Forage et complétion de puits

Stationary slips

Glissières fixes : Garantes de la sécurité dans les opérations de puits de pétrole et de gaz

Dans le monde exigeant de l'exploration et de la production de pétrole et de gaz, chaque composant joue un rôle crucial. Parmi ces composants se trouvent les **glissières fixes**, souvent appelées **glissières non mobiles** ou **glissières mortes**, qui sont essentielles dans la construction et l'entretien des puits. Ces glissières sont une partie essentielle de la **pile de snubbing**, un équipement spécialisé utilisé pour les interventions et les travaux de réparation de puits.

**Que sont les glissières fixes ?**

Les glissières fixes sont essentiellement des **colliers** ou des **poignées** qui maintiennent solidement le train de tiges ou le tubage en place, empêchant tout mouvement lors de diverses opérations de puits. Elles sont conçues pour **rester fixes** dans la pile de snubbing, contrairement à leurs homologues - les **glissières mobiles**, qui sont utilisées pour déplacer le tuyau vers le haut et le bas du puits.

**Fonctionnement et importance :**

Les glissières fixes sont cruciales pour :

  • Maintenir la pression : Elles empêchent le train de tiges ou le tubage de bouger pendant les essais de pression, le cimentation du puits ou d'autres opérations où le maintien d'une étanchéité serrée est essentiel.
  • Assurer la sécurité : En maintenant le tuyau solidement en place, les glissières fixes minimisent le risque d'accidents ou de dommages à l'équipement causés par le mouvement du tuyau.
  • Prévenir les éruptions : Ces glissières sont essentielles pour empêcher le débit incontrôlé de fluides de puits, un danger majeur pour la sécurité.
  • Faciliter l'intervention du puits : Lors des opérations de travaux de réparation, les glissières fixes permettent un accès contrôlé au puits pour les réparations, l'entretien ou les opérations d'outils de fond de trou.

**Principe de fonctionnement :**

Les glissières fixes se composent généralement d'une paire de mâchoires qui se serrent autour du train de tiges ou du tubage, appliquant une pression pour le maintenir solidement. Elles sont souvent équipées d'un mécanisme de verrouillage pour garantir qu'elles restent en place sous une pression et une tension élevées.

**Types de glissières fixes :**

  • Glissières hydrauliques : Ces glissières utilisent la pression hydraulique pour fermer et verrouiller les mâchoires, offrant une prise puissante.
  • Glissières mécaniques : Ces glissières s'appuient sur un effet de levier mécanique et un mécanisme à vis pour obtenir une fixation sécurisée.
  • Glissières combinées : Certaines glissières combinent des éléments hydrauliques et mécaniques, offrant à la fois puissance et précision.

**Intégration dans la pile de snubbing :**

Les glissières fixes font partie intégrante de la pile de snubbing, un système spécialisé conçu pour les interventions et les travaux de réparation de puits dans des conditions de haute pression et de température. La pile de snubbing comprend généralement :

  • Un système de contrôle de pression : Pour maintenir la pression pendant les opérations.
  • Glissières mobiles : Pour déplacer le tuyau vers le haut et le bas du puits.
  • Glissières fixes : Pour sécuriser le tuyau pendant diverses opérations.
  • Équipement auxiliaire : Comme les tubages, les vannes et les manomètres.

**Conclusion :**

Les glissières fixes sont des composants essentiels dans les opérations de puits de pétrole et de gaz, assurant la sécurité, la stabilité et l'exécution efficace de tâches cruciales. Leur capacité à sécuriser le train de tiges ou le tubage, empêchant tout mouvement et maintenant la pression, en fait des éléments essentiels pour la réussite d'un large éventail d'interventions de puits.


Test Your Knowledge

Stationary Slips Quiz

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What is another name for stationary slips?

a) Running slips b) Moving slips c) Non-moving slips d) Hydraulic slips

Answer

c) Non-moving slips

2. Which of the following is NOT a function of stationary slips?

a) Maintaining pressure during well cementing b) Moving the drill pipe up and down the wellbore c) Ensuring safety by preventing pipe movement d) Preventing uncontrolled flow of well fluids

Answer

b) Moving the drill pipe up and down the wellbore

3. What is the primary working principle of stationary slips?

a) Using a hydraulic system to lift the pipe b) Applying pressure to clamp the drill pipe or casing c) Rotating the drill pipe to loosen the formation d) Injecting chemicals to control well flow

Answer

b) Applying pressure to clamp the drill pipe or casing

4. Which type of stationary slip relies on mechanical leverage and a screw mechanism?

a) Hydraulic slips b) Mechanical slips c) Combination slips d) Running slips

Answer

b) Mechanical slips

5. Stationary slips are an integral part of which specialized equipment?

a) Drilling rig b) Workover rig c) Snubbing stack d) Fracking unit

Answer

c) Snubbing stack

Stationary Slips Exercise

Instructions: Imagine you are working on a well intervention project where a section of casing needs to be replaced. You are using a snubbing stack for the operation.

