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E-Lite Series Grease and Hydraulic Control Module Operating and Reference Manual
E-Lite Series Grease and Hydraulic Control Module Operating and Reference Manual
Elmar
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Commercial Confidential Copyright
Commercial © Elmar 2002, not not
to be copied without permission Revision 2 July 2002
Commercial Confidential
Confidential Copyright
Copyright ©
© Elmar
Elmar 2002,
2002, not to
to be
be copied
copied without
without permission
permission Revision
Revision 22 July
July 2002
2002
10K PRESSURE CONTROL SCHOOL
IMPORTANT NOTICES
1. Whilst Elmar will attempt to exercise due care in the preparation and passing
on of information in any documentation or material or during any course or
instruction, Elmar gives no warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy
thereof and shall have no liability (irrespective of any negligence) in respect of
any errors or defects in such information or the consequences thereof.
3 Assessment System
11 Problem Situations
12 Large Diameter Pressure Equipment for Open Hole and Cased Hole
Operations
Elmar Services was established in 1981 and was subsequently acquired by Varco in
September 2001. Elmar now plays an important part in this multinational Oilfield Service
Company’s operations.
One of the first projects for Elmar was to design a state of the art wireline pressure
control skid to be used at the well site by all of the major wireline service companies.
These skids, in various configurations, have the “Rolls-Royce” image and have now
become the industry standard for all pressure control operations in most of the world’s
oil and gas fields.
Once the skids had been perfected, the company turned to developing the very best in
wireline pressure control equipment, and since 2000 with the introduction of the
lightweight lubricators, lightweight BOP’s and ancillary equipment Elmar has become
the undisputed leader in this market. Continual equipment review, Research &
Development has been the key to the company’s success.
Over the years the Company has also established a solid record in design and
manufacturing of mast trucks, offshore masts, wireline units, spooling units, pressure
test units and chemical injection skids. With a global capacity close to 100,000 feet per
month, Elmar is also a world leader in supplying TCP and wireline perforating guns to
customer’s specifications. In addition, holing and slotting of casing plus wire wrapped
screens play an important part in the operations at Elmar’s Headquarters in Aberdeen.
As part of the Varco Group, Elmar and the sister companies SSR, EOT, PCE and
Hydrolex are able to supply both wireline service companies and oil companies with the
majority of their equipment needs plus professional training associated with all wireline
and slickline pressure operations.
With manufacturing, training and rental bases in Aberdeen, Houston, Dubai, Perth and
Singapore plus additional rental bases in Victoria, Texas and Edmonton, Canada, Elmar
now offers its customers worldwide support – where ever there is pressure for a well
intervention operation, your Elmar support is close at hand.
DAY 1
Class Room
• Introductions
• General Overview of Pressure Control Operations
• Safety - Standards, Policies and Guidelines
- H2S, Gas
Work Shop
DAY 2
Class Room
Work Shop
DAY 3
Class Room
• Rig up equipment
• Pressure testing
• Loss of grease seal - simulation
• Running the job
DAY 4
Class Room
Class Room
• Re-cap
• Quiz and feedback questionnaire
The most important objective of this course is to provide the student with an
understanding of how the equipment works and the safe way to operate it. The
effectiveness of the course is measured by assessing each attendee's comprehension
and by verifying that he or she can operate the equipment in a safe and efficient
manner.
PRACTICAL SKILLS
All trainees will perform the following tasks and be assessed as they do so.
• Job preparation
• Function and pressure testing
• Rigging up
• Operational procedures
• Pressure test equipment - pumps, etc
• Operational procedure, loss of grease seal - regain grease seal procedure, stranded
wire procedure.
WRITTEN QUIZ
Purpose of the test is to verify that the attendee has received all the important
information from the instructor and that he/she has gained a thorough understanding of
the basic principles of Wireline Pressure control.
COURSE QUESTIONNAIRE
A questionnaire will be handed out at the end of the course and the student is invited to
give feedback concerning the instructor, course content, facilities and course
organisation. This will allow the course to be improved as time progresses.
The need for wireline pressure control equipment arises when a client requests a
wireline company to carry out an operation on a live well or a potentially live well. A live
well is a well that is under pressure. Pressure control equipment provides a safe means
of entering and exiting a well with wireline equipment while remaining in control of the
well at all times.
Pressure control equipment is available in a variety of sizes and ratings and is selected
according to the particular need of the job. Jobs with wellhead pressure are usually
performed with small OD cables, e.g. 7/32" monocable, or with slickline for mechanical
services. This is because the upward thrust caused by well pressure acting on the
cross-sectional area of the cable, is much less for a 7/32" cable than for a 15/32" cable.
For example, 5,000 psi well pressure exerts an upward force of 830 lbs on a 15/32" OD
cable but only 190 lbs on a 7/32" OD cable. Another problem related to large OD cables
is maintaining a working grease seal at the grease injection head. It is far easier to
make a good seal around 7/32" cables due to the smaller strands and higher armour
coverage.
After studying this book and attending the training school, an attentive student should
have gained the theoretical knowledge needed to be competent to run a job using
wireline pressure control equipment. Full proficiency will be gained only after practical
experience on actual jobs with wellhead pressure.
1. BASIC SAFETY
2. RESPONSIBILITY
• Safety is everyone's responsibility. You are responsible for your own safety
and you have a duty of care to other personnel present on the rig or wellsite.
3. GENERAL
4. PRE-DEPARTURE
5. ON LOCATION
• Review all operational steps, possible safety hazards, open and shut-in well
procedures
• Be aware of rig emergency procedures, including shut-in, fire, H2S, abandon
ship, etc
• Never fill lubricator (riser) or pressure test with diesel oil. Air in the lubricator
will be compressed and mixed with diesel vapour; this can cause a diesel
explosion
• Drill floors are dangerous places. Be more alert and take necessary
precautions when working on a rig floor
6. RIGGING UP
7. RIGGING DOWN
• Be aware that trapped pressure may exist in the equipment even after it has
been rigged down and apparently bled down. A sure sign of trapped pressure
is an unusually tight union connection or a stiff hose.
8. AFTER JOB
• Perform maintenance
• Concentration is often low after the job is complete and this can lead to
accidents. Please remember that the equipment is heavy and should still be
treated with care and attention.
2. Avoid using sharp V stamps on WHE. Mark only on non-critical areas with low
stress dot stamps.
5. Restrain all parts of the WHE, especially the Grease Injection Head, when
picking up the equipment to prevent it from slamming into the rig structure.
7. DO perform the required regular certification pressure tests and wellsite pressure
tests.
H2S OVERVIEW
A. INTRODUCTION
B. EFFECTS ON PERSONNEL
H2S is a colourless, inflammable gas having an offensive odour and sweet taste.
It is highly toxic. In fact, it is almost as toxic as hydrogen cyanide and is between
five and six times as toxic as carbon monoxide. Another hazardous feature of
H2S is that it is heavier than air (density 1.19).
2. TOXICITY
As stated, H2S is an extremely toxic gas. The sense of smell is lost after a few
minutes of exposure in concentrations as low as 0.010 to 0.015% volume of the
gas. Exposure to higher concentrations for less than a minute dulls the sense of
smell completely and gives a person a false sense of security.
Do not rely on the sense of smell for H2S detection.
1/1,000,000 = 1 PPM
0.05% = 500 PPM
2% = 20,000 PPM
Commercial Confidential Copyright © Elmar 2001, not to be copied without permission
3. SYMPTOMS
a. Subacute Poisoning
b. Acute Poisoning
Experience has shown that there is no predictable pattern to any one person's
exposure to H2S and any departure from normal behaviour in a suspected
environment should be checked.
Remember: One sniff of a sufficiently high concentration of H2S can cause acute
poisoning.
4. Treatment
C. EFFECTS ON EQUIPMENT
• Corrosive attack
• Carbide attack
• Hydrogen embrittlement.
1. Corrosive Attack
When water is present along with H2S, the iron in steel reacts with sulphur
forming iron sulphide (FeS) and releases free hydrogen. Carbon dioxide, (CO2)
combines with the water to form carbonic acid, (CH2CO3) which in turn attacks
the steel. In either case, water is necessary to permit the reaction to occur.
2. Carbide Attack
Once liberated by the corrosive action or furnished from any source, the
hydrogen atoms may unite with the carbon in the steel to form methane gas,
CH4. This leaves voids making the steel spongy and greatly weakened.
3. Hydrogen Embrittlement
The molecular hydrogen is much larger than the atomic hydrogen and exerts
tremendous pressure against the steel structure causing it to crack and
eventually fail.
Failure can be quite sudden and can occur at stress levels far lower than the
material's normal yield strength. Temperature, pressure and H2S concentration
affect the rate at which free hydrogen invades the steel. Tensile strength of the
steel and the stress level to which it is subjected determine its susceptibility to
attack. Generally, steel with relatively low hardness (Rc 22 or less) and low yield
strength (say less than or equal to 75,000 psi) are ductile enough to resist
permanent damage.
D. EQUIPMENT PROTECTION
One of the most effective ways of combating the effects of low concentrations of
H2S is the use of film forming inhibitors. These substances form a protective film
over the steel surface to prevent contact by the H2S solution and thereby retard
corrosive action. Thus, the supply of free atomic hydrogen is greatly reduced
and embrittlement does not occur. In cases where H2S concentrations are below
2%, the use of an inhibitor alone is sufficient protection for short time operations.
Oil soluble inhibitors, such as Baroid Coat C-1815, can be blended with diesel or
with the grease pumped through the flow tubes. Use inhibited sealing grease, or
one mixed with Baroid Coat C-1815. Make sure to maintain a suitable viscosity
for grease pumped in the flow tubes.
2. Application
Mix one part inhibitor with four parts diesel and apply to all internal surfaces of
lubricator pipe, wireline valves and wellhead adapters before erecting them on
the well. The best way to treat the lubricator is to immerse each joint in a trough
filled with the inhibitor-diesel mixture. The Wireline Valve should be capped off,
filled with the mixture then drained. Be certain the rams are fully open when
treating the Wireline Valve. The exterior surfaces may be wiped down to
facilitate handling. Do not wipe the interior surfaces because this will remove the
inhibitor film.
N.B. Verify with the Client that regulations allow using inhibitor/diesel mixtures at
the well site.
3. Special Equipment
4. Recovery
When non-H2S pressure control equipment is used for a limited time on an H2S
operation, a certain amount of hydrogen will invade the steel structure, even
though an inhibitor was used. After the operation, this hydrogen must be allowed
time to diffuse or bleed out before more hydrogen is introduced. The equipment
must be left to rest for two to three days. High temperature will accelerate the
recovery time while cold temperatures will retard the recovery time.
5. Recommendations
As the duration of a job, and the need for subsequent use are not fully
controllable, we recommend using H2S resistant equipment whenever H2S is
present or suspected.
E. OPERATING PROCEDURES
Find out as much as possible about the conditions in and around the well. Check
specifically for:
• Concentration of H2S
• Type of well fluid
• Presence of any other corrosive source such as CO2.
Check the well site for hazardous areas such as cellars, mud pit, etc, where H2S
might accumulate. Remember, H2S is heavier than air; be cautious of low areas.
When it is necessary to enter confined areas, such as cellars or pits, always use
self-contained breathing apparatus and station a rescue man outside. Also, be
cautious of ice; H2S is soluble in water and high concentrations may be frozen in
water surrounding the well. When such ice melts, the H2S will be released.
Make certain that gas masks and breathing apparatus are in proper working
order and that air or oxygen tanks are full and free of oil. Have spare masks and
apparatus in case of failure or if additional personnel are required.
When rigging up the lubricator, do not leave it with a bend since this would raise
the stress level due to the addition of bending stresses.
Attach a bleed-off hose to the lubricator manifold and direct it at least 50 feet
away downwind, when bleeding down the lubricator. Be sure the hose is tied
down and the end is fitted with a “T” piece. Preferably secure the end in a vented
waste tank.
Attach an 80-foot long hose to the grease flow line beyond the valve and secure
the end to a structure downwind. Preferably secure the end in a vented waste
tank, or place a bucket or barrel at this end to capture any escaping fluids.
Make each run as quickly as good operating techniques permit. Do not linger in
the well unnecessarily.
PPM** 0-2 Minutes 2-15 Minutes 15-30 Minutes 30 Minutes-1 Hr 1-4 Hours 4-8 Hours 8-48 Hours
Loss of sense of Throat and eye Throat and eye Difficult, blurred
150-200 Death*
smell irritation irritation vision, light shy
The following section is mainly provided for background information and as an aid to
understanding the certification requirements and terminology.
Safety Factor
For example, a Factor of Safety 2 means that the Design Working Stress is only
half of the minimum Yield Strength of the materials used. The value of FS is
imposed by design codes, industry rules, government agencies, or internal
manufacturers' regulations. Its value will also be a function of the risks presented
by an equipment failure in terms of personnel safety and assets damage.
Working Pressure
The choices of FS and of the materials Yield Strength define the pressure rating
of the equipment, usually expressed in psi (pounds per square inch) working
Pressure, WP. This is the maximum allowable pressure never to be exceeded
during field operations of the equipment. Normal Working Pressure ratings are
3,000 psi, 5,000 psi and 10,000 psi. Special equipment is manufactured with
15,000 or 20,000 psi WP rating.
Test Pressure
API 6A defines the design and test criteria for all pressure containing equipment
used on a wellhead, while NACE MR-01-75 defines the type of metallic materials
that are allowed in conditions where H2S is present.
A summary of API 6A requirements is given in tables 6-1 and 6-2. The technical
requirements are defined for four "Product Specification Levels" (PSL). PSL1
corresponds to the "easiest" service conditions and PSL4 to the "toughest" ones.
Commercial Confidential Copyright © Elmar 2001, not to be copied without permission
Hardness
Rockwell Hardness numbers are quoted with a symbol ('B', 'C') depending on the
type of penetrator and load used for the test.
For low alloy and carbon steels there is a direct correlation between Hardness
and Tensile Strength. Therefore hardness testing provides a non-destructive
method to verify the Strength of the material. Low alloy and carbon steels must
exhibit Rockwell hardness below 22 Rockwell 'C' to be H2S resistant.
• 4140 AISI Steel, with 18-22 HRC (Rockwell 'C' Hardness) and 80,000 psi
minimum yield strength for H2S resistant equipment
• Std Service Material with 30-36 HRC and 110,000 psi minimum yield strength.
(AISI is the American Iron and Steel Institute and the AISI Number is a grading
system for steels)
• Other alloys or metals such as titanium, monel, stainless steel, etc can be
used based on cost, weight and strength requirements.
Impact Tests
In very cold conditions, the steel tends to become brittle and can shatter under
an impact. To define the resistance of materials in very cold environments a
toughness test is made. (Toughness = ability to resist shock loads). The most
common impact tests are the Charpy and Izod Tests, described in ASTM E 23
(see Figure 6-1).
FIGURE 6-1
API 6A Specification accepts only the Charpy method of Impact Testing. Charpy
value should be a minimum of 15 ft-lbs for equipment to be certified for use below
0°F (-20°C). Elmar equipment is Charpy tested to 31 ft-lb at -30°C.
High Temperatures
Most metals used in WHE are suitable for operations at temperatures well above
the temperatures normally encountered on "HT" WHE operations. Elastomer
seals set the high temperatures operating limits. In special cases (Geothermal
operations) WHE might be subject to temperatures as high as 500°F. In these
cases, besides using special seal systems, the WHE maximum Working
Pressure is derated - Refer to API 6A for the derating factors.
Lifting slings and lifting points of equipment usually require a load test certificate
as determined by local regulations (BS 7072 and BS 1290 in the UK, DNV 2.7-1
in Norway).
It is beyond the scope of this course to cover all local regulations and you must
become familiar with the specific ones applying in your area, which are available
through certification agencies. Normally North Sea regulations are the most
restrictive ones and have wide acceptance throughout the Oil Industry. Elmar
equipment conforms to North Sea regulations.
• Visual inspection
• Random thickness tests on all pressure containing parts using direct
measurements, X-rays, or Ultrasonics
• Dye-penetrant or MPI examination on all threads and any damaged area
determined at visual inspection
• Hydrostatic body test at Test Pressure (TP)
• Operational test at Working Pressure (WP)
• Review of quality files.
Traceability
Quality File
The following fundamental rules apply to all operations with WHE Equipment:
• All equipment used for pressure control operations must be pressure rated, to
a defined Working Pressure, WP and a Test Pressure, TP. For high
temperature applications a Temperature Rating must also be defined
• Pressure control equipment shall never be used above its Working Pressure
(WP) rating, nor outside its temperature rating
• In a string of WHE equipment, the WP of the weakest component gives the
string overall pressure rating (*)
• All WHE components holding pressure must have valid certification
• All WHE components holding pressure must have a quality file
• All WHE equipment used on the well-site is qualified for its use by passing
annually a hydrostatic body test and an operational check at WP
• A well-site pressure test must be carried out after set-up on each job. The
Maximum Allowable Working Pressure during the job equals the wellsite test
pressure
• All crews operating WHE equipment must be qualified to carry out pressure
operations.
• In the presence of H2S, only H2S certified equipment must be used. API
threaded connections are not acceptable, only integral connections or
premium connections must be used.
(*)
An exception is the line wiper placed above a grease-head stuffing box. Refer to the specific
description in chapter 7
DD-Sour Service Carbon or low alloy steel Carbon or low alloy steel Noncorrosive <7
EE-Sour Service Carbon or low alloy steel Stainless Steel Slightly corrosive 7 to 30
FF-Sour Service Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Moderately to highly corrosive >30
HH-Sour Service Corrosion Resistant Alloys Corrosion Resistant Alloys Very corrosive >30
TEMPERATURE RATINGS
CLASS °F °C
K -75 to 180 -70 to 82
L -50 to 180 -46 to 82
P -20 to 180 -29 to 82
R 40 to 120 4 to 49
S 0 to 150 -18 to 65
T 0 to 180 -18 to 82
U 0 to 250 -18 to 121
SECTION 7
SECTION 7 - EQUIPMENT
The Wireline Valve (commonly called wireline “BOP”) is designed to control well
pressure by sealing around the cable and is used primarily when a cable must be
repaired under pressure, or when you are unable to regain control of seal at the
grease injection head. The sealing elements are two, elastomer-faced, metal
rams which have been contoured to fit a particular size of cable. The elastomer
seals are commonly called “rubbers”. Special sealing elements have been
developed recently that can adapt to different line sizes. When the Wireline
Valve is activated the elastomer faces will make a seal around the wireline by
extruding into the interstitial spaces between the armour strands (Figure 7-1).
Wireline Valves are available in many different sizes with various ratings
depending on expected wellhead pressures and the type of pressure control
equipment in use.
A Wireline Valve must always be used together with a line wiper or a grease
injection system. A Wireline Valve will not normally close on a well flowing out of
control.
Metal
Direction
of Force
Direction
of Force
Figure 7-1
The most basic design is that of the manually operated, single ram Wireline
Valve, such as the BOP-M used in most open hole work and low-pressure cased
hole work. It is operated by turning two handles that are connected to a threaded
shaft, which screws into the body of the Wireline Valve. At the end of the shaft is
a plate that pushes the ram toward the cable . (Figure 7-2).
Figure 7-2
The rams are released by turning the handles in the opposite direction. Although
manual single ram Wireline Valves are in service for ratings up to 5,000 psi, it is
recommended to limit their use to 3,000 psi maximum. Drawbacks with manual
Wireline Valves are slow closing cycle and the impossibility to operate remotely.
Hydraulically operated Wireline Valves are essentially of the same design, as the
manual type, except that the rams are activated by hydraulic pressure instead of
When the rams are closed, hydraulic fluid is pumped into the outer chamber,
pushing the piston (which is connected to the rams) inwards. Hydraulic fluid from
the inner chamber returns to a reservoir. When the rams have been closed
hydraulically, the handles are manually screwed in to provide a back up for
additional safety. With these handles closed, the Wireline Valve cannot be
opened hydraulically.
To open the Wireline Valve, the handles must first be unscrewed. The rams
remain closed. Hydraulic pressure applied to the inner chambers will push the
piston connected to the rams. Hydraulic fluid in the outer chamber will be
returned to the reservoir (Figure 7-3).
Hydraulic Wireline Valves are preferred since they are operated remotely and
more quickly and consequently place personnel in less danger should the rams
need to be closed in an emergency. If the hydraulic pump fails the Wireline
Valve can still be operated manually by first opening the hydraulic lines (pump in
"neutral” position) at either side of the piston to allow free movement of the
hydraulic fluid. The handles may then be used to manually close the Wireline
Valve. However, due to the Wireline Valve design they cannot be used to open it
again. This must be done hydraulically.
Hydraulic Wireline Valves are available with a typical pressure rating of 5,000,
10,000 and 15,000 psi working pressure. However, for any job involving
pressures of more than 5,000 psi, or any job on a gas well, or when H2S is
present a dual or triple ram Wireline Valve with grease injection facility should be
used. Major Service Companies specify a triple ram whenever the maximum
expected pressure is above 5,000 psi.
The dual ram (Figure 7-4) is composed of two hydraulically operated rams
mounted one above the other. The lower ram is inverted when operating with
braided lines. A grease injection port is located between the two rams where
grease can be injected under pressure to achieve a seal. This is the only way to
provide a seal against gas as the gas can migrate up between the strands of wire
on the braided cable. To see how the Wireline Valve works, we need to look a
little closer at the design of a Wireline Valve in section 1.4.
Triple ram Wireline Valves (Figure 7-15) are used in high pressure and gas wells.
They are composed of two sets of "normal" rams for redundancy and one set of
inverted rams.
Figure 7-3
Note: Position of hydraulic coupling is 90° out of actual position for pictorial purposes.
Open
Closed
Ram with seals
Figure 7-4
Open
Close
The sealing surface of the Wireline Valve ram is composed of an elastomer strip,
or inner seal, which is inserted in the face of the ram body. Around the upper
part of the ram body is an outer seal in the shape of a horseshoe. The two
sealing elements join together on the side of the ram body. The inner seal
provides a seal around the wireline while the outer seal prevents well fluids from
leaking around the rams inside the main Wireline Valve body (Figure 7-5).
The ram bodies must be prevented from turning. For this purpose, a key is
located under the ram body that sits in a groove cut inside the arms of the
Wireline Valve body. The key prevents the ram body from turning.
More recent designs, e.g. Elmar’s Compact BOP have locating rods that screw
into the hydraulic cylinder body and slide into the corresponding hole on the ram
body.
Two ram guides complete the assembly. One of them is located on each ram
and they guide the wireline on to the shaped part of the rams as they are being
closed. Modern design rams have integral ram guides (Figure 7-6).
When the Wireline Valve is closed and pressure equalised, the well pressure,
acting behind the rams, will help in the actuation of the rams (Figure 7-10)
because the well pressure behind the rams will help to gain a positive seal. The
ratio of pressure on the Wireline Valve cylinder to wellhead pressure to create an
effective seal is approximately 10:1, i.e. 200 psi hydraulic pressure applied to the
rams by the hydraulic pump (or by using the manual closing system) will seal
against approximately 2,000 psi of wellhead pressure
Wireline Valve of a dual should be located on the upper side of the body. This
does not apply to slickline wireline valves, where all the rams close against well
pressure and none is inverted.
The bleed off port should be above the rams when the Wireline Valve is correctly
mounted. Some Wireline Valves will also have an arrow marked on the outside
of the body which points downwards towards the well, i.e. towards the high
pressure side.
The position is similar for rams having a guide rod. (e.g. Elmar Compact BOP)
Normally sealing rams have the rod and the guide hole on the lower part of the
body; inverted rams have the guide hole and the rod on the upper part of the
body. Notice that it is easy to “invert” a normal ram by moving the position of the
guide rod and turning the ram body upside-down. For this purpose there are two
threaded holes 180 degrees apart in the hydraulic cylinder face.
Ram body
Ram guide
Outer seal
Inner seal
While conventional seals are sized for one line size only, the Multi Line Ram Seal
has been designed to seal a range of line sizes from blind through to 0.312”
braided line using a specially developed elastomer. (See fig. 7-8). Under
development is a ram seal, which will seal from 5/16” through to 15/32” braided
wireline. The ram seals are directly interchangeable with conventional seals in
Elmar’s Wireline Valves with up to 10,000 psi working pressure rating and -29°C
to 121°C, H2S service.
The Elmar Q-GUIDE™ ram is a new proprietary design (Patents Pending) that
provides a positive alignment for the wireline. V-shaped flat guides on either side
of the inner seal restrict the wireline so that the section of line contacting the
inner seal is always centred and parallel to the Wireline Valve axis. (See fig. 7-9)
The Q-GUIDE™ style of ram has been developed to replace integral and standard
guide style rams. Inner and outer seals used in the Q-GUIDE™ are the same as
used in the current styles of ram bodies.
The Elmar multi-line inner seal can be used with the Q-GUIDE™ ram.
Figure 7-9:
ELMAR SERVICES LTD TITLE: DATA SHEET 3" BOP RAM ASSEMBLIES
REV ECO PREPARED CHECKED APPROVED DATE
No: TI-970669-B PAGE 3 OF 5
B 3941 K. COULL 25/03/99
INJECT GREASE
Figure 7-12:
Grease sealed Wireline Valve
Grease injected at higher pressure than well pressure
blocks migration of gas through cable
We are now in a position to understand how the twin Wireline Valve works. The
twin Wireline Valve has one pair of rams (the lower pair) mounted upside down.
In a twin ram Wireline Valve, this is done automatically. Two single ram Wireline
Valves can be used by mounting the lower one upside down with the appropriate
adapters.
Grease is injected between the two rams as shown in Figure 7-12. The grease is
injected at higher pressure than well pressure so that both sets of rams make a
positive seal.
Why do we need to inject grease? From what has been said so far it would
seem that two Wireline Valves should make a good seal. However, a problem
arises due to the type of construction of a wireline (Figure 7-13). Fluid, especially
gas, can leak through the cable between the inner and outer strands. The ram
face effectively seals around the outer surface of a wireline by displacement of an
elastomer which flows into the crevices of the outer strands. No ram elastomer
can seal the spaces between the inner strands. If the line is new, these small
openings may allow substantial leakage, which can often be observed as
gas/liquids spraying out of the line above the sealed rams.
