo-n -eight =ith mechanical

ac6ers the tubing is usuall set in comression

Hdraulic ac6ers are set b aling hdraulic ressure through the tubing stringbut once set the hold the set osition mechanicall The tubing is usuall in tension

7etrieable ac6ers are usuall used for comle1 multi+one and multistringcomletions Their main limitation -as in their limited abilit to accommodate tubing

stress changes -ithout unsettingD the aailabilit of effectie sli 8oints anddetachable heads has eased this situation An historical roblem -as failure of the

internal elastomer seals but this technolog also has imroed mar6edl in the lastdecade All metaltometal seal ac6ers are aailable but are e1ensie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3884

Lne disadantage of retrieable ac6ers is that if the fail to retriee the must beremoed b milling them out of the casing -ith an abrasie milling head and a

drillstring The are er difficult to mill Menerall this te of ac6er is used undernonseere conditions (differential ressures less than 000 si (344 Pa)

temeratures less than 300B lt (4B )

2ecause of the setting mechanism retrieable ac6ers tend to hae a restrictedbore comared -ith other ac6ers designed for the same casing si+e This factorma restrict flo- or limit -ireline oerations belo- the ac6er deth

ermanent acers

Permanent ac6ers are indeendent of the tubing and ma be run on tubing or on

-ireline ( ltigure and ltigure 3 )

Figure 2

The tubing can be released from the ac6er and can be ulled leaing the ac6er set

in the casing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3984

Figure 3

Tubing can subseuentl be run bac6 and resealed in the ac6er The ac6er ma

thus be considered an integral art of the casing It is sometimes called either aroduction ac6er or a retainerroduction ac6er

The ermanent ac6er cannot be recoered as such but it can be destructiel

remoed (eg b milling) ( ltigure 4 and ltigure )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4084

Figure 4

If the ac6er includes a tailie and must be recoered a millout e1tension is

needed on the ac6er for the ac6er ic6er or catch sleee on the mill to engageIn other cases it ma be adeuate to siml ush the ac6er to the bottom of the

casing after milling

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3084

ac6er fluid inhibited sea-ater (gradient E 40 6Pam)

reseroir ressure 000 6Pa

6ill ressure 000 6Pa aboe I2HP (suee+ing gas)N fracture roagation ressure (suee+ing oil)

ltracture roagation ressure gradient (ltPM) is aro1imatel

8P 53 22(3 5 kPa7If gas cap gas should break through into the ampell assue gas graity 95

Kse Table 1 to calculate head of gas

Assume lie oil gradient is 6Pam

onsider onl the ma1imum burst at the -ellhead the ma1imum collase load at the

ac6er and the running tensions

olution

)ilfield nits

I$P IBP - o 4

o ( psi7ft

under operating conditions I$P ( - ( 63 psi

under axiu conditions assuing gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 3000 E si

under 6ill conditions

8P 5 5

5 5 x 61 psi7ft

ltPP E 000 0

E 000 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3184

O BIP oil kill3

5 psieFuialent $P oil kill3

5 - ( x 6 2 psi

In the case of a gas kill

Iamp 2HIP(gas 6ill)

( 1 psi gt psi

eFuialent $P gas kill3

5gt x BP 5gt x gt (gt19 psi

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a ( psi ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a 5 psi ampellhead

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialent

to the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating

burst rating E ma1 THP design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 34 E 343 si

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading Calculation

alculate first assuming a high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid f 3 43 gt(53 63 (gt5 psi

ma1 HP E ma1 ITHP (assumes lea6)E si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 304E 0 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3284

ma1 collase load E 0 0 si (assumes emt tubing)E 0 si

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 0 1 si

E 30 si

$herefore strictly speaking ampe should use 2-lb7ft M- tubing although it is ore likely a l6-lb7ft ampould be selected since the probability is ery loamp that such seere collapse-loadingassuptions ampould proe true

alculate ne1t assuming a lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 00 si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 00 F 304 siE 34 si

ma1 collase load E 34 si

reuired collase rating E 34 E 443 si

Ce could select 16 lb7ft )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculations

ampeight in air C 4 16 lb7ft3 6 ft3 11 lb

buoyancy factor

625

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 000 lb

E 04000 lb

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (04000) () lb

16 lb$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3384

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubingcomletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

in 0lbft amp0 tubing meets all criteria for this te of roduction 7is6 of

gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing bet-een amp0 and J grades

SI nits

I$P IBP - ρo x 4

ρo 969 kPa7

under operating conditions I$P 26 - 969 x 21(3

92gt9 kPaunder axiu conditions gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 000 E 6Pa

under 6ill conditions

8P 53 22(3 5

53 22(3 5

19 kPa7

ltPP E (30) (00)

E 3400 6Pa

O BIP oil kill3 (gt kPa eFuialent $P oil kill3 (gt - 969 x 21(3

1929 kPa

In the case of a gas 6ill

Iamp 2HIP

(gas 6ill) E 000 F 000 6Pa

266 kPaeFuialent $P gas kill3 5gt x BP

5gt x 266 2(959 kPa

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a 26 Pa ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a (gt5 Pa ampellhead

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3484

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialentto the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating Calculation

burst rating E ma1 THP 1 design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 3 1

E 3 6Pa

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading

alculate first assuming high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid ρf 3 43

gt3 21(3 25 kPa

ax P ax I$P assues leak3 1696 kPa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 0

E 33 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 33 0 6Pa (assumes emt tubing)

E 33 6Pa

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 33 1 E 434 6Pa

Therefore strictl sea6ing -e should use a 6gm amp0 tubing but moreli6el 36gm tubing -ould be selected since the robabilit of such seere

collase loading is er lo-

alculate ne1t assuming lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 4 6Pa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 4 F 0

E 0 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 0 6Pa

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3584

reuired collase rating E 0 1 E 300 6Pa

Ce could select 25(-kg7 )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculation

ampeight in air 25( 21( 5( kg 525 kM

buoanc factor E

EE0

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 6ampE 4 6amp

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (4) ()

E 30 6amp

$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubing

comletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

40mm ( inch) 36gm 0 tubing meets all criteria for this te ofroduction 7is6 of gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing

bet-een 0 and J grades

Pac6ers

Pac$er unctions

A ac6er is a subsurface tool that roides a seal bet-een the tubing and

casingthereb reenting the ertical moement of fluids across this sealing oint

Pac6ers are used for the follo-ing reasons

9 to imroe safet b roiding a barrier to flo- through the annulus

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3684

9 to 6ee -ell fluids and ressures isolated from the casing

9 to imroe flo- conditions and reent heading

9 to searate +ones in the same -ellbore

9 to lace 6ill fluids or treating fluids in the casing annulus

9 to ac6 off erforations rather than use suee+e cementing

9 to 6ee gas lift or hdraulic o-er fluid in8ection ressure isolated from the

formation

9 to anchor the tubing

9 to install a casing um

9 to minimi+e heat losses b allo-ing the use of an emt annulus or thermal

insulator

9 to isolate a casing lea6 or lea6ing liner la

9 to facilitate temorar -ell serice oerations (eg stimulations suee+es)

Pac$er T+pes

There are man ac6er manufacturers some of -hom offer an e1tensie ariet ofac6ers -ith each differing to some degree from those of the other manufacturers

This rather be-ildering arra can ho-eer be groued into rincial classes or

tes and ma be further categori+ed b method of setting b direction of ressureacross the ac6er and b the number of bores through the ac6er

Pac6ers can be rimaril classified as either retrieable or ermanent or

ermanentretrieable or inflatable

)etrievable acers

This te of ac6er is run on the tubing ( ltigure )etrievable pacer )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3784

Figure 1

After setting it can be released and recoered from the -ell on the tubing ince it is

an integral art of the tubing string the tubing cannot be remoed from the -ell-ithout ulling the ac6er unless a detachable ac6er head is used

7etrieable ac6ers ma be designed to be set mechanicall or hdraulicallechanical setting methods include rotation of the tubing string recirocation of the

tubing string or the alication of tension or setdo-n -eight =ith mechanical

ac6ers the tubing is usuall set in comression

Hdraulic ac6ers are set b aling hdraulic ressure through the tubing stringbut once set the hold the set osition mechanicall The tubing is usuall in tension

7etrieable ac6ers are usuall used for comle1 multi+one and multistringcomletions Their main limitation -as in their limited abilit to accommodate tubing

stress changes -ithout unsettingD the aailabilit of effectie sli 8oints anddetachable heads has eased this situation An historical roblem -as failure of the

internal elastomer seals but this technolog also has imroed mar6edl in the lastdecade All metaltometal seal ac6ers are aailable but are e1ensie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3884

Lne disadantage of retrieable ac6ers is that if the fail to retriee the must beremoed b milling them out of the casing -ith an abrasie milling head and a

drillstring The are er difficult to mill Menerall this te of ac6er is used undernonseere conditions (differential ressures less than 000 si (344 Pa)

temeratures less than 300B lt (4B )

2ecause of the setting mechanism retrieable ac6ers tend to hae a restrictedbore comared -ith other ac6ers designed for the same casing si+e This factorma restrict flo- or limit -ireline oerations belo- the ac6er deth

ermanent acers

Permanent ac6ers are indeendent of the tubing and ma be run on tubing or on

-ireline ( ltigure and ltigure 3 )

Figure 2

The tubing can be released from the ac6er and can be ulled leaing the ac6er set

in the casing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3984

Figure 3

Tubing can subseuentl be run bac6 and resealed in the ac6er The ac6er ma

thus be considered an integral art of the casing It is sometimes called either aroduction ac6er or a retainerroduction ac6er

The ermanent ac6er cannot be recoered as such but it can be destructiel

remoed (eg b milling) ( ltigure 4 and ltigure )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4084

Figure 4

If the ac6er includes a tailie and must be recoered a millout e1tension is

needed on the ac6er for the ac6er ic6er or catch sleee on the mill to engageIn other cases it ma be adeuate to siml ush the ac6er to the bottom of the

casing after milling

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3184

O BIP oil kill3

5 psieFuialent $P oil kill3

5 - ( x 6 2 psi

In the case of a gas kill

Iamp 2HIP(gas 6ill)

( 1 psi gt psi

eFuialent $P gas kill3

5gt x BP 5gt x gt (gt19 psi

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a ( psi ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a 5 psi ampellhead

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialent

to the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating

burst rating E ma1 THP design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 34 E 343 si

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading Calculation

alculate first assuming a high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid f 3 43 gt(53 63 (gt5 psi

ma1 HP E ma1 ITHP (assumes lea6)E si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 304E 0 si

