Wellheads

The different types of well completion and their application

Producer wells
a. oil producer well
b. gas producer well
c. water producer well

2. Injection wells
a. gas injection wells
b. water injection wells

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The different types of production

A. Natural flow: The reservoir pressure is sufficient to flow the fluid from
the reservoir to the surface.

B. Artificial lift .As the reservoir pressure declines to where it can no longer
overcome the hydrostatic head of the well, some artificial method to lift the fluid up
to the surface is required, such as

- Beam pump
- Electrical Submersible Pump ( E S P )
- Jet pump
- Gas lift
- Hydraulic pump

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 Wellheads

The functions of well completions

The function of well completions are:

a. To allow different operations through the completion.
Items such as :
• Down hole survey.
• Production zone selection
• Artificial lift
b. To provide the optimum production through the proper
selection of production tubing size.

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BEAM PUMP COMPLETION

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WATER INJECTION WELL

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 Wellheads

(a) Natural wells Completion

• Single completion to provide production from one zone.

• Dual completion to allow production from two zones

(b) Artificial lift Completion.

• Beam pump completion

• Gas lift completion

A TYPICAL WELLHEAD

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 Wellheads

The main components of the wellhead

Each flowing wellhead, although differing in detail and exact

configuration, is made up of the following components :

1. Casing head, supports the surface casing.

2. Tubing head ,supports the production tubing and is attached to the top of
the casing head with a flanged joint .

3. Christmas tree, fixed to the top of the tubing head with a flanged joint.

4. Adjustable choke valve. This is located downstream of the wing valve,

and controls the flow of crude from the well.

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 Wellheads

the components of Christmas tree

The components of Christmas tree are: (See the Drawing)

a) Lower master valve

b) Upper master valve (Surface Safety Valve “SSV”)
c) Wing valve
d) Swab valve
e) Treetop adapter
f) Gas wing valve (casing valve)
g) Tubing pressure gauge
h) Casing pressure gauge.

TYPICAL SINGLE CHRISTMAS TREE

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 Wellheads

function and operation of valves on a Christmas tree

Refer to the drawing above

a) Lower master valve. This valve is kept fully open and is used as the emergency
shut-in valve.

b) Upper master valve. This is used to open up or shut-in the well. In order to
reduce wear on this valve to a minimum, it is always opened first when opening
up a well and shut last when shutting down a well. The upper master valve is
equipped with a pressure-controlled actuator held in position by a high/low
pressure pilot. The pilot receives impulses from downstream of the adjustable
choke valve .If the pilot registers a high or low pressure the upper master valve
will automatically shut, shutting in the well.

c) Wing valves . One or two wing valves may be fitted depending on whether the
Christmas tree has one flow outlet (a tee) or two flow outlets (a cross) . A wing
valve is used to open up and shut off the flow of crude oil to the production line.
It is always opened after the upper master valve and closed before it.

d) Swab Valve . isolates the treetop adapter from the well . only open when carrying
out wireline work, or when taking head pressure readings.

e) Treetop adapter. Attached to the top of the Christmas tree and is used to install
the wireline equipment when carrying out downhole maintenance work.

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The routine checks on a Christmas tree

a) Check the operating conditions.

b) Check the choke setting
c) Check the casing bleeding
d) Collect samples
e) Check for leaks
f) SSV and SCSSV loops

Record readings of operating parameters

Fill The Company log sheet (for relevant area) and record the following operating
parameters

• Flowing Well Head Pressure (FWHP).

• Flowing Well Head Temperature (FWHT)
• Flow Line Pressure (FLP)
• Flow line temperature (FLT)

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Close-in well using the correct procedure.

1) Identify well number

2) Take the necessary reading for operating parameters

(FWHP, FWHT and FLP and the choke setting )

3) Inform station of that the well will be closed.

Closing time.
Well number.

4) In case the line has been equipped with a chemical injection point, this injection
has to be stopped and the valve has to be closed.