Outer armour
Rubber seal
Inner armour
Insulating Conductor
material
Gas
Figure 7-13
Occasionally a complete seal will be achieved on an older line in which the voids
between inner strands have been closed by wax, dirt, etc. This is the exception,
however, and cannot be relied upon in service. Special cables are available with
filler material in the voids between armour wires. These cables are much easier
to seal upon but still require grease injection for a perfect seal in gas.
Obviously, the above does not apply to solid slickline, easier to seal-in, but it
does apply to braided line used for fishing. Notice that some braided lines are
die-formed, i.e. the individual armour strands are flattened by pulling the line
through a tight die. This process reduces the amount of voids, making it easier to
obtain a seal when injecting grease.
Notice that it is good practice to ‘break-in’ a new cable in the shop by injecting
grease into the voids between armour strands. A special ‘cable injector’ set-up is
needed in the spooling shop to saturate the cable (Figure 7-14).
Figure 7-14
In a triple Wireline Valve, (See fig 7-15) the middle ram is used as a redundant
ram in case of failure of the top one. In normal operations, the topmost and
lowermost rams are closed and grease injected between the two. In case of
failure of the top ram to hold seal, the middle one can be closed, and the top ram
serviced after ensuring that a perfect seal has been achieved.
Figure 7-15
There are various types of Wireline Valve equalising manifolds but they all do the
same function, i.e. allow the pressure from below and above a closed Wireline
Valve ram to equalise. The various types are the manifolds and equalising hose
(Figure 7-16), the Elmar flush type equaliser valve (Figure 7-17) and the
integrated manifold block type as fitted to Elmar Compact Wireline Valves (Figure
7-18 & 7-19).
The two manifolds are connected by a flexible equaliser hose. This couples to
each of the manifold assemblies by means of identical threaded adapters at each
end of the hose. Each adapter mates with a grease injection union and a seal is
made by means of an 'O' ring on the face of the adapter. The system has been
designed for maximum flexibility of operation. If the rams are closed on the
cable, pressure can be bled off from the risers by opening valves 1, 2 and 3 and
closing 4. (The necessity for this becomes clear when dealing with the problem
of a stranded cable). By closing valves 1 and 3 and opening valves 2 and 4, the
well pressure can be monitored when the rams are closed. Before opening the
Wireline Valve, the pressure is equalised by opening valves 1, 2 and 4, keeping
valve 3 closed.
IIIII IIIII
II I I I I
II
II I
I I I
I I
I I
I
II
Pressure Gauge
I
IIIIII IIIII
I
I III
I
I I
I I I
I I I
II IIIII
I I
II
I I
I I
II I
I
II
I
I
I
II
II
II
1 2
4
3
Some Wireline Valves include a flush type equaliser valve. This valve equalises
the differences between well pressure and lubricator pressure when the wireline
valve has been closed. The equaliser valve must be opened to assist in backing
off the rams. One manifold is provided per each ram set.
Figure 7-17
Newer dual and triple wireline valve design have a block manifold in which all
connections, valves and external ports are located in a single steel block,
connected by bolts to the Wireline Valve Body. They provide equalizing
functions, and also the connections for grease injection, for glycol/methanol
injection or pressure testing, and a gauge port for measuring the pressure
above or below the rams. A dump port is included to bleed-off the lubricator
string when required, although for routine operations it is recommended to use
a separate, larger ported connection. This could be a pump-in sub, or part of the
Christmas tree.
The clear advantage of this design is that there are no protruding valves,
nipples, etc, which can be knocked-off by careless handling.
In Elmar block design, (Fig 7-18 & 7-19) the valves are actuated by a
Hexagonal (Allen) Key supplied with each manifold.
The cartridge valve assemblies have replaceable seats. The check valves are
also replaceable units (see Fig 7-20).
Figure 7-18
Figure 7-18a
8 L-871400 11 O-RING
10 L-870110 2 O-RING
15 L-871810 2 O-RING
Figure 7-19
Figure 7-19a
7 L-871400 7 O-RING
9 L-870110 2 O-RING
14 L-871810 2 O-RING
Figure 7-20
All new hydraulic Wireline Valves are supplied fitted with gas vented hydraulic
cylinders. They are recognised by the small hole in the adapter cylinder close
to the Wireline Valve body (Figure 7-21)
All new hydraulic Wireline Valves are supplied fitted with vented hydraulic
cylinders. Two vent holes, located opposite each other, are situated under the
lock ring close to the Wireline Valve body. Both holes should always be packed
with grease. Screwed to the transport frame is a long reach grease nipple
which can be fitted once the only through drilled hole in the lock ring is rotated
to align with the corresponding threaded hole in the hydraulic cylinder this will
allow grease through to the hydraulic ram stem. In the event of 'O' ring failure
on the stem of the hydraulic cylinder the vent hole prevents gas and well fluids
from contaminating the hydraulic system. Any well fluids reaching the cylinder
will have a dual effect.
• Well fluid and pressure getting into the hydraulic system could migrate back
to the pump via the hydraulic hose. The pump and hose are not rated for
high pressures and could rupture.
• Gas getting into the hydraulic fluid could expand the fluid and cause the
Wireline Valve to open. High pressure well fluids could also cause the
Wireline Valve to open.
Vent Hole
Figure 7-21
Dual Compact Hydraulic Wireline Valve with gas vented cylinders
Commercial Confidential Copyright © Elmar 2001, not to be copied without permission
VALVES VALVES
CARTRIDGE VALVE AND CHECK VALVE TEST PROCEDURE
OPEN CLOSED
VALVES VALVES
CARTRIDGE VALVE AND CHECK VALVE TEST PROCEDURE
OPEN CLOSED
Wireline Valves are pressure tested at the well site before a job (to the Maximum
Allowable Well Pressure) and in the shop (to working pressure or test) at regular
maintenance intervals, or whenever ram seals are changed.
If a test is conducted to the full test pressure (TP), the rams should be open to
prevent unnecessary damage to the ram seal. Testing with the rams closed
should be limited to the rated working pressure (WP) of the Wireline Valve. It is
advisable to close the rams on a solid test rod of the correct size rather than use
a braided line. When closing on a braided line the seal rubber extrudes into the
voids between armour wires. Not all the deformation is reversible and the rams
will loose the ability to seal on a different section of the line. In any case new
cables will often leak due to fluid passing between the inner and outer armour
strands and give the impression that the rams are not sealing properly.
Wireline Valve test rods (see Figure 7-22) should not be made locally and should
have certain design features, for example:
• The rod has a handle to lift in and out of the Wireline Valve. A cross piece is
attached to prevent the rod from being dropped through the Wireline Valve
during a rig pressure test
• End plates are fitted at both ends.
• Sealing surface is smooth and machined to match the diameter of the
wireline
End Plate
The plate should be located just under the rams during a pressure test to prevent the
rod being blown out. 3,000 psi pressure test on a Wireline Valve fitted with rams for a
15/32’’ cable would exert a force of nearly 500 lbs on the test rod.
1. Wash down.
5. Check lifting gear and record last certification type and date.
2. Replace all 'O' rings, inspecting all components and sealing surfaces for
corrosion or damage along the way. Pay particular attention to the surfaces
below the rams.
1.10 TRANSPORTATION
The Wireline Valves should always be transported, rigged up and down, with the
ram stems screwed into the body and handles removed. This will prevent the
stems from being bent due to mishandling of the Wireline Valve.
The Wireline Valve should be enclosed in a protective cage during use and
transportation and stored in the transport frame when not in use (Figure 7-23).
The frame is also used for lifting the valve, and provides a work platform.
2.0 LUBRICATORS
Some lubricators are ported to allow attachment of bleed valves with drain hoses
and pressure gauges.
Some lubricators are designed with a hang off facility to allow the collar to be
held clear of the pin as the lubricators are assembled vertically.
Wireline valves and the other components of a WHE string are connected to
each other with unions. Quick Unions are self-aligning due to the profile of the
box and pin section (Figure 7-24). The seal is made by an internal O-Ring on the
pin end sealing in the box end of the union. (See chapter 9 for more details on
High Pressure Unions). The two ends are kept together by a knurled collar
resting on the shoulder of the pin end, and screwing onto the external thread on
the box end. ACME threads are used. With this configuration the threaded
Commercial Confidential Copyright © Elmar 2001, not to be copied without permission
connection does not need to be made-up tight to energise the O-ring. The
collars can be made-up and undone by hand easily and quickly if the mating
pieces are well aligned. There is no need to use a spanner or wrenches on
these connections to make them up tightly.
There are two commonly used types of Quick Unions, with different profiles:
Elmar Quick Unions can be either Bowen or Otis shape, but are designed to
minimise the overall weight or have special premium-thread connections.
Otis and Bowen types are not compatible. Bowen connections are more
compact, Otis connections are easier to stab when not perfectly aligned and are
the preferable choice. They come in standard sizes, related to ID of the
connection and pressure rating.
Flopetrol QU have a different size range and different tolerances than Otis. Some
are compatible with Otis some are not. Even if nominal sizes are the same, it is
safer to assume that they are not compatible to avoid problems due to tolerances
stack-up. They are being discontinued.
A quick union is defined by: (see fig 7-24 and section 7 pages 37-40)
Figure 7-24
Seal
Diameter
Thread
size
BOWEN
Seal
Diameter
Thread
size
OTIS
ELMAR CONNECTIONS
WORKING BU-RING
ELMAR NO THREAD SIZE TPI SEAL Ø NOMINAL ID MAX OD PRESSURE SERVICE O-RING BU-RING RETAINER
E06 (LIGHTWEIGHT) 4.75 4 3.750 3.00 5.33 10K H2S 870470 873660 N/A
E09 (LIGHTWEIGHT) 4.75 4x2 3.750 3.00 5.33 10K H2S 870470 873660 N/A
NOMINAL ID
THREAD SIZE SEAL DIA MAX OD
ELMAR CONNECTIONS
WORKING BU-RING
ELMAR NO THREAD SIZE TPI SEAL Ø NOMINAL ID MAX OD PRESSURE SERVICE O-RING BU-RING RETAINER
E11 (LIGHTWEIGHT) 9.375 4x2 7.500 6.38 N/A 10K H2S N/A
E12 (LIGHTWEIGHT) 6.125 4x2 4.750 4.06 6.83 10K H2S 870540 873720 N/A
MAX OD
ELMAR CONNECTIONS
WORKING BU-RING
ELMAR NO THREAD SIZE TPI SEAL Ø NOMINAL ID MAX OD PRESSURE SERVICE O-RING BU-RING RETAINER
E01 (PECO) 5.50 4 3.500 2.50 6.83 15K H2S 870460 979800 870137
E02 (SHEARWATER) 19.00 4 10.825 7.06 22.14 15K (High Temp) H2S 874013 980072 875042
E03 (SHEARWATER) 8.75 4 5.000 3.00 10.08 15K (High Temp) H2S 872190 980160 870165
E04 (SLIMLINE) 6.75 4 5.375 4.892 7.59 5K STD 870610 N/A N/A
E05 (SLIMLINE) 9.00 4 7.500 6.765 9.99 5K STD 870660 N/A N/A
E06 (LIGHTWEIGHT) 4.75 4 3.750 3.00 5.33 10K H2S 870470 873660 N/A
E07 (SLIMLINE) 8.50 4 7.250 6.765 9.44 3K STD 870840 N/A N/A
E08 (HYDROLEX) 8.75 4 6.500 5.00 9.88 10K STD 873280 875540 N/A
E09 (LIGHTWEIGHT) 4.75 4x2 3.750 3.00 5.33 10K H2S 870470 873660 N/A
E10 (L/W X-OVER) 3.75 6 3.340 3.00 4.39 10K H2S 872017 N/A N/A
E11 (LIGHTWEIGHT) 9.375 4x2 7.500 6.38 N/A 10K H2S N/A
E12 (LIGHTWEIGHT) 6.125 4x2 4.750 4.06 6.83 10K H2S 870540 873720 N/A
E13 (TC/BCV) 3.750 8 2.500 N/A 4.39 10K H2S 875630 872700 N/A
E14 (SLIMLINE) 9.00 4 7.500 6.62 9.99 5K H2S 870660 N/A
2.2.1 OPERATION
Prior to use, union seal areas together with union and collar threads should be
inspected to ensure that they are clean and corrosion-free. Union O-rings should
be in good condition. A small amount of grease on these areas will assist
assembly.
At assembly, ensure unions are properly made up hand tight. Lubricators should
be lifted using an appropriate lifting bail or lifting clamp, where this is available.
2.2.2 STORAGE
Lubricators should be cleaned out specially the inside area, have seal areas
dried and greased to prevent corrosion and be fitted with thread protectors during
storage. For long storage it is advisable to lightly coat the inside with corrosion
inhibitor.
1. Thoroughly inspect the whole length of the lubricator. Look for dents,
tong marks, over-corroded areas
2. Locate appropriate test plug and test cap to the ends of the lubricator and make
up tight.
3. Apply test pressure to the lubricator for 3 minutes; release pressure and
apply again for a further 15 minutes. Bleed to zero. No leakage acceptable.
2.2.4 SERVICE
The Elmar lightweight lubricator (see fig 7-25 & 7-26.) is composed of four basic
parts: a quick union collar, a male quick union adapter, a lubricator tube and a
female quick union adapter. The use of stainless steel alloys tubes reduces the
amount of maintenance required between jobs. Painting is not required to protect
the lubricator tubes from corrosive attack.
The quick union adapters are connected to the lubricator tube by a premium-
threaded connection with metal-to-metal seal, backed up by an elastomer seal.
With this configuration the primary seal is the metal-to-metal one, and the O-ring
never sees well fluid if the metal-to-metal seal remains active.
A special tool is recommended to install the end adapters to the proper torque
(see para.2.3.4). Once the adapter is set at the proper torque, a grub screw locks
the connection.
Elmar optimised lightweight unions have the basic Bowen profile, but have
double-start threads to avoid inadvertent connection to other unions with similar
dimensions and lower ratings.
On specific clients’ requests, some single start unions have been supplied, which
can be used with existing Bowen unions. This practice is not recommended.
Care must be taken when connecting these unions to lesser-rated equipment.
For example, the E06 single start union (3” equipment) is rated for 10K H2S
service but can be connected to Bowen 5 000 psi H2S or 10 000 psi Standard
service unions.
The in-service rating of the Elmar E06 union is limited by the rating of the
equipment it is connected to.
When Lightweight Lubricators are used with existing equipment having different
unions, there are two possible solutions:
2Use of crossover subs
3Use of upper and lower crossover lubricators.
The crossover lubricators have a special Elmar double start thread union adapter
at one end, and union adapter with the thread compatible with the rest of the
equipment at the other end.
The lower crossover lubricator adapter can also be designed with a bleed-off port
when required for Slick Line applications. A bleed-off sub can also be used
allowing all the lubricators to be identical.
Lightweight lubricators use thin-wall tubes made out of high-strength steel alloys.
Certain precautions are to be taken when using the lubricators:
• Avoid dropping heavy objects that can create indentations in the lubricator
tube.
• Avoid using chain tongs or wrenches on the tube section. Use only non
marking equipment such as “strap wrenches or “friction tongs”, adapted to the
actual diameter of the lubricator tube.
Lightweight lubricators are NOT intended for use as freestanding equipment and
therefore must be fully supported at the upper end by a wireline mast or derrick
when used with braided and electric lines.
The upper sheave must always be suspended from an independent structure
such as a mast or derrick during braided line operations either directly, or using a
lubricator lifting clamp and spreader beam.
For slick line operation, an offset sheave wheel, attached to the stuffing box is
acceptable.
Take care to ensure that the lower sheave is as close to the centreline of the
WHE as possible, to reduce bending stresses in the lubricator sections.
Due to large bending stresses induced in the lubricator sections, the maximum
length of lubricator that can be lifted from the horizontal position is 60 feet. This
maximum length is assuming a total tool string weight inside the lubricator of not
more than the self-weight of the lubricator.
If the tool string weight exceeds the lubricator weight then the maximum
allowable length of lubricator is reduced.
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Do NOT attempt to lift the lubricator string with overweight tools inside. First rig
up the lubricator with a section of tool string that is within the allowable weight
and then insert the remaining tools using vertical make-up as required.
2.2.3 MAINTENANCE OF LIGHTWEIGHT LUBRICATORS
2.3.3 MAINTENANCE OF LIGHTWEIGHT LUBRICATORS
PRE JOB
• Inspect all lubricator tubes for signs of external damage.
• Inspect union adapters for sign of scoring or wireline tracking.
• Make sure that quick union threads and sealing surfaces are free from grit.
• Inspect quick union seals and replace if necessary.
• Coat quick union threads and sealing surfaces with grease.
POST JOB
• Flush out well fluids and clean lubricator bores.
• Clean quick union threads and sealing surfaces.
• Inspect all lubricator tubes for signs of external damage.
• Inspect union adapters for sign of scoring or wireline tracking.
• Inspect and replace damaged or worn union seals.
• Grease union threads and sealing surfaces and fit thread protectors.
• Clean all external surfaces.
YEARLY
• As per “post job” plus the following.
• Remove lubricator end adapters, thoroughly clean and degrease threads and
sealing surfaces.
• Inspect the condition of all sealing surfaces and surface coatings.
• Recoat threads and sealing surfaces if necessary.
• Replace all elastomer seals.
• Replace adapter locking screws if necessary.
• Inspect paintwork and repair where necessary.
• Re-assemble lubricator, following assembly drawing instructions and torque
adapters using the recommended tools
• Drift lubricator with recommended drift gauge.
• Pressure test to maximum Working Pressure (and to 300 psig when
required). A Certifying Authority must witness the yearly test where
applicable.
FIVE YEARLY
• As per “yearly”, plus the following
• Carry out surface NDT on all threads and any damaged surfaces.
The vice inserts firmly grip the lubricator body without marking it. They are to be
used with a dedicated vice bench for the Centralised Districts’ Assembly, and in a
Baker Vice for the “Remote” assembly.
The torque tool consists of a collet that is secured to the adapter body using two
torque pins, and of two long bar handles. 25 Kgf are required on each handle to
obtain the proper torque.
Notice that it is important to hold the tube stationary and rotate the adapters to
avoid cross-threading or damaging the metal-to-metal seal.
• Fully clamp the tube in the vice avoiding over tightening. Note: very little force
is required to grip the tube.
• Using two people of comparable build, work as a team to torque up the
adapters with the collet bars provided.
• Note: A minimum torque of 500 ft-lb is required to achieve a seal. This is
approximately equivalent to 55 lbf per bar.
• Fit adapter locking screws hand tight.
Note: Approximately equal force is required on each bar to provide a good torque
couple and achieve a seal. If the adapter is fully home prior to tightening then do
not expect to see significant rotation during loading.
Figure 7-25
Figure 7-26
3” Lightweight Lubricator
LIGHTWEIGHT LUBRICATOR
Part No Upper Connection Lower Connection ID WP Service Length Weight
L- 971246 4 3/4”-4x2(3.750”) Elmar Box 4 3/4”-4x2(3.750”) Elmar Pin 3” 10,000 psi H2S 4ft 54 lb
L- 971247 4 3/4”-4x2(3.750”) Elmar Box 4 3/4”-4x2(3.750”) Elmar Pin 3” 10,000 psi H2S 5ft 63 lb
L- 971248 4 3/4”-4x2(3.750”) Elmar Box 4 3/4”-4x2(3.750”) Elmar Pin 3” 10,000 psi H2S 6ft 72 lb
L- 971249 4 3/4”-4x2(3.750”) Elmar Box 4 3/4”-4x2(3.750”) Elmar Pin 3” 10,000 psi H2S 8ft 90 lb
L- 971251 4 3/4”-4x2(3.750”) Elmar Box 4 3/4”-4x2(3.750”) Elmar Pin 3” 10,000 psi H2S 10ft 108 lb
LIGHTWEIGHT LUBRICATOR
Part No Upper Connection Lower Connection ID WP Service Length Weight
L - 971846A 6 1/8”-4x2 (4.750”) Elmar Box 6 1/8”-4x2 (4.750”) Elmar Pin 4.06” 10,000 psi H2S 4ft 96 lb
L - 971846B 6 1/8”-4x2 (4.750”) Elmar Box 6 1/8”-4x2 (4.750”) Elmar Pin 4.06” 10,000 psi H 2S 5ft 113 lb
L - 971846C 6 1/8”-4x2 (4.750”) Elmar Box 6 1/8”-4x2 (4.750”) Elmar Pin 4.06” 10,000 psi H 2S 6ft 129 lb
L - 971846D 6 1/8”-4x2 (4.750”) Elmar Box 6 1/8”-4x2 (4.750”) Elmar Pin 4.06” 10,000 psi H 2S 8ft 161 lb
L - 971846E 6 1/8”-4x2 (4.750”) Elmar Box 6 1/8”-4x2 (4.750”) Elmar Pin 4.06” 10,000 psi H 2S 10ft 193 lb
Hydraulic tool traps are available in all the common pressure ratings, and for H2S
or standard service. The flappers (sometimes called “stop dogs” or “retainer
plates”) have a slot larger than the wireline, but smaller than the tool string. They
are spring-loaded and will be lifted as a tool is pulled through but will fall back as
soon as the tool is above the trap. To open the flapper externally, hydraulic
pressure must be applied. A hollow piston is pumped upwards inside the tool
trap and pushes open the flapper. Pumping hydraulic fluid in the upper of the two
hydraulic ports will push the piston back down and allow the flapper to return
back under the influence of the spring.
The tool trap remains closed during normal operation. It is only opened at the
commencement of a job to allow the downhole tool to descend from the
lubricators into the well. It is closed again once the tool is in the well.
Other types of tool traps are available and include manual tools traps (Figure 7-
29) and hydraulic tool traps with external indicators (Figure 30).
The external indicator type is very useful as it provides a positive indication to the
wireline crew that the tool has passed the trap and that the well can be closed in.
Elmar has developed a hydraulic tool trap with external indicator. It operates on
the same principle as a manual trap but has an external hydraulic actuator to
operate the handle.
3.1 OPERATION
Prior to use, union seal areas together with union and collar threads should be
inspected to ensure that they are clean and corrosion-free. A small quantity of
grease on these areas will assist assembly.
Commercial Confidential Copyright © Elmar 2001, not to be copied without permission
Tool traps should be function tested before use. Ensure the flapper returns to
closed position when the piston or the handle is in closed position.
Figure 7-29
3.2 SERVICE
Wash both the inner and outer body of tool trap, clean O-ring sealing areas and
union threads, inspect for damage. Grease threads and O-ring seal areas.
Check function of flapper and condition of flapper return spring. Grease flapper
pin and spring, replace thread protectors.
Figure 7-29
Figure 7-30
The tool catcher is normally placed above the lubricator string and below the ball
check valve/grease injection head.
Its purpose is to save a possible fishing job should the tool be inadvertently
pulled into the top end of the lubricator and the weak point broken. When the
catcher is activated, it latches onto the fishing neck of the cable head or slick-line
rope socket, and holds the tool safely in the risers.
It is compulsory to have at least one ‘catching’ system, either tool trap or tool
catcher in the WHE string.
The catcher must be activated before it can catch the head. The catcher is
activated either:
Later models have an added feature that allows the catcher to be pumped open.
This is used to release a tool, which has been caught due to well pressure before
running in the hole. These latest versions of Bowen catcher have two hydraulic
lines: one open, one close. These obsolete catchers are now seldom seen.
The Elmar tool catcher is normally used with no hydraulic pressure applied (See
page 61-62). In this condition, the Elmar catcher will automatically catch and hold
the fishing neck of a tool that is pulled up into the catcher. To release the tool,
hydraulic pressure is applied to the tool catcher, causing the collets to retract and
release the tool. When the tool has been released, hydraulic pressure should be
bled-off in order to prepare the catcher to safely catch as necessary.
This opposite system between the two catchers is a potential source of problems.
One must know the type of catcher connected in the string. ‘Elmar’ type tool
catcher is fail-safe and is the recommended version.
Latest models of Elmar tool catchers are adapted to catch different sizes of
fishing heads. These range from 1’’- 2 5/16’’. Older models are limited to one
size only.
The Elmar Quick-Interchange Tool Catcher allows the field crew to quickly and
easily change between slickline and electric line operations without remaking
either rope socket.
This is made possible by the unique features of a 1.5” through-bore and a split
tool stop that can be inserted after the head is passed through the Tool Catcher
body (see Figure 7-31).
This configuration allows considerable savings in rig time, minimises the use of
consumable supplies and reduces the risks of human error when making-up new
rope sockets between runs. An optional cable head protector sleeve is also
available to protect the cable, head and rope socket during interchange or
transportation.
The slickline and electric line heads can be made up before the operation after
passing the lines through their respective Stuffing Box and Ball Check Valve
Assembly or Enviro™ Grease Injection Head and Ball Check Valve Assembly.
The Cable Head Protector Sleeve is installed, connected to the Ball Check Valve
Quick Union.
When ready to rig up, the protector sleeve is removed, the Tool Catcher is
pumped open, the tool stop removed and the required cable head (slickline or
electric line) is passed through the 1.5” through bore of the Tool Catcher body.
After installing the split tool stop around the cable, the quick union at the bottom
of the Ball Check Valve is made up to the Tool Catcher and the hydraulic
pressure released, resetting the Tool Catcher to the catch position.
The procedure is reversed to rig down one line and replace it with the other. Up
to one hour of rig time is saved at each change-over.
The fishing neck size can be changed by installing the corresponding collet
assembly and tool stop.
Multi-catch fish neck collects can not be installed to standard Tool Catchers.
Figure 7-31
Stuffing Box
Enviro™
Line Wiper
Slickline
Stuffing Box
and Blowout Plug
Grease Head
BCV with
Elmar Quick
Union
Electric Line
Cable Head
Cable Head
Slickline Protector
Cable Head Sleeve
Handling Sub
Elmar Quick
Union Tool Catcher
Similar equipment is available for alternative flowtube types, quick union sizes,
working pressures and services.
A Split Tool Stop is available for modification of many types of existing Elmar
Combination Tool Catchers with Ball Check Valve so as to up-grade to the
Quick-Interchange feature.
4.3 OPERATION
Prior to use, union seal areas, together with union and collar threads, should be
inspected to ensure that they are clean and corrosion free. A small amount of
grease on these areas will assist assembly.
