Wellhead flowline protection and testing system with ESP speed controller and emergency isolation valve
US7823640B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 23, 2007 |
| Grant date | Nov 2, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 6, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B47/117
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An ESP variable speed drive controller functions in conjunction with a safety logic solver, dedicated pressure sensors and a surface emergency isolation valve, or safety shut-off valve (SSV), to perform a full functional test of the complete wellhead flowline system. The method includes the step of using a plurality of pressure transmitters to monitor the flowline pressure during normal operations and during a full stroke test of the safety shutoff valve and adjusting the speed of the downhole ESP during the test to maintain the pipeline pressure within predetermined safe pressure limits. This wellhead flowline protection system and method utilizes the downhole ESP speed controller and an SSV to ensure that dangerous pressure levels are not reached and provides for full functional safety testing of the wellhead system. The ESP motor speed controller is used to permit functional testing and remove the pressure source from protected downstream flowline piping.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.