5) Close the flowing wing valve.

6) If the well will be shut in for more than a day, close the upper master valve
(SSV).

7) If the well will be shut in for longer time, follow the following steps:-
a) Perform step (5) & (6).
b) Close the SCSSV.
c) Close the bottom master valve.
d) Depressurise the tree by opening the flowing wing valve. After the pressure
has been reduced, closed the flowing wing valve.
e) Close the location well
f) Inform the station that the well has been closed in.
g) The manifold valves of this well in the station can be closed.

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 Wellheads

SSV & SCSSV operation

Types of SC-SSSV in use.

Types of SCSSSV

Three are three types of Surface Controlled Sub Surface Safety Valves (SCSSSV) In
use:

1. Tubing retrievable SCSSSV (Ran as part of completion).

2. Wire line retrievable SCSSSV (Ran on wire line). In Dual completion.

3. Insert SCSSSV (Ran on wire line and inside a “failed” tubing retrievable
valve).

The function of SC-SSSV

The function and operation is the same for all valves. The mechanism is a flapper -
type check valve that holds the pressure from below only. The flapper is closed by
small spring and opened by a pushing down a hydraulically operated sleeve. When
the hydraulic pressure is released a strong spring pushes the sleeve back up. The
minimum pressure required to overcome the spring force is around 800 psi above the
SITHP. When the sleeve travels down, it first opens a small equalising port. After
the valve is fully equalised the sleeve will continue to travel down and fully open the
flapper. This process requires a considerable quantity of hydraulic oil. Usually
between 10 and 20 strokes of the pump is needed, while the control line pressure
increases slowly.

Note: as long as there is a differential pressure across the valve it will not open,
regardless of the pressure on the control line.

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 Wellheads

Action to open SCSSSV

This procedure is to be used when the SCSSSV has to be opened on checked if it is

open.

1. Check the pressure gauges and monitor the SITHP of the well and the control
line pressure
(Make sure that the pressure gauges is working OK. In doubt change it
out for a new one.)
2. record the SITHP and the control line pressure.
3. Close the flowing wing valve and monitor the pressure build up if any.
4. Bleed the control line pressure to 0 psi. No gas or hydrocarbons should be
coming out.
(If gas or hydrocarbons are coming out, it will mean that there is a leak in
the control line.)
5. Slowly pressure up the control line while monitoring the SITHP. As soon as
the THP starts increasing stop pumping. Record the control line pressure.
6. Monitor the CITHP until it is steady for several minutes. (Equalization across
the flapper).
7. Make sure that there is no flow from the well through a leaking flowing wing
valve.
8. Continue to pressure up the control line
(Check for signs that the sleeve is travelling. Between 10 to 20 strokes
with slow increase in the control line pressure. When the valve is fully
open, each pump stroke will give a sharp increase in pressure.
9. Pressure up the control line to CITHP plus 1200 psi
(Do not exceed 4500 psi. For normal operating conditions 3000 psi should
be enough to ensure valve stays open. A relief valve in the system is set at
5000 psi.)
Actions to close SCSSSV.
This procedure is to be used when the SCSSSV has to be closed.
1. Stop the flow from the well by closing the choke the wing valve.
2. Depressurize the control line to 0 psi.

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Troubleshooting

1. Sleeve is not travelling, well appears to flow, but not at its normal rate or
FTHP.
(This indicates the valve in the equalizing position. Stop the flow with the
chock and close the wing valve Go through the procedure to open
SCSSSV (Sub Task 2.7.3). In most cases this problem is caused because
the SCSSSV is not fully equalized.
Make sure the THP is steady before going to step 8 of subtask 2.7.3. If the
wing valve is leaking, the valve might not fully equalize in this case close
the upper master valve during step 6 and wait 15 minutes before going to
step 8.)

2. During equalization (step 7) the pressure does not increase.

(The pressure could already be equalized or the well is dead. In this case
go to step 8 (Sub Task 2.7.3) and monitor for signs that the sleeve is
travelling.)