At assembly, the unions should be made up hand tight and a hydraulic line for
collet operation should be connected to the quick-connect on the Tool Catcher
body.
4.4 SERVICE
4. Incorrect collet and/or collet mandrel assembly for size of fishing neck.
Replace with correct size.
Failure to release a fishing neck may also occur for a number of reasons:
4.5 TESTING
1. Locate a fishing neck assembly into the Tool Catcher and ensure the fishing
neck has been secured by the collets.
2. Pump the collet assembly fully open using hydraulic pressure and ensure
that the fishing neck cannot "hang up" on the retracted collets.
3. Release the hydraulic pressure and ensure that the time taken for the collet
assembly to return does not exceed 30 seconds.
4. Locate the fishing neck assembly, complete with a one-ton weight, into the
Tool Catcher and suspend from the Tool Catcher. Ensure that the fishing
neck cannot wriggle out. Using hydraulic pressure, pump open the collets
and release the load.
5. Locate fishing neck assembly into the Tool Catcher and blank off each end
of the Tool Catcher with the appropriate Test Cap and Test Plug.
7. Continue to body test to Test Pressure and hold for 15 minutes minimum.
The ball valve is situated directly under the Grease Injection Head (GIH). Its
function is to automatically shut off the well if the cable should be pulled off the
tool and the cable blown out of the hole. It must be in perfect condition to be able
to serve that purpose. You may remember that the GIH will only seal against
pressure if the space between the cable and the flowtubes is small. Should the
cable be blown out of the hole, the grease will no longer seal and the well fluids
would be free to blow out of the top of the GIH.
The BCV housing is designed so that the ball is kept away from the cable in
normal operations but is unseated and forced up by the velocity of escaping fluid.
The greater the well pressure, the tighter the seal will be.
To reduce the overall length of the equipment, the Ball Check Valve can be
integrated with the hydraulic tool catcher or the bottom sub of the grease injection
head .
5.1 OPERATION
Prior to use, seal areas, threads and O-Rings should be inspected to ensure that
they are clean, corrosion-free and in good condition. A small amount of grease
on the seal areas will assist assembly. At assembly, ensure connections are
made up tight.
The ball check valve is automatic in operation. It is only necessary to ensure that
the ball is free to move and that the ball, its seat and the O-Ring are in good
condition.
5.2 TESTING
In order to test the assembly, an appropriate test cap should be fitted to the union
end and an appropriate adapter to the other end. This adapter should be fitted
with a ball or needle valve of sufficient pressure rating, and connected to a dump
line. With the valve closed, apply 1,000 psi Test Pressure. On opening the valve
the ball check valve should close. This can be detected by an initial release of
pressure through the dump line, followed by sealing of the ball check valve, with
no further release of pressure.
5.3 SERVICE
Servicing is limited to inspection of O-Rings, seal surfaces, ball and ball seat to
ensure that they are clean, corrosion-free, and in good condition, as previously
stated. Replace any ball showing any degree of damage even small scratches.
This section of the Pressure Control Equipment permits the control of well
pressure while allowing free movement of the wireline. The pressure seal is
maintained by a thick, viscous grease, which is pumped into a small annular
space between the wireline and the flowtubes. (Figure 7-32) is a simplified
drawing of a wireline passing through a grease seal system. The annular space
between the wireline and inner wall of the tube is very small, i.e. of the order of
0.002" – 0.008” difference in the diameter. An external pump supplies
pressurised grease to the port at the centre of the flowtube system. If there were
zero well pressure the grease would flow down and out the end of the lower tube,
but the well pressure keeps the grease in the tube, and it flows upward to exit
through the port at the upper end of the tube. In practice, small amounts of
grease are lost at both ends, particularly when the wireline is moving, but both
well pressure and well fluids are contained.
The flowtubes are able to seal against well pressure because of the resistance
against flow of a viscous fluid passing through a restriction. However, the laws of
fluid mechanics governing the behaviour of such greases are outside the scope
of this course. Suffice to say that grease in the flowtube is able to withstand a
pressure gradient P/L which is in excess of that which can be developed by the
well fluids assuming the difference between the wireline OD and the flowtube ID
is small (Figure 7-32).
The ability to seal increases with decreasing clearance between the wireline and
the tube ID, but a certain amount of clearance is needed to accommodate OD
variations of the wireline and to control friction and wear. The amount of well
pressure that can be controlled by a flowtube assembly increases with increasing
length of the flowtubes.
The Grease Injection Head (GIH) consists of a set of grease and flowtubes and a
stuffing box. Two types of grease injection head are commonly used. Both types
do the same job and work in the same way but are of a different construction.
The solid type flow-tubes are longer (24") than the concentric and come in one
piece with two small tungsten carbide inserts at either end (see page 73). This
style is commonly known as the SWS flowtube. The concentric type has an outer
flowtube sleeve and an inner tube known as the flowtube that is slightly longer
(14") and fits in to the GIH couplings (See page 82). The flowtube sleeve ensures
the mechanical strength of the assembly, while the flowtube contains the grease
Commercial Confidential Copyright © Elmar 2001, not to be copied without permission
around the wireline. This design is easier to manufacture and less expensive to
maintain than the solid one.
The tubes must be matched to the size of the wireline in use, taking into account
any wear on the wireline. Thus for each nominal wireline size there is a choice of
tubes (Table 7-7.1, page 79). The supervisor must decide what size tubes are
most appropriate for the cable. For example, a brand new 7/32 cable will
probably require flowtubes that have an ID of .226". After the first five to ten jobs
the cable will stretch and become slightly worn. The cable will then possibly pass
through the .222" tubes. As the cable approaches the end of its life, the outer
armour may become very worn and flattened and the .219" tubes may be used.
It is very important to use the correct number of flowtubes as well as the correct
size. A single flowtube of the correct ID size can hold approximately:
• For the solid type: 2,500 psi in Liquid, 2,000 psi in gas
• For the concentric type: 2,000 psi in Liquid, 1,500 psi in gas
For high pressure gas work it might be necessary to use more than one grease
injection point to increase the length of the barrier, maintain the seal and
lubricate the wireline.
WARNING
If the wireline is not cut regularly from the down-hole, the cable becomes
tapered with the outer armour strands flattened – this requires smaller ID
flow-tubes. However, if a slightly deeper well than normal is being logged,
or say 1000 ft of cable has been cut for some reason, new cable will be fed
off the drum into the hole as the tool nears the bottom of the well. The
chances are that the tension is insufficient to reduce the diameter to allow
the cable to pass through the tight grease tubes - result the cable will not
pass through the flow-tubes and the job cannot proceed. This can be a
source of severe embarrassment to an experienced crew. Remember: The
cable diameter should be consistent all along its length.
Figure 7-32
Wire Line
Stuffing Box
Grease Return
Flowtube
Coupling
Insert
INJECTION GRE
1.2 P ASE
PRESSURE FLO
W
WELL
P
PRESSURE
PRESSURE IN TUBE
OW
FL
SE
EA
GR
GREASE IN
ATMOSPHERIC
0
PRESSURE
0 TUBE LENGTH 2L 3L
TO WELL
STUFFING BOX (AT WELL PRESSURE P)
1 L-740510 1 ELBOW
2 L-202600 3 M-HEX NIPPLE
3 L-505590 1 CHECK VALVE
4 L-580900 1 QC-HUBER
The flowtubes are machined to a very close tolerance. The armoured cable
passing through the tubes obviously has a tendency to wear and enlarge the
tubes. To avoid this happening, tungsten carbide inserts are placed at each end
of the solid style tube. These are also matched to the wireline size (Figure 7-33).
Figure 7-33
O-Rings Flowtube
Flowtube insert
(Note Position of Chamfers)
The function of the inserts is to centralise the cable in the tubes to avoid the
tubes being exposed to excessive wear. Nevertheless a certain amount of wear
will always take place. Wear tends to be larger in the central portion of the
flowtubes. It is no good putting the correct sized inserts into an oversized or
enlarged flowtube and expecting the flowtube to maintain an efficient grease
seal. The seal is made along the length of the flowtube not at the insert. Once
tubes are excessively worn they should be junked. However, frequent checks on
the condition of the inserts and regular replacement will prevent the tubes from
being worn and prolong their useful life considerably.
NOTE: The inserts are placed in the flowtube with the bevelled edge facing
outward. This is to facilitate inserting the wireline end through the GIH. Inserts
are held in place by two screws.
Remember to measure your wireline with a micrometer at the cable head end,
half way in the hole and at TD. Record these measurements in the cable record
book. This will greatly help in the correct selection of flowtubes. The wireline OD
should be measured from two directions in case it is oval.
The concentric GIH is made up of flowtubes and flowtube sleeves (See pages
82-83) The flowtube is slightly longer than the sleeve and is sealed with an O-
Ring at both ends of the GIH couplings. The flowtube sleeve fits over the
flowtube and also seals by an O-Ring seal at the couplings. The concentric style
flow tubes work in exactly the same way as the solid type flowtubes discussed
earlier in this section. With this design it is possible to change the inner flowtube
more often, thus maintaining optimum clearance. Tables 7-8.1 and 7-8.2 give
dimensional data and wear tolerances for concentric flowtubes. (See pages 86-
87)
In case of loss of grease seal, the well fluid could invade the flowtubes and,
through the grease injection line, reach the grease pump. This is a potentially
catastrophic situation. To avoid it, a check valve must be installed at the end of
the grease hose. Solid (SWS) flowtubes Grease Injection Heads use an external
check valve manifold. (See page 75) Ensure that it is correctly mounted, with the
arrow pointing away from the hose.
For concentric GIHs the check valve is an integral part of the Grease Injection
Coupling Assembly. The check valve is of the replaceable type. An 1/8” NPT
internal thread in its body allows the use of a simple extraction tool. (See page
78)
10 11
3 5
2 2
4 6 7 8 9
1 2
TEST PROCEDURE
NO LEAKAGE ACCEPTABLE
4 4
TECHNICAL DETAILS 10 L-580900 QC-HUBER ASSEMBLY 1/2N(F) 10K STEEL EACH 1.00 -
11 L-241100 HEX PLUG 1/2"HP-SS EACH 1.00 -
7 GREASE INJECTION 7
12 L-870260 O-RING 224 90 D NITRILE EACH 2.00 -
DESCRIPTION 13 L-871290 O-RING 117 90 D NITRILE EACH 1.00 -
COUPLING ASSEMBLY
14 L-872910 BACK UP RING 117 90 D NITRILE EACH 1.00 -
UPPER CONNECTION 2"-10 ACME BOX A1 4500 G. REID 20/10/00 W. THOMSON C. WOOD
15 L-972764 CHECK VALVE CIRCLE SEAL CV23-58 EACH 1.00 -
A G. REID 05/10/99 C. WOOD C. WOOD
ITEM No/
LOWER CONNECTION 2"-10 ACME BOX REV ECO DRAWN DATE CHECKED BY APPROVED BY No
PART No DESCRIPTION SIZE UNITS ASSY COMMENTS
MANIFOLD PORT 1/2" NPT ISSUED FOR ISSUED TO. PRINT STATUS
MAX WORKING PRESSURE 10 000 PSI PRINT DATE 20/5/02 APPROVED FOR PRODUCTION
ELMAR SERVICES LIMITED
MAX TEST PRESSURE 15 000 PSI NOTES:- (UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED)
THIS DRAWING IS THE PROPERTY OF Westhill Industrial Estate,Westhill,Aberdeen AB32 6TQ
ALL DIMENSIONS IN INCHES
SERVICE H2S/STD ELMAR SERVICES LIMITED FRACTIONAL DIMENSIONS TO } 1/64" Telephone:(01224) 740261 Telex:739568 Fax:(01224) 743138
IT IS ONLY VALID FOR THE ORDER THAT
8 APPROX WEIGHT 4.5 kg IT IS ISSUED FOR AS SHOWN ABOVE.
DECIMAL DIMENSIONS .XX TO } 0.015" 8
IT MUST NOT BE ALTERED,COPIED OR .XXX TO } 0.005" TITLE
SEAL KIT L-971466K SHOWN TO ANY THIRD PARTY WITHOUT ANGULARITY TO } 0.5ß
WRITTEN PERMISSION AND IS SUBMITTED REMOVE ALL SHARP: EDGES 1/32"x45ß CHAMFER GIE INJ COUPLING ASSY BWN 10K H2S
WITHOUT PREJUDICE TO ANY PATENTS
FILLETS 1/32" RAD
OR DESIGNS PENDING OR TO BE APPLIED SCALE USED ON DRAWING No
SURFACE ROUGHNESS TO BE 125 ~ain MAX. 1st ANGLE SHEET 1
FOR BY THE COMPANY.
ALL DIAMETERS TO BE WITHIN 0.010" T.I.R. PROJECTION 1:1 L-971218 OF 1 971466-A1-1
A2
A B C D E F G H
INSERT *
CABLE SIZE HOLE SIZE ASSY NUMBER
PART NUMBER
0.177" L-977979 L-977930
1-18 0.181" L-977980 L-977931
3/16" 0.184" L-977981 L-977932
0.188" L-974492 L-974490
Prior to use, seal areas, threads and O-ring seals should be inspected to ensure
that they are clean, corrosion-free and in good condition. A small amount of
grease on these areas will assist assembly.
The Grease Injection Head should be rigged up with the Grease supply line
connected to the lower Huber connection, the Grease Return line connected to
the upper Huber connection and hydraulic line for Stuffing Box operation
connected to the quick-connect on the Grease Injection Head Packing Nut.
8.1 TESTING
In order to test the Grease Injection Head, a test rod of appropriate size should
be inserted into the packing area of the assembly. It is important that the test rod
used has a larger diameter at one end and that this end fits below the stuffing
box bushing, in order that the test rod cannot be forced through the stuffing box
packing.
The Grease Return line connection should be plugged and the Flotubes, sleeves
and connection blocks made up. An appropriate adapter should be fitted to the
bottom of the assembly.
With hydraulic pressure applied to the Stuffing Box connection, apply Test
Pressure to the assembly for 5 minutes. Bleed to zero. No leakage acceptable.
8.2 SERVICE
Inserts in solid flowtubes must be checked monthly for wear and replaced when
any sign of wear becomes apparent. Make sure to replace with the correct size
insert for the flowtube used.
As a narrow gap between the flowtube ID and the wireline OD is essential for
proper operations, the flowtube must be replaced if internal wear is detected.
With the concentric design it is cheaper to replace the whole flowtube.
MAXIMUM TUBE ID
USE FOR RANGE OF
NOMINAL LINE SIZE - INCLUDING WEAR - DO NOT
ACTUAL (AVERAGE) LINE
INCHES USE WHEN GREATER -
SIZE - INCHES
INCHES
1/8 .124 - .125 .134
.127 - .129 .137
.174 - .176 .184
.177 - .180 .187
3/16 .181 - .183 .191
.184 - .186 .194
.188 - .190 .198
.192 - .193 .202
.194 - 1.96 .204
.195 - 1.98 .205
.199 - .201 .209
.201 - .205 .211
7/32 .206 - .208 .216
.211 - .213 .221
.214 - .216 .224
.216 - .219 .226
.219 - .221 .229
.222 - .225 .232
.224 - .228 .234
.227 - .229 .237
1/4 .231 - .233 .241
.242 - .245 .252
.251 - .253 .256
.262 - .264 .274
9/32 .290 - .292 .302
.300 - .303 .312
.307 - 3.09 .319
.310 - .312 .322
.311 - .313 .323
5/16 .315 - .318 .327
.321 - .323 .333
.327 - .329 .339
.332 - .334 .344
.360 - .363 .372
3/8 .368 - .370 .380
.379 - .381 .391
.394 - .396 .406
.398 - .401 .410
7/16 .406 - .408 .418
.410 - .413 .422
.417 - .420 .429
.425 - .430 .437
15/32 .462 - .464 .477
17/32 .524 - .526 .539
The second part of the GIH grease seal equipment is the Packoff (also called the
Stuffing Box), which is located immediately above the grease tubes. It is used to
seal around the wireline in an emergency or when the wireline will be stationary
for an extended period of time. The device remains open during normal
operation.
CAUTION: This packoff is not designed to be used as a line wiper. The wireline
is not free to move when the packoff is closed. It is possible for the rubbers to
grip the wireline tightly enough so that the cable will break if sufficient pull is
applied. Alternatively, the outer armours of electrical lines can be squeezed and
deformed, the cable could bird-cage and eventually armour strands will wear out
and break or wedge into the flowtubes.
The GIH packoff (See page 93) consists of a rubber element that fits around the
wireline and is mounted under a spring-loaded piston. The open position is
shown in (Figure 7-34). The rubber packoff fits loosely around the wireline and
presents little resistance to its movements. To close the packoff (Figure 7-34)
hydraulic fluid is pumped into a chamber above the piston. The piston is pushed
down against the force of the spring and squeezes the rubber element. When
hydraulic pressure is released the spring pushes up the piston and the rubber
expands to release the cable.
Stuffing boxes are available in 5K, 10K and 15K psi service ratings with a
maximum 6,250 psi hydraulic pressure rating. 15K psi equipment usually has
dual stuffing boxes. Test Pressure for the packoff depends on the WP rating,
either 1.5 times WP for 10K and 15K or 2 times for 5K psi. Test Pressure can
only be applied when you use a dummy insert, part number L-972410, otherwise
test to working pressure.
9.1 SERVICE
Leakage through the Packoff will occur if insufficient hydraulic pressure is applied
to sufficiently compress the Line Rubber and cause it to seal around the wire, or
if the Line Rubber is excessively worn after a period of use. If increasing the
applied hydraulic pressure does not affect a seal, the Grease Injection Head
should be dismantled and the Line Rubber replaced.
Leakage at the various connections will be caused by damage to the O-rings
and/or seal surfaces and will require replacement of the faulty parts.
Commercial Confidential Copyright © Elmar 2001, not to be copied without permission
Hydraulic Port
Hydraulic Fluid In
The liner wiper is mounted above the packoff and is not designed to hold
pressure. Its function is to remove excess grease from the surface of the wireline.
The most common line wiper in use is the Regal/Bell Rubber Company Model
HR Stripmaster Oil Saver. Older models in the field are only rated to 3,000 psi
WP. However, more recent models are rated to 5,000 psi WP. In either case the
line wiper should not be used as a pressure retaining element. When the line
wiper is used with the adapter kit for the GIH it is limited to a wiping action only
since a 100 or 200 psi relief valve is placed between it and the GIH packoff. The
Regal/Bell line wiper is not certified for H2S work. It can be used with H2S
service equipment only in the configuration with the relief valve, which limits the
maximum allowable pressure.
The action of the Regal/Bell line wiper (See page 92) is very similar to that of the
packoff except that the rubber element of the line wiper has several
interconnecting fingers. As the grease is wiped off the wireline, it is removed
through the fingers and is allowed to drip down inside the device. A special hose,
located in the top of the packoff housing, is used to return the grease to the
control module and closed drain system.
The poppet valve, or relief valve, (see item 23 on page 93) opens at only 100 psi.
It ensures that the Regal/Bell Oil Saver is limited to a wiping action only and is
not used as a stuffing box. If the line or the one-way valve becomes blocked,
with old grease for instance, grease will be seen flowing from the relief valve. In
any case, it is impossible for the Bell Line Wiper to be used as a pressure
retaining element instead of the stuffing box even if the relief valve L-520100 is
replaced by a blind plug. This is because well fluids under pressure would leak
through the hole in the packing nut (see page 93) since there is no seal between
the line wiper piston and the brass gland. (The packoff is designed to hold
pressure from below not from above). In fact this may happen even if the
equipment is in perfect order, especially with very thick greases. The
backpressure on the drain line may become too high and the grease will
preferentially flow through the air hole.
On older assemblies the excess grease is returned to the grease return line of
the packoff through a short hose and a check valve. With thick grease or cold
weather, the pressure needed to open the check valve might be too high and the
grease will flow preferentially through the air hole. For this reason, Elmar
recommends using, for this design of the Packoff/Line Wiper combination, a
separate, large ID, low-pressure drain hose all the way to the control module.
10.1 MAINTENANCE
Dismantle and clean all parts. Check condition of piston and piston gland.
Replace if excessively worn or damaged. Replace packing if worn and check
packing screw for wear on threads.
G
N
H
M I
L J
Two types of Flowtube assemblies are available, the "solid” type and the
“concentric” type, (see fig 7-35). The concentric Flowtube assembly is made up
of an inner Flowtube sized to fit tightly around the wireline and an outer sleeve to
support the assembly.
To prepare for operations, the wireline is threaded through the components of the
Elmar Enviro™ Grease Injection Control Head before the rope socket and
wireline head are made-up. When entering a well under pressure, viscous
grease is injected into the Flowtubes at a pressure greater than the existing well
pressure. The grease fills the annular space between the inner wall of the
Flowtube and the outside surface of the wireline, forming a liquid seal that
contains the well fluids while allowing wireline movement.
The Elmar Enviro™ Grease Injection Control Head is supplied with a pin
threaded connection on bottom and a wire tulip guide on top.
When changing line size, a different line size kit is needed for the Enviro™
Combination Stuffing Box and Line Wiper, identified by the Line Size Code letter.
Upper Bush 1
Upper Gland 1
Line Rubber 1
Spacer 1
Packing 1
Lower Gland 1
Flotube
Injection
Check Valve
Additional Flotube
and Injection
Coupling
Assembly
L-971218
ORDERING INFORMATION
Part No. of Enviro Grease Injection Control Head (from table below)
Line size (kit) to be specified - L-972039 * L (see table overleaf)
Flotube size to be specified (see table overleaf)
If dual injection is required, order separately (Qty 1) L-971218 in addition
to the standard grease head with 1 x manifold
TEST FIXTURE
L - 972201 Test Plug (Dummy Packer) for Stuffing Box
L - 972241 Test Spacer for Line Wiper
L - 972264 Test Cap 2”-10 TPI Box for flotube/sleeve connection
Part No Number of Working Service Bottom Connection Top Connection Seal Kit
2
Flow Tubes Pressure
L - 971443 3 10,000 psi H2S 2” -10 TPI Acme Pin Wire Tulip Guide L - 971443K
L - 971444 4 10,000 psi H2S 2” -10 TPI Acme Pin Wire Tulip Guide L - 971444K
L - 971445 5 10,000 psi H2S 2” -10 TPI Acme Pin Wire Tulip Guide L - 971445K
L - 971446 6 10,000 psi H 2S 2” -10 TPI Acme Pin Wire Tulip Guide L - 971446K
L - 971218 1 10,000 psi H 2S 2” -10 TPI Acme Pin 2”-10 TPI Acme Box L-971218K
Tube Size
* Line Size Code Line Size Stuffing Box Line Wiper Line Size Flotube
Tolerance:
Packing Rubber
+/- .001
.174 - .176 .177”
.177 - .180 .183” L - 976184
3/16”
B 0.188” L - 870232 L - 831140 .181 - .183 .186” L - 974570
(1-18) .184 - .186 .189” L - 972380
.188 - .190 .193” L- 974571
The Elmar Enviro™ Combination Stuffing Box and Line Wiper is designed for use
with wireline grease injection control heads, for wiping excess grease from the
moving wire and for packing off on a stationary wire.
The hydraulic stuffing box is designed to pack-off on a stationary wireline by
means of a pack-off rubber; the hydraulic line wiper will wipe excess grease from
a moving wireline.
In the conventional design the line wiper and the pack-off (stuffing box) are in
separate bodies.
In the Enviro™ Combination Stuffing Box and Line Wiper (see fig 7-36 and page
7-100) both the pack-off and the line wiper functions are contained in one single
high-pressure body (rated 10,000 psi; H2S Service), connected on top of the
Grease Injection Head flow-tubes. The line wiper is positioned below the stuffing
box, immediately on top of the flow tubes.
This new design improves the wiping action as the wiped-off grease has
sufficient residual pressure to flow easily through the grease return hose. There
is no need to have separate return hoses for the line wiper and the flow tubes.
Grease spillage is also reduced significantly, as there is no bleed hole or pop-off
valve, as in the old design.
The combination is therefore rated 10,000 psi H2S service. It has only one high
pressure grease return hose.
The Enviro™ Stuffing Box and Line Wiper can be dressed for use with braided
wire from 0.188” to 0.520” diameter and can be supplied for use with concentric
(2”-10TPI) or solid (2”-6-60° SWS) type Flowtubes.
Wireline
Guide
Grease Return
Manifold
Note: 1. Wire size to be specified when ordering 2. Seal Kits comprise O-Rings and BURs only 3. Line Size Kit
Best practice for multiple runs wireline operations dictates that the full lubricator
string is pressure tested before the first run in the well.
For subsequent runs, it is required to pressure test only the connection that has
been broken to introduce the wireline tool or perforating gun into the lubricator
string.
The Elmar Quick Test System has been designed to save rig time when pressure
testing the Wireline Pressure Control String.
The full system comprises a Quick Test Sub - QTS, and a hydraulically operated
Venting/Glycol Injection Valve. (See fig 7-37)
The Elmar Quick Test Sub (See fig 7-38) is inserted either above or below the
Wireline Valve at the position of the joint normally opened to insert and retrieve
tools from the well.
L-690573
Hose Assembly
L-690587 25ft 6mm ID, 10,000psi Hose
with Quick Connectors
L-690586 50ft and Dust Covers
The Quick Test Sub has Quick Unions top and bottom, and a special quick test
joint in the centre, with a longer pin. The box has two “O-Rings” either side of an
external port. The lower most O-Ring (on the well head side) holds the hydraulic
fluid pressure during the test. The top O-Ring with back-up ring will hold the well
pressure.
The external port is normally closed with a metal-to-metal seal needle valve.
After the initial pressure test to check the integrity of the string, subsequent
pressure tests can be made using the Quick Test Sub to verify the integrity of the
‘O’ rings at the quick test joint, rather than having to test the whole assembly.
This is achieved by connecting a small hydraulic hand-pump to the Quick Test
Sub port and testing the joint ‘O’ ring seal from the outside. Seen the small
annular volume involved this requires only a few strokes of the pump.
12-2 PRESSURE TESTING THE STRING USING THE QUICK TEST SUB
• Install the Quick Test Sub in the position where the string is opened when
inserting wireline tools into the lubricator string. Check that the Test Port
needle valve is closed.
• Insert tool in the lubricator by opening the quick joint on QTS. Proceed to
pressure test the whole lubricator string to Wellsite Test Pressure. If pressure
test is successful proceed with running in.