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3284

ma1 collase load E 0 0 si (assumes emt tubing)E 0 si

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 0 1 si

E 30 si

$herefore strictly speaking ampe should use 2-lb7ft M- tubing although it is ore likely a l6-lb7ft ampould be selected since the probability is ery loamp that such seere collapse-loadingassuptions ampould proe true

alculate ne1t assuming a lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 00 si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 00 F 304 siE 34 si

ma1 collase load E 34 si

reuired collase rating E 34 E 443 si

Ce could select 16 lb7ft )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculations

ampeight in air C 4 16 lb7ft3 6 ft3 11 lb

buoyancy factor

625

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 000 lb

E 04000 lb

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (04000) () lb

16 lb$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3384

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubingcomletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

in 0lbft amp0 tubing meets all criteria for this te of roduction 7is6 of

gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing bet-een amp0 and J grades

SI nits

I$P IBP - ρo x 4

ρo 969 kPa7

under operating conditions I$P 26 - 969 x 21(3

92gt9 kPaunder axiu conditions gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 000 E 6Pa

under 6ill conditions

8P 53 22(3 5

53 22(3 5

19 kPa7

ltPP E (30) (00)

E 3400 6Pa

O BIP oil kill3 (gt kPa eFuialent $P oil kill3 (gt - 969 x 21(3

1929 kPa

In the case of a gas 6ill

Iamp 2HIP

(gas 6ill) E 000 F 000 6Pa

266 kPaeFuialent $P gas kill3 5gt x BP

5gt x 266 2(959 kPa

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a 26 Pa ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a (gt5 Pa ampellhead

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3484

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialentto the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating Calculation

burst rating E ma1 THP 1 design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 3 1

E 3 6Pa

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading

alculate first assuming high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid ρf 3 43

gt3 21(3 25 kPa

ax P ax I$P assues leak3 1696 kPa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 0

E 33 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 33 0 6Pa (assumes emt tubing)

E 33 6Pa

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 33 1 E 434 6Pa

Therefore strictl sea6ing -e should use a 6gm amp0 tubing but moreli6el 36gm tubing -ould be selected since the robabilit of such seere

collase loading is er lo-

alculate ne1t assuming lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 4 6Pa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 4 F 0

E 0 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 0 6Pa

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3584

reuired collase rating E 0 1 E 300 6Pa

Ce could select 25(-kg7 )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculation

ampeight in air 25( 21( 5( kg 525 kM

buoanc factor E

EE0

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 6ampE 4 6amp

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (4) ()

E 30 6amp

$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubing

comletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

40mm ( inch) 36gm 0 tubing meets all criteria for this te ofroduction 7is6 of gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing

bet-een 0 and J grades

Pac6ers

Pac$er unctions

A ac6er is a subsurface tool that roides a seal bet-een the tubing and

casingthereb reenting the ertical moement of fluids across this sealing oint

Pac6ers are used for the follo-ing reasons

9 to imroe safet b roiding a barrier to flo- through the annulus

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3684

9 to 6ee -ell fluids and ressures isolated from the casing

9 to imroe flo- conditions and reent heading

9 to searate +ones in the same -ellbore

9 to lace 6ill fluids or treating fluids in the casing annulus

9 to ac6 off erforations rather than use suee+e cementing

9 to 6ee gas lift or hdraulic o-er fluid in8ection ressure isolated from the

formation

9 to anchor the tubing

9 to install a casing um

9 to minimi+e heat losses b allo-ing the use of an emt annulus or thermal

insulator

9 to isolate a casing lea6 or lea6ing liner la

9 to facilitate temorar -ell serice oerations (eg stimulations suee+es)

Pac$er T+pes

There are man ac6er manufacturers some of -hom offer an e1tensie ariet ofac6ers -ith each differing to some degree from those of the other manufacturers

This rather be-ildering arra can ho-eer be groued into rincial classes or

tes and ma be further categori+ed b method of setting b direction of ressureacross the ac6er and b the number of bores through the ac6er

Pac6ers can be rimaril classified as either retrieable or ermanent or

ermanentretrieable or inflatable

)etrievable acers

This te of ac6er is run on the tubing ( ltigure )etrievable pacer )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3784

Figure 1

After setting it can be released and recoered from the -ell on the tubing ince it is

an integral art of the tubing string the tubing cannot be remoed from the -ell-ithout ulling the ac6er unless a detachable ac6er head is used

7etrieable ac6ers ma be designed to be set mechanicall or hdraulicallechanical setting methods include rotation of the tubing string recirocation of the

tubing string or the alication of tension or setdo-n -eight =ith mechanical

ac6ers the tubing is usuall set in comression

Hdraulic ac6ers are set b aling hdraulic ressure through the tubing stringbut once set the hold the set osition mechanicall The tubing is usuall in tension

7etrieable ac6ers are usuall used for comle1 multi+one and multistringcomletions Their main limitation -as in their limited abilit to accommodate tubing

stress changes -ithout unsettingD the aailabilit of effectie sli 8oints anddetachable heads has eased this situation An historical roblem -as failure of the

internal elastomer seals but this technolog also has imroed mar6edl in the lastdecade All metaltometal seal ac6ers are aailable but are e1ensie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3884

Lne disadantage of retrieable ac6ers is that if the fail to retriee the must beremoed b milling them out of the casing -ith an abrasie milling head and a

drillstring The are er difficult to mill Menerall this te of ac6er is used undernonseere conditions (differential ressures less than 000 si (344 Pa)

temeratures less than 300B lt (4B )

2ecause of the setting mechanism retrieable ac6ers tend to hae a restrictedbore comared -ith other ac6ers designed for the same casing si+e This factorma restrict flo- or limit -ireline oerations belo- the ac6er deth

ermanent acers

Permanent ac6ers are indeendent of the tubing and ma be run on tubing or on

-ireline ( ltigure and ltigure 3 )

Figure 2

The tubing can be released from the ac6er and can be ulled leaing the ac6er set

in the casing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3984

Figure 3

Tubing can subseuentl be run bac6 and resealed in the ac6er The ac6er ma

thus be considered an integral art of the casing It is sometimes called either aroduction ac6er or a retainerroduction ac6er

The ermanent ac6er cannot be recoered as such but it can be destructiel

remoed (eg b milling) ( ltigure 4 and ltigure )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4084

Figure 4

If the ac6er includes a tailie and must be recoered a millout e1tension is

needed on the ac6er for the ac6er ic6er or catch sleee on the mill to engageIn other cases it ma be adeuate to siml ush the ac6er to the bottom of the

casing after milling

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3284

ma1 collase load E 0 0 si (assumes emt tubing)E 0 si

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 0 1 si

E 30 si

$herefore strictly speaking ampe should use 2-lb7ft M- tubing although it is ore likely a l6-lb7ft ampould be selected since the probability is ery loamp that such seere collapse-loadingassuptions ampould proe true

alculate ne1t assuming a lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 00 si

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 00 F 304 siE 34 si

ma1 collase load E 34 si

reuired collase rating E 34 E 443 si

Ce could select 16 lb7ft )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculations

ampeight in air C 4 16 lb7ft3 6 ft3 11 lb

buoyancy factor

625

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 000 lb

E 04000 lb

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (04000) () lb

16 lb$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3384

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubingcomletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

in 0lbft amp0 tubing meets all criteria for this te of roduction 7is6 of

gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing bet-een amp0 and J grades

SI nits

I$P IBP - ρo x 4

ρo 969 kPa7

under operating conditions I$P 26 - 969 x 21(3

92gt9 kPaunder axiu conditions gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 000 E 6Pa

under 6ill conditions

8P 53 22(3 5

53 22(3 5

19 kPa7

ltPP E (30) (00)

E 3400 6Pa

O BIP oil kill3 (gt kPa eFuialent $P oil kill3 (gt - 969 x 21(3

1929 kPa

In the case of a gas 6ill

Iamp 2HIP

(gas 6ill) E 000 F 000 6Pa

266 kPaeFuialent $P gas kill3 5gt x BP

5gt x 266 2(959 kPa

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a 26 Pa ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a (gt5 Pa ampellhead

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3484

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialentto the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating Calculation

burst rating E ma1 THP 1 design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 3 1

E 3 6Pa

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading

alculate first assuming high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid ρf 3 43

gt3 21(3 25 kPa

ax P ax I$P assues leak3 1696 kPa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 0

E 33 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 33 0 6Pa (assumes emt tubing)

E 33 6Pa

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 33 1 E 434 6Pa

Therefore strictl sea6ing -e should use a 6gm amp0 tubing but moreli6el 36gm tubing -ould be selected since the robabilit of such seere

collase loading is er lo-

alculate ne1t assuming lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 4 6Pa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 4 F 0

E 0 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 0 6Pa

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3584

reuired collase rating E 0 1 E 300 6Pa

Ce could select 25(-kg7 )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculation

ampeight in air 25( 21( 5( kg 525 kM

buoanc factor E

EE0

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 6ampE 4 6amp

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (4) ()

E 30 6amp

$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubing

comletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

40mm ( inch) 36gm 0 tubing meets all criteria for this te ofroduction 7is6 of gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing

bet-een 0 and J grades

Pac6ers

Pac$er unctions

A ac6er is a subsurface tool that roides a seal bet-een the tubing and

casingthereb reenting the ertical moement of fluids across this sealing oint

Pac6ers are used for the follo-ing reasons

9 to imroe safet b roiding a barrier to flo- through the annulus

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3684

9 to 6ee -ell fluids and ressures isolated from the casing

9 to imroe flo- conditions and reent heading

9 to searate +ones in the same -ellbore

9 to lace 6ill fluids or treating fluids in the casing annulus

9 to ac6 off erforations rather than use suee+e cementing

9 to 6ee gas lift or hdraulic o-er fluid in8ection ressure isolated from the

formation

9 to anchor the tubing

9 to install a casing um

9 to minimi+e heat losses b allo-ing the use of an emt annulus or thermal

insulator

9 to isolate a casing lea6 or lea6ing liner la

9 to facilitate temorar -ell serice oerations (eg stimulations suee+es)

Pac$er T+pes

There are man ac6er manufacturers some of -hom offer an e1tensie ariet ofac6ers -ith each differing to some degree from those of the other manufacturers

This rather be-ildering arra can ho-eer be groued into rincial classes or

tes and ma be further categori+ed b method of setting b direction of ressureacross the ac6er and b the number of bores through the ac6er

Pac6ers can be rimaril classified as either retrieable or ermanent or

ermanentretrieable or inflatable

)etrievable acers

This te of ac6er is run on the tubing ( ltigure )etrievable pacer )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3784