Task: Describe the role of stationary slips in this operation, outlining how they contribute to a safe and efficient replacement process. Include:

  • How stationary slips prevent accidents during casing replacement
  • How they ensure pressure control during the operation
  • How they facilitate the removal and installation of the new casing section

Exercice Correction

During casing replacement, stationary slips are crucial for safety and efficiency. Here's how:

  • **Preventing Accidents:** Stationary slips firmly grip the existing casing, preventing it from moving during the replacement process. This prevents the casing from dropping down the wellbore, causing damage to the well or equipment, or even injuring personnel.
  • **Pressure Control:** Stationary slips help maintain pressure within the wellbore, ensuring that the well remains under control during the replacement process. They act as a barrier, preventing the escape of fluids and maintaining the integrity of the well.
  • **Facilitating Replacement:** Stationary slips allow the old casing section to be safely removed and the new section to be installed. They provide a secure anchor, allowing the snubbing stack to pull out the old casing and then push in the new section without jeopardizing the well's integrity.

In summary, stationary slips are essential for a controlled and safe casing replacement operation, ensuring pressure management, preventing accidents, and facilitating the installation of the new casing section.


Books

  • Well Intervention and Workover: A Practical Guide by John C. Collins - Provides comprehensive information on well intervention techniques, including snubbing operations and the use of stationary slips.
  • Oil Well Drilling and Production by John M. Campbell - A standard text covering various aspects of oil and gas production, including well completion and workover procedures that involve stationary slips.
  • Petroleum Engineering Handbook by T.D. Williams - This comprehensive handbook offers detailed information on wellbore equipment and techniques, including sections on snubbing stacks and stationary slip applications.

Articles

  • "Snubbing Operations: A Critical Review of Technology and Applications" by A.M. El-Sayed, et al. - Focuses on the principles and advancements in snubbing techniques, with specific sections on stationary slip design and functionality.
  • "Well Intervention Techniques: A Comprehensive Overview" by J.D. Smith - An in-depth analysis of various well intervention methods, highlighting the role of stationary slips in maintaining wellbore integrity during workovers.
  • "Safety Considerations in Snubbing Operations" by K.L. Miller - Emphasizes safety practices and the crucial role of stationary slips in preventing accidents during high-pressure well operations.

Online Resources

  • SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) website: Explore the SPE library for technical papers and presentations related to well intervention, snubbing, and stationary slips.
  • Schlumberger website: This industry leader in oilfield services has resources and case studies showcasing their advanced snubbing systems and stationary slip technologies.
  • Baker Hughes website: Another major oilfield service provider offering information on their snubbing equipment, including the different types of stationary slips they manufacture.

Search Tips

  • "Stationary Slips" + "Snubbing Stack" + "Well Intervention" - This combination of keywords will help you find relevant articles, technical papers, and manufacturer websites.
  • "Types of Stationary Slips" + "Oil & Gas" - This query will provide information on various types of stationary slips used in oil and gas operations, including hydraulic, mechanical, and combination slips.
  • "Stationary Slips" + "Safety" + "Wellbore Integrity" - Focusing on safety and wellbore integrity will lead to articles and resources emphasizing the importance of stationary slips in preventing accidents and ensuring wellbore security.

Techniques

Stationary Slips: A Deep Dive

Chapter 1: Techniques

This chapter focuses on the practical application and manipulation of stationary slips during various well operations.

Deployment Techniques: The precise method for deploying stationary slips varies depending on the type of slip (hydraulic, mechanical, or combination) and the specific well conditions. Hydraulic slips, for example, require careful control of hydraulic pressure to ensure proper engagement and gripping force. Mechanical slips necessitate precise manual operation of the locking mechanism. Detailed procedures must be followed to prevent damage to the slips or the drill string. This includes pre-operation inspection, confirming correct orientation within the snubbing unit, and verification of proper engagement before commencing the main operation.