• For subsequent runs: Bleed off pressure in the lubricator string, break the quick
joint on the QTS, retrieve the wireline tool and insert a new tool.
• Remake the QTS connection and connect the hand pump to the QTS test port.
• Open the QTS needle valve and pressure test the QTS quick union O-ring seal
by pumping test fluid with the Hand Pump to well-site test pressure. Hold test
pressure for three minutes and observe pressure gauge on the hand pump.
• If no drop of pressure is observed, bleed down pressure at the pump, and close
the needle valve on QTS
• Equalise pressure across the wellhead
• Proceed with operations.
The QTS can also be used for perforating operations, to avoid subjecting the gun
to the full test pressure. In this case the entire lubricator string is pressure tested
using a dummy gun or no gun in the wireline string.
After a successful lubricator test, the WHE string is broken at the Quick Test Sub,
the gun connected, and the connection broken is tested with the Hand Pump,
without building-up pressure in the lubricator.
The Elmar Venting/Glycol Injection Valve is designed to save rig time while
pressure testing the Wireline Pressure Control Equipment String, by allowing
faster filling of the lubricator string.
The Elmar Venting/Glycol Injection Valve can be hydraulically opened from a test
pump unit. (See page 7-109) It has three functions:
(2). When bleeding down the lubricator this valve can be opened to allow the
test unit to pump air back into the system thereby discharging the fluid
quickly.
(3). Glycol can be injected below the grease head - the point most effective to
prevent the formation of hydrates.
• It can be used to isolate the Christmas tree when pressure testing the
Pressure Control Equipment string. Some Christmas tree valves are not
designed to hold pressure from above.
• It can be used as an added safety to shut-off the well remotely on rigless
operations, and provides a second barrier when operating on producing well.
• Should the need arise, it can be closed hydraulically from a remote position,
and will cut wireline or small diameter coiled tubing and simultaneously seal
off the well.
• The wireline safety valve also allows pressure testing of the surface pressure
control equipment without submitting perforating guns to test pressure. It can
also be used to simplify wellsite pressure testing in multiple run operations.
Notice that the Quick Test Sub, simpler, more compact and less expensive,
also supplies this function.
• Install the safety valve between the wireline BOP and wellhead with the
safety valve in the open position
• Pressure test the Pressure Control string to wellsite test pressure using a
dummy gun or no gun string in the lubricator
• Bleed off pressure, break the connection between the wellhead and the
safety valve, make up the gun string and enter it into the lubricator
• Remake the wellhead connection and close the safety valve
• Test the previously broken connection below the safety valve to wellsite test
pressure. Open the needle valve at the wireline BOP manifold to allow
venting of the lubricator to atmosphere in the event the wireline safety valve
fails when pressured up.
• After test, bleed down pressure and open safety valve, close needle valve
Wireline Seal Grease is used with WHE to ensure a good pressure seal in the
grease head while permitting to move the wireline in and out of the well.
Secondary but important functions are to lubricate the wireline, avoiding
excessive wear, and to protect it from corrosive attacks by the well fluids.
The ideal characteristics of the wireline grease are:
• The grease should be able to ensure a good seal at the range of operating
temperatures and pressures normally encountered throughout the day and
the seasons
• Viscosity should be in the range of 3,000 to 30,000 cPs in the desired
temperature range. (centiPoise=cPs is a unit of Kinematic Viscosity). When
viscosity increases, sealing properties improve, but it becomes increasing
difficult to pump the grease. Optimum viscosity values are 5,000 to 18,000
cps
• It should be stringy and tacky at the temperatures to be used, to form a
continuous film and to reduce spatter
• It should be of low toxicity, non flammable and chemically inert
• It should have low solubility in well fluids, glycol
• It should have H2S and CO2 inhibiting properties or mix with H2S and CO2
inhibitors if needed
• It should have a clear colour, be harmless to the environment and easy to
clean up from the rig site. It should be as much as possible biodegradable
• It should be easily available and cost effective
Another way to indicate viscosity is the Viscosity “number”: VIS 10, 12,.. 30
related to increasing viscosity at 25°C
Viscosity is the most important characteristic of WHE Grease: if too low, it will be
impossible to create a seal, if too high the pressure drop in the grease hoses will
be excessive and it will be difficult to pump enough grease to replace the amount
carried out of the flow-tubes by the moving wireline cable.
A number of products more or less meet the above ideal characteristics. The
most common are polybutenes, also called “honey grease” or “honey oil”
Elmar markets the OCR higher- temperatures Greases under the “Elmar Seal”
trade name.
Kinematic Viscosity
Part Number DESCRIPTION Bio-Degradable
CSt @ 40°C
L-880102 Elmar Seal 24 No 10,500 – 12,000
L-880103 Elmar Seal 28 No 13,000 – 14,500
L-880217 Elmar Seal 30 No 16,500 – 18,500
L-880104 Elmar Seal B 24 Yes 10,500 – 12,000
L-880101 Elmar Seal B 28 Yes 13,000 – 14,500
Fig 7-40 gives the range of application of some greases vs. ambient temperature
The pressure rating of any item is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) and
it is shown as two numbers; a test pressure (TP) rating and a working pressure
(WP) rating. For example, an item rated at 5,000 psi WP and 10,000 psi TP can
be used on a job where pressure is 5,000 psi or less, but the item must be tested
to 10,000 psi. Every item of pressure control equipment has a particular
pressure rating, and care must be taken to ensure that no item is used in a
situation that might cause its working pressure to be exceeded.
Although the test pressure rating is always higher than the working pressure
rating, the difference between the two must not be considered as a safety
margin. This is because the actual use of the equipment under field conditions
involves forces that result from both well pressure and mechanical stress. For
example, if well pressure exerts a force of 5,000 psi on a given unit area (one
square inch) of the equipment and that same unit area is also subjected to
bending stress caused by winds, the total force at the point of maximum stress
can momentarily approach or exceed the test pressure rating of an item. For this
reason, all pressure control equipment must be handled and secured in such a
way that the external stresses are kept to an absolute minimum. For example,
lubricators should be kept straight and vertical whilst in use.
15.1 CERTIFICATION
Test Pressure
Test Limitations
Test Set-Up
In all tests, fill the equipment with water to eliminate trapped air.
Caution: Trapped air requires a considerable time to compress and when it is
compressed is highly dangerous. It has enough stored energy to separate parts
with considerable force. The test should be performed away from people and
behind a barricade or wall. These tests are designed to detect leaks and will
rupture steel, should a weakness exist in the body of the metal or separate
threaded connections, if the threads are worn.
The test pressure should be held for at least three minutes. Release the
pressure to zero, re-pressure and hold for at least 15 minutes. Be sure all new
equipment has been tested and certified before field use.
Test Liquid
The most common test liquid used is water. This is cheap, plentiful, but also
corrosive. If untreated water is used for testing, the equipment should be
thoroughly dried after the test and a light coat of corrosion inhibitor applied.
It is better to use a test fluid made of a mixture of water and soluble oil. In cold
climates use inhibited anti-freeze instead of soluble oil.
a) Remove the piston and the rubber packing gland from the stuffing box and
install a solid piston part L-972410.
b) Assemble the stuffing box, tool catcher, ball check valve, lubricator, tool
trap, Wireline Valve and adapters in the order they are used on a well.
c) Blank off the open end with the appropriate blank-off plug
Commercial Confidential Copyright © Elmar 2001, not to be copied without permission
Equipment with moving parts must be retested to working pressure to assure that
it functions properly, after any certification test.
1. Wireline Valve
a) Install bottom blanking plug, manifold or equaliser valves; attach test pump.
b) Open rams fully with hydraulic pump.
c) Insert a Wireline Valve test rod into Wireline Valve and close rams until they
are almost closed.
d) Fill with water.
e) Pump rams completely closed.
f) Pressure to working pressure for three minutes. Turn off pumps.
g) Open equaliser valve to bleed pressure from below rams and to check that
the equaliser valve is operating.
h) Pump rams completely open.
i) Close rams manually. The pump valve must be open to allow oil to move
from one side of the cylinder to the other. Count the turns. Unscrew handles
the full number of turns. The rams should not retract.
j) Pump rams closed, re-pressure to working pressure for fifteen minutes.
Rams should not leak.
k) Bleed pressure from Wireline Valves.
l) Pump rams open. They should retract fully leaving the Wireline Valve clear.
a) Cap both ends of the tool trap and apply working pressure.
b) On the manual type, move the handle through its full open and close
position twice.
c) On the hydraulic type, pump the activating system open and closed twice.
d) The tool catcher should be pumped open twice.
e) Release pressure, remove caps, visually check insides
to determine condition of moveable parts. Replace thread protectors.
Cap the lower end and turn assembly upside down to allow the ball to go on
seat. Pressure the assembly to working pressure.
This Elmar 22,500 psi pressure test unit has been designed for wall mounting
within a workshop test bay and includes features essential for safe and efficient
hydrostatic pressure testing.
• Calibrated 30,000 psi Dial Gauge and 8” 2/8 hour chart recorder
• Adjustable cut-off on gauge cuts out pump at preset test pressure
Commercial Confidential Copyright © Elmar 2001, not to be copied without permission
• Door interlock relays prevent testing when personnel or test bay door is open
• Automatic bleed-off if door is open
• Flashing lights indicate when unit is in use
• Further options to enhance safety and efficiency include:
• A 4 cameras CCTV system and a VCR to allow close observation of the
equipment under test, without entering the test bay.
• An electronic pressure recorder and digital display
• A low-pressure, high-volume pump.
WALL MOUNTED
PRESSURE TEST UNIT
CAMERA MONITORING SYSTEM
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PULL & TURN
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SLIDING LIGHT
CAMERA DOOR
HINGED DOORS
CAMERA CAMERA
HOSE REEL
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Unusual operations may require special adapters, made up with more than one
crossover.
Discussion with the client will establish which combination of adapters will best
suit the job.
The engineer must reduce the number of separate crossovers used to the
absolute minimum, and check carefully the pressure rating and limitations of
each item used, e.g., Some line pipe threads are limited to 3,000 psi working
pressure and some 8 round casing threads are limited to 2,000 psi working
pressure depending on their size.
For operations in producing fields where wellheads are standard, the operating
districts must agree with their clients as to the type and rating of wellhead
adapters needed to fit their clients’ Christmas Trees.
Standard adapters must be managed the same way as all other WHE items: be
certified, traceable, identified by a unique ID number, be regularly maintained
and pressure tested, and a record kept of their maintenance history.
Rated Working
Type of API Thread Nominal Size (In.) Test Pressure (PSI)
Pressure (PSI)
½ 10,000 15,000
¾-2 5,000 10,000
Line Pipe (NPT)
2 ½-6 3,000 6,000
With flanged connections, the seal is effected by means of a metal ring placed in
grooves on the two mating faces of the flanges. The ring is squeezed by
tightening the bolts placed on the outer rim of the flanges, and a metal-to-metal
seal is created. The pressure rating of the equipment determines the number and
diameter of the bolts required and the size of the flange.
Common flanges used on a wellhead have a circular shape and a full circle of
bolt holes.
There are speciality flanges with “D” or “V” shapes and various clamping
arrangements, but when a customer orders a flange we can assume it is the
common circular type unless specifically mentioned otherwise.
API has dropped the “Series” numbers from the description, but this is still
commonly used. The “Series” number of a flange was a code related to its
working pressure rating. API 6A bulletin classifies flanges as type 6B (normal) or
type 6BX (hi-pressure) flanges.
Common flanges are described in API Bulletin 6A and they are officially classified
as type 6B (normal) or 6BX (hi-pressure) flanges.
BOP
Quick Union
Nuts
Adapter Flange
Studbolts
Ring Gasket
Wellhead Flange
Wellhead
Flanged Adapter II
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Gauge Valve
Top Connection
Swab Valve
Choke Choke
Wing Valve Wing Valve
(Flowline Valve) (Flowline Valve)
Master Valve
The following are series numbers and corresponding pressure ratings for API
type 6B flanges:
300 720
400 960
600 2,000
900 3,000
1500 5,000
2900 10,000
Equivalent descriptions of the same flange might be "six-inch 1500 series", "six-
inch 5,000 psi", or "six-inch 5,000 psi R-46". Referring to the attached flange
chart (see Tables 7-16.6 through 7-16.13) we find under 6B flanges, a table of
1500 series (5,000 psi) flanges. In the nominal size column is a six inch size.
This is the flange described above. Note that the API ring number for this flange
is a R-46 (or RX-46). Thus the "R-46" in the latter part of the above description is
somewhat redundant, but it can be useful in avoiding confusion and it is
recommended to confirm the ring number whenever possible to help assure we
get the correct flange. Note that the ring number and nominal size are not
enough to uniquely describe a flange. You can find many examples where the
same ring is used on more than one flange. Note that the charts give enough
dimensions so that we could identify an unknown flange by comparing various
measurements to the charts. The column "Pitch diameter of ring or groove" gives
the diameter of the centreline of the ring groove in the flange.
Refer to the chart for type 6BX flange. The common description of one of these
flanges would be "7-1/16 10,000" or "7-1/16 10,000 BX 156" (ring number is BX
156) or "7-1/16 BX 156". Note that the latter description is ambiguous because
we don't know if the client wants a 7-1/16 10,000 psi or a 7 1/16 15,000 psi
flange, and although they both use the same ring, they are not in any way inter-
changeable (they don't even use the same number of bolts.
If we describe a flange with the three items--nominal size, pressure rating (or
series) and ring number-- we will have very little chance of misunderstanding.
The pressure seal between two mating flanges is obtained by a soft metal ring,
which is squeezed into the mating grooves in the two flanges. Called the seal
ring or ring gasket, this soft metal ring deforms to match the exact contour of the
grooves and gives a metal-to-metal seal. Since the seal rings are soft, they must
be handled carefully. Often a seal ring will leak if used more than once.
The "R" rings used on type 6B flanges are oval in cross section. "RX" rings are a
tall octagon in cross section and are inter-changeable with the "R" type rings in
type 6B flanges.
The "BX" type rings used in the 6BX type flanges are almost square in cross
section.
Normally, all seal rings have the ring size stamped on the side (except for H2S
rated rings).
Everything can be very confusing to the new engineer. However, it is vital that he
knows what the client means when he describes what wellhead adapter is
needed. The engineer should be aware of possible pressure limitations imposed
by the wellhead configuration, e.g. the old series 900 flanges are only rated to
3,000 psi. He must also be aware of possible restrictions that may cause
problems when entering or coming out of the well, e.g. bore size of flange,
internal upset pipe, etc. Unfortunately, the nominal sizes quoted often give little
information of the real size of a flange or pipe connection. The following data
sheets give some examples of flange and pipe data. It can be seen that, for
example, a 6" series 900 flange does not have any dimensions which actually
measure 6" and a nominal 2½" EU tubing may have a pipe OD of 2.875" and ID
of 2.259" and have a screw thread which tapers down from a maximum of 3.093".
Several data books have been produced which tabulate the performance
properties and physical dimensions of pipes and flanges. A small compact
booklet produced by Joy Petroleum called "What Keeps Your String Together?"
is worth obtaining for this sort of essential information. Other books such as the
Baker "Tech Facts" abound and various companies such as Cameron produce a
slide rule to give flange specifications. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to
learn the thousands of possible wellhead configurations. The only way to learn
this information is by talking to people on the wellsite and by experience.
2. Lightly grease ring groove. Do not fill the groove with grease.
4. Install and connect flanges together with an appropriate ring in the grooves.
5. Make sure the gap between flanges is uniform all around as you tighten
bolts. Alternatively, tighten bolts on opposite sides of the flange to bring the
flanges together uniformly.
TABLE 7-16.8: FLANGES WITH RING GROOVES A = Pitch Dia of Ring and Groove
D
B = Dia of Bolt Circle
A
API TYPE 6B FOR 2,000 PSI WORKING PRESSURE C = OD of Flange Type R Type RX Type BX
B
(OLD SERIES 600) C D = Minimum Flange Thickness API ring gasket cross-sections
ALL DIMENSIONS GIVEN ABOVE ARE CITED IN INCHES. † INACTIVE - SPECIAL ORDER ONLY.
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REQUIRED STUD LENGTH WITH TWO NUTS. * OBSOLETE BY API.
TABLE 7-16.9: FLANGES WITH RING GROOVES A = Pitch Dia of Ring and Groove
D
B = Dia of Bolt Circle
A
C = OD of Flange Type R Type RX Type BX
API TYPE 6B FOR 3,000 PSI WORKING PRESSURE B
C D = Minimum Flange Thickness API ring gasket cross-sections
(OLD SERIES 900)
ALL DIMENSIONS GIVEN ABOVE ARE CITED IN INCHES. † INACTIVE - SPECIAL ORDER ONLY.
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REQUIRED STUD LENGTH WITH TWO NUTS. * OBSOLETE BY API
TABLE 7-16.10: FLANGES WITH RING GROOVES A = Pitch Dia of Ring and Groove
D
B = Dia of Bolt Circle
A
C = OD of Flange
API TYPE 6B FOR 5,000 PSI WORKING PRESSURE B
C D = Minimum Flange Thickness Type R Type RX Type BX
(OLD SERIES 1500)
API ring gasket cross-sections
ALL DIMENSIONS GIVEN ABOVE ARE CITED IN INCHES. † INACTIVE - SPECIAL ORDER ONLY.
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REQUIRED STUD LENGTH WITH TWO NUTS. * OBSOLETE BY API.
ALL DIMENSIONS GIVEN ABOVE ARE CITED IN INCHES. † INACTIVE - SPECIAL ORDER ONLY.
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REQUIRED STUD LENGTH WITH TWO NUTS. * OBSOLETE BY API.
TABLE 7-16.12: FLANGES WITH RING GROOVES A = Pitch Dia of Ring and Groove
D
B = Dia of Bolt Circle
OBSOLETE SERIES 2900-10,000 PSI WORKING PRESSURE A
C = OD of Flange
B Type R Type RX Type BX
C D = Minimum Flange Thickness API ring gasket cross-sections
TABLE 7-16.13: FLANGES WITH RING GROOVES A = Pitch Dia of Ring and Groove
D
B = Dia of Bolt Circle
A
API TYPE 6BX FOR 15,000 PSI WORKING PRESSURE C = OD of Flange
B Type R Type RX Type BX
C D = Minimum Flange Thickness
API ring gasket cross-sections
The Pump-In Sub (PIS) (see page 7-142) is normally positioned below the
Wireline Valve and above the Wellhead. Its main function is to allow well control
by pumping fluid below a Wireline Valve closed on the wireline. Notice that in
many cases a kill or control line is provided in the Wellhead or Christmas Tree on
which the Pressure Control Equipment is rigged-up. In this case a PIS is not
needed.
The PIS has quick unions top and bottom, and a side port ending with one half of
a Hammer Union (WECO). The WECO union is connected to the main body of
the PIS with stud connections.
Pump-in Subs can also be used as wellhead adapter X-overs, with different top
and bottom unions. They are also used to provide a large bleed-off path for the
string, particularly useful for gas wells.
Pump-in Subs are normally supplied with the WECO port closed with a blind
plug. It is essential to replace the blind plug with a suitable plug valve so that a
pump can be connected in case of need. It is impossible to remove the blind plug
and install the valve if wellhead pressure is present and the wireline is in the
hole.
Hammer Unions, also called “Wing Unions” or WECO Unions are quick makeup
and break-out pipe and fitting connectors often used to connect oil-field
temporary piping. The original design of the WECO connector belongs to FMC,
but it has been copied by several other manufacturers. The primary components
in these connectors are (see fig 7-46):
Wing Unions are identified by their “figure number” corresponding to the pressure
rating, and by their ID.
Size Fig. Working Pressure PSI Test Pressure PSI Thread ACME
602 3,000 6,000 3 13/16” mod - 3 TPI
2” 1002 5,000 10,000 3 13/16” mod - 3 TPI
1502 10,000 15,000 4 1/8” std - 3 TPI
602 3,000 6,000 5 3/8” mod - 3 TPI
3” 1002 5,000 10,000 5 3/8” std - 4 TPI
1502 10,000 15,000 5 3/8” std - 3.5 TPI
Caution!
WECO unions with different figure numbers can be screwed together. This
has lead to several accidents and fatalities
2” WECO Fig. 602 and 1002 have the same thread. 2” WECO Fig. 1502 has a
larger thread but with the same 3 TPI pitch. It is therefore possible to screw
together a Fig. 1502 half to a 1202 or 602 half. The thread overlap is only 0.010”
and the union will strip under pressure.
The Turn Around Sheave (TAS) has been specially designed to reduce the
overall height of the pressure equipment string. (See fig. 7-47)
The sheave is also known as the Pressurised Sheave Wheel (PSW). With the
conventional pressure equipment system the top sheave is positioned above the
tool catcher, grease injection control head and line wiper. By installing the sheave
inside a pressure retaining chamber and connecting one end to the tool catcher,
the grease injection control head and line wiper can be connected vertically
downward, thus reducing the overall height of the system. The design of the Turn
Around Sheave allows the operator to utilise some existing equipment (grease
injection control heads and line wipers), eliminating the need to purchase all new
items.
1. Grease Head and Tool Catcher adapters required according to flowtube type.
2. Sheave wheels available for alternative line sizes.
The Turn Around Sheave relies on continuous grease injection into its body to
lubricate and protect the bearing. For this purpose one can use the BOP Grease
Injection circuit, which is not required while the wireline is moving.
As the TAS must support the load due to the Wireline tension, it is imperative to
support the TAS on a structure capable of withstanding twice the maximum
possible pull-on-line. If this precaution is not observed the lubricator string can be
loaded in compression and fail by buckling.
Never use the TAS on an unsupported lubricator string!
It is also important to position the bottom sheave in such a way that the wireline
is very nearly vertical and parallel to the lubricator. Failing to observe this
precaution can put a considerable side load on the lubricator and exceed its
rating. For this purpose special bottom sheave clamps are available (see fig. 7-
48)
The TAS is a specialised piece of equipment and any operator using it must
undergo further advanced training that is beyond the scope of this manual.
Drop Sheave
Lubricator
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1.0 GENERAL
The Elmar E-Lite Series Grease and Hydraulic Control Modules are designed
with a wide range of available functions to operate pressure control equipment up
to 10,000 psi working pressure. They can operate Wireline Valves, Tool Catcher,
Tool Trap, Stuffing Box and Line Wiper. An air driven hydraulic pump is used to
power all hydraulic functions. Back-up hand pumps are provided for the event of
an air/hydraulic pump failure. The back up hand pump has a maximum working
pressure of 3,000 psi while the stuffing box pump is rated to 10,000 psi. The
units also have two independent grease injection circuits to supply grease to
Wireline Valves and grease head. These have a working pressure up to 15,000
psi (depending on pump option) and have a crossover valve allowing one pump
to drive either grease injection line. Optional built in auxiliary units are available,
e.g. Glycol Injection Unit, Water/Glycol Pressure Test Unit, Valve Control Unit.
All hoses are mounted on Elmar "wet centre" reels. All tubing and many
components are of stainless steel. All controls are mounted ergonomically on
stainless steel mimic control panels.
A "mimic" panel is designed to layout the controls on a picture format so that the
Operator can more easily visualise the state of the equipment.
The module is usually supplied with a Haskel AW-25 air/hydraulic pump for
Wireline Valve, tool trap, tool catcher, line wiper and stuffing box operation.
These pumps can produce a fluid pressure of 2,500 psi with 100 psi air. Older
modules were supplied with an SC 500-1 air/hydraulic pump.
Two hydraulic hand pumps are provided. The back-up hand pump has maximum
working pressure of 3,000 psi while the stuffing box pump is rated to 10,000 psi.
CAUTION
Never allow any part of the human body to come in front of or in direct
contact with the material outlet. Accidental operation of the pump could
cause an injection into the flesh. If injection occurs, medical aid must be
immediately obtained from a physician.
rupture and possible injury do not exceed 75 cycles per minute or operate at
an air inlet pressure greater than 150 psi [10 bar].
All grease injection controls are located on the left hand side of the control panel.
All hydraulic controls are located on the right hand side of the control panel.
Figure 8-1
7 8
DRAIN VALVE
LINE WIPER PRESSURE
LINE WIPER 5
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RELEASE CAUTION
TOOL CLOSE VALVE
CATCHER AFTER SETTING
GREASE PRESSURE PRESSURE
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PUMP NO.1 PUMP NO.2 UPPER PUMP
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BACK-UP HI PRESSURE
HAND PUMP HAND PUMP
OPEN OFF
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PRESSSURE
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AIR SUPPLY PRESSURE
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HOSE PRESSURE
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Note: Fully unspool all hoses. Do not rotate reels with pressure in the hoses, as
this will reduce 'O' ring seal life.
• Turn the air regulator (1) for the hydraulic pump fully anti-clockwise
• Close the hydraulic dump valve (2), located above the hydraulic pump
pressure gauge
• Turn off the accumulator isolating valve (3), located beside the accumulator
pressure gauge
• Set the selector valve (5), located at the top right of the control panel, to line
wiper
• Check all other valves are in off position
• Open the pressure adjusting metering valve (6), located just above the two
hand pumps
• Turn on the air supply valve (4) to the hydraulic pump
• Turn the air regulator (1) for the hydraulic pump clockwise until the hydraulic
pump stalls out (approximately 2,500 psi depending on air pressure). Use
back-up hand pump to increase the pressure to 3,000 psi
• Set the tool catcher valve to release, tool trap valve to close and all Wireline
Valve controls to close
• Check for leaks behind the panel, at the reels and hose ends
• Set the tool catcher valve to catch, tool trap valve to open and all Wireline
Valve controls to open. Check for leaks
• Turn off the air supply valve (4) to the hydraulic pump
• Open the dump valve (2), located above the hydraulic pump pressure gauge
• Move Wireline Valve, tool trap and tool catcher valves from open to close and
catch to release, to remove any trapped hose pressure
• Close the dump valve (2), located above the hydraulic pump pressure gauge.
(See 5.1 for accumulator check).
Commercial Confidential Copyright © Elmar 2001, not to be copied without permission
1. The air motor air is kept clean. Ensure air filter is properly maintained.
2. The fluid being pumped is clean and free of water. The pump inlet filters
should be removed and cleaned every year.