Figure 1

After setting it can be released and recoered from the -ell on the tubing ince it is

an integral art of the tubing string the tubing cannot be remoed from the -ell-ithout ulling the ac6er unless a detachable ac6er head is used

7etrieable ac6ers ma be designed to be set mechanicall or hdraulicallechanical setting methods include rotation of the tubing string recirocation of the

tubing string or the alication of tension or setdo-n -eight =ith mechanical

ac6ers the tubing is usuall set in comression

Hdraulic ac6ers are set b aling hdraulic ressure through the tubing stringbut once set the hold the set osition mechanicall The tubing is usuall in tension

7etrieable ac6ers are usuall used for comle1 multi+one and multistringcomletions Their main limitation -as in their limited abilit to accommodate tubing

stress changes -ithout unsettingD the aailabilit of effectie sli 8oints anddetachable heads has eased this situation An historical roblem -as failure of the

internal elastomer seals but this technolog also has imroed mar6edl in the lastdecade All metaltometal seal ac6ers are aailable but are e1ensie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3884

Lne disadantage of retrieable ac6ers is that if the fail to retriee the must beremoed b milling them out of the casing -ith an abrasie milling head and a

drillstring The are er difficult to mill Menerall this te of ac6er is used undernonseere conditions (differential ressures less than 000 si (344 Pa)

temeratures less than 300B lt (4B )

2ecause of the setting mechanism retrieable ac6ers tend to hae a restrictedbore comared -ith other ac6ers designed for the same casing si+e This factorma restrict flo- or limit -ireline oerations belo- the ac6er deth

ermanent acers

Permanent ac6ers are indeendent of the tubing and ma be run on tubing or on

-ireline ( ltigure and ltigure 3 )

Figure 2

The tubing can be released from the ac6er and can be ulled leaing the ac6er set

in the casing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3984

Figure 3

Tubing can subseuentl be run bac6 and resealed in the ac6er The ac6er ma

thus be considered an integral art of the casing It is sometimes called either aroduction ac6er or a retainerroduction ac6er

The ermanent ac6er cannot be recoered as such but it can be destructiel

remoed (eg b milling) ( ltigure 4 and ltigure )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4084

Figure 4

If the ac6er includes a tailie and must be recoered a millout e1tension is

needed on the ac6er for the ac6er ic6er or catch sleee on the mill to engageIn other cases it ma be adeuate to siml ush the ac6er to the bottom of the

casing after milling

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3384

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubingcomletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

in 0lbft amp0 tubing meets all criteria for this te of roduction 7is6 of

gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing bet-een amp0 and J grades

SI nits

I$P IBP - ρo x 4

ρo 969 kPa7

under operating conditions I$P 26 - 969 x 21(3

92gt9 kPaunder axiu conditions gas breakthrough3

ITHP E 04 1 2HP (from Table 1)

AR ITHP E 04 1 000 E 6Pa

under 6ill conditions

8P 53 22(3 5

53 22(3 5

19 kPa7

ltPP E (30) (00)

E 3400 6Pa

O BIP oil kill3 (gt kPa eFuialent $P oil kill3 (gt - 969 x 21(3

1929 kPa

In the case of a gas 6ill

Iamp 2HIP

(gas 6ill) E 000 F 000 6Pa

266 kPaeFuialent $P gas kill3 5gt x BP

5gt x 266 2(959 kPa

8ro this ampe see that amphile ampe could probably get aampay ampith a 26 Pa ampellhead strictlyspeaking ampe should be using a (gt5 Pa ampellhead

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3484

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialentto the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating Calculation

burst rating E ma1 THP 1 design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 3 1

E 3 6Pa

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading

alculate first assuming high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid ρf 3 43

gt3 21(3 25 kPa

ax P ax I$P assues leak3 1696 kPa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 0

E 33 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 33 0 6Pa (assumes emt tubing)

E 33 6Pa

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 33 1 E 434 6Pa

Therefore strictl sea6ing -e should use a 6gm amp0 tubing but moreli6el 36gm tubing -ould be selected since the robabilit of such seere

collase loading is er lo-

alculate ne1t assuming lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 4 6Pa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 4 F 0

E 0 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 0 6Pa

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3584

reuired collase rating E 0 1 E 300 6Pa

Ce could select 25(-kg7 )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculation

ampeight in air 25( 21( 5( kg 525 kM

buoanc factor E

EE0

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 6ampE 4 6amp

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (4) ()

E 30 6amp

$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubing

comletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

40mm ( inch) 36gm 0 tubing meets all criteria for this te ofroduction 7is6 of gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing

bet-een 0 and J grades

Pac6ers

Pac$er unctions

A ac6er is a subsurface tool that roides a seal bet-een the tubing and

casingthereb reenting the ertical moement of fluids across this sealing oint

Pac6ers are used for the follo-ing reasons

9 to imroe safet b roiding a barrier to flo- through the annulus

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3684

9 to 6ee -ell fluids and ressures isolated from the casing

9 to imroe flo- conditions and reent heading

9 to searate +ones in the same -ellbore

9 to lace 6ill fluids or treating fluids in the casing annulus

9 to ac6 off erforations rather than use suee+e cementing

9 to 6ee gas lift or hdraulic o-er fluid in8ection ressure isolated from the

formation

9 to anchor the tubing

9 to install a casing um

9 to minimi+e heat losses b allo-ing the use of an emt annulus or thermal

insulator

9 to isolate a casing lea6 or lea6ing liner la

9 to facilitate temorar -ell serice oerations (eg stimulations suee+es)

Pac$er T+pes

There are man ac6er manufacturers some of -hom offer an e1tensie ariet ofac6ers -ith each differing to some degree from those of the other manufacturers

This rather be-ildering arra can ho-eer be groued into rincial classes or

tes and ma be further categori+ed b method of setting b direction of ressureacross the ac6er and b the number of bores through the ac6er

Pac6ers can be rimaril classified as either retrieable or ermanent or

ermanentretrieable or inflatable

)etrievable acers

This te of ac6er is run on the tubing ( ltigure )etrievable pacer )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3784

Figure 1

After setting it can be released and recoered from the -ell on the tubing ince it is

an integral art of the tubing string the tubing cannot be remoed from the -ell-ithout ulling the ac6er unless a detachable ac6er head is used

7etrieable ac6ers ma be designed to be set mechanicall or hdraulicallechanical setting methods include rotation of the tubing string recirocation of the

tubing string or the alication of tension or setdo-n -eight =ith mechanical

ac6ers the tubing is usuall set in comression

Hdraulic ac6ers are set b aling hdraulic ressure through the tubing stringbut once set the hold the set osition mechanicall The tubing is usuall in tension

7etrieable ac6ers are usuall used for comle1 multi+one and multistringcomletions Their main limitation -as in their limited abilit to accommodate tubing

stress changes -ithout unsettingD the aailabilit of effectie sli 8oints anddetachable heads has eased this situation An historical roblem -as failure of the

internal elastomer seals but this technolog also has imroed mar6edl in the lastdecade All metaltometal seal ac6ers are aailable but are e1ensie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3884

Lne disadantage of retrieable ac6ers is that if the fail to retriee the must beremoed b milling them out of the casing -ith an abrasie milling head and a

drillstring The are er difficult to mill Menerall this te of ac6er is used undernonseere conditions (differential ressures less than 000 si (344 Pa)

temeratures less than 300B lt (4B )

2ecause of the setting mechanism retrieable ac6ers tend to hae a restrictedbore comared -ith other ac6ers designed for the same casing si+e This factorma restrict flo- or limit -ireline oerations belo- the ac6er deth

ermanent acers

Permanent ac6ers are indeendent of the tubing and ma be run on tubing or on

-ireline ( ltigure and ltigure 3 )

Figure 2

The tubing can be released from the ac6er and can be ulled leaing the ac6er set

in the casing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3984

Figure 3

Tubing can subseuentl be run bac6 and resealed in the ac6er The ac6er ma

thus be considered an integral art of the casing It is sometimes called either aroduction ac6er or a retainerroduction ac6er

The ermanent ac6er cannot be recoered as such but it can be destructiel

remoed (eg b milling) ( ltigure 4 and ltigure )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4084

Figure 4

If the ac6er includes a tailie and must be recoered a millout e1tension is

needed on the ac6er for the ac6er ic6er or catch sleee on the mill to engageIn other cases it ma be adeuate to siml ush the ac6er to the bottom of the

casing after milling

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3484

Incororation of the roision in some regulations for a -ellhead rating euialentto the reseroir ressure reflects this tical design for 6ill caabilit

Tubing urst (ating Calculation

burst rating E ma1 THP 1 design factor

design factor E

reuired burst rating (for gas 6ill conditions) E 3 1

E 3 6Pa

All grades and -eights satisfactor

Tubing Collapse )oading

alculate first assuming high ris6 of gas brea6through

head of packer fluid ρf 3 43

gt3 21(3 25 kPa

ax P ax I$P assues leak3 1696 kPa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E F 0

E 33 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 33 0 6Pa (assumes emt tubing)

E 33 6Pa

design factor E

reuired collase rating E 33 1 E 434 6Pa

Therefore strictl sea6ing -e should use a 6gm amp0 tubing but moreli6el 36gm tubing -ould be selected since the robabilit of such seere

collase loading is er lo-

alculate ne1t assuming lo- ris6 of gas brea6through

ax P operating I$P

oerating ITHP E 4 6Pa

ma1 2H annulus ressure E 4 F 0

E 0 6Pa

ma1 collase load E 0 6Pa

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3584

reuired collase rating E 0 1 E 300 6Pa

Ce could select 25(-kg7 )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculation

ampeight in air 25( 21( 5( kg 525 kM

buoanc factor E

EE0

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 6ampE 4 6amp

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (4) ()

E 30 6amp

$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubing

comletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

40mm ( inch) 36gm 0 tubing meets all criteria for this te ofroduction 7is6 of gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing

bet-een 0 and J grades

Pac6ers

Pac$er unctions

A ac6er is a subsurface tool that roides a seal bet-een the tubing and

casingthereb reenting the ertical moement of fluids across this sealing oint

Pac6ers are used for the follo-ing reasons

9 to imroe safet b roiding a barrier to flo- through the annulus

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3684

9 to 6ee -ell fluids and ressures isolated from the casing

9 to imroe flo- conditions and reent heading

9 to searate +ones in the same -ellbore

9 to lace 6ill fluids or treating fluids in the casing annulus

9 to ac6 off erforations rather than use suee+e cementing

9 to 6ee gas lift or hdraulic o-er fluid in8ection ressure isolated from the

formation

9 to anchor the tubing

9 to install a casing um

9 to minimi+e heat losses b allo-ing the use of an emt annulus or thermal

insulator

9 to isolate a casing lea6 or lea6ing liner la

9 to facilitate temorar -ell serice oerations (eg stimulations suee+es)