3. Well fluids or gas in the control line.

(Don’t attempt to bleed the control line any further, Report towel services.

4. In case of any other problems anomalies. (Report to well services.)

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 Emergency Shutdown ESD Process shutdown PSD

The production failed and the The production is failed but generally
hazardous process system the process system remains
lsolated and depressured. maintained pressurised at normal
operation conditions.
Example:
HI/LO pressure detection Example:
fusable plug or a manually
inilated ESD. Process upsets, high liquid level in
separator train.
Actions:
Dependent on surface Actions:
equipment ESD shall close both Dependent on surface equipment PSD
surface and subsurface safety shall only close surface safety valve.
valves.

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 Wellheads

Commission a new well and record data

Commissioning a new free flowing well

This procedure is to be used when a new well has to be opened up for the first time.
1. Confirm the following items:

• The well has been handed over to production.

Handover document
• No missing items on the wellhead.
All valves, blinds, gauges, pipe supports, sample point and temp. gauge
installed
• Grating is in place.
• Cellar is clear of fluids.
Ladder installed in cellar.
• One side of each annulus is open and gauges are fitted
A proper gauge stand above cellar with a draining point into the cellar for
the bleed down of the annuli
• Location valve on well site is open.
Note: IF ANY OF THE ABOVE IS MISSING, DO NOT STARTUP TEE WE
2. Inform e station operator that a new well will be opened.
The station operator has to line-up the well to the test separator and monitor the
flows.
New wells are opened on the test separator to get all the debris out and to
monitor the flows.

3. Check and record the pressure in the annuli.

Keep an eye on the annuli pressures when opening up the well.
4. Confirm the swab valve is closed
If kill wing valve is used to monitor the pressure
5. Confirm the kill wing valve and the needle valve for the pressure gauge are open.
If kill wing valve does not have a pressure gauge, it should be closed and the
swab valve should be used to monitor the pressure.
6. Ensure choke closed

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7. Ensure flowing-wing valve is closed.
8. Open location valve.
9. Open the SCSSSV
10. Open bottom master valve.
11. Open SSV
12. Record the CITHP
Let the pressure stabilize for +/- 5 min.
13. Open the wing valve
14. VERY SLOWLY, open the choke on the required setting.
Setting will be given in an opening procedure from reservoir engineering.
15. Monitor the fluid produced from the well sample bottles.
See if the fluids clear-up.
16. When the well is flowing, observe the pressure in the annuli and the control line.
Stay with the well as long as the pressure is rising in the annuli Visit the well
frequently until the pressures in the annuli and control line stabilize.
Bleed the annuli down when required. The pressure will rise due to the
increase of temperature of the reservoir fluids flowing through the tubing.
A annulus max. Pressure = 1000 psi.
B annulus max. Pressure = 500 psi
C annulus max. Pressure = 60 psi.
Record the blowdown according the procedure.
17. Keep the well on test and record flow rates once flow rate stabilized, start a test
report.
Test well, take samples and visit the well site regularly.

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 Wellheads

The annulus pressure and blowdown.

Annulus pressure
This is to be used on all wells.
In some cases, the "A" annulus is connected to the flow line and will produce gas
through the annulus into the flow line (e.g. in beam pump and ESP wells).
However: The maximum pressures are valid in all cases.
1. CHECK ANULUS PRESSURE MAXIMUM PRESSURE: “A” 1000 PSI (69
bar)
“B” 500 PSI (34 bar)
“C” 60 PSI (4.1 bar)
(If exceeded, blowdown following the procedure below.)
2. If the pressure is exceeded, a blowdown is required.
3. Ensure proper scaled gauges are fitted. Zero-check gauges
4. A-Annulus blowdown: Blowdown the annulus through a fully opened needle
valve for maximum 15 minutes or until the annulus pressure is 500 PSI,
whichever come first.
(Danger: Don’t blow down annulus into the cellar, it could generate
spark.)
5. B-Annulus blowdown: Blowdown the annulus through a fully opened
needle valve for maximum 15 minutes or until the annulus pressure is 100 PSI,
whichever comes first.
6. C-Annulus blowdown: Blowdown the annulus through a fully opened needle
valve for maximum 15 minutes or until the annulus pressure is 0 PSI,
whichever comes first.
(The "C" annulus normally does not require bleed down. "C" annulus
pressure can be reported by exception)