Every year the pumps should be disassembled and checked for corrosion and
wear. Disassembly should be carried out on a clean workbench and care must
be taken to keep the pump components clean. Replacement parts and repair kits
for the pumps are available.
Figure 8-2
This consists of a light weight inertia reducing piston complete with o-ring seal
inside an epoxy filled wound fibreglass or hard coated aluminium barrel.
The diameter of the air piston is constant for any series of air driven pumps.
When compressed air is fed into the air drive it forces the piston down on the
compression stroke. The air then drives the piston back on the suction stroke
(except in the case of the M series pumps which have a spring return).
Unlike many competitive pumps, air drive line lubricators are not required nor
desired due to the inherent low friction characteristics of the Haskel design and
lubrication during assembly.
The pump consists of an unbalanced, pilot operated, light weight spool that
channels the compressed air to either side of the air piston, depending on
position of the valve.
The air piston actuates pilot valves at the top and bottom of the piston stroke,
alternately pressurising or venting the large area at the end of the spool valve,
causing it to reciprocate and control the air flow to the air piston to maintain
automatic cycling. The air is exhausted from the pump through an exhaust
muffler.
Unlike many competitive pumps, Haskel does not use close metal fits in their
design. This eliminates the costly air leakage that would otherwise result in a
spool hang up condition.
The hydraulic piston/plunger is directly linked to the air piston and its lower
portion is housed inside the hydraulic body. Its diameter determines the ratio of
the pump (for any particular series), which in turn determines the output flow and
maximum pressure capability. Its function is to induce liquid into the hydraulic
body through the inlet check valve and force liquid out through the outlet check
valve at a higher pressure.
The check valves are spring-loaded non-return valves that control the passage of
liquid into and out of the pump. When the hydraulic piston/plunger is on the
suction stroke the inlet check valve opens to the maximum, the liquid is induced
into the pump while the outlet check valve is held closed by its spring.
On the pressure stroke the inlet check valve is closed as the hydraulic
piston/plunger force the liquid out through the outlet check valve.
A dynamic seal encircles the hydraulic piston/plunger, and is one of the few
wearing parts. Its function is to contain the liquid under pressure during cycling
and prevent external leakage or leakage into the air drive. Different seal
materials and configurations are used, based on the compatibility of the liquid to
be pumped, operating temperature and the pressure rating.
NOTE: With most Haskel pumps a distance piece can be incorporated, between
the air drive section and the hydraulic section, for complete separation and
contaminant free operation.
The module has been supplied with one or more of the following pumps.
OUTLET PRESSURES OUTLET FLOWS
AWB-10 PUMP
400 psi 15.5 l/min (4.1 US gall/min)
800 psi 11.5 l/min (3.1 US gall/min)
1,000 psi 6.5 l/min (1.7 US gall/min)
AW-25 PUMP
1,000 psi 6.0 l/min (366 cubic inches/min)
2,000 psi 4.9 l/min (299 cubic inches/min)
2,500 psi 2.7 l/min (165 cubic inches/min)
AWB-32 PUMP
1,000 psi 7.8 l/min (476 cubic inches/min)
2,000 psi 5.6 l/min (342 cubic inches/min)
3,000 psi 2.5 l/min (153 cubic inches/min)
AW-35 PUMP
1,000 psi 4.80 l/min (293 cubic inches/min)
2,000 psi 4.10 l/min (250 cubic inches/min)
3,000 psi 2.80 l/min (171 cubic inches/min)
3,500 psi 1.90 l/min (116 cubic inches/min)
AW-60 PUMP
2,000 psi 2.80 l/min (366 cubic inches/min)
4,000 psi 2.20 l/min (134 cubic inches/min)
6,000 psi 1.25 l/min (76 cubic inches/min)
AW-100 PUMP
2,000 psi 1.75 l/min (107 cubic inches/min)
4,000 psi 1.60 l/min (98 cubic inches/min)
6,000 psi 1.40 l/min (85 cubic inches/min)
8,000 psi 1.20 l/min (61 cubic inches/min)
10,000 psi 0.75 l/min (46 cubic inches/min)
AW-150 PUMP
4,000 psi 1.11 l/min (366 cubic inches/min)
8,000 psi 0.92 l/min (366 cubic inches/min)
12,000 psi 0.66 l/min (366 cubic inches/min)
16,000 psi 0.15 l/min (366 cubic inches/min)
The above performance figures are based on an air supply pressure of 6.9 bar (100 psi).
Every year the pumps should be disassembled and checked for corrosion and wear.
Replacement parts and repair kits for the pumps are available.
Disconnect pump from system and remove to a clean, well lit work bench with access
to vice, tools, seal kits and spares. All parts removed for inspection should be washed
in a suitable de-greasing agent such as Gramasol or equivalent. Inspect all moving
parts for wear or scratches. Damaged parts should be replaced. It is recommended
that all seals and 'O' rings are replaced. Specially packed seal kits for complete
pumps are available for:
AWB-10 L-660620
AW-25 L-660510
AWB-32 L-661590
AW-35 L-663230
AW-60 L-660610
AW-100 L-660670
AW-150 L-660570
See separate parts list drawings for individual hydraulic seal kit part numbers.
Pump will not cycle and air exhausts continuously from muffler. (Figure 8-2a)
Remove air exhaust muffler and fitting located in the end cap. Pull out spool.
Change all 'O' rings. Re-lubricate sleeve, spool and 'O' rings with Silicone grease
and re-assemble. Re-test before further disassembly.
N.B. Air Drive Piston and Hydraulic Piston is a non-separable assembly and
component parts thereof cannot be supplied.
If 'O' ring swollen - (probably due to Phosphate Esther in air compressor lubricant)
replace with different 'O' ring (Elmar part L-836066).
Increase pipeline size so that pump sees required air pressure and flow.
2. Pump will not cycle and air exhausts continuously from pilot vent.
Check air cycling valve as in paragraph 1 and replace the pilot stem(s) and seals as
detailed below.
3. False cycling if pump will not cycle properly, the following test procedure will
determine which of the two pilot valves is faulty.
(a) Install a 15 bar (200 psi) pressure gauge to show pilot pressure at the 1/8" NPT port in
upper cap (plug item 4), (Figure 8-2h), or the 1/2" NPT port in lower cap (plug item
23), (Figure 8-2h).
(b) Apply air pressure to the air drive inlet to cycle pump against a load. Gauge will read
zero pressure if lower pilot valve has not been actuated. Gauge will read full drive
pressure after lower valve is actuated and before upper pilot valve has been actuated.
Therefore correct pilot valve action will cause gauge to sharply rise and fall from zero
to drive pressure as pump cycles. A slow increase in gauge reading indicates leakage
past lower pilot valve seat, upper pilot valve seat, or 'O' rings on inside end of spool. A
slow decrease in pressure indicates upper valve seat or stem or pilot tube end seals
are faulty and repair is necessary. Check also for external air leaks at plugs.
Remove faulty pilot stem for inspection and replacement of any damaged component
as follows:
Note: To replace the stem 'O' ring seals requires access from inside the air section.
If replacement is required, care must be taken in installing the Tru-Arc retainer for the
seal and back-up concentrically. As shown in (Figure 8-2e), use the pilot stem valve
as seating tool. Place the rubber valve face against the retainer and tap the top of the
valve lightly to evenly bend the legs of the retainer.
A pin is located on one end of the tool for hooking the spool or sleeve and extracting
them from the air valve housing. If the sleeve is stuck, grooves in the centre of the tool
are provided as leverage points for prying. At other end, bumper hook is used by
inserting into centre of bumper to pull it straight out of housing.
HYDRAULIC SECTION
Check valves use either an internal snap ring to secure the retainer or stepped bore
construction. With either of these, all parts may be disassembled for individual
replacement as necessary. Metal seat models may be re-worked (if damage is not
severe) with lapping tool rotated on the seat using a fine grade of lapping compound.
After replacement of soft seat type checks, pump should be pressurised to
approximately 140 bar (2,000 psi) to seat the check valves.
N.B. Repair of the check valves can be simplified by using the special tool (Elmar part
L-836065) for 1/2" Semi Soft Seat Ball Check Valves.
This rod sleeve assembly can be used to assemble or disassemble these check
valves. To disassemble, depress the retaining ring in the check with the inner rod or
tool. Then slide the sleeve down to force the retaining ring out of the fitting body
groove and into the recess of the tool. Extract the tool, and other components of the
check valve are free for removal. To assemble, follow the procedure in reverse,
(Figure 8-2c).
(a) Hydraulic pressure within the pump body is the most convenient method to remove a
small plunger seal. (However, if large enough, simply remove by inserting finger into
I.D. of parts after withdrawing plunger). Hydraulic pressure may be generated
mechanically by tapping top end of plunger with soft mallet, after removing gland nut
or distance piece and filling pump body with light fluid and plugging outlet port, (Figure
8-2b).
(b) To install new gland parts, lightly coat with lubricant (if compatible with fluid) and insert
in cavity in order detailed on parts/assembly drawing. Leave gland nut loose.
(c) Carefully insert plunger through gland parts before tightening gland nut or tie rods.
(d) Reassemble pump body and air drive as shown on parts/assembly drawing.
When reassembling single and double air head pumps torque tie bolt nuts evenly to
22-25 Nm (16-18 lb f ft). Triple air head pumps should be torqued to 28.6-34.7 Nm
(20.8-25 lb f ft).
N.B. Some models have components wired together with 0.32" stainless steel wire.
Replace with new wire when reassembling.
When ordering spare parts advise pump serial number, model, spare part number and
description.
Commercial Confidential Copyright © Elmar 2001, not to be copied without permission
PRIMING
Install a valve of suitable working pressure to the pump outlet that is capable of being
used as an air bleed at start up. Open air control valve slowly. Allow pump to cycle for
approximattely 15 seconds, pumping fluid through the valve. If adequately primed
close the valve. The pump will cycle slower and then stall due to increase in output
resistance. If the pump does not stall, open the valve and repeat procedure.
Fig
8-2a
Fig Fig
8-2b 8-2c
Fig
8-2d
Fig
8-2e
Fig
8-2f
Figure 8-2G
ITEM QTY/
DESCRIPTION
NO ASSY
*1 UPPER CAP 1
2 NAME PLATE 1
*3 NAME PLATE 1
*&**4 PLUG 2
*5 PLUG 1
6 BOLT 2
7 BOLT 2
8 NUT 4
9 LOCKWASHER 4
10 WASHER 8
*&**11 PLUG 2
*&**12 O-RING 2
5/8" ODx1/16"
*&**13 SPRING 2
*&**14 PILOT STEM 2
*&**15 O-RING 2
1/4" ODx1/16"
*&**16 SPACER 2
*&**17 RETAINER 2
18 O-RING 2
3/8"ODx1/16"
19 O-RING 2
5/8"ODx1/16"
20 PILOT TUBE 1
21 FLOW TUBE 1
**22 LOWER CAP 1
**23 PLUG 1
**24 FITTING 1
**25 SPACER 1
**26 SLEEVE 1
**27 O-RING 5
1"ODx1/16"
**28 SPOOL 1
**29 O-RING 8
13/16"ODx1/16"
**30 RETAINER 1
**31 O-RING 1
11/16"ODx1/16"
32 O-RING 2
5-3/8"ODx1/16"
33 BARREL 1
34 O-RING 1
35 DECAL,LUBE 1
36 DECAL,PATENT 1
37 O-RING 1
2-3/8"ODx1/16"
38 EXTERNAL NUT 1
39 INTERNAL NUT 1
55 MTG. BRACKET 1
NOTES:
1 SEE PUMP PISTON SECTION PAGE FOR PACKING
PUMP BODY AND PISTON ASSEMBLY.
Figure 8-2H
ITEM QTY/
DESCRIPTION
NO ASSY
*1 UPPER CAP 1
2 NAME PLATE 1
*3 NAME PLATE 1
*&**4 PLUG 2
*5 PLUG 1
6 BOLT 2
7 BOLT 2
8 NUT 4
9 LOCKWASHER 4
10 WASHER 8
*&**11 PLUG 2
*&**12 O-RING 2
5/8" ODx1/16"
*&**13 SPRING 2
*&**14 PILOT STEM 2
*&**15 O-RING 2
1/4" ODx1/16"
*&**16 SPACER 2
*&**17 RETAINER 2
18 O-RING 2
3/8"ODx1/16"
19 O-RING 2
5/8"ODx1/16"
20 PILOT TUBE 1
21 FLOW TUBE 1
**22 LOWER CAP 1
**23 PLUG 1
**24 FITTING 1
**25 SPACER 1
**26 SLEEVE 1
**27 O-RING 5
1"ODx1/16"
**28 SPOOL 1
**29 O-RING 8
13/16"ODx1/16"
**30 RETAINER 1
**31 O-RING 1
11/16"ODx1/16"
32 O-RING 2
5-3/8"ODx1/16"
33 BARREL 1
34 O-RING 1
35 DECAL,LUBE 1
36 DECAL,PATENT 1
37 O-RING 1
1-5/8"ODx1/16"
53 NUT 1
54 LOCK NUT 1
55 MTG. BRACKET 1
NOTES:
1 SEE PUMP PISTON SECTION PAGE FOR PACKING
PUMP BODY AND PISTON ASSEMBLY.
Figure 8-2I
NOTES:
1 SEE PUMP PISTON SECTION PAGE FOR PACKING
PUMP BODY AND PISTON ASSEMBLY.
Figure 8-2J
NOTES:
SEE PUMP PISTON SECTION PAGE FOR PACKING
1
PUMP BODY AND PISTON ASSEMBLY.
Figure 8-2K
Air Consumption: When operating from 0 to 1,000 psi, air consumption will be
approximately 28 CFM of free air at 100 psi input. At lower air pressures and
higher hydraulic pressures (see Table 2) air consumption will be reduced
proportionally to flow rates indicated.
Hydraulic Pressure 0 250 500 750 1000 1250 1500 1750 2000
60 561 403 336 278 180 0
Air Pressure 80 659 488 409 357 270 223 63 0
100 708 549 476 403 354 305 256 153 0
MAINTENANCE
• Air cylinder bolt torque (10-12 ft lbs). If the air head is opened great care must
be taken when reassembling. The 8 bolts must be tightened evenly - do not
over-tighten initially. Bolts should be secured lightly at first and then drawn up
in sequence until uniform torque has been applied to all 8 bolts around the air
head
• Do not run the pump with an empty hydraulic tank.
a) Remove the eight 5/16" bolts that clamp the air cylinder, between the
head casting and the air cylinder end. Remove the head by tapping
on a fitting screwed into either the 'Air In' or 'Air Out' ports with a soft
hammer.
b) Remove the retaining ring, item 7, from the bottom of the air piston,
item 26, and remove the hydraulic piston. The pilot valve assembly¸ L-
834610 may then be pushed out through the bottom of the air piston.
c) Remove the retaining ring, item 10, from the head assembly. Remove
the bearing assembly, item 23, by lifting or prying it out with a hammer
handle or similar tool. The air piston actuating valve (part of item 20,
valve assembly) may also be removed at this time. The bearing
assembly has a moulded rubber seat and should be replaced if worn
or damaged. The 'O' ring, item 4, in the bearing assembly, the 'O' ring,
item 14, in the upper part of the air piston actuating valve, and the 'O'
ring* on the pilot valve assembly head should be replaced as a routine
matter while the pump is disassembled as they are especially
important for maximum performance.
* (This 'O' ring is part L-834216, see pilot valve assembly L- 834610).
d) The head has a rubber bumper, item 19, inserted in the upper portion
of the body. This acts as an air seal and also as a cushion for the air
piston actuating valve. If worn or damaged it should be replaced.
Note: When worn or damaged the air piston actuating valve and the sleeve
in which it operates are supplied as a valve assembly, part L-834340 (see
parts list). The sleeve may be removed from the head casting by means of
an internal puller engaging the slots in the sleeve. Install a new set of 'O'
rings, part L-834090, item 12, (4 required and included with valve assembly
when ordering as a replacement part). Also coat the 'O' rings and the
sleeve OD with Vaseline or other suitable lubricant to avoid possibility of
damage to the 'O' rings when installing the new sleeve.
16
8
5
13
15
23 22
9 21
7 19
11
32
12
10
4
14
27
17
26
3
18
28
33
20
31
24 25
29 30
Caution: Do not remove the sleeve from the head casting unless replacement is to
be made. The valve assembly is precision ground and honed to very close
tolerances and the sleeve may be damaged when removed from the head
casting.
The pilot valve assembly, L-834610, has an air check assembly, part L-
834250, located in the lower end. Remove the retaining ring, part L-
834420, which locks the valve seat, part L-834550, in place and remove the
valve seat with a spanner wrench. The air check assembly and the spring,
part L-834620, will then drop out and may be inspected for wear or damage.
Replace the springs and worn parts as required. When installing the spring,
part L-834600, in the air check assembly, the assembly should be screwed
together until the component parts are drawn up just snugly with no travel in
the bolt assembly and then the nut should be backed off one complete turn
for proper adjustment. When the assembly adjustment has been done
correctly, the valve will open approximately 1/32” when the bolt assembly is
depressed to open the valve. Deform the threads on the end of the bolt
after completion of assembly to ensure the self-locking nut being held in
proper position.
Note: Both the OD and the ID of the stem of the air piston, item 4, must be
free from wear, scoring or other damage as they must make a perfect seal
with the contacting 'O' rings. While the pump will run under these
conditions, satisfactory performance will not be obtained where air leakage
may occur between the piston stem and the 'O' rings. The 'O' ring, item 14,
may also be inspected at this time. Replace if necessary.
not installed correctly, the 'O' ring will malfunction, with resultant loss of
pressure and packing failure. When replacing the air motor, install a new
gasket, part #10-450-28, item 33 and see that the hydraulic piston is in
proper alignment before screwing the air motor down into position. Tighten
the air motor securely and also the set screw, item 20, in the air cylinder
end.
Valve Body
Retainer Ring L-834008
L-834420
Seat
L-834550
Bolt
L-834510 Washer
L-834259
Washer
Valve Retainer
L-834540 L-834530
The hydraulic piston has a rubber bumper, part L-834240, in the head. If
replacement is required remove the retainer, part L-834150, with a spanner
wrench and install a new rubber bumper and washer, part L-835209. Apply
'Loctite' sealant to the retainer threads when replacing and tighten securely,
but not to exceed four foot-pounds of torque.
Note: The piston stem is chrome plated and honed and lapped to a very
close tolerance with the hydraulic cylinder. Should it show indications of
wear or being scored (usually due to foreign matter being present in the
hydraulic fluid), the entire hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly, part L-
834012, should be returned to Elmar, for repair or replacement as required.
These valves should not give any trouble unless foreign matter such as dirt
or grit is present in the fluid supply. If a leak develops remove the check
valves from the hydraulic cylinder. Remove the 'O' ring and replace with a
new one. Inspect the ball seat in the valve while the 'O' ring is removed. If
it shows any indication of wear or damage, the entire valve assembly
should be replaced. Refer to parts list for part numbers and cross section of
the valves.
Note: There are several different model pumps. When ordering parts, give
the part number, the pump model number and serial number.
Reverse the procedure used for dismantling, making sure that all retaining
rings are properly in place and that no 'O' rings have been damaged in
reassembly.
Important: When reassembling the air motor be sure that the air cylinder,
part L-834007, is in proper position against the flanges on the pump head
and the air cylinder end before tightening the bolts that clamp the air motor
together. Use a soft hammer to position the flanges tightly against the air
cylinder ends before tightening the bolts. Failure to do this can result in
over-tightening the bolts initially and when the bolts on the opposite side are
drawn up this may result in the bolt lugs being broken or twisted off when
the assembly is drawn down into position. Bolts should be secured lightly at
first then drawn up in sequence until uniform torque has been applied to all
of the bolts around the perimeter of the pump (10-12 ft lbs).
If for any reason the pump does not run properly, look for one of the
following causes:
a) If the pump appears to be short stroking and running too fast without
pumping properly, it usually indicates that the air check assembly is
not working as it should be (see paragraph 2 for correction procedure).
supply. If the hydraulic piston and cylinder have not been damaged, a
thorough cleaning will normally place the pump in operation again.
d) For maximum volume of flow, make sure that a sufficient flow of air is
supplied to the pump. Hooking the pump up to a smaller pipe size
than the 'Air In’ port on the pump (1/2") will not allow it to run at its full
rated capacity. Long runs of relatively small pipe supplying air to the
pump will have the same effect.
1. Lubricating unit in the air supply is delivering too much oil. Adjust to
about one drop of oil for every 20 strokes of the pump.
2. The filtering unit in the air supply is not functioning properly. The bowl
should be cleaned periodically to assure delivery of clean air to the
pump.
3. The hydraulic fluid being pumped (oil or water) may be leaking past
the packing in the hydraulic cylinder into the air motor (see paragraph
3 for correction procedure).
• Set Wireline Valve and tool trap valves to off and tool catcher valve to catch
• Close the three dump valves for the hydraulic system
• Turn off the accumulator isolating valve, located beside the accumulator
pressure gauge
• Insert the pump handle into the back-up hand pump and pressure up to 3,000
psi. Check for leaks
• Open the dump valve, located to the right of the hydraulic pump pressure
gauge, to release pressure
• Close the dump valve.
• Close the stuffing box dump valve, located to the right of the stuffing box
pressure gauge
• Position the selector valve, located at the top right of the control panel, to
stuffing box
• Insert the pump handle into the high pressure hand pump and pressure up to
10,000 psi. Check for leaks
• Dump pressure by opening the stuffing box dump valve, located to the right of
the stuffing box pressure gauge
• Close the dump valve.
2 19 8
12
7 21
18 14
3
10 17
15 5
20
9 16
13
Item Part No. QTY Description Item Part No. QTY Description
1 L-792100 1 Handle casting 12 L-870800 1 O-Ring
2 L-812030 3 Nyloc nut 13 L-870890 1 O-Ring
3 L-792300 2 Link lever 14 L-872100 1 O-Ring
4 L-792400 1 Pivot 15 L-872340 1 O-Ring
5 L-790004 1 Check valve liner 16 L-871070 1 O-Ring
6 L-875250 1 Check valve body 17 L-874600 1 Spring
7 L-792900 1 Cylinder 18 L-875210 1 Polypak seal
8 L-793100 1 Piston 19 L-813310 3 Hex bolt
9 L-680267 1 Manifold block 20 L-875250 1 Ball, 1/4"
10 L-813000 1 Washer flat M8 Stain 21 L-875260 1 Ball, 3/16"
11 L-813290 1 SH Screw
Figure 8-6
2 18 8
12
7 20
17 13
3
10 16
14 5
19
9 15
11
Item Part No. QTY Description Item Part No. QTY Description
1 L-792100 1 Handle lever 12 L-871800 1 O-Ring
2 L-812030 3 Nut 13 L-872100 1 O-Ring
3 L-792300 2 Lever link 14 L-872340 1 O-Ring
4 L-792400 1 Pivot block 15 L-871070 1 O-Ring
5 L-790004 1 Check valve liner 16 L-874600 1 Spring
6 L-680266 1 Check valve body 17 L-875200 1 Polypak seal
7 L-792800 1 Cylinder 18 L-813310 3 Hex bolt
8 L-793000 1 Piston 19 L-875250 1 1/4’’ Dia. Ball
9 L-680267 1 Manifold block 20 L-875260 1 3/16’’ Dia. Ball
10 L-810200 1 PH Screw 21 L-875270 1 Circlip
11 L-870890 1 O-Ring
The accumulator's chief function is to store fluid from the circuit under pressure.
The fluid's potential energy is converted into useful work by the dynamic force
provided within the accumulator by the gas pressurised bladder.
A hydro-pneumatic accumulator delivers its stored fluid power into the circuit as a
back-up to pump output.
SAFETY FEATURES
1. Should the shell test pressure be exceeded, the mouth of the shell spreads,
allowing the 'O' ring seal to extrude outwards with immediate loss of
pressure. Extrusion takes place long before burst pressure.
• Close the dump valve (2), located to the right of the hydraulic pump pressure
gauge
• Turn on accumulator isolating valve (3), located beside the accumulator
pressure gauge. All the hydraulic functions can now be operated by
positioning the relevant valves in the required positions
• The accumulator pressure can now be dumped by turning on the accumulator
isolating valve, located beside the accumulator pressure gauge and opening
the dump valve, located to the right of the hydraulic pump pressure gauge.
The accumulator should be dumped after every job.
Hydraulic Accumulator
Figure 8-7
Protective Cap
Non-Return
Pre-Charge Valve
Name Plate
NITROGEN
Steel Shell
FLUID
Bladder
Anti-Extrusion
Poppet Valve
Anti-Extrusion
Ring
Bleed Valve
Inlet/Outlet Port
Figure 8-7a
11 5
7 8 9
10
14 13 12
16
15 17 18 19
3 2
Item Part No. QTY Description Item Part No. QTY Description
1 L-830000 1 Accumulator 11 L-830020 1 Clamp Rubber
2 L-874000 1 Dowty Seal 12 L-814400 2 SHCS
3 L-681000 1 Red Adapter 13 L-814200 2 Washer
4 L-120600 1 Male Elbow 14 L-814100 2 Washer
5 L-830300 1 Saddle 15 L-671610 1 Support Bracket
6 L-830030 1 Saddle Rubber 16 L-830010 1 Seat Cushion
7 L-816000 2 Nut 17 L-816990 4 Nut
8 L-816100 2 Washer 18 L-816970 4 Washer
9 L-816300 2 Washer 19 L-816980 4 Washer
10 L-830200 1 Clamp
The following procedure is for circuit number one. To operate circuit number two,
follow the same procedure using the corresponding valves for circuit number two
(refer to Figure 8-1).
Caution: do not bleed the lubricator pressure using the grease dump valve.
Always use the drain valve provided.
NOTE: Fully unspool all hoses. Do not rotate reels with pressure in the hoses.
This will reduce 'O' ring seal life.
THE SYSTEM
A high pressure pump (see Figure 8-8), consisting of a reciprocating air drive (air
motor, Figure 8-9) and a fluid pump (fluid end, Figures 8-10, 8-11) forms the
heart of the system. Infinitely variable control of the air motor and thus the
displacement speed (cycle) of the fluid pump is obtained using a pressure
reducing valve (air regulator), governing the fluid output and stall pressure.