Pac$er T+pes

There are man ac6er manufacturers some of -hom offer an e1tensie ariet ofac6ers -ith each differing to some degree from those of the other manufacturers

This rather be-ildering arra can ho-eer be groued into rincial classes or

tes and ma be further categori+ed b method of setting b direction of ressureacross the ac6er and b the number of bores through the ac6er

Pac6ers can be rimaril classified as either retrieable or ermanent or

ermanentretrieable or inflatable

)etrievable acers

This te of ac6er is run on the tubing ( ltigure )etrievable pacer )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3784

Figure 1

After setting it can be released and recoered from the -ell on the tubing ince it is

an integral art of the tubing string the tubing cannot be remoed from the -ell-ithout ulling the ac6er unless a detachable ac6er head is used

7etrieable ac6ers ma be designed to be set mechanicall or hdraulicallechanical setting methods include rotation of the tubing string recirocation of the

tubing string or the alication of tension or setdo-n -eight =ith mechanical

ac6ers the tubing is usuall set in comression

Hdraulic ac6ers are set b aling hdraulic ressure through the tubing stringbut once set the hold the set osition mechanicall The tubing is usuall in tension

7etrieable ac6ers are usuall used for comle1 multi+one and multistringcomletions Their main limitation -as in their limited abilit to accommodate tubing

stress changes -ithout unsettingD the aailabilit of effectie sli 8oints anddetachable heads has eased this situation An historical roblem -as failure of the

internal elastomer seals but this technolog also has imroed mar6edl in the lastdecade All metaltometal seal ac6ers are aailable but are e1ensie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3884

Lne disadantage of retrieable ac6ers is that if the fail to retriee the must beremoed b milling them out of the casing -ith an abrasie milling head and a

drillstring The are er difficult to mill Menerall this te of ac6er is used undernonseere conditions (differential ressures less than 000 si (344 Pa)

temeratures less than 300B lt (4B )

2ecause of the setting mechanism retrieable ac6ers tend to hae a restrictedbore comared -ith other ac6ers designed for the same casing si+e This factorma restrict flo- or limit -ireline oerations belo- the ac6er deth

ermanent acers

Permanent ac6ers are indeendent of the tubing and ma be run on tubing or on

-ireline ( ltigure and ltigure 3 )

Figure 2

The tubing can be released from the ac6er and can be ulled leaing the ac6er set

in the casing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3984

Figure 3

Tubing can subseuentl be run bac6 and resealed in the ac6er The ac6er ma

thus be considered an integral art of the casing It is sometimes called either aroduction ac6er or a retainerroduction ac6er

The ermanent ac6er cannot be recoered as such but it can be destructiel

remoed (eg b milling) ( ltigure 4 and ltigure )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4084

Figure 4

If the ac6er includes a tailie and must be recoered a millout e1tension is

needed on the ac6er for the ac6er ic6er or catch sleee on the mill to engageIn other cases it ma be adeuate to siml ush the ac6er to the bottom of the

casing after milling

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3584

reuired collase rating E 0 1 E 300 6Pa

Ce could select 25(-kg7 )-55 tubing

(unning Tension Calculation

ampeight in air 25( 21( 5( kg 525 kM

buoanc factor E

EE0

buoant -eight of tubing E 0 6ampE 4 6amp

design factor E

reuired tension rating E (4) ()

E 30 6amp

$his can be easily carried by any of the tubing grades listed

It is tical for collase design to be the critical factor in highrate largetubing

comletions eseciall at relatiel shallo- deths

Conclusion

40mm ( inch) 36gm 0 tubing meets all criteria for this te ofroduction 7is6 of gas brea6through must be accuratel assessed before choosing

bet-een 0 and J grades

Pac6ers

Pac$er unctions

A ac6er is a subsurface tool that roides a seal bet-een the tubing and

casingthereb reenting the ertical moement of fluids across this sealing oint

Pac6ers are used for the follo-ing reasons

9 to imroe safet b roiding a barrier to flo- through the annulus

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3684

9 to 6ee -ell fluids and ressures isolated from the casing

9 to imroe flo- conditions and reent heading

9 to searate +ones in the same -ellbore

9 to lace 6ill fluids or treating fluids in the casing annulus

9 to ac6 off erforations rather than use suee+e cementing

9 to 6ee gas lift or hdraulic o-er fluid in8ection ressure isolated from the

formation

9 to anchor the tubing

9 to install a casing um

9 to minimi+e heat losses b allo-ing the use of an emt annulus or thermal

insulator

9 to isolate a casing lea6 or lea6ing liner la

9 to facilitate temorar -ell serice oerations (eg stimulations suee+es)

Pac$er T+pes

There are man ac6er manufacturers some of -hom offer an e1tensie ariet ofac6ers -ith each differing to some degree from those of the other manufacturers

This rather be-ildering arra can ho-eer be groued into rincial classes or

tes and ma be further categori+ed b method of setting b direction of ressureacross the ac6er and b the number of bores through the ac6er

Pac6ers can be rimaril classified as either retrieable or ermanent or

ermanentretrieable or inflatable

)etrievable acers

This te of ac6er is run on the tubing ( ltigure )etrievable pacer )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3784

Figure 1

After setting it can be released and recoered from the -ell on the tubing ince it is

an integral art of the tubing string the tubing cannot be remoed from the -ell-ithout ulling the ac6er unless a detachable ac6er head is used

7etrieable ac6ers ma be designed to be set mechanicall or hdraulicallechanical setting methods include rotation of the tubing string recirocation of the

tubing string or the alication of tension or setdo-n -eight =ith mechanical

ac6ers the tubing is usuall set in comression

Hdraulic ac6ers are set b aling hdraulic ressure through the tubing stringbut once set the hold the set osition mechanicall The tubing is usuall in tension

7etrieable ac6ers are usuall used for comle1 multi+one and multistringcomletions Their main limitation -as in their limited abilit to accommodate tubing

stress changes -ithout unsettingD the aailabilit of effectie sli 8oints anddetachable heads has eased this situation An historical roblem -as failure of the

internal elastomer seals but this technolog also has imroed mar6edl in the lastdecade All metaltometal seal ac6ers are aailable but are e1ensie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3884

Lne disadantage of retrieable ac6ers is that if the fail to retriee the must beremoed b milling them out of the casing -ith an abrasie milling head and a

drillstring The are er difficult to mill Menerall this te of ac6er is used undernonseere conditions (differential ressures less than 000 si (344 Pa)

temeratures less than 300B lt (4B )

2ecause of the setting mechanism retrieable ac6ers tend to hae a restrictedbore comared -ith other ac6ers designed for the same casing si+e This factorma restrict flo- or limit -ireline oerations belo- the ac6er deth

ermanent acers

Permanent ac6ers are indeendent of the tubing and ma be run on tubing or on

-ireline ( ltigure and ltigure 3 )

Figure 2

The tubing can be released from the ac6er and can be ulled leaing the ac6er set

in the casing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3984

Figure 3

Tubing can subseuentl be run bac6 and resealed in the ac6er The ac6er ma

thus be considered an integral art of the casing It is sometimes called either aroduction ac6er or a retainerroduction ac6er

The ermanent ac6er cannot be recoered as such but it can be destructiel

remoed (eg b milling) ( ltigure 4 and ltigure )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4084

Figure 4

If the ac6er includes a tailie and must be recoered a millout e1tension is

needed on the ac6er for the ac6er ic6er or catch sleee on the mill to engageIn other cases it ma be adeuate to siml ush the ac6er to the bottom of the

casing after milling

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3684

9 to 6ee -ell fluids and ressures isolated from the casing

9 to imroe flo- conditions and reent heading

9 to searate +ones in the same -ellbore

9 to lace 6ill fluids or treating fluids in the casing annulus

9 to ac6 off erforations rather than use suee+e cementing

9 to 6ee gas lift or hdraulic o-er fluid in8ection ressure isolated from the

formation

9 to anchor the tubing

9 to install a casing um

9 to minimi+e heat losses b allo-ing the use of an emt annulus or thermal

insulator

9 to isolate a casing lea6 or lea6ing liner la

9 to facilitate temorar -ell serice oerations (eg stimulations suee+es)

Pac$er T+pes

There are man ac6er manufacturers some of -hom offer an e1tensie ariet ofac6ers -ith each differing to some degree from those of the other manufacturers

This rather be-ildering arra can ho-eer be groued into rincial classes or

tes and ma be further categori+ed b method of setting b direction of ressureacross the ac6er and b the number of bores through the ac6er

Pac6ers can be rimaril classified as either retrieable or ermanent or

ermanentretrieable or inflatable

)etrievable acers

This te of ac6er is run on the tubing ( ltigure )etrievable pacer )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3784

Figure 1

After setting it can be released and recoered from the -ell on the tubing ince it is

an integral art of the tubing string the tubing cannot be remoed from the -ell-ithout ulling the ac6er unless a detachable ac6er head is used

7etrieable ac6ers ma be designed to be set mechanicall or hdraulicallechanical setting methods include rotation of the tubing string recirocation of the

tubing string or the alication of tension or setdo-n -eight =ith mechanical

ac6ers the tubing is usuall set in comression

Hdraulic ac6ers are set b aling hdraulic ressure through the tubing stringbut once set the hold the set osition mechanicall The tubing is usuall in tension

7etrieable ac6ers are usuall used for comle1 multi+one and multistringcomletions Their main limitation -as in their limited abilit to accommodate tubing

stress changes -ithout unsettingD the aailabilit of effectie sli 8oints anddetachable heads has eased this situation An historical roblem -as failure of the

internal elastomer seals but this technolog also has imroed mar6edl in the lastdecade All metaltometal seal ac6ers are aailable but are e1ensie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3884

Lne disadantage of retrieable ac6ers is that if the fail to retriee the must beremoed b milling them out of the casing -ith an abrasie milling head and a

drillstring The are er difficult to mill Menerall this te of ac6er is used undernonseere conditions (differential ressures less than 000 si (344 Pa)

temeratures less than 300B lt (4B )

2ecause of the setting mechanism retrieable ac6ers tend to hae a restrictedbore comared -ith other ac6ers designed for the same casing si+e This factorma restrict flo- or limit -ireline oerations belo- the ac6er deth

ermanent acers

Permanent ac6ers are indeendent of the tubing and ma be run on tubing or on

-ireline ( ltigure and ltigure 3 )