Engagement and Disengagement Procedures: Safe and reliable engagement and disengagement are paramount. Procedures should clearly outline the steps involved in securely clamping the drill pipe or casing, verifying the holding force, and then releasing the slips without causing damage. Emergency disengagement procedures should also be outlined, covering scenarios such as hydraulic failure or mechanical malfunction.

Troubleshooting and Maintenance: This section covers common issues encountered during the use of stationary slips, such as slippage under high pressure, locking mechanism failure, and hydraulic leaks. Diagnostic procedures, preventative maintenance schedules, and repair techniques are discussed. Regular inspection for wear and tear, proper lubrication, and timely replacement of worn components are key to preventing failures. The importance of maintaining detailed operation logs and conducting regular inspections is stressed.

Chapter 2: Models

This chapter examines the different designs and functionalities of stationary slips.

Hydraulic Slips: These utilize hydraulic pressure to actuate the gripping jaws. Variations in design exist concerning the type of hydraulic actuator used (e.g., piston, diaphragm), the number of jaws, and the material of construction (e.g., hardened steel alloys for high-pressure applications). The advantages and limitations of various hydraulic slip designs are analyzed.

Mechanical Slips: These rely on mechanical means, often a screw mechanism or cam system, to generate the clamping force. Different mechanical designs offer varying levels of clamping force and ease of operation. Their suitability for specific well conditions (e.g., high temperature, high pressure) is discussed.

Combination Slips: These integrate both hydraulic and mechanical components, offering a combination of power and precision. The synergistic advantages and potential drawbacks of this design are explored. Examples of specific commercially available combination slip models are included with an analysis of their unique features.

Material Selection and Considerations: The choice of materials (e.g., steel alloys, specialized coatings) significantly impacts the performance and durability of stationary slips. The selection criteria, considering factors like strength, corrosion resistance, and temperature tolerance, are detailed.

Chapter 3: Software

This chapter explores the role of software in the design, simulation, and operation of stationary slips.

Finite Element Analysis (FEA): FEA software is crucial for predicting the structural integrity of stationary slips under various load conditions. Simulation of stress and strain distribution allows for optimized design and identification of potential failure points.

Hydraulic Simulation Software: For hydraulic slips, specialized software simulates fluid flow, pressure distribution, and the effectiveness of the hydraulic actuator. This helps optimize the design for maximum gripping force and efficiency.

Data Acquisition and Monitoring Systems: Software integrated with pressure sensors and other monitoring devices provides real-time data on the performance of stationary slips during well operations. This data is crucial for preventing failures and improving operational efficiency.

Integration with Well Control Systems: Software integration with overall well control systems allows for automated monitoring and control of stationary slips, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.

Chapter 4: Best Practices

This chapter outlines recommended procedures and guidelines for the safe and effective use of stationary slips.

Pre-Operational Inspection and Testing: A thorough inspection of stationary slips before deployment is essential. This includes checking for damage, wear, proper lubrication, and the integrity of the locking mechanism. Functional testing should be conducted to verify proper operation before use in a well.

Operational Procedures: Clear, concise, and standardized operational procedures are crucial to ensure safety and efficiency. These procedures should cover all aspects of slip deployment, engagement, disengagement, and post-operational checks.

Safety Procedures: Safety must be paramount. Procedures should incorporate safety protocols to mitigate risks associated with high pressure, potential leaks, and moving equipment. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and emergency response plans should be in place.

Maintenance and Inspection Schedules: Regular maintenance and inspection schedules are crucial for preventing failures and extending the lifespan of stationary slips. A preventive maintenance program, including lubrication, cleaning, and component replacement, should be implemented.

Chapter 5: Case Studies

This chapter presents real-world examples illustrating the use and importance of stationary slips.

Case Study 1: Preventing a Blowout: This case study details a scenario where stationary slips played a critical role in preventing a blowout during a well intervention operation. The specific challenges, the actions taken, and the outcome are described.

Case Study 2: Successful Well Intervention: This case study highlights the use of stationary slips in a complex well intervention, demonstrating their contribution to successful completion of the operation. The unique challenges of the well and how stationary slips helped overcome those challenges are discussed.

Case Study 3: Failure Analysis and Lessons Learned: This case study examines a situation where stationary slip failure occurred, analyzing the root causes and outlining lessons learned to prevent similar incidents in the future.

This structured approach provides a comprehensive overview of stationary slips within the oil and gas industry. Each chapter contributes to a complete understanding of their function, application, and importance in ensuring safe and efficient well operations.

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