The pressure ratio (pump ratio) of the high pressure pump is equal to the ratio of
the area of the air motor piston versus the area of the displacement piston in the
fluid end. (Notice that the ratio of areas is equal to the square of the OD ratio).
The pressure of the fluid outlet is equal to the pressure of the compressed air
feed, multiplied by the pump ratio.
WIWA reciprocating motors are specifically designed for use with high pressure
pumps and paint spray pumps. They are designed for easy serviceability and low
noise (Figure 8-9).
1. Daily - if compressed air is wet at least twice daily - drain oil and water
separator with line pressure on and blow out water.
2. Check fog oiler for correct adjustment (droplet metering) and oil level, refill if
required.
5 4
2 8
Item Part No. QTY Description Item Part No. QTY Description
1 L-840750 1 Pump Wiwa 175:1 8 L-100080 1 Male Connector
2 L-861400 1 Gasket F
3 L-812590 8 SHC Screw
4 L-201900 1 Nipple
5 L-851120 1 Air Line Lubricator
6 L-301700 1 Male Elbow
7 L-460610 1 Hose End
4. Do not kink or bend high pressure fluid hose into less than a four inch
radius.
The WIWA high pressure pumps installed in the 10 series module are of a closed
design. The closed design features an integrated lube chamber having a small
vent hole only. This lube chamber connects between the air motor and the fluid
end and the travel of the displacement piston cannot be viewed. A specially
formulated lubricant filled into the lube chamber allows for wetting of the
displacement plunger on each upstroke preventing drying up or hardening of
deposits on the fluid piston.
Fluid pumps of the closed design feature the piston guided between two sets of
fixed packings constantly readjusted by a pressure spring which results in extra
long packing life.
The displacement piston has been given an approximate 0.3 mm (0.012") layer
of hard chrome to protect against wear; both the upper and lower ball valves
have tungsten carbide seats, reversible for wear, depending on the pump model
selected.
Leather and Teflon "V"-packings are installed as packing sets. They must be
arranged in sequence, leather/Teflon "only", i.e. "mixed". WIWA Teflon "V"-
packings are graphite filled and the leather packings Thiokol impregnated.
Figure 8-10
Figure 8-11
The 85:1 pump (Figure 8-12) is built the same way as the 175:1 pump. The only
differences are in the size of the air motor (see Figure 8-13). The fluid ends are
exactly the same.
4
5
2 8
Figure 8-12
Item Part No. QTY Description Item Part No. QTY Description
1 L-840880 1 Pump 5 L-851120 1 Lubricator
2 L-861400 1 Gasket 6 L-301700 1 Male Elbow
3 L-812590 8 SHCS 7 L-460610 1 Hose End
4 L-201900 1 M-Hex Nipple 8 L-120160 1 Male Elbow
* Wear Parts
There have been a few reports of randomly occurring problems experienced with
L-840750 WIWA Pumps installed in Elmar Grease skids.
Refer to drawing TI-840553-E, page 8-51 showing the fluid end.
Owing to corrosion created by poor quality seal grease or accumulation of
moisture in the grease tanks, the lower ball valve (item 20) can get stuck in its
seat (item 21). This causes the pump to stop pumping, even if the air motor
continues to cycle.
This problem can be fixed by replacing the steel ball part L-838900, with a
ceramic ball, part number L-830039, which resists corrosion, and has a higher
surface hardness than the steel ball.
The ceramic ball is a drop-in replacement for the steel ball.
2. Fluid end ball valves blocked. 2. Dismantle, clean. Check ball for
damage. Replace with Ceramic ball if
corroded (see para 7.5, section 8)
Pump cycles regularly, but will not prime. 1. Fluid end ball valve sticking. 1. Loosen, clean. Check ball for damage.
Replace with Ceramic ball if corroded
(see para 7.5, section 8)
2. Suction tube or hose not properly installed (pump 2. Check for air leaks on hose and tube
pulls air). connections on fluid supply side and
seal or tighten.
Pump works erratic, fluid flow pulsates 1. Pump pressure too low. 1. Increase air pressure setting.
Air motor freezes 1. Pump cycling rate too high. 1. Reduce air pressure.
2. Compressed air moisture content too high. 2. Install oil and water separator and
drain in shorter intervals.
3. Unfavourable operating conditions, high humidity, 3. Fill fog oiler with Kilfrost or
inadequate piping, fog, temperature around antifreeze/oil mixture and adjust droplet
freezing point. metering (Refer to section 8 page 92).
The ARO 100:1 grease pump is fitted with a 6" air motor, part number
L- 840000 (Figure 8-15). The corresponding pump tube is the L-832430 (Figure
8-16). The maximum outlet pressure obtainable is 15,000 psi at 150 psi air inlet
pressure.
Notice that ARO Pumps have been discontinued in Elmar Modules. Elmar
recommends replacing them with WIWA pumps at the time of a major overhaul of
the modules.
8.1 OPERATION 100:1 RATIO PUMP (Refer to Figure 8-14 & 8-14a)
The ARO pumps are fitted with quick-connect couplers for the air supply. Either
or both pumps may be used by connecting the air supply at the pump. The pump
should then be operated from the control panel using the air supply valve and
regulator.
After use the grease pressure should be dumped and the air supply turned off. If
disassembly is necessary, consult the drawings for parts identification. During
reassembly, lubricate all parts, taking care with 'O' rings and 'O' ring surfaces.
Threaded sections of the lower pump tube should be degreased and assembled
using Loctite Studlock 270.
Figure 8-14
Figure 8-14a
Figure 8-15
Disassembly
Figure 8-16
TUBE
EXTENSION ROD
Adapter L-832410
Pin L-832760
Ball Guide L-832770
Ball L-832030
Gasket L-832140
Tube L-832570
Washer L-832310
Primer Rod L-832040
Foot Valve Sleeve L-832070
Foot Valve L-832080 Washer L-832320
Washer L-832370
Washer L-832060 Foot Valve Seat L-832360
Primer Tube L-832580
Elastic Stop Nut L-832050
Caution: Always disconnect air supply and relieve material pressure before
attempting to service.
Air bypasses through the Cause Foreign matter is holding air valve
exhaust port open or lacks lubrication.
1. SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
The pressure is derived from by the transmission ratio (stated on the type
plate) multiplied by the air supply pressure. Example: pump pressure ratio
5:1 x air supply pressure 5 bar = Material pressure 25 bar.
WIWA air motors are designed specifically for driving high and low-pressure
pumps.
The air motor and pump are connected only by spacer bolts with this
configuration, so that operation of the pump can be observed and
monitored.
The top packing can be adjusted manually by means of the packing nut in
the form of an oil cup while the pump is running. (Caution: maximum air
supply pressure 1 bar).
Both ball valves have carbide seats. The pump is also available with nylon
valve seats on request. With the "open" configuration, the packing pressure
exerted on the piston must be readjusted manually by turning the top
packing nut, which takes the form of an oil cup, while the pump is running.
3. STARTING UP
1. Once installed, check that the pump is operated entirely properly (test
medium: oily emulsion). In order to avoid impairing the delivery
medium, thoroughly flush the pump with a solvent before using for the
first time.
2. Add packing lubricant almost up to the edge of the flushing agent cup
of the packing nut. Make sure that the piston rod of the material pump
is facing downwards and completely inserted in the flushing agent cup.
4. MAINTENANCE
1. Open the water trap under pressure every day (several times a day if
the compressed air is moist) and blow out the condensate.
2. Check the correct setting (batching) and filling of the mist oiler. We
recommend one drop about every 5 to 10 double strokes.
Figure 8-17
* Wear Parts
Figure 8-18
* Wear Parts
FLUID END
An ARO transfer pump may be part of the grease skid. This is the 4:1 ratio L-
840600 model (see Figure 8-19).
OPERATION/MAINTENANCE
2. Dirt or foreign matter in the foot valve or other cause, which may be
preventing it from closing on downstroke of piston.
If unit should fail to operate, the following procedure will be helpful in determining
the cause:
1. Check air pressure at pump to ensure air line is not obstructed and air is
being supplied to pump.
2. If insufficient air is not the trouble, disconnect the quick coupler at pump and
then detach check valve by loosening swivel nut. Remove slowly as
pressure may be built up in pump. Hold rag at this point and apply air to
pump. If pump now operates, there is obstruction in material line, reel, or
control handle. If, however, pump will still not operate, Q-check the pump.
Consult Elmar if trouble cannot be located.
Figure 8-19
ARO
Air Motor
Air Motor
Fluid End
Air regulators used on Elmar skids all have the same operating principles and
similar construction. Care must be taken when carrying out maintenance as
some parts are manufactured in moulded plastic and therefore are prone to
break under excessive force and cross-thread easily.
In most applications we have a supply air pressure of approximately 100 psi and
we wish to supply a pump with a regulated air pressure.
Turning the control knob compresses the large coil spring, which in turn pushes
upon the diaphragm, closes the needle valve and unseats the shut-off valve.
When the shut-off valve is unseated, air is able to flow and the regulated air
increases in pressure.
The regulated air pressure increases and the resultant force upon the diaphragm,
due to the air pressure, approaches and eventually overcomes the spring force.
The diaphragm will then move and further increase the spring compression. The
shut-off valve will follow the travel of the diaphragm and will eventually seal,
preventing any more air to flow through the regulator.
As the regulated air pressure decreases, the spring extends and moves the shut-
off valve. This movement will unseat the shut-off valve allowing air to flow freely.
Once again the regulated air pressure will increase to that determined by the
compression of the large spring.
There are two types of regulator used on Elmar control modules and they both
work in the same way (refer to Figure 8-20).
This regulator is easily recognised by the green colour of the body and by
the transparent dial with digits behind it.
For trouble free operation proper lubrication of the regulator is essential. When
any of the following symptoms occur, lubricate with the recommended lubricant
according to the manual.
Clean all parts in the valve assembly and valve seat and lubricate with Dow
Corning 55M. If this is not available use a heavy grease such as Parker 'O' Ring
Lube, Lubriplate or Molykote.
Regulator valve
Figure 8-20
Control Knob
Coil Spring
Diaphragm
Needle Valve
Coil Spring
1. GENERAL
Note: Reels must not be rotated with pressure in the hoses. This will
reduce ‘O’ ring seal life.
2. MAINTENANCE
The reels are designed for easy maintenance. The ‘O’ ring and back-up
rings should be changed periodically (suggested every 12 months
depending on severity of use).
3. GREASING
Each hub has two grease nipples accessible when the hose is unwound.
Warning: Only one slow pump of the grease gun is necessary otherwise
the bushings and ‘O’ ring dust seal could be pumped out.
4. BRONZE BUSHINGS
These are designed to centralise the piston within the hub and also to act
as a bearing surface. These may wear slightly over a period of time.
5. BACK-UP RINGS
‘O’ rings, size 224, on the pistons have a back-up ring to aid the life of the
‘O’ ring and to ensure the high pressure rating.
Always install the back-up ring on the side of the ‘O’ ring away from the
pressure with the curved side facing the ‘O’-ring.
6. DISMANTLING
The whole assembly can be removed from the frame after unbolting the
manifold and support blocks. If desired the manifold block can be left in the
frame by removing the socket head screws in the block side - if this is done
care should be taken with the ‘O’ ring seal between the piston and manifold.
The piston can now be removed from the hub by pushing it from the
manifold end. On double port reels, you must mark the position of the
piston to be able to reposition it in the same position. (See paragraph 7)
7. REASSEMBLY
This is the reverse of the dismantling process. Care should be taken not to
damage the ‘O’ rings on the piston. They should be lubricated with Castrol
Spheerol LMM grease or similar to ease reassembly of the piston and hub.
On double port reels it is important when bolting the manifold block to the
piston to ensure that the piston is placed exactly as it was when
disassembled and not rotated through 180 degrees. This is to ensure that
on moving a BOP valve to open that the BOP does in fact open and not
close. This applies similarly to tool trap, tool catcher and line wiper/stuffing
box reels.
Figure 8-21
Figure 8-21a
Hydraulic/
Grease Line
Grease Nipples
13.0 HOSES
1. GREASE HOSES
Rubber/steel hoses are suitable for 10,000 psi working pressure in liquids.
2. HYDRAULIC HOSES
Hoses used for hydraulic fluids, water, glycol, or air, use rubber/steel
construction and have a variety of end fittings. They come with IDs from
1/4" to 1" and ratings of 1,000, 3,000, 5000 or 10,000 psi.
3. MAINTENANCE
1 - GENERAL
Hose ends are designed to be stronger than the hose, so that the hose
bursts before the end blows off. This is verified periodically at the factory.
d) Hose "kinking".
2 - PROCEDURE
INTERVAL OPERATION
Daily Top up Airline Lubricator. Check air line filter is kept clean
and is working correctly.
Note: If required Elmar, Aberdeen, UK, will undertake all 12 month servicing.
Please contact the servicing department for further details. All spare parts are
available. See relevant section in manual for parts lists.
So, to achieve a flow of 0.2 gallons per minute into a 10,000 psi well with a 150 ft
long 0.4” ID hose, it will require 15,000 psi at the pump, well above the
conventional 12,000 psi.
Figure 8-22
16,000
EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS USING THE THREE MOST
15,000 COMMON AIRDRIVEN GREASE PUMPS
12,000
LINCOLN 140:1
L-840810
11,000
10,000
ARO 100:1
L-840000
9,000
8,000
7,000
6,000
5,000
4,000
P OUT
3,000
2,000
P IN
1,000
PRESSURE
(PSI)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
FLOW RATE (LITRES PER MINUTE)
Figure 8-23
20 20
PUMP PSI 1,000
10 10
5 5
20 20
PUMP PSI 1,000
15 15
10 10
5 5
CONCLUSIONS
• Choose a pump that can deliver a reasonable flow-rate at the pressure you
require to operate at
• Adjust grease injection pressure taking into account the pressure drop in
the grease hoses.
1. RIG UP
2. RIG DOWN
• When closing BOPs manually set air on/off valve on control panel to off, set
BOP valve handle to close and open the dump valve, located to the right of
the main pressure gauge
• Ensure that all pressure including accumulator pressure is dumped. All
pressure must be removed from the hoses before reeling up by moving the
BOP, tool trap and tool catcher valves from open to close twice.
In cold temperatures, air operated grease and hydraulic oil pumps can freeze up.
A pump stroking at a very high rate will have more tendency to freeze-up,
another reason to keep the size of your flowtubes close to the wireline ID.
Aggravating conditions are high moisture content in the air supply, high ambient
humidity (fog), and ambient temperature near freezing. In such conditions it is
imperative to have a water separator system on the air supply, which must be
purged frequently (3-4 hour's interval). In addition an Air Line Lubricator (Fog
Oiler) must be used at, or close to, the pump input. The lubricator must use
Kilfrost, (Elmar Part N° L-880000) a specially formulated lubricant/antifreeze
mixture that absorbs humidity. If Kilfrost is not available you can use a mixture of
glycol (neat antifreeze) and SAE 10 Oil, or other thin lubricating oil. Use a 50-50
mixture. Mineral oil will not absorb water so it will be less effective at preventing
icing.
Notice that Haskel pump air motors are lubricated at assembly and should not
use the oil/glycol mixture that has a tendency to wash away the lubricant. In
exceptional circumstances you might be obliged to use the antifreeze mixture. In
this case you should continue to use a fog oiler with the Haskel pump, as the
original lubricant will have been washed away.
With WIWA, ARO, and Lincoln pumps, a fog oiler is always recommended, and
Kilfrost or a mixture of Glycol and SAE 10 oil must be used in it whenever
temperature is low and/or ambient humidity is high.
Grease intensifiers can generate grease flow rates at high pressure (15K and
above) larger than air driven pumps.
They are used for 20K pressure control equipment, and sometimes for 15K
equipment when a reliable air supply is not available.
They are also often used in very cold artic conditions when a dry air supply is
not available and humidity in the air causes the air-operated pumps to freeze-up.
Maximum output pressure is a function of the intensifier ratio and of the hydraulic
pump output pressure. Commonly available intensifiers have ratios varying from
1:7 to 1:12, with hydraulic oil inputs from 2,000 to 3,000 psi the available
maximum grease pressure is in the range 21,000 to 30,000 psi.
This unit (see fig.8-24) has the capability to pump up to 21,000 PSI and a rated
output of 1.5 gallons per minute at 20,000 PSI working pressure. The unit can be
rated to 30,000 PSI. The unit is driven by a 3 cylinder water cooled diesel engine
driving a remote compensated hydraulic pump which drives the intensifier pump.
The remote compensator controls the hydraulic pressure usually between 0-
3,000 PSI which varies the Intensifier pump grease pressure. The intensifier
pump is a double end reciprocating type pump, powered and controlled by a
unique hydraulic system.
18.1.1 SAFETY
CAUTION
Never allow any part of the human body to come in front of or in direct
contact with the material outlet. Accidental operation of the pump could
cause an injection into the flesh. If injection occurs, medical aid must be
immediately obtained from a physician.
Figure 9-1 shows a butted connection where the seal is made on the shoulder of
the pin connection. High torque is required to make the seal. This method is not
very satisfactory as any imperfection in the surface of the shoulder can easily
lead to a leaky joint, especially if insufficient torque has been applied. Drill pipes
tool joints use this type of seal.
Figure 9-2 shows an alternative method. The threads of the pin and box section
are tapered. When screwed together the threads themselves make the seal.
This has the advantage over the previous method of having a larger sealing area
and thus less chance of a leak - even if one thread happened to be damaged.
As an emergency procedure (and only in emergency!) the threads could be
coated with Teflon tape or a thick grease (e.g. pipe dope). This method also
requires high torque to make up the joint.
The tapered thread is used on casing, tubing and line pipe connections.
Standard thread profiles are defined by API and these threaded connections are
generally called “API Threads”. Line pipe threads have a sharp “V” profile,
while casing and tubing threads have rounded crests and troughs. (See Figure
9-3).
Butted Connection Figure 9-1
Seal at Shoulder
Figure 9-2
Seal on Threads
Figure 9-3
Remember that API tubing connections rely on torque to seal properly. API
values of torque are given in Table 9-2.
Tapered threads are also used to join the pieces which make-up BOP manifolds
of the equalising hose type. In this case NPT (National Pipe Taper) threads are
used. NPT threads are also used extensively for nipples and fittings in the
petroleum industry, and have a profile similar to Line Pipe. The half inch threads
are easily damaged, and time consuming to make up.
In all API Threaded connections the threads have a dual function: they ensure
the mechanical connection (therefore bear the loads), and make the seal. API
threads used in a well completion or in WHE are therefore partially exposed to
the well fluids. They can suffer corrosion and H2S attack, and therefore cause
catastrophic failures. For this reason API Threads are banned by most users of
Pressure Control Equipment, except for 1/2” NPT fittings.
ACME threads are rugged and easy to make-up. They are extensively used in
oilfield equipment for any connection that is to be made up and broken out
quickly and repetitively. ACME threads do not seal and must be coupled with an
O-ring type seal. (See Figure 9-4).
o
29
This type of seal was used to connect up the obsolete Yale (Wing) Union of WHE
and is used for grease hose unions. The O-Ring is seated in the face of one half
of the joint. The force needed to keep the two halves of the joint against each
other is provided by means of a nut (Figure 9-5). The joint needs to be made up
fairly tightly to keep the O-Ring compressed, ensuring a seal. A small amount of
‘unscrewing’ will reduce the sealing ability. Does not require as much torque as a
metal-to-metal type seal.
Ring Seal
Thread Seal
This type of seal, shown in (Figures 9-6 & 9-7) has the advantage that the
connection does not need to be tightly joined: The threads are used only to keep
the two ends together, and not to compress the O-Ring - therefore these type of
connections need to be only hand tight. It is used in situations where relative
movement of the two components is necessary, e.g. between the ram stems and
the body of the Wireline Valves. It is also employed in connections requiring fast
and easy coupling such as the quick unions used to join the major WHE
components (Lubricators, Wireline Valves, etc).
Figure 9-6
Figure 9-7
The immediate problem faced in the field is that of keeping the 'O' rings and the
sealing surfaces free from dirt. The very nature of the WHE, with its grease seal
mechanism, means that everything is invariably coated with a sticky layer of
grease. Particles of dirt, sand, grit, etc, are easily trapped in the grease and can
prevent an effective seal and damage the rings. All 'O' rings should be cleaned
before making up a joint. A thin layer of grease is useful for helping to maintain
the seal.
The old style WHE risers used a connection of the type shown in Figure 9-6.
These connections can be made and broken repeatedly. In addition risers often
have to be connected when not perfectly aligned. To allow the joints to be made
up easily the difference between the pin OD and box ID is relatively large. This
means that the seal ring must be elastic and extend a long way beyond the seat.
When stabbing the pin into the box the 'O' rings become deformed especially if
the risers are not aligned, the O-Ring is also deformed when the system is
pressurised. Moderate deformation (Figure 9-8a) occurs at low pressures (this is
the "normal way for an O-Ring to seal) and severe deformation (Figure 9-8b)
occurs at high pressures.
The constant mechanical stress imposed on the 'O' rings either during the
connection of the joint or when under pressure, can weaken the 'O' ring,
particularly if the ring is in contact with a corrosive environment (drilling mud, gas,
etc). In severe cases the O-Ring will no longer seal and can rupture under very
high pressures (Figure 9-8c).
P Seal Protector
FIGURE 9-9
!!!! The Three Ring System
!!
!!
RUPTURE
P
“O” Ring Rupturing Under Stress The Three Ring System Sealing Against
Pressure
To surmount this problem, a multiple ring system has been developed and is
extensively used throughout the pressure equipment manufactured. The three
rings are the 'O' ring, seal protector ring and anti-extrusion ring as shown in
Figure 9-9. The anti-extrusion ring is made of steel or a hard plastic material and
is chamfered on one side. The chamfered edge faces away from the 'O' ring.
When pushed back, due to the pressure acting on the 'O' ring, the anti-extrusion
ring is forced to expand as the chamfered edge slides up the matching bevelled
edge of the seat. The anti-extrusion ring is a split ring and the two ends overlap
as shown in Figure 9-11a. The seal protector ring is composed of elastomer. It
is used to protect the O-Ring from possible damage due to the expansion and
contraction of the anti-extrusion ring. Finally the O-Ring itself makes the seal
against pressure (Figures 9-10 & 9-11b).
Elmar equipment uses a two-ring system for "up to" 10,000 psi WP and a 3-ring
system (with Teflon non-extrusion ring) in 15,000 psi equipment. The Elmar
system uses a glass-filled PTFE back-up ring, maintain in place by a small O-
Ring (Figure 9-12). Elmar does not use the chamfered groove system due to
damage sometimes caused by the metal non-extrusion ring.
Figure 9-12
In some parts of the WHE, where the connection is never broken, e.g. the
internal seals of the Wireline Valve, the 3-ring system may be replaced by a one-
piece Buna plastic seal ring (Figure 9-13). This was done to try and prevent
damage to the equipment if steel rings were improperly installed.
Notice:
In a three-ring system, the seal protector and non-extrusion rings are always
installed on the low pressure side, with the O-Ring on the high pressure side
(Figure 9-9). If high pressure is on both sides a double set is required.
Figure 9-13
o o
30 30
o o
30 30
API flanges are sealed by means of a steel ring. The ring is placed between the
flanges and located in the seal ring grooves. A metal-to-metal seal is formed
(Figure 9-14). The pressure required to make the seal is supplied by means of a
series of bolts, distributed around the outer part of the flange. The number and
size of bolt and the size of the flange varies according to the pressure rating of
the equipment.
Flange connection
Figure 9-14
OUTSIDE DIAMETER
Inside
Bore
Seal
Ring
Groove
9.5 FITTINGS
There are different types of fittings rated for various pressures. Only forged steel
fittings are to be used and never cast iron. The most common with our pressure
control equipment are NPT, Autoclave Engineer, BSP, CPI and JIC. NPT
threaded fittings may be used up to 10,000 psi working pressure. Above 5,000
psi working pressure fittings shall be ½" nominal or smaller. Above 10,000 psi
working pressure only suitably rated Autoclave Engineer or similar fittings
corresponding to API 6A, section 100 should be used. Use only stamped
approved fittings, if its not stamped or you are in doubt, do not use it. Never use
cast iron fittings for oil and gas applications.
Figure 9-15
F Female
Male
F
Vanish Plugs
Threads +1
OK! Plain OK
"Vanish" Threads
GOOD
BAD
Female Male
Caution is needed when replacing high pressure NPT fittings with blind plugs.
Use only solid machined plugs, never a hollow plug. A few useful numbers are
given in Table 9.3.
TABLE 9.3
No of turns No of
Nominal Number Width of No of turns OD of
Wrench Vanish
Size of TPI Flat F Hand-tight Male thread
make-up threads
1/16 27 0.0014" to 0.3125"
1/8 27 0.0041" 0.405"
1/4 18 0.0021" to 4 to 4.5 3 3.5 0.540"
3/8 18 0.0057" 0.675"
1/2 14 0.0027" to 0.840"
3/4 14 0.0064" 1.050"
The end of the tubing on an Autoclave engineer fitting has to be prepared with a
special tool. The tool threads the pipe and shapes the end into a cone. The seal
is made across the cone, which has been cut to 59°. Once the tubing is threaded
and cut, you slip over the gland and screw the collar on until 1 to 2 threads are
exposed. You then apply thread sealant onto the threads of the gland, make-up
connection by hand and tighten to a set torque specified by manufacturers.
3) JIC fittings (Figure 9-18): are also a cone type seal. The angle of the cone is
37° for both male and female connectors. Thread sealant should be used on
threads during make-up. For example, used on control module.
Figure 9-17
4) CPI Ultra Seal fittings (Figure 9-19): have an end to end O-Ring seal that is
designed for a system that needs regular removal and replacement, for example,
grease injection hoses.
Figure 9-19
5) CPI single ferrule tube fitting: consist of three parts. Requires only two
metal-to-metal seal points to secure a pressure tight seal. These seals are to the
fitting body and to the tubing for example, the piping behind the panel of the
control module.
BSPP and BSP taper threads have a thread angle of 55°. BSPP - British
Standard Pipe Parallel threads are used for tubes and fittings where pressure-
tight joints are not made on the threads.
BSP Taper - British Standard Pipe Taper threads are used for tubes and fittings
where pressure-tight joints are made across the threads.