Figure 2

The tubing can be released from the ac6er and can be ulled leaing the ac6er set

in the casing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3984

Figure 3

Tubing can subseuentl be run bac6 and resealed in the ac6er The ac6er ma

thus be considered an integral art of the casing It is sometimes called either aroduction ac6er or a retainerroduction ac6er

The ermanent ac6er cannot be recoered as such but it can be destructiel

remoed (eg b milling) ( ltigure 4 and ltigure )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4084

Figure 4

If the ac6er includes a tailie and must be recoered a millout e1tension is

needed on the ac6er for the ac6er ic6er or catch sleee on the mill to engageIn other cases it ma be adeuate to siml ush the ac6er to the bottom of the

casing after milling

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3784

Figure 1

After setting it can be released and recoered from the -ell on the tubing ince it is

an integral art of the tubing string the tubing cannot be remoed from the -ell-ithout ulling the ac6er unless a detachable ac6er head is used

7etrieable ac6ers ma be designed to be set mechanicall or hdraulicallechanical setting methods include rotation of the tubing string recirocation of the

tubing string or the alication of tension or setdo-n -eight =ith mechanical

ac6ers the tubing is usuall set in comression

Hdraulic ac6ers are set b aling hdraulic ressure through the tubing stringbut once set the hold the set osition mechanicall The tubing is usuall in tension

7etrieable ac6ers are usuall used for comle1 multi+one and multistringcomletions Their main limitation -as in their limited abilit to accommodate tubing

stress changes -ithout unsettingD the aailabilit of effectie sli 8oints anddetachable heads has eased this situation An historical roblem -as failure of the

internal elastomer seals but this technolog also has imroed mar6edl in the lastdecade All metaltometal seal ac6ers are aailable but are e1ensie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3884

Lne disadantage of retrieable ac6ers is that if the fail to retriee the must beremoed b milling them out of the casing -ith an abrasie milling head and a

drillstring The are er difficult to mill Menerall this te of ac6er is used undernonseere conditions (differential ressures less than 000 si (344 Pa)

temeratures less than 300B lt (4B )

2ecause of the setting mechanism retrieable ac6ers tend to hae a restrictedbore comared -ith other ac6ers designed for the same casing si+e This factorma restrict flo- or limit -ireline oerations belo- the ac6er deth

ermanent acers

Permanent ac6ers are indeendent of the tubing and ma be run on tubing or on

-ireline ( ltigure and ltigure 3 )

Figure 2

The tubing can be released from the ac6er and can be ulled leaing the ac6er set

in the casing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3984

Figure 3

Tubing can subseuentl be run bac6 and resealed in the ac6er The ac6er ma

thus be considered an integral art of the casing It is sometimes called either aroduction ac6er or a retainerroduction ac6er

The ermanent ac6er cannot be recoered as such but it can be destructiel

remoed (eg b milling) ( ltigure 4 and ltigure )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4084

Figure 4

If the ac6er includes a tailie and must be recoered a millout e1tension is

needed on the ac6er for the ac6er ic6er or catch sleee on the mill to engageIn other cases it ma be adeuate to siml ush the ac6er to the bottom of the

casing after milling

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3884

Lne disadantage of retrieable ac6ers is that if the fail to retriee the must beremoed b milling them out of the casing -ith an abrasie milling head and a

drillstring The are er difficult to mill Menerall this te of ac6er is used undernonseere conditions (differential ressures less than 000 si (344 Pa)

temeratures less than 300B lt (4B )

2ecause of the setting mechanism retrieable ac6ers tend to hae a restrictedbore comared -ith other ac6ers designed for the same casing si+e This factorma restrict flo- or limit -ireline oerations belo- the ac6er deth

ermanent acers

Permanent ac6ers are indeendent of the tubing and ma be run on tubing or on

-ireline ( ltigure and ltigure 3 )

Figure 2

The tubing can be released from the ac6er and can be ulled leaing the ac6er set

in the casing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3984

Figure 3

Tubing can subseuentl be run bac6 and resealed in the ac6er The ac6er ma

thus be considered an integral art of the casing It is sometimes called either aroduction ac6er or a retainerroduction ac6er

The ermanent ac6er cannot be recoered as such but it can be destructiel

remoed (eg b milling) ( ltigure 4 and ltigure )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4084

Figure 4

If the ac6er includes a tailie and must be recoered a millout e1tension is

needed on the ac6er for the ac6er ic6er or catch sleee on the mill to engageIn other cases it ma be adeuate to siml ush the ac6er to the bottom of the

casing after milling

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 3984

Figure 3

Tubing can subseuentl be run bac6 and resealed in the ac6er The ac6er ma

thus be considered an integral art of the casing It is sometimes called either aroduction ac6er or a retainerroduction ac6er

The ermanent ac6er cannot be recoered as such but it can be destructiel

remoed (eg b milling) ( ltigure 4 and ltigure )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4084

Figure 4

If the ac6er includes a tailie and must be recoered a millout e1tension is

needed on the ac6er for the ac6er ic6er or catch sleee on the mill to engageIn other cases it ma be adeuate to siml ush the ac6er to the bottom of the

casing after milling

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4084

Figure 4

If the ac6er includes a tailie and must be recoered a millout e1tension is

needed on the ac6er for the ac6er ic6er or catch sleee on the mill to engageIn other cases it ma be adeuate to siml ush the ac6er to the bottom of the

casing after milling

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4184

Figure amp

Permanent ac6ers can be set using an electric -ireline setting tool a hdraulicsetting tool run on drillie or tubing or b a combination of rotation and ull

Permanent ac6ers are ticall used -hen

9 formation treating or s-abbing differential ressures -ill be high

9 it is desirable to ull the tubing -ithout unseating the ac6er

9 it might be desirable to conert the ac6er to a temorar or ermanentbridge lug

9 high bottomhole temeratures e1ist

9 tubing oerating stress ariations -ould not be accommodated -ith a

retrieable ac6er -ithout ma6ing it imossible to ull

9 a retrieable ac6er -ould hae an inadeuate bore

ermanent+)etrievable acers

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4284

A recent arrial this te of ac6er has the same characteristics as the ermanentac6er but it can -hen desired be released -ith a secial ulling tool and

recoered

nflatable acers

These are ac6ers -ith a fle1ible sealing element that can be e1anded hdraulicallusing either comletion fluid or cement The are used as oenhole ac6ers or -hen

the casing is buc6led or collased reenting the usage of conentional ac6ers

Inflatable ac6ers cannot stand high ressure differentials and are generall limited

to secial alications such as drillstem testing

acer -ailures

The ma8or causes of socalled ac6er failures relate to

9 use of the ac6er outside its oerating range

9 unsetting of the ac6er or seal assembl as a result of ressure ortemerature changes

9 using or setting the ac6er incorrectl

9 the ac6er being in oor condition -hen run

Gifficult oerating conditions reuire more e1ensie euiment and more rigorous

design -or6 It is imortant to remember that a ac6er is effectiel a iston -ithin

the casing and -ill therefore be heail affected b changes in differential ressurePressure from belo- or increasing string tension due to tubing contraction or both

tend to unset the follo-ing

9 -eightset ac6ers

9 hdraulicall set ac6ers not euied -ith holddo-n buttons

9 locator seal assemblies or oershots

Pressure from aboe tends to unset tensionset ac6ers or cause collasete

failures or lea6age at seal assemblies under high ressure differentials

Tubing0acer Forces and oveent

hanges in temerature and ressure inside and outside the tubing affect the lengthof the tubing string (if the string is designed to ermit motion) and the forces

e1erted at the ac6er (if no motion is ermitted)

These changes in tubing length or force bet-een roducing and umin conditions

can be large and should be considered in choosing a ac6er This is eseciallimortant in high temerature (usuall dee) -ells and ma limit the use of

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4384

retrieable ac6ers Gesign of sli 8oints and seal assemblies must also considerthese forces

(The follo-ing section dra-s heail on the -or6 of GJ Hammerlindl () and

Arco as ublished in T ltebruar and on that of Arthur $ubins6i = Althouse and T $ $ogan ())

actors Causing Pac$er orces or Tubing o-ement

If the tubing string is free to moe its length -ill change as a result of temeratureand ressure influences -hich ma be subdiided into thermal iston force

ballooning and buc6ling effects onsideration of these effects -ill determine theseal length reuired andor sli 8oint design

If the tubing is anchored to the ac6er these effects -ill result in a change In thea1ial tension in the tubing This can affect not onl the design of the uermost

tubing 8oint but also ac6er shear in rating and the degree of buc6ling aboe theac6er and therefore the throughbore access A mechanical force is also inoled in

this situation

To consider these effects it is necessar to define the critical conditions to be

e1amined These normall include

bull landing conditions=

bull oerating conditionsD

bull shutin conditionsD

bull 6illingstimulating conditionsD

bull ressure test conditions

Initial calculations are ade for a set of assued landing conditions eg -5 to 5 lb -225 to 225 kM3 tension -3 or copression 3 8or conenience adesigner ay soeties choose to exaine only the differences betampeen amphat are considered tobe the ost seere conditions ie hot producing to cold stiulating3= hoampeer these are notalampays apparent eg pressure test loads can be the ost seere3

ecanical orces

echanical forces can be subdiided into tension and comression Tension results in

the stretching of tubing string The elongation due to tension forces can bedetermined b Hoo6e5s la- -hich states that the change in length is directl

roortional to the alied force The euation for Hoo6e5s la- in this alication isas follo-s

1amphere

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4484

length change inches3 lt tubing length inches3 8t tensional force -3 lbf3 E HoungQs odulus ( 19 psi3

s cross-sectional area of the tubing ampall in23$his relationship is the basis of the tubing stretch tables and graphs published by arious

eFuipent anufacturers

Temperature or Termal Effects

The length change due to change in temerature is eual to the length of the tubing

times the coefficient of thermal e1ansion for steel times the change in aeragetemerature

ince

1then

1(amphere

change in tensional force in tubing at the surface due to teperaturechange

s the coefficient of theral expansion for steel β3 is 9 l-97L8 12gt2 l-97L3 and HoungQsodulus E3 is ( x 19 psi 26 Pa3

-26 s ∆$ lb7L8

ltt E As ∆T ampB

In ost cases it is adeFuate to deal ampith the change in the aerage string teperature It is oftenassued that

bull the copletion is at geotheral gradient amphen landed 1 to 2L 871 ft or 1 to (9L71 3

bull during stimulation6illing it -ill stabili+e -ithin 0B lt (0B ) of ambient

temerature

$he teperature during producing conditions is a function of floamp rate gas expansiongeotheral gradient theral insulation of the tubing and the like Rarious coputer prograsare aailable to calculate this in critical cases but it is usually adeFuate to use data fro offsets

producing under siilar conditions Production test data should be used Audiciously since testrates and floamp periods are often too loamp and too short for theral stabiliation to occur s a firstapproxiation designers ampill often assue a floamping gradient for high rate ampells of gt L871 ftor 6 L71