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 7. REPORT: (see sheet following page)

 FTBP or CITBP
 AB - annulus pressure before blowdown
 AB - annulus pressure 1 minute after the blowdown
 AB - annulus pressure 1 0 minutes after the blowdown
 C - annulus pressure to be reported on request only
 Type and volume or returns:
▪ oily liquid with gas
▪ oily liquid without gas
▪ clear liquid with gas
▪ clear liquid without gas
a. Mainly gas
b. Mainly liquid
e.g. 3b means clear liquid with mainly gas returns

8. High annulus pressures due to thermal expansion occur on producing wells that
have been closed-in for a longer period and are then put back into production.
Visit every well after 12 hours when it is opened-up.

9. High annulus pressures due to thermal expansion can also occur on water
injection wells that are closed-in for >24 hrs.
Visit every water injection well after 12 hours when it is closed in.

10. For ESP wells and beam pump wells which reach the maximum pressure on
the “A” annulus” Contact supervisor immediately, do not perform any work on
the well.
WHEN ESP “A” ANNULUS BLOW DOWN REQUIRED, DON'T
EXACEED (10 PSI HOUR).

IMPORTANT NOTICES

 Close in the well and inform supervisor if there is a leak on well or flowline.
 Check annuli pressures regularly. A too high pressure can damage the well.

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Collect well head samples.

Well head samples are collected for wellhead parameters monitoring

Steps:

1. Prepare clean dry sample pot.

2. Carry out a proper flushing of the sample line to ensure accurate sample is
obtained
3. Slowly collect the sample and attach the label indicating:
(Date , location, time, operator (collector name)

Note: Wear correct protective equipment when taking samples.

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 Wellheads

The well start up procedure after a shutdown

1. After a shutdown the well has to be brought on stream again

2. If the flow line is empty we have to fill it up and pressurize it.

3. Check gauges on annuli and record pressures.

4. Check the status of the following valves: lower-master, upper-master, swab and
wing.
The lower-master, upper-master and wing- valve should be closed and the
swab-valve should be open. The tree cap must be installed.

5. Fill up the flow line by using (another) flowing well.

6. Close the Swab valve

7. Observe the flow line at the station and at the well-site for leaks

8. Fill up and pressure up the flow line to the pressure of the flowing well you use.
9. Open up lower-master valve.

10.Open up upper-master valve.

11.Open up slightly the wing valve to raise the pressure in the flow line to the well-
pressure.

12.When the pressure of the flow line does not rise anymore, open up the wing-valve
fully.

13.Observe the annulus pressure.

14.Check again the well-site and the station for leaks.

15.Open up the valve upstream the choke.

16.Select which train you want this well to flow to.

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17.Open slowly the valve to this train to pressure up the line between the choke and
this valve.

18.Open up the choke on a small size and let the well flow for a while (+/- 15 min.).
Observe the vessels of the train.

19.Increase the choke step by step with a continuous check on the train.

20.After 1 hour check the well-site and record: flow line pressure, flow ine
temperature and annulus pressure check for leaks.

(Max. pressure = 1000 Psig)

(Max. pressure = 500 Psig)

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The routine checks of the wellhead

The routine cheks on the wellhead should have:-

1- Check for leaks.

2- FTHP
3- FLP
4- FLT
5- Choke size
6- SSV & SCSSV loops
7- Annulus A / B / C
Annulus “A” max pressure = 1000 Psi
Annulus “B” max pressure = 500 Psi
Annulus “C” max pressure = 60 Psi

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