Almost all tube fittings and valves use screw threads for fittings, valve stems, lock
nuts, end threads etc. They are straight, not tapered threads.
Threads are named UN (standard) UNC (coarse) or UNF (fine) when describing
the relationship of threads per inch to thread diameter. For example UNF, ‘F’
stands for fine pitch.
9.6 VALVES
Various types of valves are used in wellhead equipment. The most commonly
used valves are needle valves, ball valves, check valves and metering valves.
Needle valves (Figures 9-20 & 9-21): used for controlling high pressures. The
valves are designed to shut-off pressure from 1 main direction. An arrow on the
valve body usually marks the direction, or you can tell by looking into the entry
ports of the valve. The high pressure should always enter the valve from below
the valve seat. Needle valves can be found on the end of the high pressure
grease return line, equalising hose type Wireline Valves manifolds and on the
pressure control grease injection module. Various pressure ratings are available
from 0 to 15,000 psi. Needle valves using a replaceable cartridge seat are used
in Elmar's integral manifolds; see Figure 9-22.
Figure 9-20
INLET OUTLET
Teflon Seal
Valve Stem Valve Seat
Valve Gland
Ball Valves (Figure 9-23): used in the control modules for directing the flow of
hydraulic fluid for line wiper and stuffing box etc. Also used for air supply shut off
on control module. Ball valves are available as 2 or 3 way valves with operating
pressures up to 10,000 psi.
Bottom - Loaded,
Blowout - Proof Stem
Spring - Loaded
PEEK Seats
INLET
Check Valves (Figure 9-24): used in the grease injection line and in some of the
hydraulic lines. The check valve prevents back flow of the substance that is being
pumped. It is very important that the check valve on the grease injection line is
operating correctly to prevent well fluids from coming back to the grease tank and
contaminating the grease. It could also cause an explosion if the tank is filled
with high pressure gas. Always check the direction of flow on a check valve
when installing.
Direction
Of Flow
Metering Valves: used to control the hydraulic oil pressure being applied to the
WHE components, for example, line wiper, stuffing box etc. Working pressure
rating of up to 6,000 psi.
10.1 PRE-JOB
When receiving a call from a client, the supervisor in charge needs to know
certain basic information:
Using this information the supervisor can select the correct type of WHE.
• Never exceed the rated working pressure of the equipment. Always use H2S
proof equipment if H2S is present
• Double check that the cable length, temperature rating and H2S resistance
are suitable for the job
• Check the auxiliary equipment. Make sure there are enough weights
available to overcome the pressure. Calculate the theoretical weight needed
for the pressure (Figure 10.1) and add 20%. The theoretical weight is the
weight to just balance the upthrust on the cable due to well pressure. Extra
weight is needed to overcome friction effects and to ensure the tool will
descend easily. Note that if you are operating in a producing well, there will
be an additional up-thrust due to frictional effects of the well fluid on the
wireline. The up-force can be quite large and extra weights are required to
balance it. Refer to service company operating instructions to estimate the
amount
• Double check the correct wellhead adapters are available
• Check that there are sufficient lubricators to cover the tool. Calculate the
total length of the tool string including weights, centralisers, adapters, head,
etc and add 3 feet. This will be minimum length of riser to be used
• Ensure the correct number and type of Wireline Valves are available for the
job
• Check that Pressure Control Equipment string ID is adequate for the tool
string to be run in the well. Take into account swelling of guns after firing
• Check that the Wireline Valve inner seal is the correct size for the wireline
OD or use Elmar Multiline Seals
• Check that the grease supply system has a correctly rated pump and
sufficient grease of a suitable type for the job. Take into account variations
of ambient temperature during the job. Allow for repeated or unforecasted
runs
• Ensure that you have a glycol injection pump and glycol if you are dealing
with H.P. gas
• Check that the stuffing box has the correct wireline-size components
• Make sure there are enough flow tubes in the GIH and enough hi-pressure
grease hoses are available
• Check all valves and fittings are complete
• Check that there is an adequate number of hydraulic hoses and pumps
• Check an adequate supply of spare parts and hand tools are available to
repair equipment damaged during transport/rig up, etc and to provide items
which may be needed in case problems occur or in case there is a change in
well conditions.
The supervisor in charge that may be new to WHE operations should make
careful checks that the equipment is complete. Too many engineers have
*
Murphy's Law - If anything can possibly go wrong, it will - at the worst possible moment.
Commercial Confidential Copyright © Elmar 2001, not to be copied without permission
arrived at the wellsite with insufficient risers or grease hose or with the wrong
wellhead adapter. Most experienced production engineers have developed a
"ready box" system to ensure equipment is not forgotten. This may take many
forms. For example, a land operation may have a special truck assigned to
production operations. Equipment is assigned to tool bays and the hardware is
permanently mounted on top. Offshore operations utilise specially designed
skids for transporting the equipment and spare parts. The experienced
supervisor can quickly glance at the ready boxes and skids and ensure all the
equipment is correct for the job and ready to go. Much pre-planning is involved
in the design of a ready box/skid system but it will save time and possible
disaster jobs in the future.
Figure 10-1
10,000
I
PS
00
9,000
/10
I
PS
BS
00
6L
10
S/
27.
E
8,000
I
PS
LB
E-
00
7.6
10
BL
3 L
S/
-
CA
LB
WELLHEAD PRESSURE IN PSI
E
7,000
1
B
IA.
9.
CA
-4 P
8) D
I
PS
A.
LE
00
DI
(.18
AB
6,000 10
S/
)
.C
19
LB
6"
IA
(.2
M
6.7
3/1
)D
-7
2"
50
E I
7/3
5,000 BL PS
(.2
A 0 00
A
C /1
4"
A. BS
1/
) DI 0 .4L
3 11 I
4,000 .31 E- 00
PS
"( BL
X
6 A S /10
5/1 .C
150
LB
DIA E- I
7 5) BL 0 PS
(.3 CA /100
E
3,000 " A . B S
3/8 I 3L
8) D - 17
6" (.43 C A BLE PSI
.
7 /1 DIA /1000
" ( .469) - 2 4 9 LBS
2 ABLE
2,000 15/3 IA. C
" ( .563) D
9/16
1,000
Providing enough forethought has been put into the pre-job planning, the
supervisor and crew will arrive at the wellsite secure in the knowledge that most
contingencies have been adequately covered and that the equipment is clean,
serviced and in first class operating condition.
The most critical portion of the operation is the rig up. The supervisor should
carefully supervise his crew to ensure wellhead equipment make up and system
testing are carried out safely and efficiently. The wellsite should be inspected for
possible safety hazards and escape routes planned if necessary. A spot safety
meeting should be held with the crew and client.
Before removing the well cap some preparation work needs to be carried out first.
The following procedure applies mainly to braided line pressure jobs on a drilling
rig or a permanent derrick with a raised drill floor.
Variations to this procedure are needed for slickline jobs, and for jobs on a
workover hoist or rigless job with a Mast or Crane Truck
• Function and pressure test BOPs (working pressure only) (Figure 10-2)
• Function test tool traps, tool catchers, stuffing box and line wiper
• Function test control module
• Spool out wireline into a figure of eight in front of the winch and cut a neat
end to allow easy feeding through GIH. Pass the wireline through the
sheave wheels if required as some wheels frame are solid
• Clean wireline with a diesel soaked rag to remove any dirt and feed through
line wiper and stuffing box (it might be necessary to remove the inners from
the stuffing box to allow the wireline to pass through), then through the
correct number of flow tubes, ball valve and tool catcher
• Once the wireline has been fed through the GIH you need to make a rope
socket and attach the cable head with the correct weak point
• Connect two lengths of lubricator together and feed the cable head with a
weight bar into them
• Connect the GIH to the two lengths of lubricators taking care not to damage
the wireline and pull the head up into the catcher
• Fit a set of dolly wheels to the bottom of the lubricator to aid in the rig up. If
no dolly available then use a thread protector as a safety barrier to prevent
the weight falling out the end as you lift the lubricator. Fit the lubricator lifting
clamp to the top of the uppermost riser
• The next stage of the operation is on the rig floor or at the wellhead. Position
the control module where you have easy access to the panel and with the
hose reels facing the well you are about to rig up on. Choose a position
upwind from the wellhead whenever possible.
• Move all the WHE you require for the job to the rig floor by crane and
position it where a catline can be attached to rig it up.
• The wellhead preparation is critical. Remember the wellhead belongs to the
client. High pressure wellheads are expensive and the wrong sequence of
valve operations can cause loss of well control and damage the valves
beyond repair. If possible, the client should be encouraged to operate his
own wellhead control valves, or provide information on the preferred valve he
wants closed. However, we should know the correct operating procedures.
o Close the Master Valve or the uppermost master valve if two valves
are installed (Figure 10-3). Count the number of turns needed. Do not
touch the lower master valve.
IIIII IIIII
II I I I I I
II I
I I
I I I I
II
I
II
I
I
II
I I
IIIIII IIII
I
I IIIII IIIII
I I
I I I I
I
I I I
I I
I
I I
II I
II
I
I
II
II
II I
Gauge Valve
Top Connection
Swab Valve
Choke Choke
Wing Valve Wing Valve
(Flowline Valve) (Flowline Valve)
Master Valve
o Close both the innermost wing valves. (Note points 1 and 2 may not
apply if you operate on a flowing well. Additional precautions are
necessary in this case).
o Close the swab valve. Count and record the number of turns needed
for full closure.
Caution: If the gauge still reads pressure after the tree valves are closed,
stop. The company man needs to be informed.
This chart does not apply when Teflon tape is used. Feeling the hand
tight position is difficult. A joint not made up enough will leak and the
threads can jump out when pressure is applied. Making the joints up
tight requires considerable torque especially on larger threads.
I II I I I I I I I
II I II I I I I II
II I I
I
I
I
I II
I
I
I I
I I
I III
I II
I II I
I II I I I I I I I I
I
I
II
II I I I I I I I I
I
I
II
I
I
II I
• Place the BOPs on the adapter after checking that the rams can be opened
and closed. If necessary and the rig-up height allows it, use risers as
spacers, so that the BOP is at easy reach on the rig floor (Figure 10-4)
• Making up lubricators (risers) - depending on the quantity of risers required it
might not be advisable to pick up the whole string in one go. In this case
three or four risers can be connected together, picked up and placed in the
mouse hole (if available) ready to be connected to the GIH vertically.
Alternatively, make them up one at a time
• Lift the GIH with the head and weight inside the lubricator to the drill floor
using a crane. Be careful that the wireline is not damaged. Connect a
catline to the GIH lifting clamp and slowly pick-up on the catlines air hoist as
you lower the crane down and let the GIH sit in the 'V' door. Rest the bottom
of he lubricator attached to the GIH at the bottom of the 'V' door. All the
weight of the GIH should now be on the catline. Remove the crane (Figure
10-5).
• Connect all the hydraulic and grease hoses to the GIH. Warning: Take care
that the correct hoses are being attached at the correct places. Fix two
ropes on to the bottom of the GIH to assist rig up
• Loop wireline on to upper sheave wheel and raise the sheave up to the
necessary height you need for the operation. The upper sheave is usually
held in the elevators of a drilling derrick or fixed to a rated pad eye at the top
of a wireline mast. If using a mast, connect top sheave with the wireline over
it to the pad eye before raising the mast. This saves a lot of trouble trying to
put it up once the mast is raised. Remember that the top sheave can be left
hanging from the utility winch hook only if the utility line is rated twice the
maximum breaking strength of the wireline. Notice some Mast Trucks have a
Sheave Lock system. This allows using one of the utility winches to be used
to lift the sheave and lock it in place after the mast has been rigged-up.
• Pick up the GIH and stab it on to the lubricators in the mouse hole. Make up
the quick connect union. (Quick connect unions only need to be made up
hand tight)
• Pick up the whole GIH and lubricator and lift up to a height just above the
BOPs. Take care not to bend severely the lubricators, use ropes to assist
• Fix the lower sheave tie down chain and tension device to the appropriate tie
down point. Loop the wireline over the sheave
• Pick up the excess slack in the wireline using the winch. Take care not to
pull the weak point. Leave a small amount of slack in the wireline and hold it
down while the tool catcher is released
• Once the head and weight is released from the catcher, lower them down to
a height at which you can connect the wireline tools. Depending on the set
up of the rig you are working with, it might be easier to make up the tools in
the well you are about to enter. This depends on the distance between your
BOPs and the swab valve
• Now that the tools are all made up you are ready to lower down your
lubricator and make up the quick union. Always ensure there is sufficient
distance between the head and the tool catcher to allow this operation,
otherwise a cablehead pullout may occur
• After connection, lubricators should be straight and vertical, otherwise the
pressure rating of the equipment may need to be down rated
• For safety reasons, the grease return hoses must be fixed with a needle
valve and a high pressure tee, then securely chained down to a fixed
structure. This prevents the hose from "whipping" due to well fluids escaping
if the grease seal is lost
• It is now best to pull the downhole tool into the catcher before pressure
testing. This prevents the tool from being pushed-up during pressure testing,
and eliminates the chance of the wireline being kinked
• You are now ready to pressure test.
Rig-up stage 2
Figure 10-5
To carry out the pressure test, fill the assembled WHE with the appropriate test
liquid, e.g. Glycol/water mix, making sure all air is bled from the system. After
water/fluid appears at the top of the greasehead, the pressure test can then
commence. It is recommended to conduct the test with the stuffing box closed
and no grease in the flow tubes so that the grease return line and needle valve
and the check valve on the grease injection line are tested. The test should be
held for a minimum of 3 minutes, bled off then pressure up for another 15
minutes.
It is advisable to also check that the grease injection system is fully operational,
i.e. there are no leaks or blockages in the injection line and that the one way
check valve will pass grease. This can be checked at the end of the test by
pumping grease into the flow tubes, opening the return line valve and the stuffing
box and observing that there is no loss in test pressure on the WHE.
The pressure test proves that the equipment is capable of withstanding the
anticipated pressures. If leaks occur the pressure must be bled off, fault rectified
and equipment retested.
Whenever WHE equipment is used at the wellsite for pressure control operation,
it shall be pressure tested after it has been rigged up on the wellhead, before
opening the well for the first trip. On long duration project work, equipment
should normally be tested once per 24-hour period or to an agreed schedule.
For pressure build-up work longer than 24 hours, test the equipment whenever
the cable head is returned to surface
• All components of the WHE equipment used shall have a WP and TP rating.
The overall WP rating of the assembled equipment shall be equal to the rating
of the weakest component. All components used shall have a validated level 1
service, including a hydrostatic body test to test pressure TP. Equipment
lacking a current test record shall not be used
• The wellsite working pressure rating or MAWP (Maximum Allowable Working
Pressure) shall be equal to the wellsite test pressure. The wellsite test
pressure shall never exceed the equipment WP rating, or the client wellhead
WP rating, whichever is lower
• Wellsite test pressure shall be 1.2 times the expected maximum shut-in
wellhead pressure. If the client does not want his wellhead subject to this
pressure, the test pressure shall be equal to the maximum wellhead pressure
or the maximum specified by the client whichever is greater. If no wellhead
pressure is expected the equipment shall be tested at 25% of its WP rating
• WHE equipment shall never be pressurised with high-volume pumps such as
mud pumps or other piston pumps, due to the risk of over-pressuring the
system in one pump cycle. Dedicated low-volume/high-pressure test pumps
and equipment should be used to introduce the test pressure after the
equipment has been filled-up with high-volume pumps while allowing all air to
escape
• When pressure testing, low pressure lines shall be kept open ended to
prevent over-pressuring of the low pressure lines in case of a leak
• Pressure testing shall be carried out with a non-volatile, non-compressible
liquid such as ethylene glycol or water. Use of flammable liquid or gas, or of
well fluid is forbidden. Testing with diesel for example is not allowed due to
the risk of explosion (Diesel engine effect)
• The occurrence of a wellsite pressure test and the wellsite pressure test value
shall be noted on the service report. It is recommended to use a pressure
recorder (chart or film) during wellsite pressure testing
• Adequate warning signs should be displayed and all unnecessary personnel
cleared from the vicinity of the test.
Special pump units are available for pressure testing, such as the Elmar testing
skid (Figure 10-6). This L-696700 pressure test unit is designed to test WHE in
the shop and eventually on the wellsite. It measures 0.95 m x 0.85 m x 1.45 m
and is mounted on wheels.
It includes:
Note that both pumps are water pumps. Hence no grease is pumped and the
test should not cause any mess. All that is required is a water (or water/glycol
mixture) and air supply.
Elmar testing unit designed to test WHE in the shop and on the wellsite
Figure 10-6
Many supervisors prefer to conduct the pressure test with just weights and a
bottom nose in the riser (note that tool thread protectors are not pressure rated),
just in case something goes wrong. However, standard procedure requires the
complete tool assembly in the riser for the test, since a joint will have to be
broken after the test in order to connect the tool and this joint should then be
pressure tested again before the job can proceed.
The use of a Quick Test Sub or of a Wireline Safety Valve allows pressure-
testing the broken connection only, avoiding to pressure-up again the whole
lubricator string.
• First pressure test the wellhead equipment to the requested wellsite pressure
test value with a dummy gun or no gun
• Bleed off pressure, break off riser and rig up gun
• Make up and pressure test riser with armed gun to wellsite pressure test
value, or to 80% of the gun rating, which ever is lower
• Equalise pressure across wellhead, open master valve and swab valve and
proceed with operations.
Only after the wellsite hydrostatic test has proven that the equipment is pressure
tight can the well be opened. The process that began with the initial client
request can now be brought to fruition. It only remains to lower the tool string
into the well, perform the service and retrieve the tool. However, problems
caused by human error failures abound, so it is worthwhile reiterating some
operating points.
a) Safety
b) Running in Hole
At the conclusion of the pressure test, the pressure in the risers is bled
down, equalised to that of wellhead pressure and the grease injection
pressure at the GIH set to 20% above well pressure. The pump will pump
extremely slowly when the wireline is stationary. The pump will stroke
quickly if the grease hoses and grease tubes are not filled with grease. If
there is zero pressure on the well the grease pump should be set to
minimum pump pressure. Grease must always be injected to lubricate the
wireline and reduce wear on the flow tubes.
Lower the cable head a few inches before opening the master valve. This
will prevent the tool sticking against the bottom of the GIH adapter or ball
valve (or accidentally being caught by the tool catcher). Newer GIH
adapters are supplied with an eccentered groove to prevent differential
sticking of the fishing head.
The master valve should be opened slowly. Count the turns needed to fully
open the valve. Hang a sign on the valve indicating that wireline operations
are in progress and the number of turns needed to open the valve. If more
than one master valve is closed, then open the lower-most valves first.
Note: The tool trap should remain CLOSED (ready-to-catch) until the tool is
ready to be run in the hole. Run in hole slowly until the tool is below the
Christmas tree valves or other obstructions. Cable movement may be very
slow for the first few hundred feet depending on well pressure and the
number of weights used. If possible use large tungsten weights to
maximise the total weight of the tool assembly and to minimise its length
(and hence that of the risers). Try not to allow slack wireline to come in
contact with the ground. Clean the wireline with a diesel saturated rag to
remove dirt, sand, etc. If the monocable has not been used for a long time
it may be necessary to clean the wireline on the top layer of the drum before
running in the hole. Double check that the line wiper and stuffing box have
not been activated.
A
B 613'
1363' 2104'
2834' 3551'
4262' 4965'
5663' 6357'
Tubing Shoe
TD
Figure 10-8
Seabed DHSV
Liner Hanger
Deviation 50˚
Packer
Restriction
(eg nipple)
Tubing Shoe
Perforations
TD
10.7 OPERATIONS
Once you are down hole the main problem becomes sticking your tool in the
nipples/restrictions, or in the sump at TD, or pulling back into the tubing shoe too
quickly. If you have been depth correlating all the way into the hole there should
be no surprises. Outline to the winch driver these two boundary points, allow a
good safety margin (if possible), check your pull-on-line-safety and remind
everybody to watch the tension device.
CASED HOLE
"Safe Winch Driving With Small Cables"
A
Liner Measure
Hanger = Distance
Top of
Flange to
Packer = First Wrap
A = _____
Packer =
Restriction =
(eg Nipple)
Tubing
Shoe =
Bell at ____
STOP
1.
2.
3.
4.
AT 200FT 5.
Tool jammed in tubing due to fluid velocity - cannot break weak point
Figure 10-9
Cable
Packer
Nipple
Tubing
Casing
Wireline Entry
Guide
Fluid Flow
Wireline Tool
On injector wells if you do pull into the tubing you have a large piston effect trying
to break your weak point. On producers, the tool can be rammed past the cable,
wedging the tool and cable in the tubing and you cannot break the weak point
because the cable becomes wrapped around the tool (Figure 10-9). Charts are
available to calculate these effects for high flowrate wells.
If possible, shut in the well before pulling back into the tubing. Customers are
often reluctant to shut in the wells. If this is a problem, ask them at the very least
if they could choke back production. Make sure the right valve is closed, if it is
your responsibility, supervise it yourself.
Damaged cable
Figure 10-10
Debris in well
Figure 10-11
Debris and scale in a cased well is quite common. Milling, cementing, perforating and
drilling can all cause debris. Sand entering from the perforations can also cause a tool
to stick.
When pulling out of hole the wireline speed is limited by the volume of grease
that the pump can output and the clearance between wireline and flowtubes.
Beware of loosing grease seal due to cable speed.
After performing the service conditions can change. Guns swell after being fired,
calliper and flowmeter arms bend or break, so plan on the unexpected. Devote
all your attention and keep the speed down when pulling back into the shoe and
through any restrictions in the tubing. Keep the cable speed very low near
surface and watch your tension and your CCL response. Make sure the tool trap
is closed and tool catcher ready-to-catch. If you do get stuck, you need to be
able to determine exactly where and what part of the tool is hanging up. Do not
immediately pull to the full safe limit because you could wedge the tool or wireline
much harder into the flow tubes. Stop, drop down and try again. If you see slack
immediately when running in hole, you are probably hanging the wireline in the
flow tubes. The pull on line safety is set close to the normal logging tension and
this should be adjusted all the way out of the hole. If you have been logging in a
producing well, shut off production when pulling out, otherwise the wireline can
be sucked into the wing valve by the fluid flow.
Coming out of the hole new problems arise (Figure 10-10 and 10-11):
• Bad spooling
• Wireline stranding
• Spooler depth slipping.
Wireline stranding is the subtlest, but has dire results if not detected. You and
your operator need to be watching the tension device for any irregular movement
or unexplained shift.
Each time the tension differential is manually adjusted inform each other of the
shift. If a cable armour wire does strand, the differential tension will start shaking
and very slowly build up. Accurate tension devices are a must.
Spooler depth slipping should be easy to detect with the magnetic marks. If the
bell is not constant you know something is wrong. As you get near the surface
you check your cable diagram to be sure that everything is correct. The cable
diagram also helps if you have had to change depth because of a workover rig or
Mast truck having a different depth reference from the tie-in logs. Make sure your
winch driver spooled the cable carefully to prevent cable stranding and insulation
failures in the future.
When 200 ft from surface the supervisor takes the winch. A rope is thrown over
the cable, the lower sheave held down, the POL (pull-on-line) safety checked and
if perforating, everything else shut off. Proceed carefully but confidently to pull
out. The operator holding the rope is the one to watch (see Figure 10-12).
If you are pulling out at 1,800 ft/hr (30 ft/min) and your rope operator has given
15 ft of slack to the wireline, you have a full 30 secs to react. In this same
situation if you push down on the lower sheave with only 2 ft of slack there is only
4 seconds reaction time.
When the tool reaches the stuffing box, the rope induced slack starts to
straighten out. BEWARE! This also occurs if the tool gets stuck in the
Christmas tree.
The next step is to set the tool down on the closed tool trap. This confirms that
you are in the riser. If the tool and wireline will not go down or if they do not stop,
something has gone wrong.
With a manual tool trap or external indicator trap, you can see the handle of the
tool trap move when the tool enters the riser. One operator should be holding
the handle. He should signal when the head enters the riser and when the
bottom of the tool clears the tool trap.
If you have pulled into the tool catcher, run some slack, once you are positive
that the tool is in the riser, you can have the SWAB valve closed slowly. Count
the number of turns and, if any resistance is felt before the valve has completely
closed, stop and recheck that your tool is in the riser. If it takes 16 turns to
normally close, and if the valve stops after 10 or 11 turns, the tool or wireline may
be across the valve. The wireline is easily damaged. Open the valve at the first
sign of resistance. Only close the master valve after the swab valve is closed.
Once the master valve is closed the pressure can be bled off. The quickest way
to bleed-off is through a wing flowline, whenever possible. If this is not possible
bleed off through the lower BOP manifold. Ideally the bleed off valve should be
connected via a high pressure grease hose to the client or well testing company
flowline. If this is not possible the hose should drain off fluids downwind and be
securely fastened to a fixed structure. As soon as the pressure is bled off the
grease pump can be switched off and the pressure gauges and manifolds
removed to prevent damage during rig down.
When bleeding off high pressure gas, crack the manifold valve slowly to avoid
freezing the valve or the whole high pressure drain hose. You might have to drain
the lubricator in stages by closing a valve at the end of the drain, filling the hose
with gas, closing the manifold valve, emptying the hose.....etc.
At the end of the drain hose connect a ‘T’ junction to balance out the side-way
reaction of the high pressure fluid being drained.
Remember that, after bleeding off the pressure, it is highly likely that there will
still be fluid in the riser since the grease seal in the GIH will not allow air into the
system. Be careful when the risers are lifted. Fluid will pour out once the risers
are disconnected. The tool can be lifted off the tool trap and cleaned and
disassembled.
Caution
Remember to take care when rigging down, the job is not over until all the WHE
is packed away and you have tidied up. Do not take short cuts. Take your time
and remember that WHE is heavy and awkward to handle. Ensure all pressure is
bled off before you start.
Rig down procedures are the reverse of the rig up procedures. Remember to
give slack to the wireline when rigging down the lubricators so that the GIH does
not end up resting on the head and breaking the weak point.