Piston orce Effects

The most familiar form of iston force is that of the stretch andor stress induced

-hen ma6ing an internal ressure test against a lug set inside a string of tubing

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4584

The force against the lug is eual to the ressure alied times the crosssectionalarea of the tubing IG

8p pt i 18or exaple a 1 psi 9 kPa3 pressure test on ( 172-in 3 tubing I4 22 in3should result in a force of

8p 1 2232 6 lb (11 M3

Chere the tubing is inserted into a packer ampe ust siilarly consider the piston effects on thecross section of the steel as it is affected by changes in the internal and external pressure

The iston force at the ac6er related to a change in the inside and outside ressures

is

8p p - i3 pi - p - o3 po 2amphere

p area of packer bore

Ai E area of tubing IG

Ao E area of tubing LG

$he change in tubing length related to this piston force is

21

amphere the pi and ∆po changes are considered positie if they correspond to an increase andnegatie if they correspond to a decrease in pressure 8igure 1 Schematic showing piston force

at the packer related to a change in the inside and outside pressures3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4684

Figure 1

The iston forces are in essence the change in the buoant force on the tubing

allooning Effects

As the ressure inside the tubing increases the ie e1ands radiall This -ill cause

an a1ial shortening Alication of ressure to the annulus -ill cause the tubingdiameter to contract (reerse ballooning) This -ill result in a tubing elongation

The length change accounts for the change in radial ressure forces due to surface

ressure changes (∆is and ∆os) and fluid densit changes (∆ρi and ∆ρo) as -ell as

flo- inside the tubing (δ ) The formula for calculating the change in length due to

ballooning is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4784

22amphere

PoissonQs ratio of the aterial for steel (3

7 E ratio LGIG of the tubing

δ E dro in ressure in the tubing er unit length due to flo- The

ressure dro is ositie -hen the flo- is do-n-ard and +ero -henthere is no flo-

ρi E densit of fluid inside tubing

ρo E densit of fluid outside tubing

is E surface tubing ressure

os E surface annulus ressure

ucling ffects

2uc6ling is caused b t-o effects alied longitudinal comression loads andinternal ressure

The first is eas to understand as a logical conseuence of the loading of a columnHo-eer the buc6ling of a ie under tension as a result of internal ressure is a

difficult concet to areciate Lne -a to isuali+e this te of buc6ling is toconsider a slightl bananashaed tubing 8oint sub8ect to internal ressure ( ltigure

and ltigure 3 $auses of bucling)

Figure 2

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4884

There -ill be a small unoosed area uon -hich the ressure -ill act to cause

distortion of the ie

Figure 3

The resulting buc6ling -ill reflect the balance of strain and bending energ This issimilar to haing a fictitious force (ltf ) acting on the end of the ie

To better understand buc6ling resulting from comression loading consider a stringof tubing freel susended inside the casing ampo- consider an u-ard force lt

alied to the lo-er end of the tubing This force comresses the string and buc6lesthe lo-er ortion of the string into a heli1 The neutral oint is -here the buc6ling

stos This force decreases -ith increasing distance from the bottom of the string

and becomes +ero at the neutral oint The distance n from the bottom of thetubing to the neutral oint is calculated from the follo-ing formula

23amphere

C Cs ρi i - ρo o representing the buoyed ampeight of the tubing per unit length 8 the force applied to the loamper end

It should be understood that in the presence of fluids the neutral point is not the point at amphichthere is neither tension nor copression but it is the point beloamp amphich the string is buckled andaboe amphich the string is straight

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 4984

If the neutral oint is -ithin the string then the shortening of the string due to

buc6ling (∆$b) is as follo-s

24amphere I is the oent of inertia of tubing cross section ampith respect to its diaeter

I E (G4 d4)

=hen the calculated alue of the neutral oint is aboe the uer end of the string

the entire string buc6les into a heli1

=hen the ressure inside the tubing (P i) is greater than the ressure outside (o) at

the ac6er a shortening -ill occur due to helical buc6ling It -as determined b

$ubins6i Althouse and $ogan () that as far as the buc6ling is concerned thetubing behaes as if sub8ect to the follo-ing fictitious force

8f ppi - po3 2ampBecause part of this force 8f appears to be nonexistent the entire force 8 ampas gien the naefictitious 8urther it ampas deterined that the string ampould buckle if 8f is positie and ampould reainstraight if 8f is ero or negatie ubstitution into EFuation 2gt gies

2

amphere ∆ltb is the change in length ampith respect to the length of the tubing amphen landed ampith p i po

If the ressure outside the tubing is greater than the ressure inside the tubing atthe ac6er (o i) there is no helical buc6ling due to ressure

The total change in tubing length as a result of these arious factors (mechanical andiston forces and thermal ballooning and buc6ling effects) ma be e1ressed as

lt lt ltt ltp ltB ltb 2

$he effect of this net change in tubing length on the tubing stress ampill depend upon the aount ofotion peritted by the packer design

Permanent Cor$screing

If the buc6ling results in the ield strength of the tubing being e1ceeded ermanentcor6scre-ing can occur In addition to the stresses of helical buc6ling the tubing issub8ect to elongational stresses as -ell as tangential and radial stresses due to

ressure inside and outside the tubing A tria1ial stress analsis must be made -hereconditions suggest that significant tubing stress -ill result All the ma8or euiment

suliers hae comuter and hand calculator rograms aailable for ma6ing thesecomutations This serice is usuall aailable free to urchasers The roduction

engineer should send some time determining the ressure and temeratureconditions to be e1ected Ticall a series of calculations is made for arious

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5084

landing assumtions and the results lotted for analsis It is also useful to ma6e atleast one hand calculation as a crosschec6 on the data receied

gt1ercise

1 )ilfield nits

A 0000ft highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith in lbft tubing (-allthic6ness 0 in) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

04 Bltl00 ft and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is Blt00 ftfrom a mean surface temerature of 40 Blt =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 40 Blt sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 Blt If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the landing condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 30000 lb of tension -hat -ould be the tension loading on the ac6er

after 6illing the -ellQ (Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6lingeffects)

1(

+ nits

A 300m highrate oil -ell is comleted -ith 40mm 36gmm tubing (-allthic6ness E mm) Knder roducing conditions the flo-ing temerature gradient is

03 B00 m and under static conditions the geothermal gradient is 3 Bl00 mfor a mean surface temerature of 0 B =hen the -ell is 6illed -ith a large

olume of 0 B sea-ater the bottomhole temerature dros to 0 B If free tomoe -hat tubing moement can be e1ected from the loading condition to the hot

roducing and to the cold in8ection conditionsQ If a hdraulic ac6er -ere to be usedand set in 334 6amp tension -hat -ould the tension loading on the ac6er be after

6illing the -ellQ

(Kse gtuation and ignore iston ballooning and buc6ling effects)

olution

)ilfield nits

7eseroir temerature E 40 F ( 1 0000 S 00) E 0 Blt

Temerature loss u the tubing E 04 1 0000 S 00 E 40 Blt

ltlo-ing tubing head temerature E 0 40 E 0olt

ltrom landing conditions to roducing conditions

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5184

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

13 9 1-93 $3

amphere $

$anding E 30Blt

Producing E 00Blt

$ 2 - 1( 6L8

$t E (0000) ( 1 0) (0) E F43 ft

amphere 1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

8ro producing to inAection conditions

Producing E 00 Blt

In8ection E Blt

$ 55 - 2 -1gt5L8

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 13 9 1-93 -1gt53 -1 ft

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is -1 ft fro producing to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 55 in and I4 gt5 in

gt51 in2

Betampeen landing and inAecting conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effect is

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5284

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -( x 193 9 1-93 gt513 55 - 1(3 616 lb force

$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -616 lb f tension3If the tubing ampas landed in ( lb tension the net tension at the packer leel is

8p -616 - (

lt E 000 lb force (tension)

$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic packer cannotbe used $his ampell should be copleted ampith a peranent packer and a locator seal assebly ofseal receptacle peritting 1 ft of trael

SI nits

7eseroir temerature E F E 00 B

Temerature loss u the tubing (flo-ing) E

6( 22( L8loamping tubing head teperature 15 - 22( 26L

ltrom loading conditions to roducing conditions

ltt lt3 β 3 $3

(53 12gt2 l-93 $3

amphere $ 2 - 1

$anding E B

Producing E 3B

$ 2 - 1 ( - 55 (L

$t E (300) (4 1 0) (3) E 4 m

amphere

1 initial aerage teperature in tubing string

2 final aerage teperature in tubing string $surf surface tubing string teperature $B bottohole tubing string teperature

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5384

8ro producing to cold inAection conditions

Producing E 3B

In8ection E 30B

$ 2 - 1 1( - ( -L

ltt lt3 β 3 $3 (53 12gt2 1-93 -3 -(9

$herefore the axiu oerall length change is (9 fro production to inAection

gtuation states the change in tension to be

8t -Eβ 3 s3 $3for tubing ampith 4 1gt and I4 129

s 1gt2 - 12923 2 225 1-( 2

Betampeen landing and inAection conditions the apparent force acting on the tubing to cause thecontraction effects is

8t -E3 β 3 s3 $3 -29 193 12gt2 1-93 225 1-(3 1( - 553

8t (155( kM$o aintain the original tubing length the packer ust exert an eFual and opposite force

8p -(155( kM

If the tubing ampas landed in 1((gt5 kM tension the net load at the packer is 8p -(155( - 1((gt5

-gtgt kM tensile force$his is ampell in excess of feasible shear pin arrangeents and therefore a hydraulic set packercannot be used

This -ell should be comleted -ith a ermanent ac6er and a locator seal assembl

or seal recetacle ermitting 3 m of trael

Artificial $ift gtuiment

Ancors

Knanchored tubing in a rodumed -ell -ill be sub8ect to constant moement Thetubing -ill buc6le on the ustro6e and stretch on the do-nstro6e This is sometimes

called breathing This moement leads to -ear and fatigue roblems and can resultin inefficient use of the aailable uming unit stro6e Tubing anchors are used to

minimi+e this moement

Tubing anchors are classified as follo-s

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5484

9 tension anchors -hich ermit the tubing to elongate but not to shorten

9 comression anchors -hich ermit shortening but not elongation

9 fi1ed anchors

$ompression anchors reduce the breathing roblems but do not reent buc6ling and

are therefore rarel used Tension anchors -hich graduall -al6 do-n the inside of the casing as the um starts to oerate and then set the tubing at its ma1imum

elongation ma damage the casing b reeated slight moement Therefore mostanchors used toda are of the fixed te (often miscalled tension anchors) ( ltigure

Figure 1

echanically set anchor ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5584

Figure 2

Dual hydraulically set anchor and ltigure 3 Single hydraulically set anchor )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5684

Figure 3

There are t-o main setting mechanisms

9 rotation set

9 hdraulic set

It is best to select an anchor -ith a bac6u retrieing mechanism so that if therimar one (ie rotation) fails a secondar release (ie shear ins) can be used

ome hdraulic anchors deend onl uon the differential ressure bet-een thetubing and casing These hae an additional alication in reenting seal assemblies

or ac6ers from becoming unlatched during stimulation oerations

ottohole 0ups

Getails of the bottomhole um for rodumed -ells are set out in API ec AR

-hich includes a character code to secif each um te The most critical isthe second grou -hich is the um bore ( to corresonding to 4 in to

34 in or 3 to 0 mm) and the um te (7rod and Ttubing)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5784

The um dislacement in oil field units can be obtained from

P4 Ep 1199 Es M 42 2(amphere

stroke in3= say 6gt in Ep pup efficiency= assue 0

M pup rate= say 2 P Es stroke efficiency or rod stretch3= assue 0 4 pup bore= say 2 in M 15 in7inute axiu desirable for rod fall3

Gsing the nubers gien aboe the pup rate ampould be P4 gt6 B7d 6 (7d3

Go-nhole omletion Accessories

Seating ampipples

There are three main tes of seating nile used as integral arts of the tubing

string

9 umseating niles

9 selectie landing niles

9 nonselectie or nogo landing niles

eating niles -hich are used to accommodate a um lug hanger or flo-

control deice consist of a olished bore -ith an internal diameter 8ust less than thetubing drift diameter Ksuall a loc6 rofile is also reuired eseciall for landing

niles Hea dut tubing sections called flo- coulings are often run on eitherend of a seating nile to minimi+e the effects of turbulence ( ltigure anding

nipple and flow coupling installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5884

Figure 1

eating niles and the deices that are set inside them are used for the follo-inguroses

9 to facilitate ressure testing of the bottomhole assembl and tubing

coulings and the setting of hdraulic ac6ers

9 to land and seal off a bottomhole um (um seating nile)

9 to isolate the tubing if it is to be run dr for high dra-do-n erforating

9 to land -ireline retrieable flo- controls such as lugs tubing safet ales

bottomhole cho6es and regulators

9 to lug the -ell if the tree must be remoed

9 to land bottomhole ressure bombs

9 to ac6off across blast 8oints

9 to install a standing ale for intermittent gas lift

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 5984

9 to lug the tailie belo- ac6er in order to ull the tubing -ithout 6illingthe -ell

9 to temoraril lug the -ell -hile the rig is moed on or off the -ell

Selective anding ipples

electie landing niles are niles -ith a common internal diameter In some the

loc6 rofile is aried for eas identification ( ltigure

Figure 2

ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6084

Figure 3

ltigure 4 and ltigure anding nipples and locing mandrels)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6184

Figure 4

Lthers are accessed b triing the loc6 mechanism at the selected deth

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6284

Figure amp

electie niles are used -hen more than one nile is reuired -ithin a single

string of tubing and the designer -ishes to maintain ma1imum throughbore Theshould be no closer than 30 ft (0 m) from a similar rofile and at least 0 ft (3 m)

from an change in diameter

o+Go anding ipples

ampogo landing niles are designed -ith an IG that is slightl restricted to roide aositie shoulder to locate a loc6ing mandrel The IG of these niles should be

chec6ed against the dimensions of an throughtubing euiment that ma be usedThis te of nile is usuall located at the bottom of the tubing string or tailie and

at least ft belo- an rofile change

In tailie installations it is best to include a sliding sleee aboe the nile in case

debris reents the ulling of an lug set in the nile b regular -ireline methodsAlternatiel a mechanical erforator ma be used to unch a hole aboe the lug

Sliding Slee-es

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6384

Also referred to as sliding side doors or circulating sleees these tubing comonentsare used to obtain access from the tubing to the tubingcasing annulus either for

fluid circulation or to ermit a reiousl isolated +one to be roduced ( ltigure Sliding sleeves) The are oened and closed -ith a -ireline tool that has a locating

6e that engages the rofile in the sleee A Tlt$ ersion is also aailable for subseacomletions

Figure 1

These deices are ticall laced aboe each ac6er in the -ell Lbiousl the are

an essential reuirement of multi+one comletions scheduled for selectieroduction an roducers run sliding sleees in each string in a multistring

comletion to increase roduction fle1ibilit

A sleee aboe the uer ac6er is articularl useful for the follo-ing oerations

9 6ic6off b dislacing the tubing contents -ith a lo- densit fluid therebaoiding the use of coiled tubing -ithin the tubing

9 -ell 6illing rior to a tubing ulling 8ob or -or6oer

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6484

9 circulating out comletion fluid -ith a ac6er fluid (eg from mud to brineor from -ater to inhibited brine)

9 testing of subsurface safet ale ()

9 temoraril roducing a selectie +one into the tubing so it can be tested or

so a bottomhole ressure sure can be obtained

The ualit of the elastomer seals in sliding sleees has imroed greatl oer the

last decade The are no- much easier to oen and less rone to failure ecialelastomers are needed for some -ell fluids and suitable design rocedures are no-

aailable for elastomers

A orted nile is sometimes used in lace of a sliding sleee although this ma6es it

necessar to ull the tubing string in order to sto annular access Alternatielsome comletion engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel and ale as a

circulation oint aboe the ac6er ampote ho-eer that side oc6et mandrels offer areduced area to flo- and restrict circulation rates

+ide 0ocet andrels

ide oc6et mandrels are a secial eccentric nile that can accommodate a ale in

arallel to the tubing to control access to the annulus ( ltigure Side pocetmandrels) The are used to install -ireline retrieable gaslift ales circulation

deices flo- control ales and in8ection ales

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6584

Figure 1

The location of side oc6et mandrels for gaslift ales -ill be determined b the lift

gas ressure aailable and 6ic6off reuirements

It is highl desirable to hae one or t-o mandrels located 8ust aboe the to ac6erin high ressure gas -ell comletions These are used to facilitate a controlled

circulation 6ill in the eent the sliding sleee is inaccessible or if corrosioninhibitor

in8ection is reuired Inhibitor ma be sulied either through the annulus or ia asecial control line continuousl or in batch treatments ome oerators also use

side oc6et mandrels to install a ressure and temerature sensor that can transmitdata to the surface ia a cable attached to the outside of the tubing

ome engineers refer to use a side oc6et mandrel instead of a sliding sleee aboethe to ac6er since the elastomer seals on a side oc6et circulation ale are easil

retrieed and redressed using -ireline -hile reair of those in a sliding sleeereuires a -or6oer Ho-eer most circulation ales hae a limited throughut

caacit (0 bm or m3 hr) and some oerators therefore hae a tendenc to ullthe ale to increase circulation caabilit This can result in a cutting out of the

ale seat in the mandrel -hich ineitabl reuires a -or6oer to relace themandrel

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6684

last 0oints and lo Couplings

2last 8oints and flo- coulings are secial 8oints haing the same nominal IG as thetubing but a greater LG The are usuall manufactured from secial heattreated

steel ( ltigure

Figure 1

last 0oints ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6784

Figure 2

olished nipples and ltigure 3 Schematic of polished nipple run to provide sealing

surface in case of blast 0oint erosion)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6884

Figure 3

=hile the do not reent erosion from occurring their greater thic6ness can dela

the time to erosioncaused failures

last oints

2last 8oints are used to increase the abrasion resistance of the tubing string against

the 8etting action of a roducing formation 2last 8oints should be located in the

tubing string oosite all uer erforations sanned b the tubing 2last 8ointsshould also be used in the -ellhead area -here abrasie fracturing fluids ma be

umed into the casing access Polished niles are sometimes included in thetubing string on either end of a blast 8oint in order to roide sealing surfaces for a

sacer ie should the blast 8oint fail

-low couplings

ltlo- coulings should be run immediatel aboe each selectie or nogo landingnile in the tubing string that ma be used to locate a flo- control deice In high

rate or corrosie gas -ells flo- coulings should be used aboe and belo- all usetsor rofile changes to reduce erosion eseciall if the turbulent fluid contains abrasie

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 6984

articles ince most flo- controls restrict the tubing IG the tubing aboe and belo-the controls should be rotected b use of a flo- couling

ubsurface afet ales (s)

Application of Donole Safet+ al-es

An must be installed in all offshore -ells caable of flo- and at onshore

locations in high ressure or sour gas -ells in close ro1imit to housing ublicroads or roc6 slide areas These reuirements are often dictated b goernment

regulations andor cororate olic

The ob8ectie is to roide a do-nhole shutoff that -ill limit the magnitude and

conseuences of the hdrocarbon emission if the rimar -ell control deice at thesurface (eg hristmas tree) is damaged or cannot be oerated This could occur if

a latform -as damaged b a storm or ma8or essel imact an e1losion a blo-outor b foundation instabilit imilarl on land a landslide or ehicle imact might

6noc6 off the -ellhead There are seeral different tes of subsurface safetales

loControlled Safet+ al-es

These are usuall deeset ales -hose oeration is directl controlled b the -ell

stream The are normall -ireline retrieable since the must be reset from time totime eseciall as -ell conditions change The are designed to be oen normall

but to sna shut if the tubing ressure dis belo- a threshold or the roduction rate

e1ceeds a reset limit ( ltigure and ltigure -low+controlled safety valves)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7084

Figure 1

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7184

Figure 2

The normall use sring tension to hold the ale oen The flo- asses through aflo- tube containing a bean If the ressure dro across the bean e1ceeds the sring

tension the ale -ill sna closed The ale can be a ball flaer or stem te The

safet ale is reoened b raising the ressure on the do-nstream side in e1cess of the closedin bottomhole ressure Lbiousl setting this te of ale reuires an

accurate 6no-ledge of -ell behaior temerature and flo- conditions

The ma8or adantage of these ales is that the are chea and can be set dee in

the -ell belo- the ac6er rotecting both the tubing and annulus The maindisadantages are the sericing and design reuirements the restrictions to flo-

caacit and fle1ibilit and the ris6 of inadertent reoening as a result of fluids lostinto the -ellbore (eg sea-ater or mud in the eent of an offshore collision of a

boat -ith a -ellhead)