POH procedures
Figure 10-12
Operator 1 stands on
the tie down chain
A lost grease seal is first noticed by fluid escaping at the top of the stuffing box,
and/or by the grease pump increasing its rate. If the grease seal is lost, stop the
cable and increase the grease pump pressure to regain the seal. If this is not
effective, close the stuffing box and the high pressure return flowline valve in that
order. If seal still cannot be regained, close the Wireline Valves. If in a gas well
with twin or triple Wireline Valve, close first the lower set of rams (inverted) and
while pumping grease into the BOP∗ - close the top most rams (normal). The
middle set of rams (normal rams) is for back-up and must only be closed if the
others fail. Increase grease pump pressure to 1.5 times well pressure. When
the seal is regained equalise pressure across the BOPs, open the flowline valve
and the stuffing box, open BOPs and carry on with the operation.
If the seal is lost continually, the wireline run may need to be abandoned. The
tool and cable should be returned to surface as slow as necessary to maintain
the seal. Before you pull out of hole check the following:
Check the pump is stroking, if it is not try to increase the pressure at the
regulator to hear if it strokes.
Check your air supply. If pump does not stroke change over and use the
other grease pump.
The grease tank should be clean, full and no water present in the sump.
∗
Notice that in this chapter the terms “BOP” and “riser” are often used for the more accurate “Wireline Valve “ and
“lubricator” to conform to field people’s practice.
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Check your cable OD using a micrometer and the size of flow tube you're
using. If flow tubes are too large you may have to pull out of hole and
change them out.
If this happens it will be necessary to close the Wireline Valves and bleed
down the lubricator. Once the lubricator has been bled down you will have
to put on a riding belt or harness and go up to the GIH and remove the
grease injection hose. Once hose has been disconnected try to pump
grease through it to determine if the hose is faulty or the check valve on the
GIH. If check valve is faulty then replace it. If the hose is blocked then you
can change it with the hose for injecting grease to the Wireline Valves.
Once repairs have been made, equalise pressure across BOPs, open the
BOPs and carry on with the operation.
Adequate air pressure and air volume is a must. If the rig air supply is not
adequate, then a second source must be secured.
3. HOSE LENGTH/DIAMETER
Hose length and diameter are often overlooked as a problem. The importance of
using short, large diameter hoses cannot be over emphasised.
Using a new cable on a gas well may permit gas to escape through the spaces
between the cable armour. Once a cable is used a few times these spaces
become filled with grease and residue and this decreases the problem. If you
must use a new cable in a gas well, the cable must be prepared in the shop by
running it through a cable grease injector.
5. STRANDED CABLE
A stranded cable is first noticed when cable tension increases for no apparent
reason or the operator notices the missing strand or strands as the cable comes
on the drum or over the sheave wheels.
Stop the cable, close the Wireline Valves and bleed the pressure off the
lubricator. Monitor lubricator pressure for at least 15 minutes. Ensure that the
BOPs are holding the pressure before removing the lubricator. Pump grease
between the Wireline Valves if you are on a gas well.
Raise the lubricator a few feet and attach a cable clamp to the cable on top of the
Wireline Valve. Do not allow the cable to slip through the Wireline Valves as this
may damage the seals. (For added safety you can use a "flow diverter" which
can be installed on top of the Wireline Valve and includes a cable clamp). Slack
off the cable and check that the clamp is holding. Pull the cable down through
the control head and inspect the damage. Notice that if you have a single lift rig-
up on a workover/mast job, or if you are using a turn-around sheave, special
procedures or special equipment must be used to be able to open the lubricators
and slack the cable.
There will be a ball of stranded cable caught under the control head. This ball
will have to be removed from the lubricator and cut away with a sharp pair of wire
cutters.
Pick up the excess slack until the cable just begins to come under tension. Very
carefully unwrap each of the damaged strands 3 or 4 turns. Do not bend strands
back from the cable. Make a clean cut and, with a fine file, taper the end of the
strand and lay it back in the cable. If necessary, a very slight bend can be given
to the tip of the strand to ensure that it remains pointed towards the cable core.
Use a fine file to smooth down any small excess of cable that may be protruding.
If more than one strand is damaged, ensure that the strands are terminated at
widely spaced intervals. Instant glue often works to hold the strand in place.
Pick up the full tension. Remove the cable clamp, reconnect the lubricators,
pressure up the control head and equalise pressure in the lubricators through the
Wireline Valve equaliser manifold. Once the lubricators are at well pressure the
Wireline Valve can be opened and the cable slowly pulled up. Monitor tension
and watch the cable coming out of the control head to check that the strands
pass through the flow tubes. The whole process may need to be repeated
several times until successful.
If the damage is too extensive, it may not be practical to adopt the above
approach or the strength of the cable may be considerably reduced.
The cable will then have to be cut at a point as high above the Wireline Valves as
possible. There must be enough cable to feed through the flowtubes as
described in the next step. Taper the end of the cable to allow it to pass through
the flow tubes. Cut off the damaged cable on the winch side also.
Remove one or more sections of lubricator, lay down the pressure control
equipment and thread the cable through the control head from the bottom. Tie a
reef knot outside the control head so that the winch can again pull the cable.
Pick up the remaining lubricator and reconnect following the same procedures as
before. The cable is spooled back on the winch until the knot reaches the
topmost sheave wheel. The knot may or may not pass over the sheave
depending on the size sheave you are using.
If the knot cannot pass over the sheave, close the Wireline Valve, bleed off the
pressure, lift the lubricators and clamp the cable as before. Lower the block - or
the hoist holding the top sheave - slacking cable so that the knot can be
repositioned on the winch side of the sheave. Undo the cable clamp, reconnect
the lubricator string, and pull out. When close to surface, go through the same
procedure, open the knot, reconnect the lubricators that were previously
removed, pass the cable back through the GIH, retie the knot and continue to pull
out of hole after removing the clamp and reconnecting the lubricator string. This
step may be eliminated if excess risers were used in the initial rig up and
sufficient lubricators remain to cover the tool length. If only one lubricator length
remains after eliminating the first cable damage, it is advisable to add again
lubricators after a few hundred feet, to allow for the cable to strand again.
An alternative solution is to use a T clamp with the small cable inserts. When the
knot reaches the upper or lower sheave the cable may be clamped with a T
clamp suspended from an air hoist while the travelling block is again lowered to
allow the knot to be repositioned on the winch side of the sheave. Remember to
raise the block to its original position once the knot is spooled on the drum. This
eliminates one series of opening and closing the risers.
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Cure: Keep a good grease seal as some gas expansion is needed for these
hydrates to form. Fluid flow or leakage can induce hydrate formation as both
temperature and pressure drop.
Since hydrates usually form when water is produced with the gas, water used in
filling the lubricator for pressure testing will only aggravate the problem. On gas
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wells always use ethylene glycol (anti-freeze) to fill the lubricator during testing.
Glycol can also be used to prevent formation of hydrates and injected
continuously during the job through the Wireline Valve or through purpose
designed chemical injection subs, or glycol injection valves at the top of the
lubricator string. Methanol can also be used and in fact has a chemical
advantage over glycol (see next paragraph). When using methanol, use caution
and make sure these flammable liquids are pressured slowly so the vapour and
air in the lubricator will not be heated and cause a diesel type explosion. Do not
pressure the lubricator with a large pump.
Methanol mixed with the wet gas reduces the maximum temperature at which
hydrates can form. For example, a natural gas hydrate that normally forms up to
42oF can be altered so it will not form above 25°F by adding methanol. Methanol
injected on top of hydrates will cause them to melt.
Caution: methanol is poisonous and should be used with care; it also attacks ‘o’
rings if left a long time. Should only be injected with a dedicated methanol pump.
Therefore, use glycol to prevent hydrates formation, use methanol to dissolve
hydrates if they form.
Guns swell and get bent when fired and may cause problems when entering the
Christmas tree. When stuck in the Christmas tree, try to work the tool loose. Go
down a few feet and make another pass. Be sure that the valves are fully open.
If you have to pull off, have the client present. In certain situations, it helps to put
the well into production, if it is shut in. Do this only as a last resort before pulling-
off. Only the client can take this decision and open the wing valve.
When tools are lost in the well the cable will have a tendency to be blown out of
the control head as the weight becomes less than needed to counter balance the
well pressure. When this happens the cable is pushed out of the control head
faster than it can be spooled on the winch. Cable everywhere!
Before pulling out of the hole, stop and have a safety meeting with everyone on
location, clear the area of unnecessary personnel. Be sure all flow hoses are
chained down.
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Compute the approximate depth at which the cable will start moving out alone:
2) Divide ‘W’ by the weight/ ft of your cable to obtain the approximate depth
Cure: Watch your weight indicator and as the tension nears zero increase the
grease pump pressure. This will add some drag to the cable. Next increase the
pressure on the line wiper or packoff if a line wiper is not available. This pressure
must be steadily increased as more and more cable is pulled out of the well.
One must be careful in applying just the amount of tension necessary to slow
down the cable. Too much tension will milk the cable and cause it to become
stuck in the flowtubes.
If everything works right and your depth control is good, the cable can be stopped
with the end between the BOPs and the control head.
If not, and you have a ball check valve in the string it will seal after the cable has
passed and prevent a mess on the location. Have an operator at the master
valve to shut well in as soon as cable passes.
Cure: Add extra weight and more lubricators if needed. Always clean the cable
that has come in contact with the ground with a diesel soaked rag. If there is a
kink, the cable will have to be cut and a new head made. If the well is flowing
and you can't get down ask the client to close the well in until you can get down a
couple hundred feet.
cut diagonally and the ends glued together with”instant" glue. Be sure and
replace the O-ring before the next job.
The drilling fluid, known as mud, is the first barrier against formation pressure. It
is usually a mixture of water, oils, clay, weighting material and chemicals. Drilling
mud serves several functions:
Weighting materials, usually barite, are added to the mud to raise the specific
gravity (mud weight) to a level that is needed to contain formation pressure. It is
the job of the mud engineer to continuously monitor the condition of the mud to
make sure that the mud weight is sufficient to overcome the expected formation
pressures. Usually the mud weight maintained is such that the hydrostatic
downhole pressure is a few hundred psi in excess of the formation pressure. The
mud engineer also monitors the level of mud in the well bore and mud tanks.
A hole full of mud that weighs the right amount should not blow out. Sometimes
the unexpected occurs either because of human error or because geological
predictions of formation pressure may have been inaccurate. If formation fluids
enter the hole, a "kick" is said to have taken place. This is due to the mud weight
being too low resulting in formation pressure being greater than the hydrostatic
pressure of mud. An experienced rig crew can recognise certain symptoms such
as the level of mud in the pits rising above the normal level, or mud continuing to
flow out of the well after the pumps have been stopped, and take action
accordingly (usually by weighting up the mud).
Of course the opposite can happen and the formation can "suck". If the mud
weight is too high, the mud is forced into the formation. This is known as lost
circulation. If the well is not topped up the level will drop until the hydrostatic
column of fluid is no longer sufficient to force the mud into the formation. This
can be dangerous since other zones in the well may have a higher pressure than
the lost circulation zone (after taking into account the difference of the hydrostatic
pressure due to the different depths of the zones). These high pressure zones
may become underbalanced due to the drop of hydrostatic pressure of mud and
formation fluids can enter the borehole.
Why is a "kick" dangerous? If the rig crew do not take immediate steps to
contain the kick, a blowout can occur.
What causes the blowout? The initial seepage of formation fluids into the hole
serves to lighten the mud, since the specific gravity of hydrocarbons is likely to be
considerably less than that of the mud. As the mud is circulated, the average
weight drops as more and more formation fluids enter the system. As the mud
weight drops the formation fluids come in faster due to a lower mud pressure and
the process keeps accelerating until the mud is "blown out" of the hole mixed with
the incoming formation fluid. If the incoming fluids are hydrocarbons, there is a
danger of fire. Gas kicks are especially dangerous as the gas expands and fills
the hole very quickly. Gas can ignite easily as cuttings and formation particles,
blown out of the hole, create sparks when hitting the rig metal structure.
If a crew detects a kick a second line of defence is possible. Since well pressure
is now greater than the mud hydrostatic pressure the rig needs to create
additional surface pressure to contain the kick. This is done by first closing the
rig annular blowout preventers (BOPs) around the drill pipe. Hydril is the most
common amongst annular BOPs. The BOPs form a pressure-tight seal at the top
of the well and prevent the escape of fluids (Figure 12-1). In order to resume
drilling, the kick must be "circulated out" by pumping mud, properly weighted, at a
higher pressure that the surface pressure. It is not always an easy matter to
circulate out the kick and various techniques such as the addition of very viscous
materials to create a "viscous pill" may be necessary before the well is once
more under control.
In order to circulate the kick out of the well, a choke manifold is necessary. A
choke is a valve which can restrict fluid flow by having its size infinitely variable
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from fully closed (zero flow) to fully open (full flow). As the kick starts moving up
the hole, the choke opening is reduced in size by an amount that creates just
enough back-pressure to allow the mud and kick out, but prevent further entry of
formation fluid. When the kick is circulated out, heavy mud is circulated into the
well and the choke fully opened.
Figure 12-1
Rotary
Pipe Rams
Double BOP
Blind Rams
Pipe Rams
Casing Flange
Well
To have control of the well while running down hole tools, we need to be able to
connect our Wireline Valve to the drilling rig stack.
It is recommended that the wireline BOP be easily accessible, i.e. at waist height
when connected to the client equipment. This facilitates the easy and rapid
operation of the BOP rams should the need ever arise. It also makes it much
easier to guide the tools in and out of the well and to do a vertical make-up of the
tools if no mouse or rat-hole is conveniently available. Since the rig floor is
usually much higher than the stack, a riser is needed. The riser is attached to
the stack or Christmas tree at its lower end and extends through the rotary table
to just above the rig floor where it is connected to the wireline BOP.
If the riser is too long and the Wireline Valve is too high above the rig floor then a
work platform has to be constructed to allow easy and safe access to the BOP.
One of the most common methods to connect the Wireline Valve (“BOP”) to the
rig stack was --in the past-- to use a Hydril Hold-Down Adapter, commonly called
“Shooting Nipple”.
In the most simple and most unsafe configuration this used to be a length of
casing, (usually 7”) connected on one end to the Wireline BOP with a Casing
Collar thread. The lower end of the casing was held in the Hydril by closing the
annular pack-off around it.
Because of the large cross-section area of the casing, there is a very large
upward thrust with this configuration: with 1,000 psi, the shooting nipple will be
subject to a 38,500 lbs upward thrust.
To contain this very large upward thrust the Hydril Adapter must have a system
to retain it (“hold-down”). If not properly positioned it is quite common to see the
shooting nipple move up out of the stack as the pressure increases during a
pressure test until retained by a stop.
“Home” made hold-down systems have a welded flange or upset at the bottom,
or ear-lugs in the body to connect chains secured to the rig floor.
Both systems are not acceptable: a locally made weld does not normally have
the proper heat treatment to withstand the very high tensile stress created when
retaining the adapter in the Hydril. Chains under such high tensions present a
very high risk, as it is possible to have an unbalanced system not loading evenly
the legs; if a chain breaks on the rig floor links can be projected with the same
speed as a bullet, and create fatal injuries.
Therefore the only acceptable Hydril Adapters are the ones designed and
manufactured, specifically for this use, by approved vendors.
Usually they are available with an ID of 4.89”, 7.62” and 8.53”. The lower end has
a specially designed flange screwed onto the riser body, with a certified thread.
(Figure 12-2 and 12-5). Slim-line quick union connections are used to split the
length in manageable section (6, 8 or 10 ft.)
In operations, the flange must be located directly under the Hydril packing
element, in contact with the packing metal fingers, to avoid any movement when
pressure increases.
Some major Service Companies prefer to have the Hydril Adapter held in the
pipe rams of the drilling BOP instead of the Hydril. This requires a longer riser
length, and also may require changing the drilling BOP rams to suit the size of
the Hydril Adapter.
For this reasons the Hydril Adapter solution is not recommended, except in cases
where the pressure is induced and controlled on the rig and by the rig personnel.
o It is dimensioned to the correct length since the distance from the rig floor
to the wellhead is usually fairly constant for most wells for one particular
rig.
o Service Company does not have to transport and store bulky risers.
Figure 12-2
Disadvantages
Flange adapter
Figure 12-3
Safety Note
All flange bolts must be used and properly tightened. Flanges are only designed
to seal against pressure when the seal ring is uniformly clamped. Using the
example of 1,000 lbs pressure and a 3,000 lb rated series 900, size 6 flange with
a ring gasket of inside diameter 7-7/8", the force exerted on the flange is F =
48,700 lbs.
This flange has 12 bolts. Thus a force of over 4,000 lbs is exerted on each bolt.
The force on each bolt is correspondingly much greater if one or more bolts are
missing and the bending stresses which exist within the flange due to the missing
bolts make matters worse.
Drilling mode: the rig bell nipple adapter (riser for mud return) is directly
connected to the flange via the high pressure quick union.
Wireline mode: the riser is connected to a riser adapter that fits the high pressure
quick union from the flange.
The main advantages with this system is that the Hydril remains operational
during wireline operations and the rig up of the pressure equipment is speeded
up by the use of the quick union client riser and the wireline companies riser
Figure 12-4
Weld
Riser Adapter
Annular BOP
Bell Bell
Nipple Nipple
Removed Removed
Elmar manufacture a manually operated single BOP with a 5-1/2" ID and a safe
working pressure of 5,000 psi for open hole logging. This along with a hydraulic
line wiper and stuffing box L-971780 gives protection against pressure in open
hole situations (Figure 12-6).
The manually operated BOP can only be mechanically opened and closed by
turning handles that are connected to a threaded shaft which screws into the
body of the BOP. At the end of the shaft is a plate that locks into the back of the
ram body and pushes and pulls the ram depending on the direction you turn the
handles.
Manual single ram BOPs are to be found in service with working pressure ratings
up to 5,000 psi, and have an ACME threaded body with O-ring seal. Older
models with 8 round casing threads are not recommended, and are banned by a
majority of major operators.
Figure 12-6
The hydraulic line wiper and stuffing box is designed to seal on a moving cable
under pressure. Positioned above the wireline valve, the internal parts are
removed before the wireline tools are lowered into the well. Once the tools are in
the well the internal parts can then be replaced.
The hydraulic line wiper and stuffing box works by operating a hydraulic hand
pump which in turn applies pressure to a rubber element that is wrapped around
the wireline and therefore provides the seal.
The hydraulic line wiper and stuffing box L-971780 has a safe working pressure
of 5,000 psi and is suitable for H2S service (Figure 12-7).
The majority of shooting nipples have either ACME or STUB ACME threads with
‘O’- ring seals. The BOP-M and HLW-B stuffing box have the same type of
threads and seals. If API connections are used, pressure ratings will only be
valid if the connection is made up to the recommended torque, it is therefore
recommended to use quick couplings with O-ring seals and have the API
connection made-up well before the job.
Notice that most operators are now banning API connections, and accept only
“premium” threaded unions or Quick Unions.
When using wireline valves and stuffing boxes it is important to remember that
the elastomeres seals are effectively sealing against the outer armour, but cannot
shut-off all the passages (Refer to Section 7, page 17) in-between the armour
strands and the electrical conductors.
With mud or viscous fluids in the well, leakage through the armour will be
minimal, but leakage will increase if light fluid or gas is present.
Leakage will also be a function of how tightly packed is the cable. Some cables
are pre-packed at manufacturing to reduce the amount of void. Cables also tend
to become “seasoned” with use through accumulation of mud solids particles or
grease. It is also possible to pre-treat cables injecting high-viscosity grease to fill
the armour voids. Special equipment is required for this purpose.
Taking into account what stated above the function of the Wireline Valve/ Stuffing
box combination is to allow a minimal, controlled leak, until the downhole tool is
brought to a position in the well where well control procedures can be initiated
safely.
Primary control of the well is always assured by the mud system, and by
well killing procedures in case of a kick with cable and down-hole tools in
the well.
The Hydraulic Wireline Annular BOP seals by squeezing a split rubber element,
which is wrapped around the wire. This element effectively seals against well
pressure, as well as wiping the wire free of fluid.
Positioned above the drilling BOP, or a “shooting nipple”, it offers a clean bore of
6” to 6.5” (depending on connection type) to run a tool through. It is lighter and
easier to install than a Wireline Valve. Bottom connection has an ACME Thread
with O-Ring seal, either pin or box depending on Customer’s request.
The cable and rope socket are initially threaded through the top section and
connected to the head. Several elements are split or slotted for ease of
assembly. In subsequent runs the top section is lifted with the logging head that
engages in the overshot, and remains around the cable while tools are laid down.
The funnel on the top has the same profile, and replaces a gooseneck.
In the funnel there are optional quick connections for compressed air, to clean
any remaining mud on the cable.
The rubber packoff can be easily replaced, even midway through a run if no
pressure is present. A Hydraulic hand pump is required to operate the pack-off.
Figure 12-8
Typical Elmar Hydraulic Wireline Annular BOP
3,000 psi Working Pressure (STD Service)
Casing Joint
Figure 12-9
Typical Elmar Hydraulic Wireline Annular BOP
3,000 psi Working Pressure (STD Service)
Quick Union
ID 2.40"
ID 6" to 6.5" *
Overshot
Logging Head
The function of the BOP-V is to allow controlling well pressure while moving the
tool to a safe position before initiating well control procedures.
Some operators do not allow use of a single pack-off when Well Head Pressure
is expected. Make sure to know your Company’s and the well operator’s policy
before starting a job.
If required, the Annular BOP can be replaced with a dual Pack Off
The Enviro Dual Compact Packoff (see fig 12-10) consists of two rubber
packoffs in series. It can be used to wipe the line and contain pressure on a
moving wireline in situations where full control of the well is assured and well
killing facilities are available. The tool is rated 5,000 psi, H2S service.
Two separate hand pumps and hoses are required to operate each pack-off
independently.
One specific application of the Compact Dual Packoff is to offer enhanced well
control during operations through drill-pipes, for instance, Back-Off or pipe
severing applications. In this case the Compact Dual Pack-off can be connected
to a pump-in sub, which is in turn connected on top of the pipe string.
The Compact Dual Pack Off has a clean ID of 1.74” when the split packing
rubber and brass bushings are removed. This allow passing through small (1
11/16” heads. For larger heads the cable and rope socket are threaded through,
and the head assembled with the Pack-off over the cable.
Figure 12-10
Dual Pack Off with Pump-in Sub
The Elmar Dual Hydraulic Annular Wireline BOP (M3000) (See fig 12-11 and 12-
12) is a two-piece tool, which is designed to seal on a moving cable under
pressure and which if necessary, allows the introduction of extra lubricator
sections to the wireline rig-up if the operating conditions necessitate this step. It
is to be used for “Safety While Logging” applications, perforating with large guns
and other similar wireline intervention work.
Positioned above the drilling BOP, or a “shooting nipple”, the M3000 Lower
Assembly comprises a lower body and a lower packing assembly that can be
easily disassembled for ease of rig-up. The M3000 Lower Assembly offers a
through bore of 6.5” ID maximum (depending on connection type). Several
elements of the lower packing assembly are either slotted or split in order that the
cable head with rope socket can remain intact.
Figure 12-12-1 (Section 12 page 21): Illustrates the rig-up as wireline intervention
work commences.
Figure 12-12-2: Illustrates the position where the wireline crew have clamped the
wire above the Lower Assembly, they have cut the wire and threaded the wire
through the M3000 Upper Assembly and the extra lubricator section(s) and/or
pump-in sub, they have tied the two loose ends of wire together and have taken
the tool weight on the winch, they have removed the wireline clamp and have
lowered the extra lubricator and M3000 Upper Assembly to make-up to the
M3000 Lower Assembly.
Figure 12-12-3: Illustrates the position after equalisation across the M3000 lower
packing element and slacking off the lower packing lock-down screws to allow
the lower packing to be raised with the wire/tool.
The M3000 upper and lower packing assemblies seal by squeezing a split rubber
element, which is wrapped around the wire. These elements effectively seal
against well pressure, as well as wiping the wire free of fluid.
The M3000 is designed so that the rubber element, which is in direct contact with
the wire, can be easily replaced.
Upper
Assembly
Lock-Down Lower
Screws Packing
Assembly
Pump-in/
Equalisation
Lower Body
Port
Overshot
Lower
Packing
Assembly
Lock-down
Lock-down
Screws
Screws
Released
Lower Body
M3000
Lower
Assembly
Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3
Description Part No. Wire Size Working Pressure Service Bottom Connection
Upper Assembly L - 971472 0.46”-0.52” * 3,000 psi STD 9”-4thd (7.500”) Slimline EØ5
Lower Assembly L - 971473 0.46”-0.52” * 3,000 psi STD 9”-4thd (7.500”) Slimline EØ5
Note: 1. Other line sizes available on request 2. Seal Kits comprise O-Rings and BURs only
The “Slimline” and SLIMLITE equipment (fig 12-13 and 12-14) is a range of large
bore equipment available in H2S and STD service typically used during “Open
Hole” wireline intervention work, or for perforating operations with large casing
guns.
The “Slimline” family of WHE Equipment uses lubricators made out of L-80 or P-
110 casing tubes, with quick union adapters screwed-on the body of the tubes.
Because of this and because of the "slim" union, the test pressure TP for such
equipment is
Test Pressure =1.5 X Working Pressure in the 3,000 psi and 5,000 psi WP
range.
This is not in compliance with API6A, which dictates for pressure vessels rated
3Kpsi or 5Kpsi TP = 2.0 x WP.
Taking advantage of the new high strength alloys available for Oilfield Tubular
applications, ELMAR has recently developed a new "SLIMLITE" line of large bore
lubricators, which fully comply with API6A.
The SLIMLITE equipment has a 2.0 safety factor with:
Test Pressure = 2.0 X Working Pressure
5 1/2" 4.89" 6 3/4" - 4THD (5.375") Slimline 5,000 psi 7,500 psi STD
7 5/8" 6.76" 8 1/2" - 4THD (7.250") Slimline 3,000 psi 4,500 psi STD
7 5/8" 6.76" 9" - 4THD (7.500") Slimline 5,000 psi 7,500 psi STD
7 5/8" 6.62" 9 1/2" - 4THD (7.500") Slimline 5,000 psi 7,500 psi H2S
5 1/2" 4.89" 6 3/4" - 4THD (5.375") SLIMLITE 5,000 psi 10,000 psi H2S
7 5/8" 6.62" 9 1/2" - 4THD (7.500") SLIMLITE 5,000 psi 10,000 psi H2S