SurfaceControlled Subsurface Safet+ al-es SCSSSs

The is a failclose ale that is held oen b a high ressure control line (

ltigure Tubing+retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7284

Figure 1

If the control line is seered in an eent that damages the tubing or -ellhead

ressure -ill lea6 off and the safet ale -ill close The control line is generallconnected to an emergenc shutdo-n sstem to gie automatic closure during

unsafe or alarm conditions (such as fire or detection of gas) There is usuall acontrol anel -ith ressure gauges and control ales for all of the -ells on an

offshore latform urfacecontrolled ales are the te of do-nhole safet alemost commonl faored toda In some countries the regulations reuire the use of

this te of ale in all offshore -ells and onshore sour -ells caable of flo- Thereare t-o basic tes of -ireline retrieable (Tlt$ retrieable) and tubing

retrieable

=ith the wireline retrievable valve an landing nile is installed in the tubing

string This is basicall a landing nile -ith a ort through -hich the control lineenters bet-een a set of ac6ings on the The is installed across this

nile This te of ale can hae a serice life of to 4 months or longeralthough man ales fail during eriodic testing The relatie ease of sericing and

relacing -ireline retrieable ales therefore offers distinct adantages The maindisadantages of -ireline retrieable s are that

9 the serice life is short

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7384

9 the restricted throughbore means the ale has to be ulled for dee-ireline or throughtubing -or6

9 the turbulence in the flo- stream increases ressure loss and erosion

roblems

9 -e are forced to rel on a loc6 to ma6e sure the ale is not blo-n out ofthe -ell on closure

Ln the other hand the initial costs are relatiel lo- and sericing can beunderta6en -ith minimal disrution to roduction

The tubing+retrievable SSS valve is an integral art of the tubing string As a resultit generall has a larger throughbore than the retrieablete ales and ma een

be designed -ith an internal diameter that is the same as the tubing (a fullboreale) Also it is not so deendent uon elastomer seals and therefore has a much

longer serice life ( to 0 ears deending on design and materials selected) Tubingretrieable ales -ith all metaltometal seals are aailable for seere

enironments

ince most ale failures are caused b elastomer roblems and since tubing

retrieable ales reuire a rig entr for reair -or6 these ales are often bac6edu -ith a nile section ositioned to accet a -irelineretrieable ale Kse of this

ale insert minimi+es the imact of a ale failure on roduction This feature isincororated in tubing retrieable ales together -ith a loc6out sleee for the

original ale to loc6 it ermanentl oen erice rocedures hae been deeloedfor installing the insert ale using both Tlt$ and -ireline techniues

To reduce the number of critical seals man comanies refer singlecontrol lineales Although sring design does limit the deth to -hich this te of ale can be

set technolog imroements hae ushed the limit from around 0 ft (00 m) toin e1cess of 30 ft (000 m) 2alanceline ales (ales -ith t-o control lines one

to close and one to oen) -hich -ere deeloed to oercome the earlier dethlimitations are therefore becoming less oular Ho-eer the hae an adantage in

that the can be umed closed to facilitate the cutting of an obstruction in theale such as -ireline

A balanceline ale can also be set at an deth the critical issue being the closing

time and control line efficienc Protection sstems for the control lines hae been

considerabl imroed oer the last decade so that installation damage is much lesscommon ampe- hdraulic fluids hae also reduced control line ressure losses so that

it is ossible to set a balanceline ale at the ac6er leel ltield trials are also inrogress on the use of electrical control sstems for deeset surfacecontrolled

subsurface safet ales

The ma incororate a ball ale or a flaer ale 2all ales are often

considered more robust and can sometimes cut -ireline -hen the are closed -ith itacross the ale Ho-eer the are rone to damage b sand and imroer

oeration The simler flaer ale has the adantage of al-as being reoenable(mechanicall if necessar) should it become stuc6 in the closed osition gt1tensie

studies hae sho-n that flaer ales are more reliable than ball alesD as a resultmost oerators run flaer stle s Lerators also hae the choice of running

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7484

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7584

Figure 1

The si+e and ressure ratings of -ellheads are dictated b the design considerations

for the tubulars (eg tubing si+e casing si+e 6ill and stimulation ressurereuirements flo-ing ressure reuirements) Ho-eer goernment regulations

sometimes reuire that the rating of the uer art of the -ellhead be at least eualto the reseroir ressure

=ellhead secifications are resented in API ec A The standard -ellhead ratings

are 000 000 3000 000 0000 000 and 0000 si ( 4 34 03 30 Pa)

=ellhead comonents are generall flanged although threaded comonents are

ermitted on lo- ressure -ellheads -ith ressures less than 000 si (4 Pa)Threaded ale and cho6e connections can be used -ith ressures of u to 000 si

(34 Pa) in -ells less than 000 ft (300 m) dee but are not recommendedlamed connections are sometimes used in the intermediate ressure range 000

to 0000 si (4 to Pa) ( ltigure 3ellhead and $hristmas tree for a dual+tubing completion utili4ing clamp+type connections) ltor -ells roducing H gas the

-ellhead materials must conform to ampAgt secifications

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7684

Figure 2

Tubing 3eads and 3angers

The tubing head ac6s off around the roduction casing ( ltigure Tubing head and

tubing hanger installation)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7784

Figure 1

It should hae an outlet for access to the tubingcasing annulus -ith an internal

thread to receie a lug -hen redressing of the side outlet ale is necessar Therating of the uer flange must be comatible -ith the hristmas tree The tubing

head should hae loc6do-n scre-s for the hanger and the lo-er flange si+e andrating must be comatible -ith the casing head flange

The bore and si+e of the to flange are generall determined b comletion and -ell

sericing reuirements (2LP si+e ac6er and tool LGs) rather than the hristmastree flange si+e

$i6e the casing the ressure rating of the tubing head sool is often dictated b

stimulation ressure reuirements and ma therefore be of a higher rating than thehristmas tree -hich can be remoed or rotected during stimulation

Lffshore a comact -ellhead or unihead is often used to combine both the casingand tubing sool5s function and reduce the oerall height of the -ellhead

Three tes of tubing hangers are commonl used

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7884

9 the boll weevil (also called a threaded mandrel) hanger -hich is an integralart of the tubing string and therefore a fi1ed oint that shoulders into the

tubing head sool ( ltigure oll weevil tubing hanger )

Figure 2

9 the wrap around hanger -hich is hinged to ermit installation onto an art

of the tubing other than a couling

9 the dual hanger either multibore mandrel or slit hanger

The mandrel tes are the most common

It is highl desirable to hae an internal thread in the tubing hanger to allo- theinstallation of a bac6 ressure ale -hile remoing reairing or ressure testingthe tree This can be installed and remoed under ressure -ith a secial tool

Christas Trees

(see ltigure Typical flanged wellhead )

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 7984

Figure 1

There are three main tes of trees the assembled tree the solid bloc6 tree and

the control head tree (often found on thermal -ells) The ma8or comonents (frombottom u) are

bull the flange

bull the master ale(s)

bull the tee or flo- cross

bull the s-ab ale

bull the cro-n lug

bull the -ing ale

bull the bean bo1 or cho6e

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8084

bull the flo- line ale

8or high rate ampells the floamp tee is often H-shaped to reduce turbulence and erosion iilarly afloamp control ale ay be installed in a straight run rather than in the conentional right-angledbean arrangeents

A second side outlet is often used on high ressure -ells as a connection for a tubing6ill line imilarl t-o master ales are often used in seere oerating conditions

This is often a regulator reuirement in sour or high ressure -ells

Tubing+i5e

6ating Treeore

TreeDrift

in psi 0a in in

2 (7 93 15 1(3 2 1719 523 11 gt3

2 67 6(3 15 1(3 2 719 953 2(gt6 93

( 172 3 5 (gtgt3 ( 17 63 296 6(3

( 172 3 15 1(3 ( 1719 63 296 6(3

Table 1 Cristmas tree specifications

ull opening gate -al-es are used for te master and sab -al-es

ltigure

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8184

Figure 2

anually+operated gate valve ltigure 3

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8284

Figure 3

ressure+actuated gate valve in open position and ltigure 4 ressure+actuated gate

valve in closed position)

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8384

Figure 4

These should not be oened -hen a significant differential ressure e1ists across the

closed ale

The throughbore of the tree is secified b the API and is generall in larger

than the tubing IG to facilitate installation of a bac6 ressure ale in the tubinghanger Tree si+es are sho-n in Table 1

Although the bod of a hristmas tree is normall ressure tested to t-ice the-or6ing ressure for trees rated at 000 si (344 Pa) and less and times the

-or6ing ressure for 00 to 0000 si ( to 40 Pa) ratings the flange boltsand ales ma not necessaril hae the same rating Therefore it is e1tremel

imrudent to oerload hristmas trees -hen stimulating a -ell imilarl manales are unidirectional and this should be ta6en into account -hen lanning

ressure test seuences ale gates can be damaged b aling significantressure from the -rong side

eans and Co$es

In flo-ing -ells rate is controlled b a bean cho6e or flo- control ale

Traditionall the most common -as the fi1ed bean oerating under critical flo-

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate

7242019 Completion Equipment

httpslidepdfcomreaderfullcompletion-equipment 8484

conditions (ie at sonic elocit) Knder these conditions the ustream ressure ortubing head ressure (THP) is indeendent of the do-nstream ressure or flo- line

ressure (lt$P) To achiee this THP must be greater than or eual to 0 times theflo- line ressure The adantages of oerating under these conditions include the

follo-ing

9 oer the short term (generall one to three months) the -ell rate is fi1edand a single monthl test is reresentatie of the entire roducing eriod

9 test searator conditions need not be the same as the bul6 searator to

ensure a reresentatie test since fluctuations in do-nstream ressure donot affect THP at sonic elocit

9 -ell flo- rate is limited in eent of a line brea6

9 lo-er ressure ratings can be used for flo- lines and searators

9 the sand face is not sub8ected to roduction surges in eent of a roduction

facilit fluctuation (this oint is articularl imortant in -ea6 formations)

9 cho6e erformance can be used as an indication of roduction rate

The disadantages relate rimaril to lo-er ressure -ells and gas -ells

9 the cho6e introduces a ma8or ressure loss into the sstem

9 flo- lines ma need to be larger to accommodate the higher flo- elocities

-ithout e1cessie erosion or ressure loss

9 associated cooling can cause hdrate formation at the cho6e

9 cho6e beans are inconenient for changing roduction rates in accordance-ith changes in gas sales reuirements

To meet the last ob8ection motori+ed or manual ariable cho6es or flo- controlales are often used on 6e -ells so that the oerator can uic6l change the field

flo- rate